DE102005036699B4 - Arrangement for detecting fall / fall situations of persons - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement is proposed for detecting fall / fall situations of people using a fall / fall sensor (1) to be worn by the person to be monitored. The fall / fall sensor (1) has a height sensor (2) which continuously sends detected height values to an evaluation unit (3). A desired trigger level is stored as a reference value in a reference memory of the evaluation unit (3). The fall / fall sensor (1) emits a signal as soon as the detected height value falls below the reference value. A magneto-inductive sensor that uses the earth's magnetic field is used as the height sensor (2).

Description

The The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting fall / fall situations of persons according to the generic term of claim 1. An application is particularly in the field of Gerontology.

Out US 20005/0033200 A1 from which the invention is based is a system known for identifying and measuring movements of a person, in which gyroscopic sensors information about angular movements, accelerometers information about linear movements, an altimeter information about altitude changes the person and a magnetic sensor information regarding the deliver direction. When falling below predetermined Thresholds will cause an alarm.

From the US 4,839,809 For example, a device for detecting person's body rotation is known using a Hall effect compass or a magnetic air gap compass.

From the EP 1 536 206 A2 is a magnetic three-axis air gap compass known as it can be generally used to detect the earth's magnetic field.

From the US 6,813,582 B2 For example, a navigation device for a walking person is known by determining the course and the distance traveled, for which a processing unit receives accelerometer measurement signals and a barometric altimeter.

From the US 3,636,435 A is a method for large-scale study of electromagnetism by measuring relative gradient of resulting electromagnetic fields known.

From the EP 0 849 715 B1 a method (as well as an arrangement for carrying out the method) for detecting fall situations of persons at risk, especially the sick, old people and persons of vulnerable occupational groups is known, wherein by means of a body to be monitored person to be monitored monitoring device information of temporal movements and states of motion be recorded and evaluated during and after a fall situation of a health-endangered person and an emergency call is triggered in case of differences. By means of the monitoring device, both position-dependent and movement-dependent measured value sequences of inclination and position changes of the person and measured value sequences about the speed and the acceleration of movements and the impact of the person are detected by means of an inclination and motion sensor provided in the monitoring device at predetermined, selectable time intervals and compared with measured value sequences of known predetermined movements of the person. If maximum difference values are exceeded as a result of a fall situation of the person, a pre-alarm as well as a will-dependent and / or volitional emergency call are triggered.

• – mindestens einem Sensor (IR-Sensor, Mikrofon, Erschütterungssensor), der kontinuierlich oder in zeitlichen Abständen einen oder mehrere Parameter in der Umgebung des Sensors fühlt,
• – einer Verbindungseinrichtung, die ansprechend auf ein vorbestimmtes Sensorsignal eine Verbindung zur Übertragung von Signalen zu einem Telefongerät herstellt,
• – einer Positionseinrichtung mit einem Speicher, in dem Angaben zu der Position der Vorrichtung abgelegt sind, und
• – einer Notrufeinrichtung, die den Aufbau einer Telefonverbindung des Telefongerätes zu einer vorbestimmten Telefonnummer und die Übermittlung eines Notsignals gemeinsam mit den Positionsangaben über die aufgebaute Telefonverbindung auslöst.

From the DE 201 03 597 U1 is a device for discontinuing an emergency call with known

• At least one sensor (IR sensor, microphone, vibration sensor) that senses one or more parameters in the vicinity of the sensor, continuously or at intervals,
• A connection device which, in response to a predetermined sensor signal, establishes a connection for the transmission of signals to a telephone device,
• - A position device with a memory in which information about the position of the device are stored, and
• - An emergency call device that triggers the establishment of a telephone connection of the telephone device to a predetermined telephone number and the transmission of an emergency signal together with the position information on the established telephone connection.

at These known fall sensors must be used when setting the sensitivity the trigger always a compromise between sensitivity (risk of false triggering) and robustness (danger of unrecognized falls) to be sought, which is difficult is and if not optimal attitude can lead to either a Fall is not detected or that a false alarm occurs.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a very effective arrangement to indicate the fall / fall situations of persons.

These The object is achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble according to the invention solved specified in the characterizing part of claim 1 features.

