C O M F O R T
I N
C O M M U N I C A T I N G
COMPLETE SOLUTION PACKAGE
100%R 60%R
60%R
CONTENTS
30%R
40%L
40%L
S
INTRODUCTION
Overview 5 Project Objective 7 Topic Definition 9
Ergonomics 49 Sizes 51 Charging 53 Branding 55
SUBJECT BACKGROUND
MARKET ANALYSIS
End Users 11 Existing Situation 15
PRODUCT DETAILS
Headwear Device 17 Water Resistance 21 Pressure Reduction 23 Glasses Tolerant 25 Electrooculography 27 Smart Phone Comm. 33 Smart Phone GUI 35 Messages 43 Manufacture 45 Componentry 47
Market Definition 60 Supply and Demand 61 User Profiles 63 Implementation Plan 67 Intellectual Property 69 Market Validation 71 Costings 73
CONCLUSION
Conclusion 75 Acknowledgements 76 References 77
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Pain, frustration and discomfort are familiar feelings for the non-verbal disability market. Imagine you’re in pain, help is within reach but you can’t move or talk. COMMFI is a product that provides the non-verbal disability market the ability to communicate essential responses and needs to Personal Care Assistants (PCA) and family when the user is away from their primary Augmented and Alternate Communication (AAC) device.
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PROJECT OBJECTIVE
COMMFI is designed to be an inconspicuous electronic device worn by a verbally and physically impaired user to enable them to communicate simple messages to PCAs and family. COMMFI is created with the intention to liberate the user by creating comfort in knowing that when they’re away from a primary Augmented and Altered Communication (AAC) device. the user will be able to ask for assistance or respond to questions with less ambiguity. COMMFI aims to seemlessly fit within the user’s current daily routine with little interruption. The device is designed to be incredibly comfortable to minimise user fatigue and to reinforce habitual use. COMMFI’s interface is designed to be highly informative and adaptable to all potential users. With minimal initial prompting, both COMMFI application user and COMMFI wearer will be able to explore the true potential of the device so that communication becomes faster, easier and more effective.
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TOPIC DEFINITION
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that affects a persons ability to move due to neural messages being ‘miscommunicated’. Extreme circumstances of CP may have a further impact on the person’s ability to speak, amongst other impairments. Currently Non-Verbal CP (NVCP) sufferers use large AAC Devices which are bulky and require a large powersource. The current AAC devices generally require the user to be placed in a specific position to be able to communicate, however once removed from this position the person will no longer be able to communicate effectively. The instances where the person is removed from the AAC device pose potential risks where the person will become uncomfortable or distressed but will not be able to communicate. Key areas of distress include sleeping and using the bathroom. There have been instances where a PCA has prepared a shower for a NVCP, however the temperature was too hot to bare for the NVCP. The NVCP was incapable of communicating their pain to the PCA and had to endure the pain of the scalding temperature. Similarly, when placed in bed, someone suffering with severe CP may experience incredible pain during the night and will be unable to convey any plea for help. It is hard to comprehend the emotional frustration and potential pain caused during situations like these.
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END USER ce•re•bral
pal•sy
OF THE BRAIN
LACK OF MUSCLE CONTROL
Non Verbal Cerebral Palsy The demographic of Non Verbal Cerebral Palsy is very broad, as it is indiscriminate to all newborns. It is not gender specific or age specific as you are born with the disability. This makes it difficult for companies within the disability assistance market to focus on a specific demographic within the target NVCP group. The specific scope of this product is focused on people that identify as level 4 or 5 in regards to the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). Someone who is classified as level 4 has an inconsistent ability to communicate effectively with someone familiar. Level 5 CFCS is seldom being able to communicate with a familiar person. The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) level focused on in the target market is 3-5. A level 3 classification describes someone who has trouble handling objects and will require help to prepare or modify the activity. Most activities have to be set up by a PCA and are adapted for the user. Levels 4-5 refer to having more difficulty than levels 3.
