 | Developing an ambient intelligence space for the integration of functions and services for elderly and disabled people across various environments
Because of the ubiquity and usefulness of mobile phones, particularly in Europe, these devices offer an unprecedented opportunity to improve the quality of life for mobility impaired members of society. |
Rich mobile device software coupled with intelligent content and server-based services offer the ability of providing services that increase the independence and personal freedom of elderly and disabled individuals.
The specific focus of the ASK-IT project was to develop and deploy prototype solutions that enable mobility impaired individuals to travel independently and get necessary services en route. The contribution of the European Microsoft Innovation Center: The European Microsoft Innovation Center’s sensor and context management group worked in this project on advanced technologies to create Body Areas Networks (BAN) to discover emergency situations for the user.
Emergency situations were discovered by analyzing information coming from wireless sensors in the environment or attached to the user’s body.
In addition to the emergency situation, we leveraged our wireless sensor technology and knowledge to enable the user to communicate with vending machines—to buy train tickets—using Web services.
The challenge we faced was the discovery, aggregation, and use of previously unknown services provided by the environment.
For more information and all partner names, visit the project’s Web site at:
http://www.ask-it.org/ | 
