Wearable Motion Detection Technology to Detect Falls

Wearable Motion Detection Technology to Detect Falls Louise Patterson 1. Project Title The development of a fully working model using wearable motion detection technology to detect and alert to falls within the home. 2. Abstract The focus of this document concerns the research and methodology into the problem of people with care needs being able to live independently within their own homes with minimum intervention. Elderly people particularly tend to have an increased risk of falling and sustaining serious injury than younger people. Other people with certain medical conditions also have a higher risk of falling due to seizures, balance problems etc. Current fall detection alert systems are expensive and obtrusive. They require landline phone connections and a call centre network with access to personal information to contact the appropriate carer. Sensors are rarely waterproof and can be easily damaged. The way the sensors are carried on the body can irritate and become annoying to the patient. One of the biggest, most costly failures of current systems occur when a call button has been touched by accident, resulting in accidental alerts being sent to the call centre. The main objective of this research and proposed model is to provide an investigation into the possibility of using new technology to provide a more effective system. Which Such a system will work only for fall detection and send alerts to appropriate personnel with the option for camera access to enabling them to view situation on way to alert. Specifically the project seeks to discover if new ring motion detection technology can be used to provide a more cost effective way of detecting falls within the home. Provisioning of a sensor which is both waterproof and unobtrusive to the wearer, which can be used to send an alert via txt or email directly to carers, thereby removing the need for an expensive, dedicated landline alert system and call centre network. Table of Contents (Jump to) 1. Project Title 2. Abstract 3. Aims 4. Objective 5. Justification 6. Literature Review 7. Methodology 8. Work Plan 9. References 3. Aims The aim of the project is to develop a working model for fall detection using motion detection technology in the form of a wearable ring, thereby replacing current, outdated and non user friendly equipment. Thereafter presenting the working model to appropriate bodies in order to facilitate a huge reduction in what has become a costly and awkward system to run and maintain for all parties. To achieve this, research in what defines a fall will be carried out as well as research for application creation using the processing language and motion detection programming using the available software development kits provided by the ring developers. Current fall detection applications will be researched to compare and improve on proposed model. To achieve this, research will be carried out to determine what defines a fall in the current system, as well as the range of fall detection applications currently available. Following this, research will be required into the most appropriate type of application creation tools to use in the working model. Tools include the type of processing language required and the particular motion detection programming available through the software development kits provided by the ring developers. Comparisons will be drawn from research findings in order to discover what improvements could be made on the proposed working model. 4. Objectives 5. Justification 6. Literature Review The purpose of the papers read is how to define the fall within the scope of the project and what technologies are best suited to project. With this in mind the following papers contain information on fall detection and the different technologies that may be used to complete a project of this type. Challenges, issues and trends in fall detection systems by Raul Igual, Carlos Medrano, and Inmaculada Plaza: Published online July 6 2013 in the BioMedical Engineering OnLine Fall detection system using Kinect’s infrared sensor by Georgios Mastorakis and Dimitrios Makris : Published December 2014 in the Journal of Real-Time Image Processing Heterogeneous multi-sensor fusion based on an evidential network for fall detection by Paulo Armando CAVALCANTE AGUILAR, Jerome Boudy, Dan Istrate, et. Al.: Submitted to HAL on the 14 Dec 2012. Accurate, Fast Fall Detection Using Gyroscopes and Accelerometer-Derived Posture Information By Qiang Li, John A. Stankovic, et. Al. Challenges, issues and trends in fall detection systems: this paper covers many of the different studies already taken place. It details the devices and methods used to detect falls. Fall detection system using Kinect’s infrared sensor : This paper cover the use of the xbox’s kinect sensors in fall detection. The same technology used in the nod ring. Heterogeneous multi-sensor fusion based on an evidential network for fall detection : covers how the network is used to alert and detect the falls. Accurate, Fast Fall Detection Using Gyroscopes and Accelerometer-Derived Posture Information: covers how the bodies position is used with accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect falls. 