Cradle Drive Patterns for Accessible Assistive Service Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older adults living alone face challenges in accessing and efficiently using high-cost smart speakers or assistive robots due to complexity and cost, and those with hearing loss struggle with voice-based assistive services.
Innovation Solution
An assistive system utilizing a cradle module with a drive pattern to provide assistive services through a user terminal, offering voice outputs and automated drive patterns to simplify service execution and reminders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-cost smart speakers or assistive robots are used, then assistive services can be provided, but the cost and complexity increase making it difficult for older adults to access and use them
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three main segments: a user terminal (smartphone/tablet) that older adults already possess, a cradle module that provides charging and communication functions, and an assistant server that processes requests. This segmentation allows the assistive service functionality to be distributed across existing devices rather than requiring a single complex dedicated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle module serves multiple functions: it charges the user terminal, establishes communication between the terminal and assistant server, and triggers assistive services through drive patterns. The user terminal itself is a multi-functional device that older adults already use for various purposes, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If voice-based assistive services are used, then hands-free operation is enabled, but users with hearing loss cannot efficiently use the services
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides different quality channels for different user needs: voice output for normal hearing users and visual display on the user terminal screen for hearing-impaired users. The cradle module detects which user is present and adjusts the output modality accordingly, ensuring each user receives information in their preferred sensory channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistant server acts as an intermediary that converts voice-based assistive service content into both audio and visual formats. It receives requests, processes them, and delivers responses through multiple channels (voice synthesis and screen display), allowing hearing-impaired users to access the same services as others.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assistive services are provided, then comprehensive support is available, but it becomes difficult for users to identify and distinguish between different services
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle module uses different drive patterns (visual indicators such as LED colors or screen displays) to represent different assistive services. Each service type is associated with a distinct visual pattern, allowing users to easily identify which service is currently active or being requested without needing to understand complex service descriptions.
4Productivity
If assistive services require manual activation, then service execution is controlled, but convenience of use decreases for older adults
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle module automatically detects when a user terminal is placed on it and autonomously initiates the assistive service workflow. It automatically establishes communication with the assistant server, retrieves user information, and activates appropriate services without requiring the older adult to perform any complex operations beyond placing their device on the cradle.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistive system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cradle module including a holder body on which a user terminal is to be placed and a drive unit configured to drive the holder body, the cradle module configured to output a terminal connection signal when the user terminal is placed on the holder body, and an assistant server configured to receive the terminal connection signal from the cradle module and execute an assistive service, the assistant server configured to control the drive unit by a preset drive pattern through a drive control signal when executing the assistive service. It is possible to easily and conveniently identify a plurality of assistive services outputted according to each situation by controlling a cradle module through a drive pattern corresponding to an assistive service while outputting a voice corresponding to the assistive service when executing the assistive service.