Information service for the elderly and disabled
The emerging interactive services through Digital TV are considered to become a key technological market within the next years. Taking advantage of these technologies, the SAID project focused on offering advanced services for the potentially socially excluded groups, such as the disabled and the elderly. The project's major objective was not only to provide social services but also to make IST accessible to all through provision of basic care services. Addressing the end users needs, SAID developed information interactive services that can be used both by the elderly and disabled through regular TV. More specifically, researchers realised suitable intelligent agents technology required to refine filtered lists of topics personalised according to user's profile. Based on an aided search engine the interactive information service employs a search-tree approach that includes topics and sub-topics with dynamic change of content. Unlike the interactive information service that is based on user requests, the active information service doesn't require the user's explicit request. This service is also based on intelligent agents that monitors the most interesting topics to the user and provides suggestions through pop up messages on the TV screen. The suggestions come from the elaboration of user profiles and special attention was paid to the user-friendly, relevancy and timeliness of delivered information. SAID project developed a set of innovative added value services that could find useful application in iTV-based technology. Further collaboration is sought with distributors, venture capital investors and communications carriers. For further information: http://www.eptron.es/projects/said(opens in new window)
