An OSGi Based Framework for a Day Structuring Tool in an Assistive Home Environment
By Morandell, Martin; Fuxreiter, Thomas; Hochgatterer, Andreas; Challenges for Assistive Technology: AAATE 2007 Conference Proceedings, pp. 180-184Publication Date: 2007
Article presents a computer-based day structuring tool for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The tool monitors and assists people with dementia in the performance of their activities of daily living (ADL) such as getting out of bed, toileting, food preparation, and taking medicine. The day-structuring tool is based on a Smart Home environment equipped with different sensors and actuators adaptable to the needs of the user and to the given infrastructure. The tool is implemented in the Open Service Gateway initiative (OSGi) Alliance, a cooperative of more than 50 companies collaborating to get an open standard for service gateways. The static part of the system comprises an Environment Handler, Event Handler, Task Handler, and Presentation Handler. Input devices such as bed sensors and stove sensors, and output devices such as a video screen projecting an avatar, can be added and removed dynamically. As running environment, an OSGi framework called Knopflerfish is used, which provides a graphic user interface (GUI) giving an overview of the system components and their interdependence. Use of this system could lead to higher independence and a prolonged life at home for persons with dementia, and a reduction in the need for caregiver assistance. System limitations and implications for its further development are discussed.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
ISBN: 978-1-58603-791-8
