PiTaSu: a wearable interface for assisting senior citizens with memory problems

Little research has been carried out on specialized wearable user interfaced designs to assist memory impaired senior citizens. This paper proposes and implements PiTaSu (Picture based Tapping on wall Surfaces) to realize direct user interface system to offer visual feedback and tactile feedback. PiTaSu is based on a pictorial based Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) system. PiTaSu consists of a body-worn or shoulder-attached mobile projector, a camera and an accelerometer wrist band. The projector shows information that will help assist the memory impaired senior citizen in their daily task. The camera and the accelerometer detect a tapping position and tapping trigger. Experimental results have demonstrated that a senior citizen can use PiTaSu without learning special skills, and the projection based user interface has potential. Therefore, PiTaSu can assist memory-impaired senior citizens as a daily task reminder.