Fall Detection of Elderly People in Bathroom: A Complement Method of Wearable Device

摘要

Many researchers have reported the use of wearable device in detecting fall of elderly people. Nevertheless, these wearable devices are not applicable in the bathroom. This paper presents a method of detecting fall of elderly people in the bathroom which is a complement method of wearable device. This method utilizes a stationary fall detection system based on ultrasonic sensor and infrared sensor with Arduino board. An algorithm for detecting fall has been designed and developed based on the positioning of both sensors. Calculation is performed on differentiation of height ranges which signifies fall. The best degree for location of ultrasonic sensor has also been considered. The system works perfectly with sensing fall of object and alerting in two seconds by using a test model. The rescue time will be shortened for not missing the best rescue time to minimize injuries. Data collected for prone fall areas in bathroom and height ranges which signify fall will be used to improve our smart home system in the future.