Datasheet

Jon Waddington
7
with televisions for years.
Ideally, no re-wiring should be needed, making the information system simple enough to
be installed and customised by the user. This should also make the Information System
more cost effective as a specialist is not required to install it.
1.2 Target Market
The Information System is aimed at assisting the elderly and disabled with performing
simple tasks around the home by providing a means of home control.
Home control is expected to be a major, positive, role for the care of elderly people in
their homes or in care homes. Home control can support the elderly in their own homes
and still allow them to get the support they need from friends or family. This is a
preferable alternative to being placed in a care home, receiving assistance from care
workers. The technology can also benefit both the elderly user and the care provider [5],
as it allows the elderly user to function more independently [4].
Another area to target is the physically disabled. By combining technology with personal
assistance, the user’s disability is modified, therefore reducing the severity of the
disability. The Information System helps to modify the disability through reducing the
task demands through environmental modification [4].
Whether the Information System is used to replace or to work alongside personal
assistance, an whether the system is used all the time or not, the need of such a device
aimed at reducing the efforts of personal assistance of the elderly and disabled is
apparent [4].
1.3 Issues and Limitations
Although home automation should make a significant contribution to the safety, security,
independence and quality of life of elderly and disabled people living in their home, there
are some limitations.
Not everyone can benefit from the Information System and some will not accept it, and
the needs of each user must be inspected carefully to provide greatest assistance [5].
The aim of the Information System is not to completely eliminate the need for personal