Project 1: Location Tracking Sensors/Systems in Pervasive Spaces

Locating people indoors is becoming of significant importance for many pervasive applications. An effective pervasive space requires a system that is aware of its surroundings. Knowing where the users are in a smart space boosts the performance level of any application running in that environment. We developed two means for locating people:

1– Using ultrasound devices, which was implemented in Matilda Smart House, where the user has to wear a vest that hold the tags. Advantages, is that it provides also the orientation and we were able to develop location and orientation aware applications. Another advantage is that when the user wants some privacy he just take of the vest. Disadvantages is charging the tags is cumbersome.

2– Using pressure sensors under the raised floor, which was deployed inside the Gator Tech Smart House. Advantages is that is transparent location tracking system. Disadvantages is that direction of movement is known and not the orientation, and also identification is a problem.

Project 2: Assistive Environments—Pervasive Computing for the Elderly and Disabled, Elder Cognitive Assistant

Senior people tend to be forgetful, we worked together with research scientists from Occupational Therapy Department to develop mobile applications that can assist elder people in their major daily activity towards improving the quality of their life style and help them live independent for a longer period of time.