WO2015044635A1

WO2015044635A1 - Hip impact protector

Info

Publication number: WO2015044635A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052287
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Beckett
Original assignee: Fall-Safe Assist Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-30
Filing date: 2014-07-25
Publication date: 2015-04-02
Also published as: GB201317248D0

Abstract

This invention relates to hip protector devices. We describe a hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising: at least one hip protection element arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user; and a sound data system for detecting and processing sound data produced by the hip, wherein said system comprises a sensor for detecting sound data produced by said hip and a processing element configured to process said sound data, output said sound data and store said sound data in memory for later retrieval.

Description

Hip Impact Protector

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to hip protector devices. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Hip protectors are devices used to protect a wearer's hip in the event of a fall. They typically have a padded region located about the hip region of a person in order to reduce the impact of a fall. Hip protectors come in different forms, including underwear with integrated hip protector pads, trousers with integrated hip protectors or pockets positioned for removable hip protectors. The use of hip protector devices is important in the prevention of hip fractures. They can be an important aid to people more prone to falling over, such as the elderly, or to those suffering from osteoporosis. Furthermore, following a hip operation, it can be desirable to provide increased protection of the hip region during recovery. In the event of a fall that does result in injury, it can be difficult (sometimes impossible) for the injured person to seek help, especially if the injured person is alone at the time of the accident.

Furthermore, it can also prove difficult to assess the severity of a fall and if a person is frail or confused, they may not be able to recollect what happened or remember when the fall occurred.

There is therefore need for an improved hip protector that can address such problems. We have previously described, in WO 2012/164265 A1 , such an improved hip protector. Thus we have previously described a hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising: one or more hip protection elements; and an electronic fall detection system, wherein the hip protection element is arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user; and wherein the fall detection system is configured to detect the occurrence of the fall by the user and to store fall data defining one or more characteristics of the detected fall in a data store, for later retrieval.

The hip protector is able to protect a user in the event of a fall should a user accidentally fall over, reducing the impact on a user's hip. The hip protector also comprises an electronic fall detection system to detect any occurrences of a fall for subsequent analysis and review by the user's GP or carer.

The hip protector comprises a cushion or pad, and the electronic fall detection system is located within the cushion or pad. In other words, the fall detection system is fitted within the hip protection element for ease of use by the wearer. In such an arrangement the fall detection system may be sufficiently small such that it does not affect the performance of the hip protection element, i.e. it does not impose on the user in the event of a fall when the hip protection element may compress or deform.

The hip protector incorporates the fall detection system within the hip protector itself. This makes it practical to wash or tumble dry the pants without damaging the fall detection system, and protects the system when the pants are put on or taken off, and in a fall. In this way, embodiments of the hip protectors may last for several years.

The fall characteristics stored in the fall data may comprise one or more of impact data defining the impact intensity of a user's fall; direction data defining a direction of the fall; and timestamp data defining at least one of a time and date of the fall. Such data may be used to support the assessment of the user's wellbeing and can be analysed by a carer or GP to ensure that the user is safely mobile. If a person is unable to recover from a fall, the data can also be used to determine how long the user has been immobile. Such data can be particularly useful where the person is dazed or confused following the fall and is unable to recite the events clearly. The fall detection system may include a fall sensor to generate movement data for detecting the fall occurrence. The fall sensor may comprise an accelerometer to generate movement data for detecting the occurrence of a fall. To detect changes of motion in all directions a three axis accelerometer or preferably one or more gyroscopes - which generate movement direction data - may also be used. Additionally or alternatively, a switch may be provided, which activates on pressure against the floor in the event of fall. Additionally one or more load cells may be incorporated in the hip protector to measure the force of the fall. A tilt switch, such as a mercury tilt switch may also be used to generate movement data, and in embodiments with multiple tilt switches, even movement direction data, in the event of a user changing from an upright position to a lying position (such as by the result of a fall). Thus additionally or alternatively the fall sensor may comprise one or more tilt switches.

It can be important for the institution caring for the patient, or for carers at home, to know the direction of the fall so that trip or slip hazards can be removed/remedied. For example a fall forward can be due to a trip, and a slip backwards could be because of liquid on the floor.

The fall detection system may further comprise a processing element. The processing element may be configured to process the movement data generated from the fall sensor to detect the occurrence of a fall and output the fall data. The processing element may then store the generated fall data in the data store.

