WO2000079351A1

WO2000079351A1 - Individually adjustable, automated, facile environments

Info

Publication number: WO2000079351A1
Application number: PCT/IL2000/000362
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Eisenberg
Original assignee: David Eisenberg
Priority date: 1999-06-21
Filing date: 2000-06-21
Publication date: 2000-12-28
Also published as: AU5245100A; IL130578A0

Abstract

A system for providing individually adjustable, automated, facile environments which includes: a databank (110), containing a customer's characterizing information, which includes a customer's identifying feature, an input data manifold of the customer's limitations, needs and desires, and an anticipated output data manifold of at least one adjustment; a program module (109) which may be programmed using a paradigm selected from Artificial Neural Network (AAN), Fuzzy Logic, Classical Logic, and Exploratory Data Analysis and which applies a rule-based evaluation to said input data manifold of customer's limitations, needs and desires to produce said anticipated output data manifold; and at least one site (104) of an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment, which includes: an identity sensor, for sensing the approach and identity of the customer for whom said environment is to be individually facile; at least one automatically adjustable unit, for making said environment facile to the customer; at least one driver for adjusting said unit; and a controller for activating said at least one driver, responsive to said anticipated output data manifold.

Description

INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTABLE, AUTOMATED. FACILE ENVIRONMENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable environments, generally, and in particular to environments, such as, in private homes and in public places, automatically adjustable to the needs of individuals using them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatically adjusted environments are known. An Internet article seen on May 22, 2000 and entitled "ICAN," published by the TNO Institute of Applied Physics, located at PO Box 155, 2600 AD Delft, The Netherlands, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes an integrated communication and control environment for a person's needs. The system is based on a function carrier - a portable computer, which may be a laptop, a palmtop, or a PC imbedded in a wheelchair. The function carrier is born by a disabled person, on a wheelchair and is in communication with different domestic appliances and equipment in a "smart" house. It may also control the wheelchair itself. The overall integration method is based on a "Multiple Master Multiple Slave" (M3S) architecture and communication principles - a protocol that follows a modular approach and allows easy implementation of devices via a complete set of hardware and software tools. However, "ICAN," designed for people on wheelchairs, is generally not suitable for non-wheelchair bound people, for whom carrying the function carrier at all times may be cumbersome.

"Universal Remote Console Communication Protocol (URCC)," by Gregg C. Nanderheiden, Trace R&D Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, seen on the Internet on May 22, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a protocol for providing easy, flexible control over a broad range of devices, including assistive devices that a disabled person may be using. A target device can be any device that has electronic controls and an audio or video display, for example, a television, stereo, telephone, or microwave oven. The remote control console may be a hand-held device, a laptop computer, a pocket calendar, or any other electronic device with controls and an audio or visual display. A key feature of URCC is that it allows disabled individuals, who cannot use displays and controls on standard devices, to use a special assistive technology as a remote console, giving them access to these devices. URCC, like "ICAN," suffers from the drawback that a user must carry a remote-control console to use URCC.

"ARIADNE - Exploiting a new Generation of Intelligent Buildings," by G.T. Foster et al., Distributed Systems Research Group, Department of Cybernetics, University of Reading, Whitenknights, Reading, UK, RG6 6AY, posted on the Internet on August 4, 1998, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a system entitled "ARIADNE, Access, Information and Navigation Support in the Labyrinths of Large Buildings." The concept described in this article includes a user, such as an elderly or a disabled person, carrying a smartcard which contains personal data. A microwave based transponder system is used as the basis of the ID system. A network of reader nodes, located at strategic decision points in a building, is employed to locate users throughout the building. The network further acts as an information integration infrastructure, to supply information directly to the user. ARIADNE may be used to direct people to ergonomic access points, provide information to users, navigate users through the building, or respond to queries.

US Patent No. 5,875,108 to Hofϊberg, et al., entitled "Ergonomic man-machine interface incorporating adaptive pattern recognition based control system," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes an ergonomically adapted system that provides an optimized environment for human interaction with a device, by employing a graphical direct-manipulation style interface. The system provides an enhanced interface that facilitates human input of a desired information and modifications to previously entered information. The system includes adaptive programmable apparatus that has a plurality of states. The apparatus is programmable to execute instructions by a programmer and operates in an environment in which a plurality of possible external events occur, each of the events being associated with different data. The apparatus includes a data input component, for receiving data related to events and to the programmer input, a feedback component, for providing information related to the programmer input and to a current status of the apparatus to the programmer, a memory component, for storing program instructions associated with the programmer input, and a processor for controlling the response of said apparatus to events. Thus, the above described ergonomic man-machine interface relies on human feedback to create an optimized environment for human interaction. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a system of individually adjustable, automated, facile environments (IAAFE) in homes and in public places, for IAAFE customers, wherein these same environments will appear standard to general users, people who are not customers of the IAAFE system.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IAAFE system provides adjustable solutions to problems of accessibility, physical comfort, and physical limitations. IAAFE customers may be, inter alia, people who suffer from a disability, toddlers in toilet training, children who are too small to use standard facilities, people with certain idiosyncrasies, and anyone with distinct views about what he or she considers facile or convenient. To become an IAAFE customer, a person must be initiated into the IAAFE system. The process of initiation includes filling out a questionnaire, describing the prospective customer's limitations, needs, desires, especially as they relate to problems of accessibility, physical comfort, and physical limitations. Preferably, IAAFE sites will be distributed around the world, and IAAFE customers may travel from place to place, using these sites, and enjoying conveniences that are tailor-made to their limitations, needs and desires.

