COGNIPOD

COGNIPOD�s goal is to design, implement and test a wearable �cognitive prosthesis�, the COGNIPOD, that helps to compensate for cognitive deficits in (primarily elderly) people suffering from these conditions. The COGNIPOD is a wearable computer that helps users to perform cognitive functions of critical importance in their daily lives. These include recognition of familiar persons (caregivers, etc.); avoiding misplacement of frequently used objects (e.g. spectacles, keys); and remembering important tasks (taking medication, etc.).

COGNIPOD functionality will be complementary to systems (e.g Smart Environments) which act automatically without user involvement (e.g. to detect emergencies). In our initial design hypothesis, COGNIPOD output will be provided by a wireless earphone; there will be no screen; the input device will be a simple remote control unit; input from caregivers will be provided via a simple Web Interface. Wizard of Oz prototyping will compare this approach to alternative solutions. To implement the desired functionality, COGNIPOD will investigate different technologies, including RFID (to label persons and objects), face recognition (to identify the person to whom the user is speaking) and UWB (to localize the user). In some cases multiple technologies will be combined, providing lower error rates than would be possible with a single technology. The project will build a prototype of the planned device, perform extensive pre-clinical testing and conduct a Phase I clinical trial. The partners in COGNIPOD aim to set up a jointly-owned spinoff company to manage and exploit the IPR generated by the project, exploiting regional and national startup funding.


Related Files

presentations	web	communication Material	administration	process
proposal, 623Kb			budget, 22Kb proposal, 93Kb