The achievable with the present invention consist in particular that in the proposed arrangement for detecting fall / crash situations of people, the fall speed in a fall or the position of the person before / during / after the fall play no role. Calibration is not required. The absolute value of the height is completely irrelevant. As soon as the example wise worn on the wrist of a person to be monitored fall-fall sensor is below a predetermined triggering height, this is perceived as a fall and set a radio telegram, which can be requested, for example, via an emergency call system help. In addition, the fall / fall sensor is a very easy-to-handle emergency call sensor: in an emergency, the person in need needs to throw the fall / fall sensor only on the floor. This simulates a fall situation with subsequent request for help. In summary, the proposal according to the invention allows the immediate initiation of assistance measures in the case of a fall of a person in need of assistance, ie it is ensured that a fall is not discovered only after hours, but immediately. Accordingly, immediately necessary assistance can be initiated.

Further Advantages will be apparent from the following description.

advantageous Embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the drawing Embodiments explained. It demonstrate:

1 an arrangement for detecting fall / fall situations of persons,

2 - 5 different ways of reporting a detected fall of a person.

In 1 an arrangement for detecting fall / fall situations of persons is shown. In principle, two are via a radio link 15 provided basic units communicating with each other, namely a fall / fall sensor to be supported by the person to be monitored on the body 1 and a central receiving unit installed in the monitored dwelling or in the corresponding building 8th ,

The fall / fall sensor 1 has a height sensor 2 on which detected altitude values are sent to an evaluation unit (including reference memory) 3 emits. The height sensor 2 consists of a very small and extremely accurate magnetic or magneto-inductive sensor with very high resolution, which uses the earth's magnetic field ("electronic compass") and provides information about the current height via the z-axis (vertical axis) The evaluation unit 3 has a button 4 to the reference value transfer to. To the evaluation unit 3 is a communication module (including antenna) 5 connected, which of the evaluation unit 3 supplied signals in corresponding radio signals for transmission via the radio link 15 converts. The communication module 5 has a button 6 for commissioning. An energy supply unit 7 , z. As a battery or accumulator, feeds all the components of the fall / fall sensor 1 ,

The central unit 8th has a communication module (including antenna) 9 on, which via the radio link 15 Received radio signals received and corresponding signals to an evaluation 10 emits. The evaluation unit 10 has a button 11 for device mapping. To the evaluation unit 10 is another communication module 12 connected, which from the evaluation unit 10 receive signals converted into suitable for forwarding signals. Details are under the 2 - 5 explained. An energy supply unit 13 , preferably one with a power supply network 14 connected power supply, feeds all components of the central receiver unit 8th ,

• • Gemäß 2 wandelt das Kommunikationsmodul 12 die von der Auswerteeinheit 10 erhaltenen Signale in über eine Telefonleitung 16 übertragbare Signale um, wobei an die Telefonleitung 16 ein Notdienst oder ein Notrufsystem oder eine Haus-Zentrale 17 angeschlossen ist.
• • Gemäß 3 wandelt das Kommunikationsmodul 12 die von der Auswerteeinheit 10 erhaltenen Signale in über eine Funkverbindung 18 übertragbare Signale um, wobei der diese Funksignale empfangende Notdienst oder das Notrufsystem oder die Haus-Zentrale 17 mit einem entsprechenden Funkempfänger ausgerüstet ist.
• • Gemäß 4 wandelt das Kommunikationsmodul 12 die von der Auswerteeinheit 10 erhaltenen Signale in über ein Bussystem 19 übertragbare Signale um, wobei an das Bussystem 19 ein Notdienst oder ein Notrufsystem oder eine Haus-Zentrale 17 angeschlossen ist.
• • Gemäß 5 wandelt das Kommunikationsmodul 12 die von der Auswerteeinheit 10 erhaltenen Signale in über eine Leitungsverbindung 20 übertragbare Signale um, wobei an die Leitungsverbindung 20 ein Notdienst oder ein Notrufsystem oder eine Haus-Zentrale 17 angeschlossen ist.