In other words, the processing element is configured to read data from the fall sensor (such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and/or load cell) and determine if the user has fallen over, storing any output data relating to the fall in the data store such that the fall event is logged for subsequent analysis.

The fall detection system may further comprise a data logging communications link coupled to the processing element. The data logging communications link may be configured to communicate the fall data to a data logger for downloading a history of detected falls and characteristics of such falls.

The link to the data logger may be wired or wireless. For ease of use, a wireless link is preferred, but not essential. A wireless link may comprise a Bluetooth (RTM) wireless link for example.

The data logger, which may be a dedicated device or conventional computer may receive data from the fall detector over the wired or wireless link. The data may then be stored for subsequent review/analysis. If a user is resident in a nursing home or hospital, the data logger may be configured to receive data from multiple users. The fall detection system may be configured to automatically communicate the fall data stored in the data store to the data logger via the data logging communications link when a connection between the fall detector and the data logger is established. In other words, when the fall detector and data logger come within range of one another, the data may be automatically transferred without any intervention by the user. In variants, a connection may need to be manually established, and then the data may be automatically transferred. In some systems the data store may comprise a removable memory card, thus although a data logging communications link may be present, an alternative way of transferring the fall data to the data logger is by removing the memory card from the fall detector and inserting it into the data logger/computer. In the event of a fall, the processing element in the fall detection system may be configured to monitor the movement data for a predetermined time period to provide an assessment of the mobility of the user. If a threshold level of movement has not been exceeded within a predetermined time, or the movement data is suggestive that the user is distressed (such as lying horizontally following a fall event), it may be that the user is unable to move (they may be unconscious or injured). An alarm signal may be generated by the fall detection system for alerting a third party that the person is in distress.

The alarm event may be communicated to a third party using an emergency communications link which may connect to established personal distress systems, such as those connected to telephone lines to signal a family member, carer or member of the emergency services. The alarm signal data may comprise some or all of the fall data and/or may further comprise identification data identifying the user or fall detection system (from which a user may be subsequently determined if the fall detector has been registered). Preferably the emergency communications link on the hip protector system is wireless.

Some variants of the hip protector may further comprise a location detector, such as a GPS receiver, to determine the location of the hip protector (and thus, the user wearing the hip protector). Should a user fall, then the location data may also be stored in the data store in order to assess any particular locations that may be problematic for the user. It will be appreciated however that other forms of location detecting systems, in addition to GPS are possible and other systems may allow for improved usage indoors. In the event of a fall that generates alarm data signalling that the user may be in distress, then the location data may be transmitted as part of the alarm event to provide a location of the user to the recipient party.

The hip protection element may comprise a deformable region which helps to absorb the impact of such a user fall.

In some embodiments the fall detector may be removable from the hip protection element such that the hip protection element can be washed and dried. Furthermore this also allows the user to swap and change hip protection elements, but maintain use of the fall detector which may have been preconfigured to an individual user. In preferred embodiments, however, the fall detector comprising flexible circuit board mountings, and is sealed into a waterproof capsule within the hip protector to prevent damage. The battery is charged by an inductive charging system so that it need not be removed nor connected to a charger with a cable.

Thus, the hip protector is able to alert a third party in the event of a fall and, importantly to determine the fall direction using the gyroscope(s) (which may be MEMS gyroscope(s). This may be performed using a fall sensor and communicated using any of the features previously described.

We have previously described how fall time, force and/or direction may be monitored and can be useful information for a carer or medic treating the person in order to understand how and when the person fell. An alarm may also be signalled in the event of a fall, dependent on fall characteristics including time, force, direction and a duration the person has been immobile for.

However, there remains a need for further improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, there is therefore provided a hip protector which protects the user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising at least one hip protection element, such as, but not limited to a cushion or a pad, as well as a sound data system for detecting and processing sound data which is produced by the hip. The sound data system comprises a sensor, e.g. a microphone, for detecting sound data. The sound data system further comprises a processor which is configured to process said detected sound data, output said sound data and store said sound data in memory for later retrieval. A program memory may be used to store program code which, when executed, allows the processor to process the detected sound data, output the sound data and store the sound data in (data) memory for later retrieval.

The program code may be adapted to allow configuration of the processor to perform the processes as described throughout the present specification.

Preferably, the sound data system, particularly the sensor, is embedded within the hip protection element, which protects the sound data system when the hip protection element is exposed to any physical impact, for example during a fall.

