Approach of ALADIN

ALADIN aims at developing an intelligent assistive system based on ambient lighting to support mental allertnes and memory performance as well as relaxation in specific situations.

The system is also expected to assist with regulating circadian rhythms, i.e. our inner “clock”. Certain diseases particularily common with the lederly such as dementia lead to changes in endogenous circadian rhythms. Ageing itself often leads to a deterioration of people’s sleep-wake cycle. This can result in sudden psycho-physiological deactivation or low alertness levels during wake phases on the one hand and night-time awakening on the other.

Wireless Sensor Technnology

The capturing and registering signals such as skin conductance, heart rate or body temperature as well as mental activity and muscle tension has to happen continuously and be integrated into people’s normal living environment. For this purpose, we intend to use smart biosensors as well as environmental sensors.

Online Analysis

Analysis and interpretation of the signals captured from these sensors make the system aware of the events and activities in its surroundings. The system receives the information about the impact of differences in the luminous environment on an individual’s affective and cognitive state as reflected in the psycho-physiological signals.

Different aspects of open loop regulation

It monitors if and to what extent these signals approximate the previously defined target values for relaxation or mental performance.
Subsequently, artificial intelligence techniques such as genetic algorithms, fuzzy systems or neural networks are used to achieve the lighting best suited to the individual and/or to a particular situation.

Adaptation Algorithms

It will not be necessary to know in advance what kind of lighting is to be achieved when conceiving the adaptation algorithms. Instead, optimisation will be incremental and happen in an evolutionary manner in response to and in accordance with the biosignals the system receives.

Evaluation

Lab tests are conducted to examine the psycho-physiological reactions triggered by certain light parameters and how these can be influenced by changing the parameters as well as to define target values for the control system for both relaxation and activation. Subsequently, the ALADIN prototype will be evaluated by twelve older adults in field tests that last three months.