Remote Assistance for Elderly to Find Hidden Objects in a Kitchen

Abstract

We present a design and preliminary evaluation of novel visual guidance of a remote assistive system for the elderly to find hidden objects in a kitchen. Our system has two essential functions; 1) to update a list and corresponding location information of objects concealed in a shelf with at all times, and 2) to display images and texts about the objects on the corresponding area of the door of the shelf. We aim to realize assistive visual guidance to elderly for overcoming the deficits of initiation, planning, attention and memory deficits while performing kitchen-based activities of daily living such as finding items for cooking. In this study, we focus on hidden objects because there is an increased possibility for the elderly with cognitive impairments to forget where and what the object is due to the non-visibility. The paper shows the prototype system that uses RFID and projection technology. We conducted a user study with twelve elderly participants to evaluate the usability of the system using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Additionally, we also investigate the acceptability of the system by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The results demonstrate that the elderly participants found the system useful and easy to use. Finally, we conclude that a remote assistive system can be used to assist elderly to storing and retrieving objects from cabinet and shelves during a kitchen task but need more studies to make the system more efficient and effective.

Emerging Technologies for Next Generation Remote Health Care and Assisted Living

“…Ikeda et al [259] and Uranishi et al [260] have developed assistive system for elderly using projection technology to help elderly in a kitchen environment by projecting visual prompts at a kitchen top. Similarly, authors in [261] designed and developed a system by combining RFID technology along with the projection technology that can assist elderly in a kitchen environment to find objects from hidden places such as kitchen cabinets. A medication management system called MED-AR by Guerrero et al [262] that uses projection based AR technology for tracking and distributing prescribed medicines to the elderly in their homes.…”

Emerging Technologies for Next Generation Remote Health Care and Assisted Living

“…Ikeda et al [256] and Uranishi et al [257] have developed assistive system for elderly using projection technology to help elderly in a kitchen environment by projecting visual prompts at a kitchen top. Similarly, authors in [258] designed and developed a system by combining RFID technology along with the projection technology that can assist elderly in a kitchen environment to find objects from hidden places such as kitchen cabinets. A medication management system called MED-AR by Guerrero et al [259] that uses projection based AR technology for tracking and distributing prescribed medicines to the elderly in their homes.…”

Proposed Kitchen Design for Complying Elderly Needs

“…Wang (2020) researched kitchen layout design for the elderly, while Zubaidi (2019) researched the manufacture of kitchen utensils in the form of cutting boards that are easy and safe to use by the elderly. Gullà (2016) proposed the creation of a smart system to help the elderly perform kitchen tasks, Asghar (2017) studied the manufacture of tools for the elderly to find lost items in the kitchen, and Wang and Ning (2020) examined the design of a smart kitchen application for the elderly.…”