i-Slipper is a domestic healthcare system designed for the elderly who live alone and their remote children. It is composed of smart slippers, charging board, Bluetooth locator and the app. The project tackles the elderly's reluctance toward wearable health monitoring devices by taking on the form of slippers, which are really common in Asian household, to blend in their lives in an natural, non-intrusive way. Through the app, the children can access two types of instant information which assist them to keep an eye on their parents' health condition and routine.
Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is a rather new method to assess one’s health condition. Ordinary as walking may seems, it is a holistic activity that requires whole body engagement. That’s why by studying how a person walks, we can acquire critical clue to one’s health status. The biomechanical data for gait analysis includes the center of force, step time, swing time and weight distribution. By comparing those with the normal gait pattern, gait analysis is proved to be effective at diagnosing not only musculoskeletal issues, but also neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular and even mental health issues.
Through the 8 pressure sensors inside the sole, the data is collected and sent to the app to conduct gait analysis. Some abnormality requires a period of time to collect, compare and analyze, some could be imminent, for example falling detection. The app will present any abnormality and suggest corresponding medical treatment. It will also contact local first aid agency immediately if an emergency happens. The sole inside can further be separated easily by the zipper, making cleaning the slippers easy.
Daily Record
Another feature of i-Slipper is reflecting the owner’s daily routine. For example, when the slippers are in the bedroom without any pressure detected, it’s likely that the owner is sleeping. With the Bluetooth locators installed around the house, the app roughly presents one's domestic living trace. Along with the warm image of slippers, i-Slipper not only serves for medical purpose, but also builds a household connection between the elderly and their remote children.
