iFall: An Android Fall Detection App

If you were saving money for that fall detection device we covered recently, you can now keep it in your pocket together with the Android phone you already own. Researchers at Florida State University have developed an alert system for the Android platform that both detects falls and alerts authorities. Data from the accelerometer is evaluated with several threshold based algorithms and position data to determine a fall, taking into account factors such as height, weight, and level of activity of the user. When a fall is detected a notification is raised requiring the user to respond. If he does not respond, the system alerts family or friends via SMS. If someone responds, the system automatically enables the speakerphone and after their confirmation of the fall, emergency services are contacted. iFall is still in the testing stage and not yet available, but release is planned for late summer.
Study abstract: iFall: an Android application for fall monitoring and response…
White paper: Geriatric Medical Application Suite on a Sweet Phone (.pdf)
(hat tip: iMedicalApps)