Rome ITALY ITAL Y pscseirmkant .bitnet amedeoelrmkant .bitne tThe main thesis of this work is that human interactions are neithe r unpredictable nor bounded, but they are undertaken autonomously o n the grounds of a number of basic principles and conditions . Among these, a crucial role is played by the objective dependence relationship s holding among agents . In this paper we report about a first step i n providing a computational theory of dependence as a tool for interactio n control . We define non social as well as social dependence, and try t o show how dependence relationships are organized into comple x patterns (such as multiparty, multigoal, unilateral, and bilatera l dependence) . We then show how a given set of dependenc e relationships may produce new dependence relationships . Finally, w e explore the relationship between dependence and influencing , describing how an agent's dependence on another is predictive of one' s goal of influencing the other, as well as of the latter's power o f influencing the former .

This work describes an enabling technology for remote assistance and social communication. It highlights the importance of being compliant with users' needs to develop solutions easy to use and able to foster their social connections. The role of personality appeared to be relevant for the interaction, underscoring a clear role of the service personalization.

No abstract

This article reports on the EU project ExCITE with specific focus on the technical development of the telepresence platform over a period of 42 months. The aim of the project was to assess the robustness and validity of the mobile robotic telepresence (MRP) system Giraff as a means to support elderly people and to foster their social interaction and participation. Embracing the idea of user-centered product refinement, the robot was tested over long periods of time in real homes. As such, the system development was driven by a strong involvement of elderly people and their caregivers but also by technical challenges associated with deploying the robot in real-world contexts. The results of the 42-months’ long evaluation is a system suitable for use in homes rather than a generic system suitable, for example, in office environments.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Abstract. This article describes a systematic investigation on the expectations of potential users of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technologies. More specifically it describes the efforts made to elicit users expectations for services of an AAL system that aims to both monitor older people fostering their independent living and preventing dangerous situations and also offers a valid help to their caregivers. The specific target of our work is older adults, with no critical pathological conditions, who wish to stay home as long as possible. The work proposes a plan for a rigorous systematization of the users needs and their validation based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques involving both the primary users (older users at home) and the secondary users (formal and informal caregivers) who constitute the network of persons around them. Four main areas relevant to the realization of personalized services have been identified that could help to support independent living and improve Quality of Life (QoL) which include the monitoring of Social Interaction, Physiological Data, Daily Activities and Environmental Data. The presented results are also consistent with the global theoretical framework of International Classification of the Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) which highlights the main factors contributions to independent living. This study also investigates the perceived usefulness and acceptance of specific services (considering both primary and secondary users perspective) that have been listed inside each category with the aim to indicate a clear priority level and preferences of users. The article concludes by providing insights on practical implications for the systems development, presenting concrete examples of possible use cases relevant for the AAL domain linked to the elicited user requirements.