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unit is disconnected or until the message is
successfully sent.
4 CONCLUSIONS
This paper describes the implementation of an
automatic fall detection hardware unit (Brown,
2005). Due to its compact size, it is easily worn, and
it does not limit the actions of its bearer.
With the integrated GPS/GSM feature, it allows
the remote detection of fall events and indicates the
last known GPS location of the unit’s bearer,
therefore facilitating the rapid intervention of family
members, emergency or nursing teams in case of fall
(Figure 1).
Most accidental falls occur in contexts in which
subjects are often alone and without means of
calling for aid upon falling; also, involuntary falls
have severe consequences, both in terms of
healthcare and quality of life. Portable fall detection
units are therefore a useful tool which play a major
role, in minimizing the adverse health consequences
of falls and in improving the confidence of fall
victims so that they do not deprive themselves of
their regular activities.
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AUTOMATIC FALL DETECTION AND ALERT SYSTEM - A Compact GPS/GSM Enabled Unit based on
Accelerometry
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