Wrist-Worn Fall Detection Using Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrist-worn fall detection systems have a low detection rate and high false alarm rate due to complex movement patterns and non-fall related impacts, which complicates the reliable detection of falls.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor that measures the distance to the ground or floor, in addition to a movement sensor, to determine if a potential fall has occurred by processing changes in height and impact magnitude, and activating the proximity sensor to confirm the user's proximity to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wrist-worn fall detection system uses only movement sensors (accelerometer), then the device complexity is low, but the detection reliability is insufficient due to complex movement patterns and non-fall related impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (movement sensor/accelerometer and proximity sensor) into a single fall detection system. The movement sensor detects motion patterns while the proximity sensor measures distance to the ground, and their data are merged through processing logic to reliably distinguish falls from non-fall movements, thereby improving detection reliability without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary element that provides additional measurement data (distance to ground) to help the processing logic differentiate between fall events and non-fall movements. This intermediary measurement resolves the ambiguity that arises from relying solely on movement sensor data in complex wrist movement scenarios
2Measurement precision
If the proximity sensor is activated continuously to measure distance to ground, then the measurement precision for fall detection is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. Specifically, the sensor is activated when the processing logic determines it is necessary for fall detection, such as when movement patterns suggest a potential fall event, thereby maintaining measurement precision when needed while reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of movement sensor data to identify potential fall events before activating the proximity sensor. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for accurate proximity measurement only when necessary, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption
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 significantly improves fall detection reliability by reducing false alarms and enhancing the accuracy of fall detection, especially when the user is wearing the device on the wrist.
Implementation Method 1
the proximity sensor is configured to emit ultrasound or light pulses to measure the distance to the ground or a floor
Implementation Method 2
Most existing body-worn fall detection systems make use of an accelerometer (usually an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three dimensions)
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a fall detection system comprising a user device configured to be worn or carried by a user, the user device comprising a proximity sensor for measuring the proximity of the user device to the ground or a floor; and a movement sensor for measuring the movements of the user; the fall detection system further comprising a processing unit configured to process the measurements from the movement sensor to detect a potential fall; activate the proximity sensor if a potential fall is detected; and process the measurements from the proximity sensor to determine if the user has fallen.