Mexico City, July 28, 2025.—The Universidad Panamericana Mexico City campus has received from the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI)for the patent granted for this invention, an achievement that reinforces its commitment to applied research and social impact.
The invention, called Fall Detection System for Different Regions, was developed byDr. Hiram PonceandDr. María de Lourdes Martínez Villaseñor, both researchersat the Panamericana University’s Mexico City campus, with strategic support from the institution’sIntellectual Property Management Center.
A system that saves lives
The system is designed to improve the quality of life for high-risk populations, particularly older adults, through the timely detection of falls and the monitoring of physical activity at home. It uses artificial intelligence, IP cameras, and a mobile device with sensors to achieve an accuracy rate of over 98%, minimizing false alarms and issuing alerts in emergency situations.
Dr. Hiram Ponce explains that the idea arose to address a critical problem: “It arose from the need to address the problem that mostly affects older adults when they fall. If they aren’t treated promptly, they can develop more serious complications”.
For her part,Dr. Martínezhighlights the benefits: “The system offers greater autonomy by functioning as a 24/7 monitor, prevents complications, and is easy to use in homes, hospitals, and nursing homes”.
Key differentiators and contribution
The process was not without its challenges. Dr. Ponce notes that the invention faced questions regarding its novelty due to pre-existing technologies, but the technical defense presented by the Universidad Panamericana demonstrating its originality
“Thanks to the strong defense of the technical assessment conducted by the Intellectual Property Management Center and our involvement as inventors, we were able to have the allegations dismissed, confirming the originality and non-obviousness of the invention,”, he notes.
Dr. Martínez also points out that, although similar technologies exist, this invention stands out for its accessibility and low cost:“It requires minimal infrastructure (two IP cameras and a cell phone) and is a system developed entirely in Mexico.”
Furthermore, this invention contributes to the field of telemedicine by reducing risks through highly effective detection.
Institutional Support for Innovation
The patent's success was made possible thanks to the support ofthe Intellectual Property Management Centerat the Universidad Panamericana, whose program to assist inventors is part of theInstitutional Strategy for Innovation and Technology Transfer.
Dr. Juan Alberto González Piñón, Corporate Director of Innovation and Technology Transfer, emphasized Panamericana’s commitment:“This patent demonstrates how scientific research can solve real-world problems. The University fosters a culture of innovation that extends beyond the academic realm.”
A message for researchers
Dr. Martínez has a message for the academic community at our university: “As researchers at the Universidad Panamericana, we have a responsibility to make a positive impact on society. Intellectual property protection is a way to bring our projects to fruition”.
With this tenth patent, the Universidad Panamericana its leadership in innovation and its mission to transfer knowledge for the benefit of society. The system, currently in the prototype stage, promises to revolutionize elder care by combining advanced technology with a human-centered and accessible approach.
Learn more about our university's researchers at: https://www.up.edu.mx/investigadores-panamericana/
