A comprehensive early warning fall detection system using ultrasonic system for accessing gait feature

Abstract

Level of walking ability, hidden chronic disease and aging effect can be detected by use of gait pattern. The gait pattern is normally directly related to the foot and leg health, in addition to other significant factors. Therefore the foot is the most important part of gait system and thus directly affects the gait pattern. This paper reports the development of a comprehensive early warning fall detection system for walking elderly. This paper also analyze the usage of ultrasonic sensor through a gait analysis feature to measured the minimum foot clearance of walking of volunteers that may be reflect to the range of normal minimum foot clearance before triggering the early warning system. The study suggests that ultrasonic sensor is applicable for this application.