Towards monitoring patients with Alzheimer’s disease activity using distributed tangible tabletops and dual reality

Abstract : This work presents a baseline for remotely monitoring patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), on an everyday's life basis, using distributed tangible tabletops. Our proposed system aims to help individuals with AD live at home independently of physical presence of caregivers, nurses, and/or family members, since these latter can assist the patients with AD and monitor their activity through a virtually duplicated (dual reality) environment. This monitoring happens in real time, and monitors can encourage and remind patients with AD to take actions, while respecting their privacy. The interaction is achieved by moving physical (tangible) and/or virtual (digital) objects on the tabletop's surface, or by displaying messages and reminders on its surface. A first prototype is described and illustrated, as well as propositions to validate and extend the system.