Radar, 3D smart sensor or camera? What really proves its worth in everyday care

For all those who want a quick answer.
Here is a short and crisp summary of the most important points about fall detection:

1. Radar, 3D and camera systems detect falls automatically and without contact, without the need to wear a wristband or press a button. Radar and 3D sensors are particularly impressive due to their suitability for everyday use and high level of acceptance among residents and care staff.
2. Radar and 3D smart sensors are particularly data protection-friendly and offer the greatest possible privacy. They work without a camera, do not record images and can be used in sensitive care environments without hesitation.
3. Radar and 3D smart sensors are particularly reliable as they can record and evaluate precise data even in the dark.
4. Carechamp networks various sensor solutions on an open platform and enables central, AI-supported data evaluation. Messages are automatically forwarded to the nurse call, telephone or care documentation.

More information here:

Radar-based systems
Radar sensors detect movements in space without contact via electromagnetic waves in the microwave range.
Similar to the automotive industry, where radar technology has been used for years to measure distance and avoid collisions, sensors used in the care sector also emit signals and measure their reflections. This makes it possible to reliably detect if a person suddenly falls to the floor.

Detection is independent of lighting conditions and is particularly data protection-friendly. Instead of visual images, abstracted point clouds are created that allow conclusions to be drawn about a person’s position and movement in the room.

This protects the privacy of residents to a high degree. At the same time, the technology is harmless to health: the microwaves used operate at low power and are well below the exposure of a standard WLAN router.

One example of this technology is the Vayyar radar system, which can be selected in the Carechamp ecosystem. The sensors continuously detect movements in the room, analyze them in real time and automatically trigger an alarm in the event of a fall. As no transmitter needs to be worn on the body, automatic detection is possible throughout the room at all times – an important advantage for safety and reliability in everyday care.

3D smart sensors
3D smart sensors detect the position and movements of people in a room by generating depth data. This involves measuring the room with infrared light without creating concrete images or videos. The data obtained remains abstract – individual features are not recognizable. This movement data is evaluated locally in the device using integrated AI, which enables fast response times and a high level of data protection.

One example of this technology is CogvisAI, which is also integrated into Carechamp’s modular assistance system. The system not only detects classic falls, but also distinguishes between different activities such as standing up, sitting down or lying down. In addition to fall detection, other assistance functions can be activated, such as an early warning when getting out of bed or analysis of movement activity to support care planning.

Camera-based systems
Camera systems generally offer a technically suitable option for fall detection. They capture high-resolution image data and can precisely analyze falls under ideal conditions, such as sufficient light and a clear field of vision.
Despite the technological capabilities, there are considerable hurdles in the care environment, particularly with regard to data protection, privacy and security. Cameras capture personal information, even if the images are not stored or abstracted. According to the GDPR, their use is therefore only permitted if no other, less intrusive tools are available. As other technologies achieve the same goal with less intrusion, the use of cameras is often not proportionate.

There are also technical and organizational requirements: Cameras are considered complex IT systems that are subject to the strict requirements of the European security directive NIS2 with an internet connection. Operators must comprehensively document how they are used lawfully, securely and proportionately. This creates additional work and responsibility for care facilities. Residents’ perceptions are also critical. Many find visual monitoring unpleasant and intrusive.

Terms such as ‘computer vision’ do not change these challenges. This is because it also involves the processing of visual data with the same requirements as classic cameras. Overall, there are legal, ethical and safety-related risks that put the benefits of this technology into perspective – especially as powerful, data-saving alternatives such as radar or 3D smart sensors are available today.

Carechamp as an assistance system that networks everything
Technologies such as radar, 3D sensors or bed modules with motion detection can only develop their strengths if they are part of a well thought-out overall system. This is precisely where Carechamp comes in: The digital care assistance system intelligently networks these components and enhances existing infrastructures such as nurse call systems or care software with functions that make everyday care noticeably easier.

Carechamp bundles the data from the various sensors, automatically recognizes relevant events and forwards the information to where it is needed – for example, in the event of a fall in the room, an attempt to stand up or unusually long periods of lying down, which could indicate a risk of pressure sores.

For nursing staff, this means targeted notifications and alarms directly to existing end devices – for example via the nurse call system, mobile phones or tablets. At the same time, relevant information can be automatically documented in the care software, for example in Vivendi, Myneva or Medifox Dan. The result is a networked assistance system that increases safety, simplifies processes and saves valuable time in day-to-day care.