This document proposes a low-cost fall detection system using Android cell phones. It would use the phone's accelerometer to detect falls and alert emergency contacts if the user does not respond after a fall is detected. Using widely available cell phone technology could make the system affordable and accessible to many people. It aims to reduce the time between a fall occurring and response or help arriving through an unintrusive design that takes advantage of features in existing mobile devices.
2. What is ANDROID?
A mobile OS initially developed by Android Inc. based
upon a modified version of linux.
Consists of Java apps running on Java based OO application
framework.
Developed by Open Handset Alliance in partnership with
Google.
Versions of android:
a) Android 1.5
b) Android 1.6
c) Android 2.1
d) Android 2.2 (Android FROYO)- most used version.
3. We propose a low priced system that is well suited to all
the requirements by using existing mainstream
technologies that are reliable. Our approach is to use
fasting growing device like programmable cellular phone.
Reasons for using android cell phone:
Cost reduction.
Integrated hardware.
Cell phones are discrete than a dedicated monitor device
To limit false positives we implement several fall
detection algorithms and two stages of communication
4. Background User response
service for detection by
detecting fall using alerting user to
accelerometer respond
Timer to wait for
Reset ifall If the user responds user response
application
If the user
doesnt
respond
Send emergency
message to the care Send message to
authority social contacts set by
the user.
Wait for people to
respond
5. iFall runs a inconspicuously as possible while
using limited resources.
When the algorithm suspects a fall the service
will wake up and interrupt the user.
If the user responds, the previous activity is
restored and iFall will sleep again.
By only waking up the activity when a fall is
suspected or requested by the user, we allow
application to run on top of iFall while we
minimize our memory consumption and user
interaction.
6. Activities of Daily Living(ADL) are normal activities
such as walking and standing.
The forces exerted during ADL are usually different than
the forces during a fall.
A fall typically starts with a short free fall period.
This causes the accelerations amplitude to drop
significantly below the 1G threshold.
7. Reliability and reduced number of false
positives mean greater adoption by emergency
services.
Our system provides a viable solution to
increase fall detection among people.
Using existing, mass marketed technologies
will limit cost making it available to the
majority of the public.
8. Our system provides a viable solution to increase fall
detection among people. Using existing, mass marketed
technologies will limit cost making it available to the
majority of the public.
Implementing proven fall detection algorithms makes the
system highly reliable. Reliability and reduced number of
false positives mean greater adoption by emergency
services.
The importance of the cell phone in everyday life
decreases the chances of being forgotten. Everyday
interaction with the phone makes the interface more
familiar to the user.
9. A cell phone is also less intrusive than
dedicated devices
The familiar interface, non-intrusiveness, and
affordability leads to less rejection from users.
By combining cheap hardware and open
source software, we hope to provide a realistic
answer to reducing the long-lie period for the
elderly.