Fall Detection Parameters
One of the team's main concerns was testing fall detection while wearing the vest, as it could damage connections or even break components.
To avoid that risk, we started by testing the gyroscope separately on a development board.
- We simulated a small fall from about 30 cm. For this, we adjusted the fall detection thresholds to match a light fall. The free fall was considered valid when the gyroscope reading dropped below 3g
(ideally between 0g and 2g), and impact was set around 15g (a real fall is closer to 25g)
- After confirming that the simulated fall triggered detection correctly, we adjusted the thresholds again to represent a real fall. We also fine-tuned other values like fall duration,
free fall duration, and how long the person stays still after the fall
To safely demonstrate the fall detection at ElectroDay, we implemented a "Fall Test Mode" in the vest. This mode is activated by
holding down the emergency button on the vest for more than 5 seconds. Once activated, it allows us to simulate a very small fall,
just enough to trigger the system, without putting the vest at risk. This way, we can show how the alert appears on the medical central and
app without needing a real impact.
