Elderly Asset Tracker

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Description

Elderly asset tracker is intended to be worn by the elderly, those with dementia, or anyone you may care about. Elderly asset tracker is MSP430 based, employs a Maestro Wireless A2235-H GPS module, and communicates via a SIM900 (GSM). An accelerometer provides fall detection via inertial interrupts.

What sets the elderly asset tracker apart from systems like Life Alert is its use the cellular network for communication. This asset tracker works anywhere that a GSM (and GPS) signal is present.

Details

The elderly asset tracker addresses several problems that have become
more pronounced over the last few decades, quality of life and safety of the elderly. Advances in medicine have lead to increased lifespans which places a strain on existing methods of senior care, elderly asset tracker is an attempt to address this issue. The tracker primarily consists of an msp430, GSM modem, GPS receiver, and an accelerometer. The device is powered by a lithium ion battery and has a USB micro connector for charging. The device is meant to be worn and can alert any number of pre-programmed contacts in case of emergency. The accelerometer provides inertial interrupts, detecting when the user is in free fall or experiencing a high g force event. The module can also accept commands via text message, the primary command being to reply back with the board's GPS coordinates, something that could be potentially life saving if someone with dementia gets lost. Battery life varies depending on the mode of operation and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several
years.

Project Logs

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Semifinalist video
cjskalka • 09/21/2015 at 14:54 • 0 comments

I realized after watching my semifinalist video that it was difficult to see the phone screen which displayed truncated GPS coordinates, I have provided a screenshot of my text messages for reference.
GitHub Repo Updated!
cjskalka • 09/21/2015 at 06:52 • 0 comments

GitHub repository has been updated with the most up to date firmware, as displayed in the semi finalist video.
Case Design/Artist Rendering
cjskalka • 09/20/2015 at 19:14 • 0 comments

I spent some time of the last few weeks learning SketchUp and have designed a simple case to house EAT. The case has cutouts for antennas (not necessary but doesn't hurt and saves on material), USB and battery connectors, as well as the speaker and microphone. There is enough space in the case to hold a 1Ah lithium ion battery. A loop is made on one side of the case to allow for a lanyard to be attached so the user can wear the device around their neck, .stl files can be found in the GitHub repository. The case has been printed by Shapeways and is currently in transit, cost was approximately $18 for both pieces.
TI Sponsored Blog Post
cjskalka • 08/17/2015 at 04:57 • 0 comments

TI wrote a blog post on my project!
https://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/b/msp430blog/archive/2015/08/12/maker-s-wearable-design-gives-senior-citizen-s-both-care-and-independence
Quarter-Final Video
cjskalka • 08/17/2015 at 03:38 • 0 comments
Photos of assembled boards
cjskalka • 08/17/2015 at 03:34 • 0 comments
Rev 1 Gerbers
cjskalka • 08/17/2015 at 03:15 • 0 comments

Rev 1 Gerbers
Rev 1 BOM
cjskalka • 08/17/2015 at 03:13 • 0 comments

Rev 1 BOM
Rev 1 Schematic
cjskalka • 08/17/2015 at 02:45 • 0 comments

Previous schematic was not complete, this reflects the fabricated boards.
Rev 1 Schematic
Rev 2 Schematic Finished!
cjskalka • 06/19/2015 at 19:20 • 0 comments

Schematic complete, will post gerbers when the layout is complete.
https://github.com/cjskalka/Elderly-Asset-Tracker