GiraffPlus - System Reference Architecture

The GiraffPlus project aims at developing a system that addresses the above challenges. The system consists of a network of home sensors which e.g. are measuring blood pressure or detecting if someone falls off a chair. The data is then interpreted in terms of activities, health and well-being, such as if the person is relaxed or need to go to bed. Events can trigger alerts or reminders to a healthcare provider, or be analyzed by a healthcare professional. A telepresence robot, Giraff, can be moved around in the home of someone who is online via the Internet, e.g. a caregiver or family member, and helps the user to keep their social connections alive.
The GiraffPlus project aims to contribute to a reduction in healthcare costs as many health ailments can be addressed in an early stage of on-set. For the elderly, the concept presented in this proposal provides a tool to address concerns about isolation and safety by encouraging social contact and thereby increasing quality of life and possibilities to prolong independent living. For the caregiver, the specific technologies developed in this project allow for continuous information about the status of the elderly, encourage a meaningful interaction concerning patient well-being, enable timely involvement, provide time effective care and not least lead to economical savings.