7. Methodology The research required to enable completion of the project will the follow the flow diagram used within Objectives. Secondary research will be carried out into what defines a fall. This will require papers, articles, books and websites to be read on the definition of what constitutes a fall. The information gained from this research will be compared and contrasted in to tables to analyse what movements and positions best constitute a fall and will cover the most appropriate scenarios for the system model. During this research any currently available algorithms, diagrams and coding will be collated, analysed and used to determine the fall definition selected for the project. Another aspect required for the system model is the final position of the fall and the time of inactivity that would indicate a fall. The data will be collated and analysed using graphs and diagrams to select the most appropriate solution that encompasses the most data to create an all-encompassing fall detection system. Time inactivity data will be collected from research data to compare and contrast time retrieved to select the median figure for inactivity and use this in the development of the system. Then all the collated data will be compared analysed and a conclusion drawn, showing the best options for the project, and the development of the equations required for coding of the device sensors. Once a fall definition has been selected the language used to program the device sensors needs to be researched and learned. The sensor device has available software developer’s kits (SDK) for android, iOS and UNIX among others. The use of these kits will require a steep learning curve and require reading and taking practical courses on learning the languages required. Learning the language, will be achieved through books, online courses and available API’s and code. The Project Supervisor will assist in the project ensuring the correct language is used and coding is fit for purpose. Although the ring comes with its own software, other methods of programming appropriate to the current skill set will be researched, by contacting developers through the developer’s forum and other programmers to assist with programming the sensors. At this stage any compatibility issues with the sensor and devices will be noted and used during the testing of the completed model to facilitate improvements. During the process of learning the coding language, the programming of the ring using this knowledge will be initiated. Sample codes will be modified and tested by programming the device to test functionality. Current fall technology research will include investigating current papers, applications and systems. Available current applications will be compared against the proposed project model to determine possible areas for improvement. Initial alert sending programming will be programmed within the rings SDK, producing results of positive fall detection and sending them to a receiving device. Knowledge and programming developed during research will be used to complete alert programming. Testing will be carried out using simulated alerts on various platforms, at different distances from sensor to base station. Results will be collated and displayed in graphs showing comparisons and analysis. The alert sending system which sends messages to mobile phones and emails will be programmed using the SDK or language used to program other functions. The completed model is to be tested using actual falls which creates an ethical issue. To address this issue local martial arts instructors will be approached to request their assistance with testing. The instructors will be asked to provide the test equipment to classes in order to record falls that take place during normal class activities. To fulfil any ethical considerations these tests will be recorded and the appropriate paperwork for consent obtained. These tests will ensure fall detection, alerts sending and receiving and the effective range of the system. The results will then be collated and reproduced in graphs, tables and illustrations to demonstrate success and failure rates, distance achieved and sending and receiving times. Future developments are investigated through searching for additional functionality of the sensor devices used within the model and possible cost effective additions which, when added to the system model improve the project and add features resulting in a reliable care model. The final step will be compiling the report for submission. This will done by pooling all research, tables, graphs and coding into the documentation required for the MSc project. 8. Work Plan The MSc Smart Networks course leader has stated the project must be completed and submitted for marking so graduation can be achieved in December or January. With this is mind the completed project must be submitted to lecturer in plenty of time to allow for marking and external evaluation. To ensure this is the case a final submission date of October 30th 2015 has been selected with a start date of the 22nd of June 2015. A draft submission is to be submitted no later than the 25th of September. Timeline As a literature review is a learning and development process this will be an ongoing method from June to the end of September. Programming and initial testing will commence in the first week in July and continue until a completed model is ready for final testing. Final testing is to commence in the third week of September and last for two weeks. Compiling of data and research will be compiled as an ongoing process, however writing the project will start in earnest at the same time as final testing. Due to the complexity of the project fortnightly meetings / tutorial sessions will be arranged with the supervisor. 9. References