The sound data system may output sound data to a memory which is implemented within the hip protection element as well. The memory may be removable from the hip protector so that the stored data can be analysed by the user's GP or carer. The data may be used to detect individual problems the user encounters, and this information may be stored and further used in clinical trials for statistical analysis.

The sensor may continuously detect sound data and the processor may be configured to continuously process and output said detected data for storage. It is preferred to continuously record sounds produced by the hip, in particular as this allows for monitoring audio patterns and detecting any abnormal sounds in this pattern. This may however result in an overflow of data being stored in memory. It is therefore preferable to automatically re-write existing memory periodically after a pre-defined period. Additionally or alternatively, sound data stored in memory may be transmitted via a data logging communications link coupled to the processing element to an external receiver, for example a PC, where the data can be stored in memory. This allows for creating a database for later retrieval and analysis. The database may be used to analyse the individual user's problems and/or for statistical, clinical trials. Sound data detected by the microphone and processed by the processing element may alternatively directly be transmitted to an external receiver where the data can be stored in memory for later retrieval and analysis.

Sounds produced by the hips which are stored in memory may be used to define normal patterns of audio signals when the user does not encounter any problems. The normal pattern refers to frequencies, volumes and/or specific audio patterns detected within a pre-defined period of time. A preferred embodiment of the sound data system therefore comprises an alarm, such that an alarm is triggered when the processor processes said detected sound and determines that the processed detected sound is outside the normal pre-defined range of the characteristics of the sound stored in memory, for example during a fall. Thus, the pre-defined ranges may comprise predetermined thresholds which indicate a user is experiencing a fall. Thus, the sound data system is acting as an electronic fall detection system.

The normal pattern of audio signals produced by one individual user may be applied to another hip protector worn by a different person.

The volume of sounds produced by the hips may be too low for the processor to distinguish them from any extraneous noise. Hence, the sound data system may further comprise one or more amplifiers in order to add gain to the sounds detected by the microphone. In addition, the sound data system may further comprise a filter connected to the microphone directly or via the processor. The filter may filter out any extraneous noise within a certain frequency range.

The amplitudes of some of the detected and processed sound signals may be large compared to others. It is desirable to adjust the amplitudes of the detected sound signals so that the different sounds and their potential origins can be analysed. The sound data system may therefore further comprise at least one compressor to reduce the volume of sounds above a pre-defined threshold and to amplify sounds below the pre-defined threshold. The pre-defined threshold may be adjusted depending on the problems, i.e. sounds produced by the hip, as well as on the noise environment of the user. In a preferred embodiment of the hip protector, the processor is further configured to perform gait analysis of the user upon detecting a change in a pattern within the sound data at two or more different periods in time.

The sound data system for detecting and processing sound signals may be combined with further features of the hip protector as described in WO 2012/164265 A1. In particular, the hip protector may further comprise a fall detection system which is configured to detect the occurrence of the fall by the user and to store fall data defining one or more characteristics of the detected fall in a data store, for later retrieval. The fall detection system may comprise a processor for processing the fall data. The processor may be the same processor as that used for the sound data system or may be a separate component. The fall detection system may comprise an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope to detect the occurrence of a fall. The fall data from such a fall detection system may be any combination of impact intensity, direction of the fall as well as time and date of the fall, can then be output and stored for later retrieval and further analysis as outlined above. In a preferred embodiment, the sound data system acting as a fall detection system and the fall detection system comprising an accelerometer and/or gyroscope are in communication with each other, e.g. via the processor. Thus, the fall data may further include frequencies, amplitudes and patterns of the audio signals. The processor may process data from both the fall detection system and the sound data system to calculate a probability of a fall having occurred. In this way, one of the fall detection systems is able to detect a false or error in any of the other systems. This allows for avoiding a false alarm to be triggered.

The fall detection system may also be used for gait analysis, as described further below. One or more gait-related parameters may thus be stored and, optionally, compared to detect changes in gait over periods of, for example, greater than one day, one week or one month.

