ICT for the Ageing Populaton Potential Contribution - University of Hertfordshire Ag08

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Objective
• To understand and create a class of information technologies that would enable a scientifically
demonstrable enhancement of the quality of life for the aged in the home of the future.
• Context-Aware Computing: The research will identify multimodal technology that robustly locates a person,
and tracks activity in the short and long term, with state of the art facilities for broadband access and
computing. Tracking technologies include arrays of smart cameras and microphones and other sensors,
all leading to an environment that is aware of its occupants (elderly) and their activities.

Aim
How do we increase the opportunities for Aging in Place?
• Recognizing and advertising crisis
• Assisting daily routines
• Supporting peace of mind for adult children

Research Problem
• To develop intelligent machines, interfaces, and environments that can perceive, recognize, anticipate
and interact with humans.
• Sensors such as eyes (cameras), ears (microphones) and touch (contact sensors) are used. Analysis and
interpretation of the signals from these sensors gives the system certain context awareness.
• To this end, we will be developing signal understanding and pattern recognition techniques for
analysing sensory signals from scenes and environments.
• We will be exploring methods for perceiving where people are, recognizing them, understanding their
actions, and interpreting the communication stream.
Technological Requirements
Designing interfaces that are unobtrusive and not complex. Some examples include:
• Sensors that that can detect simple events (of a falling person) to more complex
routines (preparing a meal).
• Designing interfaces to maintain cognitive remembering.
• Disability and the elderly (for further consideration)

Plan of Work
• Duration: 3 years
• Funds sought EU £400,000
• Researchers: 2 team leaders + 2 Ph.Ds
• Prototyping – design, development of ICT
• Requires working with Homes for the Elderly
• Integration with other work packages
• Dissemination of results

Dr. Soodamani Ramalingam
Senior Lecturer
Schol of Electronic, Communication and Electrical Engineering
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfiled, Herts AL10 9AB
T +44 (0) 1707 284130
F +44 (0) 1707 284199
Email: s.ramalingam AT herts.ac.uk