Work Experience Essay -- Papers

Work Experience Essay Work Experience, three weeks of pain and suffering, which turned me from a school boy into a grown man, was it for good or just an ordeal that never should have taken place? You decideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ My torment began early Wednesday morning my daily schedule involved meeting my supervisor. This not only petrified me but also my work colleagues. For the supervisor was no mere man. He was a huge sack of revolting comments. He was a cold, harsh man who held no compassion for his workers and besides all that he absolutely loathed me. For reasons unknown to me, since day one, the supervisor had made me the subject of all his jokes, his multitude of insults always seem to fall upon me. Walking down the dark pathways, climbing the stairs till I reached the very top of the building, my heart seemed to drop an inch with every step. I dreaded the encounter but it was unavoidable. I turned the corner ready and willing to confront my fate. Instantly I noticed the first of many different strange occurrences. I entered the room and the whiff of cheap perfume hit my nostrils. The room was a small dark area but sparse inhuman furniture made it look larger. The room's personality matched that of its occupant. It was cold, grey, dull and uninviting. Speaking of the occupant he was sat in the middle of the room, in front of the desk. He was waiting for me to take my seat. I did just that. It wasn't long before the shrill voice the supervisor spoke in began to speak. I was expecting a lecture on my late arrival but I didn't receive that, instead I heard the supervisor utter words that I'd never believe a creature of his postu... ...ed, but I had not the strength to tell her so, she could enjoy my babbling at another time, unfortunately dear readers, you do not have the same luxury, but fear not I'm coming to the end of my tale. Despite my cynicism and pessimistic view of life I knew I had experienced the worst case tangle with the world of work but somehow no matter how off-putting it seemed, I was rather excited at the prospect of full time employment, which looms in front of me. Oh and if you think I was serious in this concluding paragraph, you obviously haven't listened to my work experience report properly and in that case I'll start from the beginningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Work Experience, three weeks of pain and suffering, which turned me from a school boy into a grown man, was it for good or just an ordeal that never should have taken place? You decideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦

Future career Essay

Every person thinks a lot about his future and admits that hard work lies ahead. â€Å"Mother to Son†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Young people claim that they are willing to make the sacrifices needed to reach their goals. â€Å"If you don’t think about your future, you cannot have one.†Ã¢â‚¬ Hold fast to dreams†So it is vital to hitch your wagon to a star. In order to reach our goals, we should be persistent, optimistic, hard working, imaginative, creative†¦ and so on, but practical and down to Earth. So, most young people place a high priority on education. If you think about your future career it is worth mentioning the fact, that the future expectations of every man are connected with acquiring (getting) quality education which in its turn includes many aspects, such as: self creation, developing your abilities and character, keeping fit, social adaptability, creative potentials and intellect. The most important thing that young people want from life is career success followed by happiness, marriage and family and they are also concerned with global issues, such as ecological problems, social problems, wars, terrorism. Future is purchased by the present so while a teenager it is important to become a true personality. â€Å"If you can feel†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Every man is a maker of his own fortune and character. -to achieve aims;-to overcome future obstacles, troubles;-to fulfill dreams. â€Å"As long as I have a wish I have a reason for living, satisfaction is death!†The future comes one day at a time. A well educated highly intellectual person is one of the treasures of any society. So it is not only your wish but your duty to have a good quality education. But to get it one should remember ‘that there is no royal road to  learning† and † the rules of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet†. So it is important to have an active mind to get a balanced view of the world and to develop your mental abilities to the highest degree. It is vital to find your own place in the community to get along with people, to grasp the importance of any work for the benefit of the whole society, to find place between personal and society needs. But you are to remember that future is made of the same stuff as the present. Every day is your life, it isn’t a rehearsal, it is life. Never let the future disturb you, you will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason, which today arms you against the present. Very many of us live life of the never never. Telling ourselves that just as soon as we have get passed this or that stage period in life we would be able to devote all our energies to what we really want to do. But in this case tomorrow will never come. You should remember that â€Å"future is not a gift, it is an achievement†. And you are to appreciate this very day to start its creation new, without delay and don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today. If you don’t think about the future you cannot have one. But if you do all you can in order your dreams and aspirations will come true, you will pursue an advanced level ofeducation, carry out successful career for yourself, marry and raise children and will certainly make contributions within the fear of your own family, work and community. So one of the most important and difficult problems, a young person faces is choosing an occupation, deciding what to do about a career and future. Career is not only a job or profession for which one is trained and intends to follow all his life, career is also the general course of one’s working life, the way he wants to live. Choosing an occupation takes time and it is the most complicated problem to find a right way in life. â€Å"The road not taken†¦Ã¢â‚¬ But few things are impossible to diligence and skill and though life â€Å"is no crystal stair†, young people have an advantage to choose their future way of life while at school. It gives them a goal to work towards and enables them to choose a right suitable course of study. While at school a person may find out that he will need to get some actual work experience to gain enough knowledge to qualify to the particular job. Fortunately there are a lot of people, young persons can turn for advice and help in making their decision while at school. Schools have changed a lot in recent years and they try not only to give pupils better education, but to encourage them to choose a future profession by specializing in particular subjects: languages, economy, business, technology or even religion. Pupils may choose between state and private schools. There are teachers who are professionally qualified to consult pupils, to help them in acquiring the skills and knowledge which will enable them to understand the structure of opportunities they face, to realize their strengths and to encourage them to make a right decision. But even if a person gets other people involved in helping him make a decision self-education is an important part of the decision making process, because â€Å"every man is a maker of his own fortune†. â€Å"God gives the nuts but he doesn’t crack them†Ã¢â‚¬ Miracles sometimes occur, but one is to work terribly hard for them†So being at school you are to put your heart in acquiring sound knowledge for your future. So choosing a career and getting a job are two of the most important things any person does in lifetime.

