Fall detection methods and devices

A method of using a device to detect a fall by a user, said method comprising:

• continuously receiving, from an orientation sensor that includes an accelerometer, inclination signals indicative of measurements of an inclination of the device relative to one or more different axes while the device is being worn by the user;
• saving said measurements for a predetermined time period;
• receiving, from a pressure sensor, pressure signals indicative of measurements of an atmospheric pressure at the device;
• determining an initial indication of a fall with a fall detection circuit in the device that includes the pressure sensor with the initial indication of the fall based on changes in the pressure signals;
• responsive to determining the initial indication of the fall, determining in real time and while receiving the inclination signals from the orientation sensor and using said measurements from the orientation sensor in the device that includes the accelerometer, an inclination of the device at each of a first plurality of time instants in a first time period before the initial indication of the fall, an inclination of the device at each of a second plurality of time instants in a second time period during the fall that is a fixed time period immediately preceding the initial indication and after the first plurality of time instants, and an inclination of the device at each of a third plurality of time instants in a third time period after the initial indication of the fall;
• calculating an average inclination for each of the one or more axes for the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period;
• calculating a first difference between the average inclination for the second time period and the average inclination for the first time period for at least one of the axes;
• calculating a second difference between the average inclination for the third time period and the average inclination for the first time period for at least one of the axes;
• and
• verifying that the fall has occurred if the first or second difference exceeds a threshold.

A fall detection device that is worn by a user comprising:

• a fall detection circuit with a pressure sensor to provide an initial indication of a fall based on changes in measured atmospheric pressure;
• an orientation sensor with an accelerometer to measure an inclination of the user;
• the orientation sensor being distinct from the fall detection circuit;
• a verification circuit for verifying that a fall has occurred;
• said verification circuit configured to:
• receive the initial indication of the fall from the fall detection circuit;
• in real time and while receiving the measurements of the orientation sensor, determine, responsive to receiving the initial indication of the fall from the fall detection circuit, an inclination of the device relative to one or more different axes for each of a first plurality of time instants and an inclination of the device at each of a second plurality of time instants that is after the first plurality of time instants, the second plurality of time instants being a fixed time period immediately preceding the initial indication of the fall;
• compare, responsive to receiving the initial indication of the fall from the fall detection circuit, the inclination of the device during the second plurality of time instants to the inclination of the device during the first plurality of time instants;
• and
• verify that the fall has occurred based on said comparison.