Copyright © 2007, UCD Dublin

School of Computer Science and InformaticsUCD Dublin Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

http://www.csi.ucd.ie/

ODCSSS Summer School, UCD, DCU

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory

Caitlin Lustig, Hristo Novatchkov,

Lucy E. Dunne, Mike McHugh,

and Lorcan Coyle

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 2

Motivation

• short term memory loss• aging population or injury• helping people live independently in their homes

• technological solution?

• research themes• smart homes• wearable sensors• sensor technology

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 3

Technology Requirements

• cheap

• easy to install

• low cognitive load

• ambient• must work implicitly

• comfortable

• maintain privacy

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 4

Radio Frequency Identification

• commercially available technology• security, transport, asset tracking

• passive/active tags• magnetically induced • very short range (~5cm)• small tags - stickers

• static/mobile readers• reader is worn by the user• tags are embedded in the environment• less convenient for the user• cheaper, easier solution

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 5

The RFID Glove

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 6

The RFID Reader

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 7

The Gumstix Computer

• Gumstix

• Linux OS

• serial ports

• WiFi

• CF Card

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 8

The RFID Glove

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Application Scenarios

• detecting routine behaviour• interruptions

• reminding users to complete routine tasks• spot a routine in progress• issue a warning if the task was incomplete after a delay

• reminding users to take medicine• learning an activity model of medicine taking• ensuring that a policy is followed

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 10

Evaluation

• placement of tags• hard to ensure good read• spout, bowl, plate, knife

• uncomfortable• too hot, too tight, too bulky, too delicate• impossible to make a fist properly

• battery life• very short• RFID reader - 100mA, Gumstix - much higher

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 11

Future Work

• more complex and robust routine detector

• remembering where you left something• “where did I leave my car keys?”• colocation rather than location• “you last had them with your mobile”• “you last had them yesterday”

• alternative wearable solutions• pocket or purse RFID reader

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 12

Conclusion

• working prototype that tackles the application scenarios

• simple small-scale evaluation

• prototype implementaion was poorly received• alternative to a glove?

• technology has merit• cheap• simple to use• works within limitations• private

Using Colocation to Support Human Memory 13

Questions/Discussion

Thank you for your attention.

Lorcan Coyle

Email: lorcan.coyle@ucd.ie

ODCSSS Website: http://odcsss.ie/

Project Wiki: https://secure.ucd.ie/twiki/bin/view/GumstixRFID/WebHome