1. Cane Alert Abbey Olenick and Madi Ridella
Lawrence Technological University
Advisor: Dr. Lancina

2. Background Information
Elderly make up 14.5% of the total US population1
Major cause of injury is falling1
80% of falls occur in the home2
Elder = 65 years and over
Problem discovery:
Judy Kopa-Adult Day Care Center
Grandma

3. The Problem 2.8 million injuries treated annually
Falls results in:
2.8 million injuries treated annually
800,000 hospitalizations
27,000 deaths
Total Costs: $31 billion3

4. Treatment Options Walkers Canes LifeAlert and similar systems
Current treatments for decreased fall risk:
Walkers
Canes
LifeAlert and similar systems
6.5 million Americans use a cane or walker4
Treatments don’t encourage proper usage or compliance

5. Market Analysis Market Value exceeds 4.2 billion 5
Expected to grow to 8 billion by
Stakeholder
Value Proposition
Patient
Improve outcomes, lower stress, cost effective
Family
Provides ease of mind for the safety of the patient
Caregivers
Familiar technology, improve outcomes, higher efficiency
Retirement Homes
Game-changing technology
Insurance
Saves money

6. Need Statement
There is a need to improve compliance for assistive walking devices to reduce the risk of falls.

7. Current Products
Fujitsu Demoed Smart Cane: will immediately know when and where fall has occurred, alerts EMT 9
Portable Fall Alert:
Alarm sounds when device is tips past 30°, panic alert system 7
Secure Walking Cane:
LED Flashlight, Panic Alarm and Alert Light 8
Ultracane: Detects objects within 2-4 meters using ultrasound 10

8. Portable Fall Alert for Cane
Pugh Comparison Chart
Key Attributes
Secure Walking Cane
Portable Fall Alert for Cane
UltraCane
Fujitsu demoed
Cane Alert
Low Cost + -
Simplicity
Fall Prevention
Accessory
Compliance
Total +1 +3 -1 +5

9. Design Concept
Bluetooth sensors embedded in both cane attachment and bracelet
Automatically pair
Bracelet beeps and light flickers when the connection is lost, i.e. when they are too far apart (~30 feet)
Bracelet is made to fit all writst sizes ~6-8in
Cane sizes range from 5/8in to an in

10. Subcomponent LED light Bluetooth sensor Speaker Arduino Board
Cane clip
Arduino Board
Bluetooth sensor

11. Expectation of Design Estimated deliverables: Workable Prototype
Sensor Testing
Comprehensive Data
Outcomes:
Encourages compliance
Decrease risk of falls

12. Regulations Class I Device
AAMI TIR59: Integrating human factors into design controls 11
ISO : Biological evaluation of medical devices 12
ISO/IEC :2016(en): Standard for exchanging data over short distances 13
Human factors:
User interface is important because it could result in a great or poor outcome
Light and sound sensor to accommodate for hard of hearing and visually impaired users
Wearable tech:

13. Methods Objective Method Equipment Battery life
Running code constantly until battery failure
Arduino Uno + software
Battery
Range of Bluetooth
Line of site
Obstruction
Walking test
Bluetooth sensors
Accuracy of light + speaker sensors
Beta Test
Sensors
Fitting of cane clip
Trial and error
Cane Clip
Cane
Comfort of bracelet
Customer feedback
Bracelet
Wrist

14. Approximate Cost (US $)
Budget
Item
Approximate Cost (US $)
Arduino Uno (2) 44
HC-05 Bluetooth Module (2) 20
Male-female jumper wires (10) 4
Batteries + arduino attachables (2) 15
Arduino LED pin 2
Arduino speaker
Velcro Bracelet 5
Cane Clip (plastic)
Total 97

15. Timeline

16. References
"Administration on Aging (AoA)." AoA. Administration for Community Living , Web. 02 Mar
Stein, Loren. “Medical Alert Systems and Personal Emergency Responders.” AARP, 11 Nov
"Falls Prevention Facts." NCOA. , 15 Feb Web. 02 Mar
“How many people use assistive devices?” Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Personal Mobility Devices Market Analysis By Product (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walking Aids, Canes, Crutches, Walkers, Premium Rollators, Low Cost Rollators) And Segment Forecasts To 2020.” Personal Mobility Devices Market Size & Share | Industry Report, 2020.
“Global Personal Mobility Devices Market By Product (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walking Aids, Canes, Crutches, Walkers, Premium Rollators, Low Cost Rollators) Is Expected To Reach USD 8.0 Billion By 2020.” Market Research Reports & Consulting.
“Assistive Technology Services.” Portable Fall Alert for Cane, Walker or Wheelchair.
Worthington, David. “Lifesaving 'smart cane' designed for seniors.” ZDNet, ZDNet, 5 Feb
About the UltraCane,
“Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.” Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation,
“We're ISO: we develop and publish International Standards.” Standards, 29 Aug. 2017,
ISO - International Organization for Standardization,

17. Questions