Monitoring the Health and Residence Conditions of Elderly People, Using LoRa and the Things Network

Electronics

Eftim Zdravevski¹  Ivan Miguel Pires²  Sandra Antunes³  José Paulo Lousado⁴ 

[1] Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, University Ss Cyril and Methodius, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;Instituto de Telecomunicações, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal;Integrated Researcher at Centre for Studies in Education and Innovation (CI & DEI), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal;Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal;

关键词: IoT;    LoRaWAN;    pervasive systems;    sensor data analytics;    The Things Network;    remote monitoring;   

DOI  :  10.3390/electronics10141729

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The rapid development and widespread use of information and telecommunication technologies do not mitigate, in many situations, information exclusion, nor the physical isolation of people—mainly that of the elderly living in remote locations, whose mobile network coverage is deficient or non-existent, preventing them from accessing health care, be it routine follow-up procedures or emergencies. Addressing this, we raise the question that guides our study: how can we monitor the elderly’s residence and health conditions, detect falls, and track their movement in the vicinity of their homes in a non-intrusive manner? To answer this question, we present a system prototype that uses affordable, low-cost, and low-energy equipment with media and data processing, supported by LoRa (Long Range) and ESP32 microcontrollers, coupling several sensors. As a result, it is possible to monitor sensors that predict and detect falls or other risk events for the user, e.g., fire, with authorized persons and entities, family members, civil protection, and security forces accessing the gathered data, assuring their security. We conclude that the system could decisively improve people’s quality of life, particularly those of the elderly who live in remote places with greater vulnerability.

【 授权许可】

Unknown