Making it easier for seniors to be aware of dangers at home and find misplaced items they may have lost: Technology developed in the successful OMNICONNECT project helps people live longer and more independent lives helps.
Researchers at Fraunhofer IZM have integrated a miniature radar system into an LED ceiling light. LED ceiling lights can track and recognize movement patterns to locate people and objects in a room.
Combine 4 radar modules for full 360° coverage. AI algorithms process the collected data to identify whether people within range have fallen. The radar system can track her 30+ people in a space of up to 1600 square feet with her 12° angular resolution. Passive transponders have also been developed that work in conjunction with radar systems to add object detection capabilities.
The OMNICONNECT project, supported by the Ministry of Education and Research, brings together researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM and partners from Berlin and Oldenburg. Their mission is to develop a miniature radar system that can detect medical emergencies and other situations requiring caregiver intervention while respecting user privacy. In contrast to cameras that record images and his CCTV system, the system only tracks movement patterns. Built into the ceiling light, it is easy to install, unobtrusive, and easily accepted by the people you live with.
The system works with AI-enabled radar modules and passive transponders that can be placed on various objects, making it possible for the first time to track movement and location with a single radar system. Transponders act as frequency-specific radar targets, each resonating at a known frequency. This turns it into a uniquely identifiable beacon that the system can scan and calculate its exact location by checking the time it takes for the signal to bounce back.
Data is processed in the field by field programmable gate arrays or FPGAs (small computing systems with integrated processors). Share object and motion data with AI-based systems that can recognize movement and patterns. This system was developed by a computer science researcher at his OFFIS laboratory at Oldenburg University. A special app interface was built by HFC Human-Factors-Consult GmbH to control the app and identify specific options.
A demonstration unit designed and manufactured by Fraunhofer IZM underwent field tests and proved its ability to detect the position of an object with an accuracy of 5 centimeters over a range of 10 meters. Demonstrator is currently being used by project partners for several possible use cases. The collected data can be used to generate specific movement patterns for typical behavior, feed possible assisted living applications, or recognize specific incidents if enough meaningful data is available. can be used to Location data can be used to see if a detected person is feeling well or in need of medical or care intervention.
Original: Get the right care when you need it – Radar systems can recognize and track people and objects in the room
Than: Fraunhofer Society | Oldenburg University
