Nonintrusive Fall Detection in Sensitive Environments Using Ultrasonic Sensors

The global population is steadily increasing, with life expectancy rising alongside it. Many adults aged 65 and older live independently, heightening the risk of falls. Falls, particularly in environments like bathrooms, pose serious dangers, often leading to severe injury due to slippery surfaces and wet conditions. This study introduces a fall detection system utilizing ultrasonic sensors specifically suitable for environments such as bathrooms, where conventional monitoring solutions may be impractical or intrusive. The proposed system is affordable and easy to install, making it accessible for widespread use. Experimental results demonstrate the system’s effectiveness in minimizing false positives; false negatives require adjustments in sensor height and tilt to optimize the detection radius and minimize uncovered areas. This research contributes to the development of cost-effective, privacy-preserving assistive technologies aimed at enhancing the safety and independent living of fragile individuals.