In embodiments, there is provided a hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising at least one hip protection element arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user; the hip protector further comprising one or more of: a sound data system for detecting and processing sound data produced by the hip, wherein said sound data system comprises a sensor for detecting sound data produced by said hip and a first processor configured to process said detected sound data, output said sound data and store said sound data in a first memory for later retrieval; a fall detection system comprising a second processor which is configured to detect the occurrence of the fall by the user and to store fall data defining one or more characteristics of the detected fall in a second memory for later retrieval, wherein the fall detection system comprises one or both of an accelerometer and a gyroscope; and wherein said first and/or second processor is configured to perform gait analysis of said user upon detecting a change in a pattern in said sound data and/or said fall data at two or more different periods in time. This is particularly advantageous over the prior art which provides for gait analysis merely on a one-time exercise basis.

In some preferred embodiments of the hip protector, the first and second processors may be a single processor.

In some preferred embodiments of the hip protector, the first and second memories may be a single memory to store fall data and/or sound data. A hip protector without a sound detection system may nonetheless incorporate features from the previously described aspects/embodiments of the invention which do not require sound detection.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the hip protector, the processor is configured to perform gait analysis of the user upon detecting a change in a pattern in one or both of the sound data and the fall data at two or more different periods in time.

Preferred embodiments of the hip protector allow for long-term gait analysis of the hip- protector's user. Gait analysis is generally known in the art, and parameters taken into account for the gait analysis may be, but are not limited to, acceleration, speed, cadence, step length, sounds produced by the hip during movement, and others. Data from the fall detection system, e.g. accelerometer and/or gyroscope, and/or the sound data system may be obtained continuously over a period of several hours, preferably several days, more preferably over several months, or even longer. A program memory may be used to store program code which, when executed, allows a processor to process the fall data and/or sound data obtained from one or more of accelerometer and/or gyroscope, and/or the sound data system, output and store (internally or externally to the hip protector) the data for later retrieval and further analysis. A comparison between patterns within the gait analysis data at two or more different time intervals may allow for predicting the occurrence of a fall and/or other problems the wearer of the hip protector might encounter. Data output by two or more of accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or sound data system may be combined during processing of gait analysis data. Embodiments of the hip protector therefore allow for a fall prevention measure when performing gait analysis at different periods in time.

The skilled person will recognise that many different techniques may be employed for identifying one or more patterns in the gait analysis data, for example techniques based generally on (unsupervised) machine learning and/or probabilistic techniques such as Bayesian techniques. More simply, techniques based on comparing (optionally weighted) average values of one or more parameters may be employed.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a hip protector comprising a hip protector pad or element which can be stored in a pocket of the hip protector. An internal fall detector such as those described in WO2012/164265 and/or the sound data system may also be stored in the pocket.

The skilled person will appreciate that the hip protector may comprise a plurality of pockets for storage of hip protection pads or elements as well as internal fall detectors and sound data systems.

In a preferred embodiment, the pocket may comprise a mechanism which allows for the pocket to be closed permanently, i.e. a one-time closure mechanism. Thus, once the hip protector pad or element and/or the internal fall detector have been inserted into the or each pocket, the mechanism is closed so that hip protector pad or element and/or internal fall detector cannot be removed for the user's safety. This may be achieved by using a zip with a slider which is pulled off at one end of the zip. Hence, re-opening of the pocket is prevented.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is further provided a method for preventing a user of a hip protector from removing items, such as, but not limited to hip protection pads or elements and internal fall detectors, which are stored in a pocket of the hip protector, the method comprising: providing a hip protector having a hip protection element, the hip protector comprising at least one pocket, wherein the pocket comprises a zip, the zip comprising a slider, storing the items in the pocket, closing the pocket of the hip protector upon sliding the slider along the zip, and pulling off the slider at one end of the zip.

It may be preferable that the zip is not made of materials which the user may find uncomfortable, or that the zip comprises ridges. Hence, a rail tape zip may be used. In particular, the zip may be made of, for example PVC.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the hip protector with the implanted fall detector according to the prior art;

Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the fall detector of Figure 1 according to the prior art;

Figure 3 shows a flow chart summarising the series of steps performed by the fall monitor chip according to the prior art;

Figure 4 shows an internal structure of the fall detector comprising a system for detecting an processing sound data; Figure 5 shows a flow chart summarising the series of steps performed by the fall detection system; and

Figures 6a to 6c show a hip protector with a pocket comprising a zip.

Like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows the hip protector 1. The hip protector has a fall detector 12 (a Fall- Safe^® Assist) implanted in a hip protector pad or element 10, such as a Fall-Safe^® hip protector. In Figure 1 , the fall detector is an integral part of the hip protector to minimise any awkwardness for the user. The hip protector pad/element shown in Figure 1 comprises foam, but any other type of deformable structure such as foam and the like may also be used to absorb the impact of a fall.

