Mobile Device Fall Detection via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods to accurately determine if a user has fallen and subsequently assess the need for assistance using mobile devices, often resulting in inefficient resource allocation and potential delays in providing help.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that utilizes motion sensors to collect and analyze data on user motion, impact, and environmental conditions to determine if a user has fallen, and if so, generates notifications to alert others for assistance, incorporating features like statistical models and sensor fusion to minimize false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion sensors are used to detect falls, then fall detection capability is improved, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) to detect falls. By merging data from these different sensors, the system achieves more reliable fall detection while reducing false positives, as each sensor provides complementary information about the fall event
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters and thresholds based on contextual information from multiple sensors. By changing parameters adaptively rather than using fixed thresholds, the system maintains high detection accuracy while minimizing false alarms
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive motion analysis is performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fall detection process into distinct phases: pre-fall detection, impact detection, and post-fall analysis. Each phase uses specific sensors and algorithms appropriate to that stage, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of motion patterns before confirming a fall event. By pre-processing sensor data and identifying potential fall indicators early, the system reduces the computational burden of full analysis while maintaining high detection accuracy
3Loss of time
If immediate notifications are generated upon fall detection, then response time is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a tiered notification system where not all detected falls trigger immediate alerts. By applying partial action - generating notifications only for confirmed severe falls - the system reduces resource consumption while maintaining rapid response for critical cases
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
The system enables timely and accurate detection of falls and assessment of assistance needs, reducing unnecessary resource consumption and ensuring that help is deployed efficiently and effectively.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, by a mobile device, motion data indicating motion measured by a motion sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In an example method, a mobile device obtains a database including a plurality of data records. Each data record includes an indication of a respective impact previously experienced by a user of the mobile device, and sensor data generated by one or more first sensors worn by the user during that impact. The mobile device obtains sensor data generated by one or more second sensors worn by the user over a period of time, and determines whether the user has fallen during the period of time based on the database and the additional sensor data. The mobile device generates one or more notifications based on the determination of whether the user has fallen during the period of time.