Planting Hybrid Poplar, Pros and Cons

A hybrid plant is produced when pollen of one species is used to fertilize flowers of another species. A hybrid poplar is a tree resulting from the combining, either naturally or artificially, of various poplar species into a hybrid. Hybrid poplars (Populus spp.) are among the fastest-growing trees in North America and well suited for certain conditions. Poplar hybrids are not desirable in many landscapes but can be of major importance under certain forestry conditions. Should I Plant a Hybrid Poplar? It depends. The tree can be effectively used by tree farmers and large property owners under certain conditions. Most hybrid poplars are a landscaping nightmare when grown in yards and parks. The populus species are susceptible to fungal leaf spots that defoliate trees by late summer. The poplar tree is extremely susceptible to a devastating canker and dies an ugly death in just a few years. Still, poplar just may be the most planted ornamental tree in America. Where Did the Hybrid Poplar Come From? Members of the willow family, hybrid poplars are crosses between North Americas cottonwoods, aspens, and Europes poplars. Poplars were first used as windbreaks for European fields and hybridized in Britain in 1912 using a cross between European and North American species. Planting hybrid poplar for profit started in the 1970s. Forest Services Wisconsin lab led in U.S. hybrid poplar research. The Poplar has restored its reputation by offering a new source of alternative fuels and fiber. Why Grow Hybrid Poplar? Hybrids grow six to ten times faster than similar species. Tree farmers can see economic returns in 10 to 12 years.Hybrid poplar research has reduced the disease problems. There are now commercially available disease-resistant trees.Hybrids are easy to plant. You can plant an unrooted dormant cutting or stick.Growth off stump sprouts insures future trees with little or no planting costs.There is an ever-increasing list of primary uses being developed for hybrid poplar. What Are the Primary Commercial Uses of Hybrid Poplar? Pulpwood: There is an increasing need for aspen for the production of wood products in the Lake States. Hybrid poplar may be substituted here.Engineered Lumber Products: Hybrid poplar can be used in the process of making oriented strand board and, possibly, structural lumber.Energy: Burning wood does not increase atmospheric carbon monoxide(CO). The hybrid poplar absorbs as much CO over its lifetime as is given off in burning so it mitigates amount of CO given off. What Are Alternative Uses of Hybrid Poplar? Hybrid poplar is extremely beneficial in ways not directly profitable. Property owners can stabilize stream banks and agricultural lands by planting and encouraging hybrid poplar growth. Windbreaks of poplar have protected fields in Europe for centuries. In addition to protecting soil from wind erosion, the windbreaks protect livestock and humans from cold winds and increase wildlife habitat and aesthetics. Phytoremediation and the Hybrid Poplar In addition to the above values of hybrid poplar, it makes an excellent phytoremediator. Willows and specifically hybrid poplar have the ability to take up harmful waste products and lock them away in their woody stems. Municipal and corporate institutions are becoming more and more encouraged by new research showing the benefits of planting hybrid poplar to naturally clean up toxic waste.