In variants the fall detector is removable from the hip protector to allow the hip protector to be washed and to allow the fall detector to be used interchangeably between multiple hip protector pads by a user. This allows a fall detector to be preconfigured for a particular user, including data such as identification data and any further customisations that may be needed.

Figure 2 shows an example of the internal arrangement of a fall detector 12. The fall detector monitors for and identifies the following: - When a fall occurs;

The force of a fall, i.e. how hard the person hits the floor or ground; and

The direction that the wearer fell, i.e. forwards, backwards, on left side or right hand side. A three axis accelerometer 18, shown in Figure 2, is used to detect a fall. Data is processed using processor 16 and can be stored in memory 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 the processor and memory are part of a small microcontroller device or a PIC type device and integrated onto the same chip. Such devices have further components, such as a real time clock and timers which are usable by the fall detector device as described later.

In variants of the system the memory may be removable, provided by a memory card such as a micro-SD card. When a person wearing the device passes within range of a wireless connection previously stored data, such as data from prior falls is automatically transferred from the hip protector to minimise the data stored locally to the device. This data may be used for analysis by an institution such as a hospital or care/nursing home, or by the person's GP. It could also be used to improve nursing care and identify hazards.

In the example embodiment shown in Figure 2 a Bluetooth (RTM) chipset 24 is used to provide a Bluetooth (RTM) wireless connection for data download to a PC or other form of data logger. It will be appreciated however that other forms of wireless connection may also be used, such as Wifi (RTM) or Zigbee (RTM) (or in some variants a wired connection may be necessary in order to reduce costs). With a device powered by battery 14 it will be desirable to minimise power consumption and therefore choosing a low powered wireless connection is preferable. In addition to the data download connection provided by the Bluetooth (RTM) chipset 24, it may be desirable to include a further wireless connection for emergency purposes.

If a person does not move for a predetermined number of seconds after a fall, then an emergency signal can be sent via Bluetooth (RTM) to a local radio controller or mobile phone device in the same building. This may then connect to a phone line to call a remote alarm centre or the 24-hour nursing station in a hospital or care home.

The data transmitted may include all or part of the data transmittable over the Bluetooth (RTM) connection and may also include some or all of the customisable information stored such as identification data.

This time lapse before triggering an alarm may be adjustable in the light of experience and the individual's circumstances.

It will be appreciated however that in some variants of the system the two wireless connections could be combined in order to reduce the number of wireless transmitters on the fall detector. In a modified version of the fall detector, a GPS receiver 26 may be provided. This may be integral to the fall detector or alternatively could be an independent device with a connection to the fall detector. Should a person fall outdoors (where a GPS signal is typically stronger allowing location to be determined), location data from the GPS receiver may be transmitted with the other detector data as part of an alarm/emergency call.

The location data may also be logged to help identify areas more problematic for the wearer.

Figure 3 shows a flow chart 30 defining an example process implemented within the fall detector of Figure 2.

A fall is detected at step 32 using data from the accelerometer 18. Data from the accelerometer is used by the processor 16 to determine characteristics of the fall such as intensity at step 34. This is complemented by data acquired from one or more load cells, also in embodiments at step 34 if the user falls onto the hip, as opposed to any other part of the body. One or more gyroscopes provide data on the direction of the fall at step 36. At step 38 further data relating to the time and/or date of the fall is recorded. Such data may be provided by a real time clock integrated onto a microcontroller or PIC type device used to provide the processor 16. The data generated is then stored in memory 40. Data transfer takes place at step 42. This may happen automatically when a user comes within proximity of a computer / data logger type of device. Alternatively, in simpler systems, it may be necessary for the user to initiate the connection to the fall detector to the computer / data logger and manually download the data using a wireless or wired connection (such as USB). In variants where a removable memory card is used, another option is for a user to remove the card from the hip protector fall detector and insert it into the computer / data logger.

Having detected a fall, a timer may be triggered on the fall detector at step 44 to subsequently active an alarm if the person fails to move again within a predetermined time (which may be customisable). An example shown in Figure 3 is a trigger time of 10 seconds, although it will be appreciated that this may be varied depending on the person's circumstance. Such a time may be set by the user, or alternatively may be set by a carer or GP.

