Ultra low-power, wearable, accelerated shallow-learning fall detection for elderly at-risk persons

This work focuses on the development and manufacturing of a wireless, wearable, low-power fall detection sensor (FDS) designed to predict and detect falls in elderly at-risk individuals. Unintentional falls are a significant risk in this demographic, often resulting from diminished physical capabilities such as reduced hand grip strength and complications from conditions like arthritis, vertigo, and neuromuscular issues. To address this, we utilize advanced low-power field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to implement a fixed-function neural network capable of categorizing activities of daily life (ADLs), including the detection of falls. This system employs a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, trained and validated using the Caffe deep learning framework with data collected from human subjects experiments. This system integrates an ST Microelectronics LSM6DSOX inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, embedded with an ultra-low-power Lattice iCE40UP FPGA, which samples and stores joint acceleration and orientation rate. Additionally, we have acquired and published a dataset of 3D accelerometer and gyroscope measurements from predefined ADLs and falls, using volunteer human subjects. This innovative approach aims to enhance the safety and well-being of older adults by providing timely and accurate fall detection and prediction. In this paper, we present an innovative approach to utilizing a compact Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) core for accelerating convolutional operations on a machine learning model, suitable for deployment on an ultra-low power FPGA. [Display omitted] •Lattice Semiconductor iCE40UP5K is used to implement a wearable fall detection system.•Convolution is optimized using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Accelerator IP.•An accuracy of 94.5% in software and 83.5% in hardware was achieved.•System is placed on the shinbone, based on prior research on optimal body location.•System is trained using empirical data captured from human subjects falls experiments.