Bluvision And GTX Corp. Collaborate On SmartSole GPS-Enabled Monitor Insoles For Persons With Dementia, Autism

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida based Bluvision has announced a collaborative venture with wearable technologies innovator GTX Corp., a company that specializes in the development of personal location devices, to create solutions for location tracking those with memory cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia, as well as persons with Autism.

A marquee product of the joint effort is the BLE SmartSole system that integrates Bluvision’s proprietary BEEK sensor technology with BluFi beacon-reporting, which uses built-in WiFi to transmit and receive data via the Internet. By constantly collecting available Bluetooth 4.0 data, it is possible to provide caretakers with real-time data on the wearer’s location and movements via a smartphone or tablet application that monitors location information from BEEKS Bluetooth wireless sensors that detect when the subject leaves a specific location, e.g.: a room, house or building.

SmartSole is designed for use by persons suffering from Alzheimer’s/Dementia, children with Autism, Athletes and Veterans who have incurred Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and for anyone else with potential to wander and requires remote oversight.

BluFi can be configured from the BluZone cloud portal to listen for any Bluetooth beacon ID and report discovery within proximity ranges of the BluFi sensor. The patented GPS SmartSole system incorporates a miniaturized GPS tracking device embedded in the SmartSole insoles. The device uses a rechargeable battery will operate for two to three days on a charge, transmitting a signal to the central monitoring website, which pinpoints the wearer’s precise location based on a combination of satellite and cellular data. Projected battery life is more than one year, and batteries are replaceable. The caregiver can also call the GPS SmartSole from a mobile phone in order to receive a text message containing the current location of the wearer and a link to Google Maps.

The ergonomic GPS SmartSoles orthotics are claimed to fit easily into most shoes sizes 5 to 14 and feel like regular insoles, while allowing wearers be tracked discreetly and to avoid the stigma of wearing a “lock on” tracking bracelet. SmartSoles Sensors are water resistant to IP-57 Standards. The anti-friction insoles utilize a fabric that wicks moisture away from the foot.

Once the device is activated and a tracking account with GTX Corp is set up, a caregiver will be able to monitor the movements of a person wearing the GPS SmartSole our on the GTX online mapping portal or using a Smart Locator app on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Nationwide coverage provides GPS location tracking wherever T-Mobile GSM service is available.

It’s also possible to configure geozones around addresses that will trigger notifications informing the caregiver (or multiple caregivers) when the person wearing GPS SmartSoles approaches or leaves a specified area. Alerts such as “power on” and “low battery” can be forwarded to multiple caregivers via email or text as well.

SmartSoles can be monitored via any Web connected device or computer. GTX also offers mobile monitoring apps that run on either iOS or Android smartphones and tablets.

The BLE SmartSole and BluFi Cube are currently being tested at small to medium-sized nursing homes, where limited numbers of staff are typically tasked with keeping track of the whereabouts of patients throughout these facilities. With the BluFi Cube set up to cover entrances and exits, caretakers will receive alerts should their patients enter and leave designated rooms or the facility itself, providing an enhanced level of security and faster response time in if a patient wanders off.

GTX Corp. recently presented its GPS enabled products, including the award winning GPS SmartSoles, at the inaugural Innovations Conference in Miami on Monday, February 9, 2015.

Six million Americans have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and an estimated 60 percent of those will become “lost” in a wandering incident. Some 15 million Americans are dementia caregivers. It is estimated that over 100 million people worldwide currently require oversight due to various forms of memory impairment. That metric is expected to increase to 277 million by 2050, according to The 2013 World Alzheimer’s Report.

Ray Ciancaglini

A user and advocate of the BLE SmartSole system is former professional middleweight boxer Ray Ciancaglini, who as a result of injuries incurred during his eight-year career in the ring (1966-1974) now suffers from a condition called Dementia Pugilistica (DP), also known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Pugilistic Parkinson’s Syndrome, Boxer’s Syndrome or Punch-Drunk Syndrome. Whatever the nomenclature, this neurological disorder affects persons who have received repeated concussions resulting from multiple head traumas — typically career boxers, but also those who played hockey, wrestling, lacrosse, football, soccer, softball and baseball as well.

DP/CTE develops insidiously and progressively. The average onset interval is 16 years after commencement of a boxing career. Symptoms of the disorder are similar to those of dementia, with marked declines in short-term memory and other mental abilities combined with Parkinson’s-like tremors and incoordination of movement.

“As a former boxer, battling the progressive stages of dementia, I am very grateful to have the SmartSole working my corner, ensuring me a better quality of life while maintaining my dignity and affording my family the peace of mind that my getting lost is a worry of the past,” observes Mr. Ciancaglini, who has battled Parkinson’s Syndrome and DP/CTE for many years as a direct result of serial untreated concussions he received in the ring. He has participated in several CTE Research studies at the Boston University School of Medicine (e.g.: Study of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)

Mr. Ciancaglini is founder of the Second Impact Concussion Awareness Program and dedicated himself to lecturing athletes free of charge at high schools, colleges, universities, NFL Player Development Camps and Youth Organizations about the possible ramifications of not addressing taking concussions seriously and treating them properly. The organization’s name refers to second impact injuries, such as when a person absorbs a new concussion on top of a not yet healed previous head trauma. He notes that recurring head trauma left untreated, can lead to diminished sense of balance with potential for falls and injuries. Post head injury traumas can affect areas of the brain, resulting in lack of comprehension, forgetfulness, repeated sentences during speech, confusion, insomnia and inappropriate behaviors. His mission now is to educate athletes in order to prevent them from following in his footsteps into the DP/CPE world.

SmartSoles sell for $299.00, and also require monthly service plans for online tracking and alerts.

For more information, visit:
https://www.portable-gps-devices.com/smartsole/

To purchase SmartSoles visit:
https://www.portable-gps-devices.com/smartsole/?refid=647AB. A portion from each purchase on the Second Impact website, will be donated by GTX to help purchase the SmartSole for children in need.

Sources:
Bluvision
GTX Corp.
Second Impact Concussion Awareness Program

Image Credits:
GTX Corp
Second Impact Concussion Awareness Program