Infrared Dot Pattern Fall Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall detection systems are either cumbersome for users, prone to false positives, or require manual setup and maintenance, and often fail to accurately detect falls from various positions or in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A fall detection system utilizing a depth infrared sensor and an infrared source to project a dot pattern, generating images that allow for identification points to be tracked, particularly at the head and hip, with a control unit detecting changes in these points' vertical position to determine falls, and automatically alerting external parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable sensor-based appliances with accelerometers and gyroscopes are used, then fall detection capability is provided, but the risk of forgetting to wear or recharge them increases and they become uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the detection function from the monitored person by using fixed infrastructure sensors in the environment rather than portable devices on the person. This eliminates the need for the person to wear or remember to charge any device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary environmental infrastructure (fixed cameras, infrared sensors, depth sensors) that mediates between the fall event and the detection system. This intermediary captures fall events passively without requiring direct contact or portability.
2Reliability
If video-based fall detection systems with image processing are used, then fall detection capability is provided, but false positives occur due to ghost images and inaccurate detection from various positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensing modalities (visible light cameras, infrared sensors, depth sensors) into a unified detection system. This combination allows for more accurate fall detection by cross-validating data from different sensor types, reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds depth dimension detection using infrared and depth sensors to traditional 2D video-based detection. This third dimension enables accurate detection of falls from any position or orientation, eliminating the ghost image problem that plagues 2D systems.
3Reliability
If fixed infrared sensors are used, then ghost images are eliminated, but the system complexity increases with multiple sensor types and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensor units that perform multiple tasks: visible light capture for general monitoring, infrared detection for depth and thermal information, and depth sensing for precise spatial mapping. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-calibrating algorithms that automatically adjust to environmental conditions and sensor variations. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual configuration and maintenance, offsetting the increased hardware complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reliably detects falls from any position without ghost images or false positives, ensuring timely alerts without user intervention, thus enhancing safety for elderly individuals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one infrared source, wherein said infrared source is provided to irradiate said monitored person with a predetermined infrared dot pattern
Implementation Method 2
at least one depth infrared sensor, wherein said infrared source is provided to irradiate said monitored person with a predetermined infrared dot pattern which is detectable by said depth infrared sensor
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fall detection system (1) for detecting a fall of a monitored person (10), wherein an infrared source is provided to irradiate the person (10) with an infrared dot pattern which is detectable by a depth infrared sensor in order to generate an image of the infrared dot pattern, wherein an image-processing unit is provided to generate at least one identification point (10a) which is located in the area of the head on the basis of the infrared dot pattern and add it to the image received from the infrared sensor, and a fall-processing unit is provided to detect the fall. The invention furthermore relates to a method for detecting a fall of this type.