Elderly Patient Monitoring and Fall Detection Using mmWave FMCW Radar System

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave radar is nowadays considered as an important technology to monitor the health condition, fall condition and activities of elderly patients for their well-being and safety. Infrared Proximity (IP) and Passive Infrared (PIR) camera systems have traditionally been used for this purpose, but this system has crucial limitations, especially with regards to fast detection technique for such as preventing accident in the bathroom and indoor environment. The use of surveillance cameras not only struggles at nighttime detection but also can compromise patients' privacy, such as bathroom activities. FMCW radar technology can operate effectively in no-light conditions making them particularly suitable for nighttime monitoring by addressing privacy concerns. The principles of FMCW radar, signal processing algorithms and methods are discussed in this paper. Depending on the type of motion activity, a patient's returning radar signal will exhibit varying Doppler effect properties. This technology not only enhances patient care but also relieves healthcare providers and families from the need for constant in-room surveillance. FMCW radar technology bridges the gap between patient privacy concerns and the necessity for improving patient healthcare. This paper explores the utilization of FMCW radar for monitoring elderly patients and fall detection, with the goal of developing a privacy friendly app-based solution for real-time remote patient activity tracking.