Wireless intelligent fall detection and movement classification using fuzzy logic

Abstract

Global population aging leads to increased interests in preventive healthcare technology. As falls are the most common cause of injury or death in old persons, fall detection and movement classification is one of the key topics in this research area. In this paper we propose a simple wireless intelligent system prototype for fall detection and movement classification for real-time monitoring of the elderly. The portable sensor unit acquires data from a triaxial accelerometer and sends the data wirelessly to a computer using Zigbee technology. Alternative to classic methods, the movement data is analyzed using a fuzzy inference system. The system is designed to distinguish between four movement types: standing, sitting, forward fall, and backward fall. Its classification accuracy is investigated using experimental data. It is observed that the system performs well with high sensitivity and excellent specificity. Additionally, the system is applicable for monitoring rehabilitative patients and is extendable to a larger class of movements and postures.