Fall Detection System Gets Help to Seniors Faster

A push-button system worn on a bracelet or around the neck is currently the best way a senior citizen can call an operator for help if they fall or get sick. Unfortunately, if the patient is unconscious or forgets to wear the system, help may not come fast enough.

An NSERC-funded researcher has solved this problem by developing a unique fall detection system that functions independently from the patient.

This artificial intelligence system, developed by Dr. Alex Mihailidis at the University of Toronto, uses a combination of cameras and computer software to detect if someone has fallen. Ceiling-mounted cameras placed in every room send images to a computer located in the person’s house. “The software extracts the person’s shape and can determine if they are sprawled out on the floor as opposed to tying their shoes,” explains Dr. Mihailidis. The system already knows the normal areas where the sprawl position is acceptable, such as the bed, the sofa or the bathtub, so it can determine if help is needed.

Dr. Mihailidis works with Lifeline Canada, a large medical alarm company. Lifeline is one the biggest distributors of the push-button system, but the company is looking for more cutting-edge technology. Dr. Mihailidis’ invention looks promising. “We have a 95 percent accuracy rate, which is higher than most systems out there,” he says.

Dr. Mihailidis and the Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab are developing a second prototype that will include a speech recognition component. He is also working to expand the system so it can recognize a patient’s typical day, storing information such as length of sleep, eating times and number of trips to the bathroom. “We know that when an elderly person changes these patterns, this is a signal that something is wrong and help may be needed,” he explains.

“The long-term hope of my research is the intelligent home,” explains Dr. Mihailidis. “Whether you’re looking for your keys because you misplaced them or you need guidance with your daily chores because of Alzheimer’s, the home would know and would assist you.”

Contact:

Dr. Alex Mihailidis
Department of Occupational Therapy
University of Toronto
Tel.: (416) 946-8565
E-mail: alex.mihailidis@utoronto.ca
Web site: http://www.ot.utoronto.ca/iatsl/People/mihailidis.htm