A student research project is using the built-in motion detection features of a popular games console to provide a low-cost, 24-hour home monitoring system for the sick, elderly or those with a disability.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) Computer Science Honours student Laurence Da Luz has developed software that utilises the infra-red camera and movement sensor within an Xbox Kinect to track a person’s movements in their home and ‘learn’ their daily routine.
It can identify when an individual’s activity is out of the ordinary, for example if they miss a meal, or don’t get out of bed. The system then has the potential to contact a family member through an SMS or email.
With 13 per cent of Australia’s population set to be aged over 70 by 2021, Mr Da Luz said he identified a need for an easily managed, low-cost home monitoring system.
“With an ageing population, the idea of growing old within familiar surroundings has become more and more important,” Mr Da Luz said.
“Currently in-home monitoring is either done by daily visits from a carer, through supervised monitoring using sensors attached directly to a person or through a central system which can require rewiring of the entire house. All three options are expensive and disruptive.”
An Xbox Kinect currently costs around $150 and can be purchased from any gaming or department store. Mr Da Luz has designed the software so it can be set up easily and quickly.
In addition to sending alerts, the system also provides an early warning function.
“It continuously monitors daily activity and converts the data into a downloadable graph, giving a wider picture of the individual’s behavioural patterns. For example, it could show if they are sleeping longer or moving around less than they were a month ago. These can all be early warning signs for poor health.”
Laurence is hoping to now trial the software in an aged care setting.
Further enhancements are envisaged to link the software to a smartphone app which will be designed to immediately alert a family member through push notifications.
The innovative research project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2013 WA Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (WAiTTA).
Mr Da Luz has had previous success at the awards, leading a team of students who won the Tertiary Student Project Category in 2012for their app which transforms a smartphone into an emergency beacon.