By way of example only, an IAAFE site may be a bathroom environment, and relate for example, to: automatically adjusted heights and angles of fixtures, so as to conform to the limitations and needs of a customer; a selectably deployable grab bars, a stepladder, or shower seat, arranged for the customer; or to an automatic setting of a shower- water temperature. Furthermore, the IAAFE site may be a kitchen environment and relate, for example, to automatically adjusted heights and angles of a kitchen sink or a kitchen counter. Additionally, the IAAFE site may be a sitting, dining or sleeping area, and relate, for example, to automatically adjusted armchairs and chairs, or to a selectably deployable grab bars.

In accordance with the present invention, the IAAFE system is able to take into account the needs of a particular IAAFE customer on the one hand and the flexibility of a particular IAAFE site on the other, and provide an environment that is optimal for the particular customer at the particular site. Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, the IAAFE system is adaptable so as to learn the needs of a particular customer, and so as to evolve into an optimal environment for a particular customer, even as his needs change. In accordance with the present invention, the IAAFE system's ability to provide an individually facile environment to different customers is based on:

• an ability to identify individual needs;

• an ability to design and apply concrete solutions to individual needs; and • an ability to automatically manipulate and adjust physical elements, in order to provide the solutions.

Further in accordance with the present invention, the IAAFE system provides an individually facile interface for customers' feedback and other communication with the system, taking into account each customer's preference. For example, the language of the IAAFE interface is adaptable so as to be in the customer's mother tongue even as he travels to other countries. The IAAFE interface gives the customer ultimate control over the automated IAAFE system

There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for providing individually adjustable, automated, facile environments which includes: a databank, containing a customer's characterizing information, which includes a customer's identifying feature, an input data manifold of the customer's limitations, needs and desires and an anticipated output data manifold of at least one adjustment; a program module which may be programmed using a paradigm selected from Artificial Neural Network (AAN), Fuzzy Logic, Classical Logic, and Exploratory Data

Analysis and which applies a rule-based evaluation to said input data manifold of customer's limitations, needs and desires to produce said anticipated output data manifold; at least one site of an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment, which includes: an identity sensor, for sensing the approach and identity of the customer for whom said environment is to be individually facile; at least one automatically adjustable unit, for making said environment facile to the customer; at least one driver for adjusting said unit; and a controller for activating said at least one driver, responsive to said anticipated output data manifold.

Preferably, said identity sensor is operative to identify a customer by at least one of: fingerprints, palm prints, footsteps, voice, a code, and a remote control device. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said system includes a customer's smartcard, wherein said databank is contained on a customer's smartcard, as a smartcard databank.

Additionally, said smartcard may be an RFID transponder, and said identity sensor may be an RFID transmitter/receiver.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said controller adapts said anticipated output data manifold to said at least one automatically adjustable unit within said site.

Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said system includes a customer interface, for providing communication between the customer and said site, wherein the communication between the customer and said site relates to any of the timing of said at least one adjustment and a correction to said at least one adjustment of said site to make it more facile to the customer, and wherein said correction may be stored by the customer in a databank. Further in accordance with the present invention, said customer interface may operate in the customer's mother tongue, as specified in said databank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the accompanying detailed description and drawings, in which same number designations are maintained throughout the figures for similar elements and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a wide-area IAAFE system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 2A and 2B are flowcharts of procedures for establishing individually adjustable, automated, facile environments for a customer, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3A schematically illustrates interrelationships amongst different components of an IAAFE site, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3B schematically illustrates interrelationships amongst different components of an IAAFE site, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 3C schematically illustrates interrelationships amongst different components of an IAAFE site, in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which schematically illustrates a wide-area system 100 of individually adjustable, automated, facile environments (IAAFE), in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, IAAFE system 100 includes an IAFFE headquarter 102 which has a central IAAFE databank 110 and a central computer system 108. IAAFE system 100 further includes a plurality of IAAFE sites 104, which may be distributed over a large geographic area, and even around the world. IAAFE sites 104 may be in communication with each other and with IAFFE headquarter 102 via any suitable wired and/or wireless wide-area network 112, such as a telephone network, a cable network, an internet-like network, or another known network.

IAAFE sites 104 are preferably provided in homes, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, theaters, offices, factories and other locations where people reside, work, or just generally spend time. Preferably, each IAAFE site is intended both for customers of the IAAFE system, that is, people who have been initiated into the IAAFE system, and for users in general, that is, people who are not IAAFE customers. Preferably, each IAAFE site provides at least one adjustment to at least one unit within the IAAFE site, for an IAAFE customer. Preferably, each IAAFE site appears as a standard environment to general users.

