A smart capacitive measurement system for fall detection

• Published in: Journal of electrostatics Vol. 92; pp. 45 - 53
• Main Authors: Haffner, Julien, Margo, Cédric, Oussar, Yacine, Holé, Stéphane, Casimiro, Jessie, Mabire, Philippe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2018; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bioengineering; Instrumentation and Detectors; Life Sciences; Physics; capacitive sensor; fall detection
• ISSN: 0304-3886; 1873-5738
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elstat.2018.01.005

In this paper we present a new capacitive measurement system dedicated to fall detection of elderly people. The system is formed by a set of parallel wires integrated in the floor. To detect human presence and posture, the measurements consist of both self and mutual capacitances. The capacitive sensors are robust enough to be integrated directly in the self leveling compound or even underneath components. This fact makes easier maintenance operations on the floor, such as a change of floor covering. All the electronic devices involved in the measurement system are located out of the floor. Thus, the change of any flawed electrical components is then convenient since there is no need to remove the flooring to maintain the system. After a detailed description of the measurement system proposed, typical measurements obtained with two experimental systems are presented: an instrumented room and a transportable demonstrator. Three basic data separation methods were implemented to separate Falls and Non-Falls situations. For both systems, the results obtained show promising validation rates up to 90%.