Unobtrusive fall detection and prevention: Extending from a prototype test to a pilot trial

Abstract

Fall detection based on images is rated obtrusive and costly. This paper presents an unobtrusive fall detection system, which allows a nearly invisible positioning under furniture and cost-efficient integration and scalability in retirement homes via WLAN. The system classifies events using image analysis and notifies the caregiver if an alarming event occurred. It was successfully tested in a nursing and a retirement home and refined based on the experiences made.