Thus, an IAAFE site 116, for example a bathroom, in a home 1 14, provides an adjusted environment to an IAAFE customer 118 and a standard environment to general users 120 and 122. An IAAFE site 124, for example, a restroom, in a restaurant 126, provides differently adjusted environments to each of IAAFE customers 128 and 130 and a standard environment to general users 132 and 134. A Hospital 136, a hotel 140, an office 142, a train terminal 135 and an airplane 139 may each include several IAFFE sites.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, IAAFE sites, such as sites 116, 124, 144, and 148 need not be identical. Reasons for differences may be for example, that residential site 116 was designed specifically for IAAFE customer 118, while a site in a public building, like restaurant site 124, was designed for any IAFFE customer. Additionally, newer sites may include features that older site may not have. Furthermore, needs on the one hand and financial constraints on the other dictate the degree to which a specific site is individually adjustable. Thus, in hospital 136, sites may be adjustable to a greater degree than in restaurant 126. Furthermore, sites 144 of hospital 136 may be in a children's ward, and sites 148 may be in an orthopedic ward, thus requiring the emphasis in each to be placed on different types of adjustments. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each IAAFE site has an IAAFE site identification code, which is stored on central IAAFE databank 110, together with a site profile which may include, for example, location, date of construction, date of latest renovation, and adjustable features. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, central computer 108 further includes a program module 109, or a subsystem 109, which may be programmed using a paradigm selected from Artificial Neural Network (AAN), Fuzzy Logic, Classical Logic, Exploratory Data Analysis, or another known artificial intelligence, which applies a rule-based evaluation to a multi-parametric input, to produce a multi-parametric output, as will be described herein below, in conjunction with Fig. 2A.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 A, which is a flowchart 10 of a procedure for establishing an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment for a prospective IAAFE customer, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

INPUT DATA MANIFOLD: in box 12 of flowchart 10, at an initiation stage, a predetermined IAAFE questionnaire is filled out by or on behalf of a prospective IAAFE customer, describing the prospective IAAFE customer in terms of a physiological profile, limitations, needs, and desires, especially as they relate to problems of accessibility, physical comfort, and physical limitations.

The physiological profile may include, the customer's name, age, sex, height, weight, right-hand or left-hand use, ability to read instructions with and without glasses, mother tongue, and reading and speaking abilities in other languages.

Limitations, needs and desires may relate to a disability, for example, a disability as a result of lumbago, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. Additionally or alternatively, they may relate to abnormal physical dimensions, for example, to an unusual height or an unusual weight. Additionally or alternatively, they may relate to certain idiosyncrasies, for example, to the fact that the customer is extremely particular about his sanitation habits and prefers not to touch faucet knobs, door handles, and other accessories that are touched by others, or that the customer likes his bath water automatically set to a precise temperature. Alternatively or additionally, they may relate to children, for example, to a child in toilet training, to a child who cannot read instructions yet, or to a child who cannot reach the sink.

Additionally, when filling out the questionnaire, the prospective IAAFE customer may indicate his or her preferred identifying feature, by which IAFFE system 100 (Fig. 1) is to recognize him or her A preferred identifying feature may be, for example, the customer's voice, for example, in pronouncing a spoken password Alternatively, it may be the sound of the customer's footsteps Alternatively, it may be the customer's fingerprint or palm print Furthermore, when filling out the questionnaire, the prospective IAAFE customer may indicate his or her preferred mode of interfacing with IAAFE system 100 For example, a child who cannot read or write will communicate with IAAFE system 100 audibly, whereas an adult who does not wish to be overheard may prefer to communicate with IAAFE system 100 though a display and touch panel In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each IAAFE customer is assigned an IAAFE customer identification code, which serves to identify the customer at any IAAFE site, throughout IAAFE system 100 Preferably, the customer's preferred identifying feature is correlated to the customer's code, giving the customer the choice of identifying himself or herself to the IAAFE system either by the code or by the preferred identifying feature

The aforementioned parameters are noted on the IAAFE questionnaire and form the basis for the customer's input data manifold, a multi-parametric input, which may be a vector, a multi-dimensional matrix, a hierarchical structure, or a network The customer's input data manifold may be, for example, an input vector X = {xi, x₂, , x_n} Preferably, the input data manifold is coded on a smartcard 34, or on another easily portable device for storing electro-magnetic or electro-optic information, for example, a diskette, a CD, a smart button, a smart key or a radio-frequency identity (RFID) transponder In the foregoing discussion, reference made to smartcard 34, applies also to any other easily portable device for storing electro-magnetic or electro-optic information In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, smartcard 34 is carried by the customer and used as the customer's identification card within an IAAFE site, anywhere in the world Although, as has been noted, the customer may chose to use an identifying feature in place of smartcard 34, especially in sites he or she visits frequently, for example, in an IAAFE site at the customer's residence Preferably, the customer's input data manifold is also stored at central IAAFE databank 110 and can be referenced, for example, when smartcard 34 is lost or forgotten, or if smartcard 34 malfunctions Alternatively or additionally, when the customer is a frequent user at a particular IAAFE site, for example, when the site is at the customer's home, or in a location that he or she visits regularly, the customer's input data manifold may also be stored at a local IAAFE databank 38. Preferably, the customer's input data manifold inlcudes the date at which it was determined.

Preferably, the customer's input data manifold is determined at an initiation of an IAAFE customer and updated periodically as the customer's needs, limitations and desires change.

