Project Description

All of us frequently leave our houses, forgetting to bring
something we desperately need that day - cellphone, presentation for
work, packed lunch, etc. Or, we forget to do something critical such as
close all the windows or turn off the lights. For people with
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), this problem becomes greatly exaggerated. The
early stages of AD involve mild forgetfulness such as remembering
recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things.

Our project, "What am I Forgetting?", is a product which serves as a memory aid for people with AD and their caretakers. "What am I Forgetting"
is a doorknob that reminds people what they need to do or have with
them before they leave the house. The doorknob serves as a last
reminder directly at the point of departure. The doorknob can also
serve to automatically turn off selected household appliances and
fixtures.

Inputs and Outputs

• Input object: Doorknob (or handle), RFID reader, pressure sensor in doormat

• Input action: Rotating (user turns knob to leave the house), proximity of hand-held items to RFID reader in door jamb.

• Output objects: Doorknob, door, household appliances and objects (alarm, lights, oven, etc.)

• Output actions:
  
  • Doorknob vibrates to alert the user of a messages.
  • Important simple messages are projected onto the door
  • Pre-programmed household appliances and fixtures can be automatically turned on or off.
  • The color of doorknob implies information (e.g. weather info)
  • Audio reminders (e.g. "You forgot your keys")

Use cases

Case 1:

An early stage AD patient notices that she has been leaving her
house without her wallet, causing a great deal of inconvenience once
she gets to work or the grocery store. Using our product, she places an
RFID inside her wallet or on her keychain. Whenever she turns her
doorknob to leave the house, her doorknob flashes and vibrates harshly
whenever she does not have her wallet or keys with her. The harsh
vibration serves as a reminder for her to find and bring her wallet.

Case 2:

An early stage AD patient frequently forgets to take his medication
before leaving his house in the morning. He programs our product to
help him remember. When he turns his doorknob to leave the house in the
morning, the doorknob vibrates and a message is projected onto the door
reminding him to take his medication. The house knows who he is by
using the RFID fob on his key ring.

Case 3:

An early stage AD patient is concerned that she has been leaving
the TV and all the lights on when she leaves her home. She connects her
TV, lights, and for good measure her oven and stove, to our product.
When she turns her doorknob, a warning is displayed notifying her that
the connected fixtures and appliances are still on; she can then turn
these off using our product.

Case 4:

An early stage AD patient is leaving without an umbrella when it's
going to rain outside. When she touches the doorknob, the doorknob
turns blue and a message is displayed on the door, notifying her that
it will rain in the afternoon.

Case 5:

An early stage AD patient forgets to check the amount of water in a
pet's water bowl before leaving the house. A sensor determines if the
bowl needs water, and if so, the doorknob flashes, a message appears on
the door, and an audio alert sounds.