SmartAbility: Detection of reduced physical abilities through smartphone sensors

Abstract

This paper describes a developed Android application to accompany the SmartAbility Framework, in order to recommend technologies for people with reduced physical ability. The framework is a culmination of previously conducted research, including requirements elicitation and technology trials. The application is based on a previous prototype version that required manual input of user abilities. The presented version detects the action that users are able to perform independently through the adoption of sensor technologies that are built-into Android devices, such as the accelerometer and step counter. The knowledge contained within the framework is subsequently used to derive recommendations of technology that could be suitable for the user. Future enhancements to the application will enable complete automatic detection, without the requirement for manual input. The exploitation of the SmartAbility application is anticipated to increase technology awareness amongst the user community, as well as providing a means for assistive technology manufacturers to promote their products.