ANTICIPATED OUTPUT DATA MANIFOLD: in box 14, program module 109 (Fig. 1) receives the input data manifold and produces an anticipated output data manifold, for example, and anticipated output vector, F{X} = (fι(xι), f₂(x ),..., f_n(x_n)}, having at least one, and preferably a plurality of components, and describing a first approximation of the automatic adjustments necessary for achieving an individually facile environment for the particular customer. For example, each sub function, such as fι(xι) or f₂(x₂) may describe an anticipated adjustment that should be made automatically to a unit within the environment, to make it individually facile for the customer. It should be noted that the input data manifold usually provides only partial information with regard to the customer, yet program module 109 is generally able to provide a relatively complete anticipated output data manifold, based on an adjusted customer's profile that it produces.

Some examples of anticipated adjustments by program module 109 are as follows: If the customer suffers from lumbago, program module 109 will anticipate him or her to require, among other things, assistance in getting up from a sitting position. Thus, a toilet seat should rise and slant so as to raise the customer to a standing position, and grab bars should be provided. If the customer is suffering from cerebral palsy, program module 109 will anticipate him or her to require, among other things, something to grip on, to aid his or her bowel movements. Similarly, program module 109 may anticipate that if the customer is a child in toilet training, he or she will require a toilet seat that is rather low, or that has a stepladder and smaller than standard toilet opening. Additionally, with regard to a sink in a bathroom or in a kitchen, if the customer is a child, he or she will probably require, among other things, a lower than average sink, or a stepladder to reach the sink. If the customer is rather tall, he or she will probably require, among other things, a higher than average sink. If the customer is very sensitive about his or her sanitation, he or she will probably require, among other things, a sink that operates without contact, for example, in response to body heat, to an optical sensor, or to voice commands. The anticipated output data manifold describes at least one, and preferably a plurality of anticipated adjustments to units within the environment of the IAAFE site

Preferably, the customer's anticipated output data manifold is coded on smartcard 34 together with the input data manifold Additionally, the customer's anticipated output data manifold is preferably stored at central IAAFE databank 110 Alternatively or additionally, when the customer is a frequent user of the IAAFE site, the customer's anticipated output data manifold may also be stored at local IAAFE databank 38 of the site Preferably, the output data manifold includes the date at which it was determined

Preferably, the customer's anticipated output data manifold is determined at the initiation of an IAAFE customer and updated periodically, by program module 109, as input data manifold is updated Alternatively or additionally, the customer's anticipated output data manifold may be updated by the customer through a customer interface, described hereinbelow.

SITE- ADAPTED OUTPUT DATA MANIFOLD in Box 16, the anticipated output data manifold, is adapted to a specific IAAFE site, having specific physical constraints, by an IAAFE-site controller 36, which may also use a program module similar to program module 109 For example, it may be that at a specific IAAFE site, a toilet seat cannot be adjusted to rise and slant at an angle and raise the person up, so as to help a customer suffering from lumbago, for instance, yet at that specific site grab bars can be provided Alternatively, it may be that a sink at the specific site cannot be lowered sufficiently for a small child to reach it, yet at that specific site a stepladder can be provided Thus, controller 36 adapts the anticipated output data manifold to a site-adapted output data manifold For example, controller 36 may adapt the anticipated output data vector F{X} = (fι(xι), f₂(x₂), . , fn(xn)}, to a specific IAAFE site, by generating a site-adapted output vector, AF{X} = {_aι (fi (xi)), a₂ (f₂(x₂)), ... , a_n (f„(x„))} .

CUSTOMER-MODIFIED OUTPUT DATA MANIFOLD, in box 18, the site-adapted output data manifold is further modified by the customer. A customer interface 46 enables the customer to communicate with IAAFE system 100 (Fig. 1), to create a customer-modified output data manifold For example, the site-adapted output vector, AF{X} = {ai (fi (xi)), a₂ (f₂(x₂)), ., a„ (f_n(x_π))}, may be modified by the customer to create a customer-modified output vector, MAF = {mι(aι(fι(xι)), m₂(a (f₂(x₂))), ...,

Customer' s modifications may relate to corrections in the adapted, anticipated data manifold, for example, when the height of the sink or of the grab bars is inconvenient. Alternatively or additionally, customer's modifications may relate to the addition or the removal of an adjustment. For example, a customer may feel that he or she likes the height of the standard sink as is, but wishes that a chair be provided for shaving. More particularly, customer's modification may relate to gradual changes in the necessary adjustments, in response to gradual changes in the customer's limitations, needs, and desires, with time, for example, as the customer recovers from an injury, and his condition improves. Customer's modifications, conducted through customer interface 46, give the customer ultimate control over the automated IAAFE site. At the customer's request, the customer's modification may be stored in central IAAFE databank 110, together with the customer and the site IAAFE identification codes, or in local IAFFE databank 38, together with the customer's IAAFE identification code, or on customer's smartcard 34, together with the IAAFE site identification code. Preferably, the customer-modified output data manifold includes the date of the modification.

