The final prototype, as illustrated in figure 7, includes a model that represents two different environments. The biggest part represents the home of an elderly person, the other part symbolizes the hallway of one of the grandchildren.
Figure 7: Full-scale prototypes of the KeyPing
Differences between the prototype and the final design
Since it was not possible to implement all thoughts on interaction in the prototype as a representation for a production model, an explanation of the differences is stated here.
First, the activation of the board by keys is different. In the prototype, it is possible to hang your keys on a hook on the board, while a micro switch activates the system. In the production model the principle stays the same, but the sensor detecting the key is wireless connected to the board – which allows the future user to move the hook freely on the board. In the prototype, the boards are wired with each other with a computer in between. However, geographical distances make it difficult to do so in real life. It is expected that in the future wireless internet is available to almost every citizen. In addition to this, the target group will be older. This implies that both their understanding of technology and the number of technological products they use are much higher than of current elder people. Because of this, it is possible to directly connect the system through wireless internet to a server that processes the information.
The knobs, which represent a contact person, are wired as well. For a production model, the design team would like to propose the design in figure 8. A single knob contains a passive radio frequency identification (rfid) chip with contact-information, a printed circuit board (pcb), a battery, a magnet and four LEDs. The passive rfid chip receives information from a minicomputer in the board and sends it to the pcb. The pcb translates this information into the activity of the LEDs, which are powered by the coin cell battery (a coin cell battery in this circuit will last for over two years).
Figure 8: Profile of a KeyPing knob
The design of the knobs makes it possible to sell a couple together or even sell ‘blank’ knobs. The couples come with pre-programmed rfid chips for two persons and the blank ones can be programmed by the user themselves using either a computer or the board. The possibilities here have to be researched thoroughly. At last, another sensor for the measurements of activity is used than the team would propose for a production model. In the prototype, a light sensor detects whether the door is open or closed. However, since the knobs are wireless, it is logical to use that principle for this sensor as well. A possible solution would be to place a wireless magnetic detection on the doorpost and the door itself. In this way, the freedom of placement is much higher while the struggle with wires is much lower.
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