Proximity Gradient Notification System for Assisted Living

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reminding devices, such as alarm clocks, do not account for the proximity of the user, leading to inefficient message delivery and potential misuse of resources like power, and lack the ability to adapt message content based on the user's distance from the device.

Innovation Solution

An assisted-living notification system utilizing proximity sensors with gradient sensitivity to detect the user's proximity and adjust the message content and display accordingly, providing relevant reminders only when the user is near, thus conserving power and improving message clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional reminding devices deliver messages regardless of user proximity, then message delivery is simple and reliable, but power is wasted and message relevance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of user proximity through sensors before activating the message delivery function. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary power consumption by ensuring messages are only delivered when a user is actually present, directly resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user proximity and uses this feedback to dynamically control message delivery and power consumption. The feedback loop adjusts system behavior based on real-time conditions, enabling energy savings without compromising message reliability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If alarm clocks present messages automatically at specified times, then reminder reliability is improved, but message relevance deteriorates when no one is around

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereminder reliabilityVSAvoidmessage relevance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary proximity detection before delivering messages at scheduled times. This ensures that even though messages are delivered at reliable, predetermined times, they are only actually presented when a user is present, preventing information loss through irrelevant notifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time proximity feedback to modulate the delivery of pre-scheduled messages. This maintains the reliability of timing while adapting message relevance based on user presence, resolving the contradiction between consistent scheduling and contextual appropriateness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If notification devices operate continuously to ensure timely message delivery, then response timeliness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery timingVSAvoiddevice power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary proximity detection before activating full notification functions. This preliminary check ensures that the system is ready to deliver messages timely when needed while avoiding continuous operation, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing response timeliness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic proximity checks instead of continuous operation. This periodic monitoring maintains the ability to deliver messages timely while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively delivers tailored reminders and warnings to users with physical or mental impairments, enhancing their independence by ensuring messages are readable and timely, while minimizing power consumption and resource usage.

Implementation Method 1

An assisted-living notification system may include multiple notification devices positioned in various locations within a dwelling. The notification devices may deliver visual and/or audible messages to the person. For example, as explained in greater detail below, a notification device sitting in the kitchen by a pillbox can provide medication reminders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8035526B2Remotely configurable assisted-living notification system with gradient proximity sensitivity

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 CARE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system provides assisted living messages with varying levels of detail to a person, according to proximity gradients. In one embodiment, the system involves location data. The location data associates first and second notification devices with respective first and second locations at a dwelling. A remote configuration module may enable a caregiver at a location other than the dwelling to specify multiple messages to be presented to the person at the dwelling, to assign first and second messages among the multiple messages to the first location, and to associate the first and second messages with first and second proximities, respectively, for the first location. The first notification device may automatically present the first message in response to detecting the person within the first proximity, and the second message in response to detecting the person within the second proximity. Other embodiments are described and claimed.