TitleWireless adaptable systems that modify social environments to improve quality of
life for the handicapped (Ref: 06 ES SEOT 0GBY)
DeadlineSun, October 05, 2008
AbstractSA Spanish university has developed mobile terminals to adapt social environments
to special groups (handicapped, seniors, children) by means of wireless networking, wireless
sensors & active radio frequency identification devices (RFID) networks. The system is
cost-effective & slightly modifies the environment (road signs, PCs, notice boards) offering
added value help to users in an automatic way. Can also be extended to add intelligence to objects.
Commercial & technical agreements are sought.
DescriptionThere is a clear and necessary trend in our society demanding the adaptation
of daily applications and environments for handicapped people. However, it is common that such
adaptations depend on the particular user abilities and handicap type. For instance, traffic lights
adapted to blind persons are almost universal; however, a mobility-handicapped user cannot benefit
from this kind of help assistance. Instead, if the traffic light aid equipment may detect his
presence it may expand the crossing time. Therefore, it is rather obvious that environments can
provide particular helps if they have access to the user profile (a list of user abilities and
handicaps). Besides, many practical applications must run autonomously, without user interaction.
That is, after “reading” the user profile, equipments must select automatically the adaptations
that fit the user requirements. Such modus operandi simplifies the system usage, allowing for fast
deployment. According to this, the researchers who developed it name it as follows: Context AWAre
Systems for Special DisabilITies. Therefore, adaptable environments must fulfil two conditions:
particular adaptation to the end user, and autonomous provision of the service. The core
technologies used to comply with these requirements are: A) Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)
or Local Area Networks (WLAN). Handicapped people must carry a wireless-enabled device - e.g.
Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) or RFID - containing his personal profile
information. If the user is within the range of the new system's environment, it transmits the
profile to the managing unit. Profile bearer can be based on common technologies (for instance a
Symbian/OS enabled cellular phone with Bluetooth interface or a PDA with WiFi), or some ad-hoc
device (for instance a RFID bracelet). B) Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) can be used to complement
the adaptation process with information gathered from the surroundings of the environment with
wireless sensors devices. C) The environments will be managed by smart agents in a distributed,
open and dynamic fashion. Some applications forecasted for the offered technologies include: 1)
Signalling systems for urban environment. Several urban equipments can use the new system to help
handicapped people. For instance, a traffic light may provide additional crossing time to people
with motor disabilities, or an acoustic signal for the blind. Another example is signalling urban
works, where the system notifies blind users about ditches or other obstacles. 2) Public notice
boards. The system allows users to access public information. Usually, through a speech signal or
adaptation of the font size or colours in the notice board. It can be used in a wide range of
devices from cash machines to airport notice boards or museums. It is also possible to implement
added-value services, such as guiding users (in the airport they can be guided to the right
boarding gate). 3) Computer systems. Currently shared-use computers are widely installed in
libraries, schools, universities and many other locations. Handicapped people may not access such
computers if they are not properly configured by experts. The innovative systems can be used to
provide self-adaptable computers. After receiving the user profile the computer is configured
selecting the font size, colours, contrast, audio signals. It is also possible to auto-launch
specific applications for each user. All these actions are possible without direct participation of
the user or administrative staff. Finally, after usage the computer restores its normal
configuration. Competitive Advantages: - Self-configured environments may improve the workspace of
handicapped employees notably. Such an open issue is often faced by administrations and
enterprises. - Permits innovative services (e.g. signalling systems, universal access to notice
boards, computers self-configuration, etc.). - Nowadays, different handicap require exclusive
adaptation equipments. Using the new architecture may help to reduce costs since the same
technological foundation is employed to address different persons’ needs.
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Innovations and advantages of the offer
- Help offered to a handicapped or elder person is customised to their abilities and
disabilities. That is, the users’ profile configures how the environment adaptation is performed,
allowing multi-user assistance systems, and thus reducing installation costs.
-The system allows for the development of new services not possible with previous
methodologies (for instance, self-configured computers).
-Services are offered autonomously, without the need for direct user participation.
Therefore, neither specialised user training nor advanced technological level of the disabled
people is necessary, allowing inexperienced people to access full functionality. In addition, since
interactive actions are eliminated, severely motor handicapped people may benefit from these
services. Current and Potential Domain of Application This offer concerns public administrations
and town councils, as well as big companies. Besides, facilities such as hospitals or gerontology
centres may clearly benefit from installation of the offered equipment sets, improving the care of
patients and easing the staff duties.
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Current and Potential Domain of Application
This offer concerns public administrations and town councils, as well as big companies.
Besides, facilities such as hospitals or gerontology centres may clearly benefit from installation
of the offered equipment sets, improving the care of patients and easing the staff duties.
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List of Keywords
Technology
Electronics, Microelectronics - Electronic circuits, components and equipment - Embedded
Systems and Real Time Systems - High Frequency Technology, Microwaves - Printed circuits and
integrated circuits - Smart cards and access systems - Information Processing, Information
System, Workflow Management - Computer Software - Data Processing / Data Interchange, Middleware
- Information Technology/Informatics - Internet Technologies/Communication (Wireless, Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth) - IT and Telematics Applications - Applications for Transport and Logistics - Multimedia
- Telecommunications, Networking - Audiovisual Equipment and Communication - Broadband Technologies
- Mobile Communications - Network Technology, Network Security - Communications Protocols,
Interoperability
Market
Commercial Communications - Peripherals - Intelligent terminals - Computer Services -
Computer Software - Applications software - Business and office - Education - Banks/financial
institutions - Integrated software - Artificial intelligence related software - Software services -
Consulting services - Display panels - Other electronics related (including keyboards) - Other
Medical/Health Related - Handicap aids - Monitoring equipment - Hospital and other institutional
management (including management services and leasing) - Other medical/health related (not
elsewhere classified) - Leisure and Recreational Products and Services - Consumer Products - Fast
food restaurants - Other restaurants - Hotels and resorts - Education and educational products and
materials - Travel agencies and services - Other Consumer Related (not elsewhere classified)
- Industrial Equipment and Machinery - Other industrial equipment and machinery -
Transportation - Motor vehicles, transportation equipment and parts - Construction
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Current Stage of Development
Available for demonstration - field tested
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Exploitation of RTD ResultsOthers
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Intellectual Property Rights
Secret know-how
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Collaboration Type- Joint further development - Adaptation to specific needs - Assembly -
Engineering - Technical consultancy
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Comments- Type of partner sought: 2 kinds of partner are sought:
1. IT private companies
2. Public government and big companies
- Specific area of activity of the partner:
1. Manufacturers of integrated software or artificial intelligence related software in
order to co-develop the system
2. Public administration, government, domotics, hospitals, gerontology and educational
centres, hospitals, town councils (any sector) that can be users of Information Technologies (IT)
developments, and who are the final recipents of the technology
- Task to be performed:
1.Technical Cooperation: the recipient, together with the developer, will co-develop
the technology in order to meet new applications
2. Commercial Agreement with technical assistance: the developer provides a number of
services essentials to transfer the technology
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