Kinematic Sensor RF Geolocation for Fall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large eldercare facilities, individuals who fall may not be quickly located, leading to delayed medical attention, as existing alert systems require conscious intervention from the fallen person and do not provide location data, resulting in potential deterioration of the individual's physiological status.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a kinematic sensor and a communications unit that detects changes in position, velocity, and acceleration, transmitting RF signals to facility transceivers, allowing for autonomous geolocation and reporting of the individual's location without requiring conscious intervention, using a processor to determine the location based on time difference of arrival of the RF signal at multiple transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alerting mechanisms (manual button push) are used, then the system requires minimal equipment, but the individual must be conscious and able to respond, leading to delayed detection when incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated sensors and transceivers to detect falls and transmit location data without requiring the individual to perform any action. The kinematic sensor automatically detects the fall event and the transceiver automatically transmits the RF signal, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of pushing a button with automated electronic detection systems. The kinematic sensor detects fall conditions through mechanical motion, and the electronic transceiver automatically transmits signals, substituting the manual mechanical alerting mechanism with an automated electromechanical system.
2Loss of information
If conventional alerting mechanisms are used, then the equipment is simple, but location data is not provided, making it difficult to find the fallen individual quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces facility transceivers as intermediary devices distributed throughout the facility. These transceivers receive RF signals from the body-worn unit and relay location information to the central system, enabling location data collection without requiring complex tracking equipment on the individual.
Solution Approach 2:
The facility transceivers serve multiple functions: they receive RF signals from fallen individuals, determine location based on signal arrival time, and transmit this location data to the central system. This multi-functionality enables location tracking without adding separate dedicated tracking devices.
3Loss of time
If the individual is incapacitated and unable to push a button, then no warning message can be effected, but significant time may elapse before discovery
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors for fall conditions through the kinematic sensor and is prepared to automatically trigger the RF signal transmission as soon as a fall is detected. This preliminary monitoring and preparation eliminates the need for the individual to perform any action, reducing the time to discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the kinematic sensor continuously monitors for fall conditions and automatically triggers the transceiver to send RF signals when a fall is detected. This automated feedback mechanism ensures immediate response without requiring the individual's conscious intervention.
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
Enables prompt and accurate location identification of fallen individuals within the facility, reducing the time to medical assistance and minimizing physiological deterioration, as the system can operate independently of the individual's ability to respond.
Implementation Method 1
a kinematic sensor configured to detect a change in at least one of position, velocity, and acceleration
Implementation Method 2
a unit transceiver controlled by the controller to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal communicating the change in at least one of position, velocity, and acceleration
Implementation Method 3
at least two facility transceivers configured to be arranged in fixed locations and to detect the arrival of the first RF signal and to produce an output signal
Implementation Method 4
a processor in communication with the at least two transceivers to receive the output signal and configured to generate data representative of a location of the subject relative to the fixed locations, based on the processor's computation of the time difference of arrival of the first RF signal at the two or more facility transceivers
Data Source
AI summary
Method for identifying a location of a subject in a facility and a corresponding system including a kinematic sensor configured to detect a change in subject's mechanical characteristic, and a communications unit. Communications unit includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the kinematic sensor and a unit transceiver controlled by the controller to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal communicating the change. The system may include a housing facilitating coupling of the kinematic sensor with the subject, and at least one facility transceiver unit arranged in a fixed location to extract the first RF signal relative to an RF pattern and to produce an output signal. A processor is configured in communication with the facility transceiver unit (wirelessly or over the facility's power wire) to receive the output signal and to generate data representative of a location of the subject relative to the fixed location.