This Phase I SBIR will develop assistive technology for person recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI). The patient will receive individualized audio guidance as they use articles of daily living and travel within their rehab facility. The patient carries a cellphone programmed with daily schedule and facility map. Talking Lights(TL) technology will enable ordinary lights to become location beacons while still providing satisfactory non-flickering iillumination. A small, lightweight receiver carried by the patient processes data from TL beacons to communicate location to the patients cellphone/computer. Articles of daily living are mesh networked with the patient and a central server to real-time, interactive guidance. The system has shown substantial benefit in improving patient travels and scheduling. This project will extend the capability to articles of daily living and will reduce size and weight, extend battery life and greatly enhance capability. Because the system uses existing lighting infrastructure and COTS cellphone, it is inexpensive and quick and easy to implement The system tracks and records patient location and activities and is used for tracking and safety monitoring even when the patient no longer needs audio guidance. It is suitable for acute care, post acute care and at home rehab.
Keywords: Traumatic Brain Injury, Tbi, Assistive Technology, Cognitive Orthotic, Rehabilitation, Context Awareness, Networking, Talking Lights