Because a fall detection system may be incorporated into each of the two hip protectors that the user wears, if one device fails or is damaged then the other may capture the fall data and send alarms if required. Additionally, if one device is providing inaccurate or spurious data, the software program in the other fall detector may detect that this is occurring and signal an error condition to the computer/data logger. Sound detection

Figure 4 shows a variant of the internal fall detector 12 of Figure 2 comprising a sound data system for detecting and processing sound data which is produced by a user's hip. The sound data system may be attached to the hip protector outside the hip protector pad or element 10. Alternatively, the system for detecting and processing sound data may be embedded in the hip protector pad or element 10. If a plurality of hip protector pads or elements 10 are used, the sound data system is preferably embedded in more than one of the hip protector pads or elements 10, most preferably in each of the hip protector pads or elements 10.

The sound data system comprises a microphone 402 which is sensitive enough to record sounds made by the hips as the bones and tissue move. The microphone 402 is preferably embedded in the hip protector pad and is preferably optimally positioned within the pad to detect sound, for example oriented towards the hip or positioned towards one side of the pad closer to the hip. The produced audio signal is a key indicator of potential problems such as, but not limited to arthritis, fracture, stress fracture, femoral acetabular impingement or a piriformis syndrome, wherein each of these potential problems may produce a distinct audio signal which allows for distinguishing specific problems from others.

The microphone 402 may be an omnidirectional, bi-directional, sub-cardioid, hyper- cardioid, super-cardioid, shotgun, lavalier or other type of microphone. Preferably, a uni-directional cardioid type microphone is used as it is sensitive to audio signals originating from one direction only, whereas audio signals coming from other directions are rejected. This allows for shielding any extraneous noise which may disturb the audio signal produced by the hips.

The sound data system further comprises a processor. As shown in Figure 4, the processor 16 from the internal fall detector 12 also acts as the processor for the sound data system. Alternatively, a separate processor may be provided for the sound data system. Sound data detected by the microphone 402 is processed in processor 16, output and stored in memory 20 for later retrieval. Preferably, a continuous audio signal is detected, processed, output and stored in memory 20. Again as shown in Figure 4, the memory 20 may be the same memory that is used for storing data from the internal fall detector. Alternatively a separate memory may be used for the sound data and the fall data.

An arrow is indicated in Figure 4 to show that memory 20 may be configured to allow new data to re-write existing data after a pre-defined period in order to avoid overflow of memory 20. Data stored in memory 20 may be transmitted by Bluetooth (RTM) 24 or any other data logging communications link coupled to processor 16 as described above to one or more of the user's GP or carer, or to an external device, for example a PC, with memory where a database is created for later retrieval and analysis regarding the user's specific audio pattern, or in clinical trials for statistical analysis. Alternatively, sound data detected by microphone 402 and processed by processor 16 may directly be transmitted to the user's GP or carer or to the external device with memory.

The hip protector pad or element 10 may be designed such that extraneous noise may further be shielded using, for example acoustic barriers and sound damping sheets.

The sound data system may optionally comprise an amplifier 404 to add gain to the audio signal detected by the microphone 402. The amplified audio signal is then output to processor 16.

The sound data system may optionally comprise a filter 406. Preferably, a filter 406 is implemented for each microphone 402 employed in the hip protector. As shown in Figure 4, sound data is transmitted via the optional amplifier 404 from the microphone 402 to the processor 16 which then transmits audio signals to filter 406. The filter 406 filters out audio signals in the frequencies which are produced, for example by clothing, ambient noise, the hip protector itself or any other extraneous noise not being produced by the hips. Filter 406 may be, for example a low-pass filter, high-pass filter, or preferably a band pass filter. Filter 406 may comprise for example a passive or an active filter. If specific problems as described above are to be detected, the filter 406 may be chosen to limit the audio signals to frequencies within a specific range only. It will therefore be understood by the skilled person that the type and characteristics of the filter are determined by the specific need or problem to be detected and monitored.

As shown in Figure 4, sound signals which are filtered out by filter 406 are not transmitted back to processor 16. Sound signals which are in the frequency range which are not filtered out by filter 406, i.e. relevant frequencies emitted by the hip bones and tissue when in movement, are transmitted back to processor 16. The filter system may further comprise at least one optional compressor 408 which reduces the volume of loud sounds, i.e. sounds with a noise level above, for example 90 dB, and amplifies quiet sound signals, i.e. sounds with a noise level, for example below 90 dB, which are transmitted back to processor 16. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of components shown in Figure 4 is just one possible arrangement. A straightforward alternative would be to place the filter (and optional compressor when used) in the path from the microphone to the processor so that only filtered and/or compressed signals reach the processor from the microphone.

