Smart Home Sensor Monitoring for Peril Detection in Assisted Living
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environments struggle to effectively detect when individuals in independent or assisted living environments are in peril and to mitigate these situations in a timely manner, often relying on self-reporting or caregiver observation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and hardware controller system that analyzes sensor data from smart devices within an independent or assisted living environment to detect perilous situations and generates notifications to facilitate alleviating the risks associated with these situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor data analysis is implemented to detect perilous situations, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function by deploying multiple independent sensors (motion sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) throughout the environment, each detecting specific parameters. This allows complex peril detection to be achieved through simple, distributed sensing units rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized processing system acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple simple sensors, analyzes the combined information to detect perilous situations, and coordinates the mitigation response. This mediator approach allows individual sensors to remain simple while achieving complex detection capabilities through centralized intelligence.
2Loss of time
If real-time monitoring is implemented to detect perilous situations, then response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at scheduled times, and the processing system analyzes data periodically, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection capability for perilous situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic alert generation and mitigation coordination that operates without continuous human intervention. Once perilous situations are detected through sensor analysis, the system automatically notifies appropriate parties and coordinates mitigation actions, reducing the need for constant human monitoring and associated energy expenditure.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor deployment is implemented to detect all perilous situations, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensors are deployed in specific locations where they can detect particular types of perilous situations most effectively. Motion sensors are placed in areas where falls might occur, temperature and humidity sensors are positioned near potential environmental hazards, allowing each sensor to optimize its detection capability for local conditions rather than requiring all sensors everywhere.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to detecting instances of individuals being in peril within an independent or assisted living environment. According to certain aspects, with an individual's permission or affirmative consent, a hardware controller (such as a smart or interconnected home controller, or even a mobile device) may receive and analyze sensor data detected within the independent or assisted living environment to determine whether an individual may be in peril. In this circumstance, the hardware controller may generate a notification that indicates the situation and may communicate the notification to a proper individual, such as a family member or care giver, who may be in a position to mitigate or alleviate any risks posed by the situation. The foregoing functionality also may be used by an insurance provider to generate, update, or adjust insurance policies, premiums, rates, or discounts, and/or make recommendations to an insured individual.