A Formal Representation System for Modelling Assistive Technology Systems

2014 ◽  
pp. 1-42
Author(s):  
John Gilligan ◽  
Peter Smith
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Petri Nets ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Functional Activity ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Coloured Petri Nets ◽  
Formal Representation ◽  
Dynamic Simulations ◽  
Representation Scheme

This chapter describes a formal representation scheme which can be used to model Assistive Technology (AT) Systems. At the heart of any system is a conceptual model of domain of application. Where AT is involved, the conceptual model must embrace all the elements of AT systems which are defined as “consisting of an AT device, a human operator who has a disability and an environment in which the functional activity is to be carried out” (Cook and Hussey, 1995, 2002, 2007). In order to explore the interaction between the components of AT systems in dynamic simulations of AT deployment, there is a need for a suitable representation of the underlying concepts. While the representation scheme presented here is generally applicable, examples and issues to do with representing AT systems for those with motor limitations, in particular are considered. The proposed representation scheme uses Coloured Petri-Nets (CP-Nets) and is based on the WHO International Classification of Functioning (ICF). This chapter looks at how CP-Nets may be used to represent the elements of AT systems as described by Cook and Hussey. These are Person, Activity, AT and Context. Both informal and formal representations using CP-Nets are considered. The ICF is at the heart of the proposed formal representation scheme. Its effectiveness for this purpose is analysed. Enhancements and innovative approaches are offered where there are challenges presented in using the ICF.

A Formal Representation System for Modelling Assistive Technology Systems

Gamification ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 1142-1183
Author(s):  
John Gilligan ◽  
Peter Smith
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Petri Nets ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Functional Activity ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Coloured Petri Nets ◽  
Formal Representation ◽  
Dynamic Simulations ◽  
Representation Scheme

This chapter describes a formal representation scheme which can be used to model Assistive Technology (AT) Systems. At the heart of any system is a conceptual model of domain of application. Where AT is involved, the conceptual model must embrace all the elements of AT systems which are defined as “consisting of an AT device, a human operator who has a disability and an environment in which the functional activity is to be carried out” (Cook and Hussey, 1995, 2002, 2007). In order to explore the interaction between the components of AT systems in dynamic simulations of AT deployment, there is a need for a suitable representation of the underlying concepts. While the representation scheme presented here is generally applicable, examples and issues to do with representing AT systems for those with motor limitations, in particular are considered. The proposed representation scheme uses Coloured Petri-Nets (CP-Nets) and is based on the WHO International Classification of Functioning (ICF). This chapter looks at how CP-Nets may be used to represent the elements of AT systems as described by Cook and Hussey. These are Person, Activity, AT and Context. Both informal and formal representations using CP-Nets are considered. The ICF is at the heart of the proposed formal representation scheme. Its effectiveness for this purpose is analysed. Enhancements and innovative approaches are offered where there are challenges presented in using the ICF.

scholarly journals Home Features and Assistive Technology for the Home-Bound Elderly in a Thai Suburban Community by Applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supawadee Putthinoi ◽  
Suchitporn Lersilp ◽  
Nopasit Chakpitak
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
International Classification ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

The ageing population is having an impact worldwide and has created a serious challenge in Thailand’s healthcare systems, whereby healthcare practitioners play a major role in promoting independent interaction of their client’s abilities, as well as environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to survey features of the home and assistive technology (AT) for the home-bound elderly in the community of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Home evaluation included features inside and outside the home, and AT was based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) concept. Methods included observation and an interview that were used by the researcher for evaluation. The study found that every home had at least one hazardous home feature such as inappropriate width of the door, high door threshold, tall stair steps, no bedside rail, and inappropriate height of the toilet pan. AT was found in houses as general products and technology for personal use in daily living and for personal indoor and outdoor mobility as well as transportation. Therefore, home features and AT can afford the home-bound elderly independent living within the community. Perspective AT according to the ICF concept could provide a common language for ageing in place benefits.

scholarly journals Ontological modeling of the International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Health (ICF): Activities&Participation and Environmental Factors components

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Cozzi ◽  
Andrea Martinuzzi ◽  
Vincenzo Della Mea
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Upper Ontology

Abstract Background The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a classification of health and health-related states developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide a standard and unified language to be used as a reference model for the description of health and health-related states. The concept of functioning on which ICF is based is that of a “dynamic interaction between a person’s health condition, environmental factors and personal factors”. This overall model has been translated into a classification covering all the main components of functioning. However, the practical use of ICF has highlighted some formal problems, mainly concerning conceptual clarity and ontological coherence. Methods In the present work, we propose an initial ontological formalization of ICF beyond its current status, focusing specifically on the interaction between activities and participation and environmental factors. The formalization has been based on ontology engineering methods to drive goal and scope definition, knowledge acquisition, selection of an upper ontology for mapping, conceptual model definition and evaluation, and finally representation using the Ontology Web Language (OWL). Results A conceptual model has been defined in a graphical language that included 202 entities, when possible mapped to the SUMO upper ontology. The conceptual model has been validated against 60 case studies from the literature, plus 6 ad-hoc case studies. The model has been then represented using OWL. Conclusions This formalization might provide the basis for a revision of the ICF classification in line with current efforts made by WHO on the International Classification of Diseases and on the International Classification of Health Interventions.

scholarly journals Cognitive Function and Assistive Technology for Cognition: A Systematic Review

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Gillespie ◽  
Catherine Best ◽  
Brian O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Emotion Experience

AbstractThe relationship between assistive technology for cognition (ATC) and cognitive function was examined using a systematic review. A literature search identified 89 publications reporting 91 studies of an ATC intervention in a clinical population. The WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used to categorize the cognitive domains being assisted and the tasks being performed. Results show that ATC have been used to effectively support cognitive functions relating to attention, calculation, emotion, experience of self, higher level cognitive functions (planning and time management) and memory. The review makes three contributions: (1) It reviews existing ATC in terms of cognitive function, thus providing a framework for ATC prescription on the basis of a profile of cognitive deficits, (2) it introduces a new classification of ATC based on cognitive function, and (3) it identifies areas for future ATC research and development. (JINS, 2012,18, 1–19)

scholarly journals Facilitators and Barriers of Assistive Technology and Learning Environment for Children with Special Needs

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suchitporn Lersilp ◽  
Supawadee Putthinoi ◽  
Theeratorn Lersilp
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Children With Special Needs ◽  
Technology And Learning ◽  
The Social ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

The purpose of this research was to study the facilitators and barriers of assistive technology (AT) and the learning environment for children with special needs in special education schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The informants were one hundred and sixteen children with special needs, who studied in nursery to Grade 12, or with their caregivers. The instrument was a questionnaire applied by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and examined for content validity by five specialists. The results in terms of AT showed that a majority of children with physical disability needed it for mobility and use of school buildings and those with hearing disability for communication. However, most of the children did not need to use AT for culture, recreation, or sports, while many considered it as a facilitator for education. In terms of the learning environment, most characteristics of the physical environment were facilitators for children with special needs, as were those of the social environment for all groups of such children. The results of this study were useful in providing information for AT and design of a learning environment relating to the varied characteristics of children with special needs in special education schools.

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