Preferably, by storing the customer-modified output data manifold on an IAFFE databank, the customer contributes to a process of learning and evolving of the IAFFE system, responsive to changes in the customer's limitations, needs and desires.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, safeguards for customer modifications are provided by restricting modifications to a limited degree, for example, by limiting the range within which modifications may be applied. The reason for the restriction is to prevent a customer from making modifications beyond what may be desired or reasonable. A customer may inadvertently undermine the value of an adjustment by unnecessary modifications. Preferably, the restrictions allow for a gradual process of learning and evolving as limitations, needs and desires change with time, while preventing unreasonable adjustments.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, if a customer is unhappy with an adjustment and cannot modify it to his satisfaction, he may contact IAAFE staff 106 (Fig. 1) for consultation or query. A customer input may also relate to the timing of some automatic adjustments. For example, a toilet seat should not rise to help a customer get up, unless the customer has indicated that he or she wishes to get up. Similarly, a stepladder should only be provided when a customer wishes it. Otherwise, it may block a path. This form of input does not modify the output data manifold; rather it determines the timing of different adjustments.

In accordance with the present invention, customer interface 46 is user-friendly. While an IAAFE site generally provides for multiple adjustments, the customer does not interact with an array of switches and knobs, and is generally spared the risk or embarrassment of accidental activation. Preferably, the customer need not carry a portable computer or a remote control device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, customer interface 46 includes voice commands, preferably, of one or two words, such as "Yes," "No," "Start," "Stop." Alternatively or additionally, customer interface 46 may include a display panel with written questions to which the customer responds by touch or by voice commands. Additionally or alternatively, a few keys or switches, or a remote control device may be provided. Preferably, voice commands and written questions and instructions are conducted in the customer's mother tongue, as indicated on his or her smartcard. Alternatively, they are conducted in another language which the customer speaks and reads, as indicated on his or her smartcard. Preferably interface 46 is individually facile; in other words, different customers may use different modes of communication with IAAFE system 100 (Fig. 1), as indicated on his or her smartcard. For example, a child may communicate with IAAFE system audibly, and an adult may prefer to use a display and touch panel. COOPERATIVE SOLUTION: in box 20, the customer's modifications are the last step in the adjustment process, which culminates in a cooperative solution output data manifold which takes into account rule-based evaluation of program module 109, adaptation to IAAFE site constraints, and customer's modifications. Thus, IAAFE system 100 is able to take into account the needs of a particular IAAFE customer on the one hand and the flexibility of a particular IAAFE site on the other, to provide an environment that is optimal for the particular customer at a particular site.

DATABANK: in box 22, if the customer is a frequent user of a particular IAAFE site, the cooperative solution output data manifold for that customer and that site may be stored in local IAFFE databank 38, together with the IAAFE customer identification code and preferably, the date.

Alternatively or additionally, in box 26, if the customer is a frequent user of a particular IAAFE site, the cooperative solution output data manifold for that customer and that site may be stored on customer's smartcard 34, together with the IAAFE site identification code, and preferably, the date

Alternatively or additionally, in box 24, if the customer is a frequent user of a particular IAAFE site, the cooperative solution output data manifold for that customer and that site may also be stored in central IAAFE databank 110, together with the IAAFE site identification code, the IAAFE customer identification code and preferably, the date

Preferably, in order to limit the size of the databanks, the cooperative solution is stored in any of local IAFFE databank 38, customer's smartcard 34, and central IAAFE databank 110 only at a customer's request, and is maintained only for a specific period, unless another request is made

AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENTS in box 30, the IAAFE site automatically adjusts to the customer, creating an individually facile environment for his or her needs, limitations and desires, in accordance with the present invention

ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION in box 35, after the customer leaves the IAAFE site, it returns to its original configuration

Reference is now made to Fig 2B, which is a flowchart 11, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention Flowchart 11 illustrates a situation in which an IAAFE site is designed specifically for an IAAFE customer, for example in the customer's residence In accordance with the alternative embodiment, the steps described in boxes 12 and 14 are similar to those described in Fig 2 A However, the step described in box 16 of Fig 2A is replaced by a step described in box 15 of Fig 2B, in which program module 109 designs an IAAFE site to closely match the customer's anticipated output data manifold A site-optimized output data manifold generated, which may be, for example, a site-optimized output data vector, OF{X}= {oi (fi (xi)), o₂ (f₂(x₂)), , o_n (f_n(x_n))} In box 18, the customer may further modify the site-optimized output data manifold For example, a site-optimized output data vector may be modified into a customer's modified output vector MOF{X}= (mι(θι(fι(xι)), m₂(o₂(f₂(x₂))), , m_n(o_n (f_n(x_n)))}

Reference is now made to Fig. 3A, which schematically illustrates the interrelationships amongst different components of an IAAFE site 30, which provides an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention

IAAFE site 30 may begin its operation with smartcard 34, which is preferably an

RFID transponder, transmitting to a smartcard receiver 31 Preferably, receiver 31 is also a transmitter 31, so data can be both received and transmitted to smartcard 34 Preferably, smartcard 34 includes the customer identification code, the customer's input data manifold and the customer's anticipated output data manifold Controller 36 will then search local IAAFE databank 38 for a cooperative solution data manifold for the customer Alternatively or additionally, controller 36 may also search central IAFE databank 110 and customer's smartcard 34 for a cooperative solution of the particular customer at the particular site, as identified by customer and site IAAFE identification codes If a cooperative solution output data manifold is available in any of the databanks, it will be applied by controller 36 to drivers 41, 43, and 45 of automatically adjustable units 40, 42, and 44, in accordance with the cooperate solution output data manifold However, if a cooperative solution output data manifold is not available, a site-adapted output data manifold will be determined at by controller 36 and applied to drivers 41, 43, and 45 of automatically adjustable units 40, 42, and 44 In alternate embodiments of the present invention, fewer than three automatically adjustable units, for example only one automatically adjustable unit, may be provided Alternatively, more than three automatically adjustable units may be provided

