Presenting a real-time activity-based bidirectional framework for improving social connectedness

New research on ambient displays within ambient assisted living (AAL) environments, demonstrates solid potential for the application of bidirectional activity-based context aware systems for promoting social connectedness between the elderly and their caregivers. Using visual, auditory or tactile modalities, such systems can reveal subtle information concerning health and well-being and stimulate co-presence between the pair. In this paper, we present the design and development of an activity-based framework aimed at enabling the real-time viewing of bidirectional activity states between the elderly and their caregivers. This framework seeks to overcome the limitations of existing ambient displays deployed in AAL settings, which are in most cases unidirectional and confined to the homes of its users. Our bidirectional activity-based framework, is based on an extensive literature review, expert advice and user feedback, which informed the design decisions about the product features and functionality. The system exploits a highly accurate activity recognition model to facilitate real-time activity awareness and an “always connected” service through portable interactive devices for stimulating social connectedness within the AAL domain.