In the 2 - 5 different ways of reporting a detected fall of a person are shown:

• • According to 2 converts the communication module 12 that of the evaluation unit 10 received signals in over a telephone line 16 transferable signals around, taking to the telephone line 16 an emergency or emergency call system or home central office 17 connected.
• • According to 3 converts the communication module 12 that of the evaluation unit 10 received signals in via a radio link 18 transferable signals, wherein the radio service receiving emergency service or the emergency call system or the home center 17 equipped with a corresponding radio receiver.
• • According to 4 converts the communication module 12 that of the evaluation unit 10 received signals in via a bus system 19 transferable signals to, wherein to the bus system 19 an emergency or emergency call system or home central office 17 connected.
• • According to 5 converts the communication module 12 that of the evaluation unit 10 received signals in via a line connection 20 transferable signals to, being connected to the line connection 20 an emergency or emergency call system or home central office 17 connected.

The operation of the arrangement for detecting fall / fall situations of persons is explained in more detail below. Preferably, the person to be monitored carries the fall / fall sensor 1 on the body, for example on a collar or bracelet or as a wristwatch on the wrist.

By pressing the button 6 of the fall / fall sensor 1 First, the commissioning of the fall / fall sensor 1 in the form of a "learning phase" (this is only the first time the fall / fall sensor is operated 1 required). The communication module 5 then gives the address of the fall / fall sensor 1 to the central receiving unit 8th , By pressing the button 11 at the central receiving unit 8th Acknowledgment takes place, ie there is a device assignment between the individual fall / fall sensor 1 and the central receiving unit 8th , This is also in a system consisting of a plurality of fall / fall sensors and a central receiving unit 8th ensure a clear assignment of the signals of each individual fall / fall sensor.

During commissioning, the fall / fall sensor is used 1 also set to the desired tripping height (height above the floor of the apartment). This is done by the fall / fall sensor 1 First to the desired triggering height, for example, 45 cm above the floor, and then brought the button 4 is pressed. As a result, the desired tripping level is defined as the reference value and in the evaluation unit 3 stored, ie the fall / fall sensor 1 only emits an alarm signal as soon as its current altitude is lower than the desired tripping level (= reference value). The desired tripping height should be set below the bed height. So it is possible that the person to be monitored the fall / fall sensor 1 can also wear in bed (without being reported as a crash) and only then a signal is given when the person has fallen out of bed.

The height sensor delivers 2 in the following time height values which are above the reference value, the fall / fall sensor remains inactive (ie no message signals are issued). However, if the reference value is undershot, the fall / fall sensor sends 1 at fixed time intervals via the communication module 5 a data telegram as a message signal (including address) to the communication module 9 the central receiving unit 8th , The evaluation unit 10 checks the address of the fall / fall sensor 1 and thus makes an association which fall / fall sensor 1 from a variety of such sensors has submitted the message. Depending on the present, in the 2 - 5 outlined embodiment are via the communication module 12 initiated the appropriate action, ie either via the telephone line 16 or the radio connection 18 or the bus system 19 or the line connection 20 a corresponding alarm to the emergency service / the emergency call system / the home central office 17 issued.

Between the time of falling below the reference value and the time of the delivery of the message signal is expedient a delay time - for example, ten seconds - set, while, for example, an unintentionally (without previous fall) fallen fall / fall sensor 1 can be lifted by the person to be monitored again, without a warning signal would have been previously. This prevents false alarms.

The last-mentioned functions can alternatively also in the central receiving unit 8th to be self-realized. In such an alternative embodiment, the evaluation unit detects 10 the duration of the time period of the presence of the message indicating a fall. The evaluation unit 10 the central receiving unit 8th controls the communication module 12 only when the message signal is present for a period of time which is greater than the predetermined delay time (ie if the reference value is undershot during a time period which is greater than the predetermined delay time).

An additional possibility is that the communication module 5 at predetermined intervals OK telegrams to the communication module 9 sends as long as the fall / fall sensor 1 is above the reference value. The central receiving unit 8th recognizes the proper condition of the fall / fall sensor 1 , If these OK telegrams remain for a longer period of time, this is done by the evaluation unit 10 the central receiving unit 8th interpreted as a fault, whereupon the communication module 12 a corresponding notification signal to the emergency service / the emergency call system / the house control center 17 forwards.