The normal pattern of audio signals due to hip movement will be recorded for an individual and will be applied to hip protectors worn by other individuals. It is supplemented by a heuristic system which adapts to the audio signals generated by a particular individual when the hip protector is first worn. When an audio signal is detected which is outside the normal, pre-defined range, i.e. volume, frequency, pattern or other characteristics of the sound, an alarm is generated at alarm output 410. The audio signal outside the normal range may first be compared to a database of audio signals stored in memory 20 created due to monitoring sounds produced by the user and/or sounds produced by other individuals applied to the present hip protector. This allows for eliminating false alarms.

Figure 5 shows a flow chart 50 of an example process in which microphone 402 and filter 406 are implemented in the fall detector 12. A fall is detected at step 52 based on data from either the accelerometer 18, or the microphone 402 (in combination with optional filter 406 where used), or both accelerometer 18 and microphone 402. The microphone 402 and filter 406 provide data on the audio signal produced by the hip during the fall at step 54. Sound data from the microphone 402 and filter 406 is used by the processor 16 to determine the characteristics of the fall from the detected frequencies, their amplitudes and the audio pattern. The generated data is stored in memory 40.

It will be appreciated that memory 40 may be the same memory 20 as shown in Figure 4.

Data obtained from the accelerometer 18, the one or more gyroscopes at step 36 and data relating to time and date at step 38 are obtained and stored in memory 40 as outlined above in relation to Figure 3. The skilled person will appreciate that any combination of data produced by accelerometer 18, gyroscopes, clock and the system for detecting and processing sound data may be stored in memory 40, for later retrieval by the user's GP or carer.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that any data stored in memory 40 may be transmitted by Bluetooth (RTM) 24 or any other data logging communications link coupled to processor 16 as described above to one or more of the user's GP or carer, and/or to a PC with memory where a database is created for later retrieval and analysis regarding the characteristics of the fall in clinical, statistical trials.

Accelerometer 18, the one or more gyroscopes as well as the sound data system each act as fall detection systems. Each of these fall detection systems may be in communication with each other to enable one of these fall detection systems to detect a fault or error condition in any one of the other fall detection systems, in particular to avoid a false alarm to be triggered. In addition, a probability of an actual fall having occurred may be calculated based on the combination of individual data produced by the various fall detection systems. If the probability exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm is triggered. However, if the probability is below the pre-defined threshold, no alarm is triggered, and hence a false alarm can be avoided this way. It will be appreciated that the pre-defined threshold can be adjusted according to various factors, such as, but not limited to the person and his/her general health situation and/or age, or the person's general environment. Transferring data at step 42 as well as triggering the timer and activating an alarm at step 44 are executed as outlined above.

Hip protector with sealable pocket Figures 6a to 6c show a variant of the hip protector in which a user is not able to remove the hip protector pad or element 10 and the internal fall detector 12 from the hip protector for his or her own safety. This may be particularly useful for users who suffer from mental health problems, for example dementia. In this variant, the hip protector comprises a sealable pocket 62 in which the hip protector pad or element 10 and the internal fall detector 12 are stored permanently once the pocket is sealed.

Figures 6a to 6c illustrate one example of a permanent seal, namely a zip 64 which allows the pocket 62 to be permanently closed, i.e. a one-time pocket closure, after the hip protector pad or element 10 and the internal fall detector 12 have been inserted into the pocket 62. Once the zip is sealed, the only way to remove the hip protector pad or element 10 and/or the internal fall detector 12 is to break the seal. This may be achieved, for example by using a zip 64 in which the slider 66 of the zip 64 is moved across the zip to seal the zip and the sliding motion is continued to slide the slider 66 off one end of the zip 64 once the pocket 62 has been closed. The slider 66 may not be removed at the other side of the zip 64, for example by providing a block to prevent the slider 66 being removed accidentally. Thus, the slider 66 is moved from a start end of the zip as shown in Figure 6b to the other end of the zip shown in Figure 6c and then off the zip.

