A sensor based low cost drowning detection system for human life safety

Abstract

In this paper, we present an approach which addresses the problem of drowning. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths which needs to be given attention. The objective is to address the question-how can we engineer a system that saves the life of a drowning person? The devised system has the capability to automatically detect drowning by making use of three sensors, namely, a non-invasive oxygen saturation level sensor, respiration monitoring sensor and water sensor that are used for detecting parameters like blood oxygen saturation levels, respiratory movements and submersion of a person's body underwater respectively and a controller for monitoring, processing and controlling purposes. If any two of the above mentioned parameters detect drowning, the system detects it as a case of drowning. Results obtained by performing tests on individual sensors and entire system illustrate the effectiveness of the approach. Thus the approach is a viable solution to devise an innovative, portable, low cost and wearable system.