The sense lounger: establishing a ubicomp beachhead in elders' homes

ABSTRACT

In this paper we describe the Sense Lounger, a method for simply and cheaply turning a lounge chair into an initial "ubicomp" device in a home; providing a beachhead for transforming the home into a rich ubicomp environment. The Sense Lounger employs fabric sensors sewn into a chair's slipcover and force sensors on each leg to detect both an occupant and their activity. Drawing insights from user needs, we developed the Sense Lounger to (i) fit into the home and lifestyle of elders, (ii) assist and add value to the lives of elders, (iii) provide a platform for expanding assistive devices within the home environment. The current Sense Lounger prototype can be used to detect signs of life, patterns of use, posture, and sitting duration.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

Keywords:
aging in place, assistive technology, design studies, eldercare, interaction design, ubicomp