The zip 64 may further comprise a flap 68 which covers the end of the zip 64 from which the slider 66 is removed from the zip. In this way, the zip 64 cannot be easily pulled apart when the slider 66 has been removed. The zip 64 may comprise two flaps 68, one at each end of the zip 64. The flap 68 at the start end of the zip 64 may form a block to prevent the slider coming off the zip 64 at that end. It is preferable that the zip 64 used for the pocket 62 in the hip protector does not comprise any ridges or other features which the user may find uncomfortable. Preferably, the zip 64 used may therefore be a rail tape zip. In particular, a material, such as, but not limited to PVC, may be preferentially used in order to prepare an even zip 64 so as to improve comfort to the user of the hip protector.

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising:

at least one hip protection element arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user; and

a sound data system for detecting and processing sound data produced by the hip, wherein said sound data system comprises a sensor for detecting sound data produced by said hip and a processor configured to process said detected sound data, output said sound data and store said sound data in memory for later retrieval.

2. A hip protector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensor continuously detects sound data and said processor is configured to continuously process and output said detected sound data.

3. A hip protector as claimed in claim 2 wherein said memory is automatically rewritten periodically after a pre-defined period of time.

4. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said memory is local to said hip protector.

5. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said sound data system further comprises a data logging communications link coupled to said processor whereby said processor transmits processed detected sound data to a memory which is remote from said hip protector.

6. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sensor comprises at least one microphone.

7. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sound data system further comprises an amplifier to add gain to the detected sounds.

8. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sound data system further comprises at least one filter to filter said detected sound data.

9. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sound data system further comprises at least one compressor.

10. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sound data system is embedded within said hip protection element.

1 1. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sound data system further comprises an alarm and wherein said processor is configured to process said detected sound data to determine whether said detected sound data is within predetermined thresholds and to trigger said alarm when said detected sound data is outside said predetermined thresholds.

12. A hip protector as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein said predetermined thresholds are set to indicate a fall by a user whereby said sound data system acts as an electronic fall detection system.

13. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said processor is further configured to perform gait analysis of said user upon detecting a change in a pattern within said sound data at two or more different periods in time.

14. A hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising:

at least one hip protection element arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user;

a pocket comprising a one-time closure mechanism, wherein said pocket is used to store said hip protection element.

15. A hip protector as claimed in claim 14 wherein said one-time closure mechanism comprises a zip.

16. A hip protector as claimed in claim 15 wherein

said zip comprises a slider which is slid along the zip to close the zip and which is removed from one end of the zip after the zip is closed.

17. A hip protector as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein said zip is a rail tape zip.

18. A hip protector as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein said zip is made of PVC.

19. A hip protector as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein said one-time closure mechanism comprises at least one flap to cover at least one end of said onetime closure mechanism.

20. A hip protector as claimed in any preceding claim, the hip protector further comprising:

a fall detection system which is configured to detect the occurrence of the fall by the user and to store fall data defining one or more characteristics of the detected fall in a data store, for later retrieval.

21. A hip protector as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fall detection system comprises one or more of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

22. A hip protector as claimed in claim 21 , when dependent on claim 12, wherein said fall detection system comprising one or more of an accelerometer and a gyroscope and said sound data system acting as a fall detection system are in communication with each other.

23. A hip protector as claimed in claim 22 wherein said processor receives data from both said fall detection system and said sound data system and calculates a probability of an actual fall having occurred.

24. A hip protector as claimed in claim 23, further comprising an alarm which is triggered if said probability exceeds a pre-defined threshold.

25. A hip protector as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, when dependent on claim 14, wherein said fall detection system is stored in said pocket.

26. A hip protector as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein said processor is configured to perform gait analysis of said user upon detecting a change in a pattern in one or both of said sound data and said fall data at two or more different periods in time.

27. A hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising at least one hip protection element arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user; the hip protector further comprising one or more of:

a sound data system for detecting and processing sound data produced by the hip, wherein said sound data system comprises a sensor for detecting sound data produced by said hip and a first processor configured to process said detected sound data, output said sound data and store said sound data in a first memory for later retrieval;

a fall detection system comprising a second processor which is configured to detect the occurrence of the fall by the user and to store fall data defining one or more characteristics of the detected fall in a second memory for later retrieval, wherein the fall detection system comprises one or both of an accelerometer and a gyroscope; and wherein said first and/or second processor is configured to perform gait analysis of said user upon detecting a change in a pattern in said sound data and/or said fall data at two or more different periods in time.