The customer may modify the adjustments via interface 46, for example, by voice commands or touch-panel selections In an embodiment of the invention, interface 46 is common for automatically adjustable units 40, 42, and 44 Alternatively, individual interfaces 46 are provided for each automatically adjustable unit Alternatively, some automatically adjustable units are provided with individual interfaces 46 and others share a common interface 46

The modified output data manifold may be stored in any of local IAAFE databank 38, central IAAFE databank 110 and customer's smartcard 34, as a cooperative solution output data manifold, and the adjustments to any of units 40, 42 and 44 will be implemented for future visits to the particular IAAFE site, in accordance with the customer's modifications The customer may further interact with controller 36, via interface 46, specifying the timing of specific adjustments, as previously noted

An end-of-task sensor 48, which may be for example, an electronic eye, senses when the customer has left the IAAFE site, and reports to controller 36 that all automatically adjusted units should return to their initial configurations When all units return to their original configuration, IAAFFE site 30 ends its task In an alternate embodiment, an identity sensor 32 is used in place of smartcard 34. Identity sensor 32 responds to an identity feature 33 of the customer, for example, footsteps, a voice command, fingerprints, palm print, or a code. Preferably, the customer selects identity feature 33 that is facile to him, during the initiation stage, and it becomes part of his input data manifold.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3B, which schematically illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention, in which an IAFFE site 50 has no local databank, and does not refer to the central IAFFE databank. Rather, customer's smartcard 34 contains all the data that IAAFE site 50 requires for performing the necessary adjustments. Reference is now made to Fig. 3C which schematically illustrates a still alternate embodiment of the present invention, in which an IAFFE site 60 responds to a code entered by a customer. Thus, instead of providing a customer with an anticipated output data manifold of adjustments, the customer is provided with a code 29 that corresponds to at least one adjustment or to a specific combination of adjustments. Local IAAFE databank 38 and central IAAFE databank 110 contain a list of coded anticipated output data manifolds, each representing at least one anticipated adjustment to the environment. Controller 36 arrives at a site-adapted output data manifold based on the anticipated output data manifold of code 29, and adjusts IAAFE site 60 accordingly. The customer may correct the adjustment, via customer interface 46. Controller 36 may then suggest a different code, reflecting the correction, for future use.

The following non-limiting examples are given for the purpose of teaching the invention.

In a first non-limiting example of the invention, an IAAFE customer suffering from lumbago lives with a healthy family in a residence, which includes an IAAFE bathroom site. The IAAFE bathroom recognizes the customer for whom adjustments are necessary, for example, by his or her footsteps, and adjusts accordingly. Yet, to the rest of the household members, the IAAFE bathroom is ordinary, having no special features. This point is important for the preservation of self-esteem and dignity of the people who require adjustments. If the toilet helped every person to get up, guests would possibly be alarmed by it, and children would probably consider it a plaything. However, with an IAAFE bathroom, no one other than the customer needs to know about the special features; the embarrassment that might have been associated with these features is spared. In a second non-limiting example of the invention, two persons with different limitations and needs share a room and an IAAFE site in a nursing home. The IAAFE site caters to each of them individually, through different adjustments, while guests see no special features about. In a third non-limiting example of the invention, an IAAFE customer suffering from a physical impairment, and having an IAAFE bathroom, finds it necessary to travel. By making reservations specifically at hotels, restaurants, and theaters that include IAAFE bathrooms, that person essentially takes an individually adjusted bathroom along on his or her travels. The person may even share a hotel room with a friend, without the friend noticing anything significantly unusual.

A fourth non-limiting example of the invention addresses a healthy family of IAAFE customer's which includes a father who is about 190 cm, a mother who is about 156 cm, and a daughter who is exactly 100 cm in height. All of the family members like to cook, but there is no counter height that is comfortable for all. By installing an IAAFE kitchen, each family member may request a counter height convenient for his or her height, through a simple voice command.

In a fifth non-limiting example of the invention, a healthy family includes three children between the ages of four and one. The eldest is already toilet trained, but still prefers a special toilet seat. The younger children are not toilet-trained. Many experts agree that a key to toilet training is the reaction speed of the trainer. A parent or babysitter has very little time to drop whatever they are doing and install a special toilet seat, between the moment the child realizes he or she needs to go to the bathroom, and the point at which it is too late. An IAAFE site that responds to a child's footsteps as he or she runs for the bathroom, can help the situation considerably. In accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE site may include at least one of a bathroom, a kitchen, and dining, sitting, and sleeping areas.

Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include a toilet whose height, seat angle and opening are adjustable, wherein the toilet may further be a high-tech toilet as described in Trends in Japan, June, 16, 1998, incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, where a high-tech toilet unit is provided, the customer may request to be washed or dried by the high-tech unit, which may be, for example, responsive to a voice command, received via customer interface 46. Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include a sink whose height and angle are adjustable.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include a faucet that regulates the flow rate and/or water temperature. Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include selectably deployable and selectably retractable support bars.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include a stepladder, or a chair for shaving or for showering that is selectably deployable and selectably retractable. Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include mirrors whose heights are adjustable.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE bathroom may include a bathtub with a special elevator that is selectably deployable to carry an IAAFE customer into the tub, and selectably retractable. In accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE kitchen may include a counter, the height of which may be adjusted, a sink, the height and angle of which may be adjusted, and the operation, water flow rate and water temperature of which may be controlled by customer interface 46, and appliances such as an oven, a microwave, or a food processor, the operation of which may be controlled by customer interface 46. Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE sitting or dining area may include chairs or armchairs the heights of which are adjustable, in response to a customer's command, and which may help an IAAFE customer get up, by varying a sitting height and a sitting angle, in response to a command received via customer interface 46.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE residence may include support bars anywhere in the residence, for example, the bedroom, the sitting area or the dining area, wherein the support bars are selectably deployable and selectably retractable.

Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE site may include a bedroom, especially in hotels, resorts or hospitals, where different customers, of different limitations, needs, and desires use the same bed at different times, and wherein the bed may be individually adjusted for each customer. Additionally in accordance with the present invention, customer interface 46 may be used to control and communicate with any electronic devices, such as a television or a music station, in a customer's home or in a location of an IAAFE site.

Further in accordance with the present invention, an IAAFE site may be incorporated as a module into a "smart" house.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that the scope of the present invention is not limited by what has been specifically shown and described herein above, merely by way of example. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited solely by the claims, which follow.

Claims

1 A system for providing individually adjustable, automated, facile environments which includes a databank, containing a customer's characterizing information, which includes a customer's identifying feature and an anticipated output data manifold of at least one adjustment, and at least one site of an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment, which includes an identity sensor, for sensing the approach and identity of the customer for whom said environment is to be individually facile, at least one automatically adjustable unit, for making said environment facile to the customer, at least one driver for adjusting said unit, and a controller for activating said at least one driver, responsive to said anticipated output data manifold

2 A system according to claim 1, wherein said databank further includes an input data manifold of the customer's limitations, needs and desires, and wherein said system further includes a program module which may be programmed using a paradigm selected from Artificial Neural Network (AAN), Fuzzy Logic, Classical Logic, and Exploratory Data Analysis and which applies a rule-based evaluation to said input data manifold of customer's limitations, needs and desires to produce said anticipated output data manifold

3 A system according to any of claims 1 or claim 2, wherein said databank is permanently contained within said site, as a local databank

4 A system according to any of claims 1-3, wherein said identity sensor is operative to identify a customer by at least one of fingerprints, palm prints, footsteps, voice, a code, and a remote control device

5 A system according to any of claims 1-4, and further including a smartcard, wherein said databank is contained on a customer's smartcard, as a smartcard databank

6 A system according to claim 5, wherein said smartcard may be any easily portable device for storing electro-magnetic or electro-optic information

7 A system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said smartcard may be any of a diskette, a CD, a smart button, and a smart key

8 A system according to any of claims 5-7, wherein said identity sensor is a smartcard reader

9 A system according to claim 8, wherein said smartcard reader is also a smartcard writer

10 A system according to any of claims 5-7, wherein said smartcard is an RFID transponder

11 A system according to claim 10, wherein said identity sensor is an RFID receiver

12 A system according to claim 11 wherein said RFID receiver is also an RFID transmitter

13 A system according to any of claims 1-12, and further including a headquarters, in wide-area network communication with said at least one site, wherein said headquarters includes a central computer and a central databank containing the customer's identity and identifying feature, an input data manifold of the customer's limitations, needs, and desires and an anticipated output data manifold of at least adjustment

14 A system according to claim 13, wherein said databank according to claim 1 is said central databank

15. A system according to any of claims 1-14, wherein said controller adapts said anticipated output data manifold to said at least one automatically adjustable unit within said site.

16. A system according to any of claims 1-15 and further including a customer interface, for providing communication between the customer and said site.

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the communication between the customer and said site relates to the timing of said at least one adjustment.

18. A system according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the communication between the customer and said site relates to a correction to said at least one adjustment of said site to make it more facile to the customer.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein said correction may be stored by the customer in said databank, wherein said databank may be at least one of said databank according to claim 1, said local databank according to claim 3, said smartcard databank according to claim 5, and said central databank according to claim 14.

20. A system according to any of claims 16-19, wherein said customer interface operates by at least one of the following modes: voice command, display panel, touch panel, remote control device, at least one switch, at least one key.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein said databank specifies a customer's preferred interface mode, wherein said databank may be at least one of said databank according to claim 1, said local databank according to claim 3, said smartcard databank according to claim 5, and said central databank according to claim 14.

22. A system according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein said customer interface operates in the customer's mother tongue, as specified on said databank.

23. A system according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein said customer interface operates in a language which the customer speaks, as specified on said databank.

