What is fall detection?

Fall detection may be an option offered by your monitoring service.

If fall detection is an option, Libris is designed to sense when you have fallen and automatically contact your monitoring service. Your monitoring service can talk to you through Libris and send help if needed.

Does the fall detection need to be calibrated?

Libris offers the most advanced fall detection in the industry. Fall detection is on or off. There are no sensitivity settings to adjust on it once it is enabled.

How does Libris sense a fall?

The 'sensing' comes from data gathered by an array of sensors located on Libris including multiple accelerometers, a magnetometer and a gyroscope. These sensors capture data that yield over 190 different parameters, such as orientation change, impact intensity and impact speed. If one of Libris' sensors notices an atypical pattern of activity, Libris works to determine if an actual fall occurred through the following steps:

  • Immediately after the sensors notice atypical activity, data is recorded for up to 10 seconds as needed.
  • All of the recorded data is sent over the cellular network to the Libris classifier (located in a cloud-based server) for analysis.
  • If the classifier determines that a fall has occurred, a call is automatically triggered to your monitoring service. This entire process can take 30-45 seconds.

Why does Libris make a call when I have not fallen?

Libris may occasionally place a call to the monitoring service even if you have not fallen (a false-positive).

False-positives typically occur after activities of daily living that exhibit movement patterns similar to a fall. For example, quickly lying down onto a bed or getting into a car requires a rapid change in elevation and orientation. In these instances, Libris sensors categorize these movement patterns as a fall and trigger the call. It is also common for younger, more active individuals to experience more false positives than older adults because this feature is calibrated to the motion activity of an older population. Occasionally, an accidental button press will cause Libris to place a call.

If a false positive occurs, simply tell your monitoring service that you do not need assistance.

Why doesn't Libris go off when it's dropped or thrown on the floor?

While it seems like dropping it would be a good way to test the fall detection feature, the parameters captured from a dropped or thrown device do not resemble those of a person who has fallen, and the classifier can tell the difference. The algorithms are based on data gathered from actual human falls that yield complicated motion activity not attainable in a drop or throw.

How should I wear Libris for best results?

The Libris can be worn at the waist using the belt clip or around the neck using the lanyard. If you choose to wear your Libris around your neck, please ensure that Libris remains close to your chest for best results; many users tuck the lanyard under their clothing.

If a fall occurs, should I press the button or wait for Libris to detect the fall?

You should press the button to place a call if you are able. Otherwise, Libris will automatically call within 30-45 seconds.

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