Another additional option is that the evaluation unit 3 of the fall / fall sensor 1 additionally the own energy supply unit 7 monitored and the communication module 5 of the fall / fall sensor 1 a telegram "Replace battery" or "Recharge accumulator" to the central receiver unit 8th settles as soon as the state of charge of the power supply unit (battery, accumulator) 7 becomes critical (battery control). These information signals are then transmitted via the communication module 12 to the house central 17 which causes the caregiver to charge the battery in the respective fall / fall sensor 1 to change or recharge the accumulator. In the house central 17 is in a meaningful way a charging station available, in which a charge can occur. Alternatively, the fall / fall sensor 1 temporarily replaced by a replacement device until the power unit 7 is alright again. Of course, the above-described commissioning ("training phase") must also be done for the replacement device.

A further arrangement is obtained when the height sensor 2 of the fall / fall sensor 1 is designed as a three-dimensional sensor, which not only the height of its current location, so the coordinate with respect to the z-axis reports, but in addition also the coordinates with respect to the x-axis and the y-axis (horizontal axes). With the help of these additional information signals - which also to the emergency service / the emergency call system / the house headquarters 17 be reported - it is then possible to determine the current location of a person to be monitored, ie it is a very quick location of the person within an apartment possible.

1

Lintel / Fall Sensor

2

height sensor

3

evaluation (including reference memory)

4

button to the reference value transfer

5

communication module

6

button for commissioning

7

Power supply unit (Battery, accumulator)

8th

Central receiver unit

9

communication module

10

evaluation

11

button for device assignment

12

communication module

13

Power supply unit

14

Power supply network

15

radio link

16

telephone line

17

emergency service or emergency call system or home central office

18

radio link

19

bus system

20

line connection

Claims (11)

Arrangement for detecting fall / fall situations of persons using a fall / fall sensor to be supported by the person to be monitored on the body ( 1 ), with the fall / fall sensor ( 1 ) a height sensor ( 2 ) which continuously receives detected height values to an evaluation unit ( 3 ) outputs that a desired triggering level as a reference value in a reference memory of the evaluation unit ( 3 ) and wherein the fall / fall sensor ( 1 ) emits a message signal as soon as the detected height value falls below the reference value, characterized in that a magneto-inductive sensor using the magnetic field of the earth as a height sensor ( 2 ) is used. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the fall / fall sensor ( 1 ) the message signal via a radio link ( 15 ) to a central receiving unit ( 8th ). Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that an association between a fall / fall sensor ( 1 ) and a central receiving unit ( 8th ) based on an address. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that between the time of falling below the reference value and the time of the delivery of the message signal a delay time is set such that a message signal only occurs when even after the delay time has expired the detected altitude value falls below the reference value. Arrangement according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the central receiving unit ( 8th ) received message signals via a telephone line ( 16 ) to an emergency service or emergency call system or home central office ( 17 ). Arrangement according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the central receiving unit ( 8th ) received signaling signals via a radio link ( 18 ) to an emergency service or emergency call system or home central office ( 17 ). Arrangement according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the central receiving unit ( 8th ) received message signals via a bus system ( 19 ) to an emergency service or emergency call system or home central office ( 17 ). Arrangement according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the central receiving unit ( 8th ) received signaling signals via a line connection ( 20 ) to an emergency service or emergency call system or home central office ( 17 ). Arrangement according to one of claims 2-8, characterized in that the fall / fall sensor at predetermined time intervals OK telegrams to the central receiving unit ( 8th ) as long as the fall / fall sensor is above the reference value and that a failure of such OK telegrams is interpreted and reported as a fault. Arrangement according to one of claims 2-9, characterized in that the fall / fall sensor its power supply unit ( 7 ) and in the event of a critical condition of the energy supply unit ( 7 ) corresponding information signals to the central receiving unit ( 8th ). Arrangement according to one of claims 2-10, characterized in that the camber / fall sensor ( 1 ) for the location of the current location of the person to be monitored in this regard coordinates of the horizontal axes as Informationsssig to the central receiving unit ( 8th ).