A low budget multifunctional wearable device for motion and falls detection

Abstract

According to the World Health Organisation, 28% of people aged older than 65 years fall every year, with the frequency of falls increasing with age. This is of particular concern given increasing life expectancy and an ageing population. A low budget multifunctional wearable device for monitoring movement and real-time location is designed and developed within this project. The device can be worn as a bracelet or alternatively on one's upper leg, ankle or upper arm. Commercial off-the-shelf components have been utilised to minimise costs. A further advantage of the device lies in its flexibility in terms of network connection using ‘Global System for Mobile-technology’ for data transmission. This makes the device exceptionally mobile and completely independent from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This translates to uninterrupted motion monitoring of the device wearer at any time from everywhere can be provided.