Volume 45 Number 4, 2008
   Pages 505 — 522

Abstract - Distributed cognitive aid with scheduling and interactive task guidance

Edmund F. LoPresti, PhD;1* Richard C. Simpson, PhD, ATP;2-3 Ned Kirsch, PhD;4 Debra Schreckenghost, MS;5 Stephen Hayashi, BS3

1Assistive Technology Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA; 2Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; 3Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; 4Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; 5TRACLabs, Houston, TX

Abstract — A cognitive assistive technology system has been designed for use by people with memory and organizational impairments. This system will provide a distributed architecture for both scheduling assistance and task guidance, as well as intelligent, automatic replanning on the levels of both the schedule and individual tasks. A prototype of this architecture has been developed that focuses on interactive task guidance capabilities. Scheduling software has been developed but not fully integrated with the task guidance features. The system has been preliminarily tested through simulated trials, monitored use of the prototype in a clinical setting, and usability trials of the task-design interface with rehabilitation professionals. Participants were able to respond appropriately to cues provided by the system and complete prescribed tasks.

Key words: activities of daily living, assistive technology, brain injury, cognitive impairment, dementia, human-computer interface, man-machine systems, prospective memory, software design, task guidance.

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