Real Time Wearable Locator Device for Distress

This paper presents a study in the development of a real time wearable locator device for distress which uses human pulse rate. A person who is in distress normally has delayed reaction. However, a good means of identifying distress is through pulse rate in which a notification can be done even before the person can make a distress call. An increase in pulse rate signal can be classified for illness, exercise, or a strong emotion. A comparative analysis of signals was conducted based on the instance of emotion shift by cinematic terror assumed to determine distress compared to that of a normal and in exercise condition. An inexpensive prototype was developed using wearable wrist band which is embedded with a pulse rate sensor, GPS and GSM modules for tracking location. In addition, notification to an emergency contact is sent via SMS and a locator map can be viewed through a smart phone or computer. The results show the distinct characteristics of the heartbeat of a person in distress with an increase of an average of 37 bpm in 10 seconds or 41±3% increase from the normal heart rate. The device is calibrated in a 1-minute initialization to register normal heart rate. The reaction rate of the wearable locator device is proven to be faster than the reaction time when a person picks up a phone, dial, and make a distress call. The reaction time for sending a distress notification varies depending on strength of the mobile network signals. A robust design can further be developed in the future through a more intelligent way of identifying distress with both pulse rate and brain activities