24. A system according to any of claims 1-23 wherein said site further includes a code reader, for reading a code specifying an anticipated output data manifold of at least one adjustment to said site, wherein said databank further includes a list of coded anticipated output data manifolds, each representing at least one anticipated adjustment to said site, and wherein said controller activates said at least one driver, responsive to an anticipated output data manifold whose code was entered into said code reader by a customer.

25. A system for providing individually adjustable, automated, facile environments which includes: at least one site of an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment which includes: a code reader, for reading a code specifying an anticipated output data manifold of at least one adjustment to said site; a databank, containing a list of coded anticipated output data manifolds, each representing at least one anticipated adjustment to said site; at least one automatically adjustable unit, for making said environment facile to the customer; at least one driver for adjusting said unit; and a controller for activating said at least one driver, responsive to an anticipated output data manifold whose code was entered into said code reader by a customer.

26. A system according to claim 25 and further including a program module which may be programmed using a paradigm selected from Artificial Neural Network (AAN),

Fuzzy Logic, Classical Logic, and Exploratory Data Analysis and which applies a rule-based evaluation to an input data manifold of customer's limitations, needs and desires to produce said coded anticipated output data manifold.

27. A system according to any of claims 24-26, wherein said controller adapts said anticipated output data manifold to said at least one automatically adjustable unit within the site.

28. A system according to any of claims 24-27 and further including a customer interface, for providing communication between the customer and said site.

29. A system according to claim 28, wherein the communication between the customer and said site relates to the timing of said at least one adjustment to said site.

30. A system according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the communication between the customer and said at least one site relates a correction to said at least one adjustment to said site to make it more facile to the customer.

31. A system according to claim 30, wherein said controller may communicate to the customer a new code, for future use, to reflect said correction.

32. A system according to any of claims 28-31, wherein said customer interface operates by at least one of the following modes: voice command, display panel, touch panel, remote control device, at least one switch, at least one key.

33. A system according to any of claims 1-32, wherein said site is designed to offer adjustable solutions to problems of accessibility, physical comfort, and physical limitations.

34. A system according to any of claims 1-33, wherein at least one automatically adjustable unit within said site is at least one of: a sink whose height and angle are automatically adjusted; a faucet that automatically regulates water flow rate; a faucet that automatically regulates water temperature; selectably deployable and selectably retractable support bars; a selectably deployable and selectably retractable stepladder; a selectably deployable and selectably retractable shower seat; a selectably deployable and selectably retractable shaving seat; a selectably deployable and selectably retractable elevator; a toilet, the height and angle of which are automatically adjustable; a toilet that automatically adjusts itself to toddler' s and children; an automatic floor drier to dry a bathroom; automatic doors and windows; a kitchen counter, the height of which is automatically adjustable; chairs and armchairs, the heights of which are automatically adjustable; chairs and armchairs, the sitting angles of which are automatically adjustable; and automatically adjustable beds.

35. A system according to any of claims 1-34, wherein said at least one automatically adjustable unit includes a plurality of automatically adjustable units.

36. A system according to any of claims 1-35, wherein said at least one adjustment includes a plurality of adjustments.

37. A system according to any of claims 1-36, wherein said at least one site includes a plurality of sites.

38. A method of providing an individually adjustable, automated, facile environment, which includes the steps of: identifying a customer's needs, limitations and desires as a customer's input data manifold; designing concrete solutions to the customer's needs, limitations, and desires as a customer's anticipated output data manifold of adjustments to create an individually facile environment for the customer; providing an environment which includes at least one automatically adjustable unit; and automatically adjusting the at least one automatically adjustable unit of the environment, responsive to the customer's anticipated output data manifold of adjustments.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein said step of designing further includes a step of programming a program module, using a paradigm selected from Artificial Neural

Network (AAN), Fuzzy Logic, Classical Logic, and Exploratory Data Analysis and applying a rule-based evaluation to the customer's input data manifold, to produce the anticipated output data manifold.

40. A method according to claim 38 or claim 39 and further including a step of adapting the customer's anticipated output data manifold of adjustments to physical constraints of the environment.

41. A method according to any of claims 38-40 and further including the steps of: communicating information between the environment and the customer; and automatically adjusting the environment, responsive to a customer's communication.

42. A method according to claim 41, wherein said step of communicating further includes communicating a desired timing for automatically adjusting the at least one automatically adjustable unit.

43. A method according to claim 41 or claim 42, wherein said step of communicating further includes communicating a correction to an automatic adjustment of the at least one automatically adjustable unit.

44. A method according to claim 43 and further including storing the communicated correction, thus learning the needs of the customer, and evolving into an optimal environment for a particular customer, even as his needs change.

45. A method according to any of claims 41-44, wherein said step of communicating further includes communicating in the customer's mother tongue.

46. A method according to any of claims 41-44, wherein said step of communicating further includes communicating in a language that the customer speaks.

47. A method according to any of claims 41-46, wherein said step of communicating further includes communicating in a mode that is facile to the customer.

48. A method according to any of claims 38-47, wherein said step of identifying further includes a step of the customer filling out a questionnaire describing the customer's limitations, needs and desires.

49. A method according to any of claims 38-48 and further including a step of the customer indicating a preferred identifying feature by which the customer will be recognized the environment.