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END USER
55+ AGE
GENDER
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) PCAs are professional carers who assist CP sufferers with everyday tasks that would otherwise be incredibly difficult or impossible due to their disability. The tasks where PCAs assist include; assisting in personal hygiene tasks, exercise assistance, mobility assistance, communication assistance as well as companionship. Although most PCAs work part time, strong bonds and mutual understanding develops quickly between CPs and PCAs due to frequent interactions. This close companionship allows PCAs to understand the nuances of a NVCPs communication technique when away from an AAC. This method of communication is generally faster as an intermediate device is not required. Although subtle communication techniques can be learnt, carers who have not become familiar with a NVCP will likely miss vital cues and attempted communication will go unrecognised. The PCA demographic is predominantly made up of woman 35 years and older. This heavily biased group allows for clear focus goals when tailoring features specifcally towards the PCA. It is not uncommon for a NVCP to have multiple PCAs due to the nature of full time care. A NVCP will often have more than five PCAs who are rostered to care for them throughout a weekly cycle.
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EXISTING SITUATION
Electronic AAC devices are invaluable to NVCPs as it provides freedom to communicate to whomever is within earshot as well as providing an interface to engage in essential computer tasks. These devices are used daily as a primary source of communication. Those with CP CFCS3+ may be able to communicate on a rudimentary level through subtle tells like eye movement or breathing patterns, however these can often go unnoticed. When a NVCP is removed from their primary AAC device they have little to no ability to communicate effectively. Sleeping Electronic AAC devices require the user to interact from a seated front-on position so the NVCP may read the screen. This limits the possibility of using the e-AAC from the bed as CP MACS3+ sufferers generally sleep in a position non-conducive to AAC usage. CP sufferers frequently have complications during their sleep. This can include, and is not limited to; pain from immobility and prolonged pressure on muscles, difficulty breathing, temperature irregularity or simply inability to sleep. These situations can be addressed with the help of a PCA, however without access to a communication device help cannot be notified. Bathroom Usage Electronic AAC devices are not designed for wet environment usage and therefore limits the use within a bathroom setting. This leads to a variety of issues where a NVCP may need to communicate to a PCA. A frequent need for clear communication is to clarify when the NVCP would like to be assisted off of a toilet. Without obvious prompting, privacy could be breached leading to embarrassment and or frustration. Similarly, assistance is needed when being bathed, however unclear communication may lead to discomfort due to temperature misperception.
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C O M F O R T
I N
C O M M U N I C A T I N G
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HEADWEAR
COMMFI is a headwear device that utilises Electrooculography (EOG) technology to detect eye movement and translates this into communicable messages. The headwear device is held snug against the user’s head by pressure created by the crescent shaped body. No adhesives are needed when wearing the device, allowing the user to position or remove in seconds.
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WATER RESISTANT
COMMFI is water resistant and is capable of withstanding exposure to standard shower and hygiene needs. The water tight body is created by overmoulding the internal electronics within polyurethane. The polyurethane components provide softer tactility to reduce wearer fatigue and increase overall comfort.
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PRESSURE REDUCTION
The COMMFI electrodes sit against the temple reading the muscle frequency and translating into the user’s eye movements. Only the electrodes apply pressure to the temple whilst the remaining body surface is removed so that unwanted pressure marks are not left
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GLASSES TOLERANT
The external polyurethane moulding in front of the ears provides softer tacticility for glasses to be worn with the COMMFI device. The softer material grips and conforms around the arms of glasses to reduce the risk of the glasses becoming loose or falling off.
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ELECTROOCULOGRAPHY LOOKING FORWARD
ELECTRODE 1
E
EYE
ELECTRODE 2
EY
ELECTRODE 1
LOOKING RIGHT
FREQUENCY
+
_ TIME
LOOKING FORWARD
ELECTRODE 2
ELECTRODE 1
EYE
ELECTRODE 2
Electrooculography measures the standing potential of the eye - in layman’s terms, it can measure the eye’s movements. The eye’s movement is controlled by four muscles two on the horizontal axis and two on the vertical axis. The human eye is polarly charged - the front of the eye being positive and the rear of the eye negative. When two electrodes are placed on either side of the eye, it is possible to detect the position of the pupil along the horizontal axis. When the eye looks to the right, the right electrode will detect a positive frequency shift whilst the left will receive a negative frequency shift. When the two electrode readings show opposing frequencies you can extrapolate the eye position.
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ELECTROOCULOGRAPHY right electrode reference electrode left electrode
FREQUENCY
+
_ TIME
COMMFI receives three signals from the device’s electrodes - two signals from either side of the eyes and a third reference signal from a section of skin behind the right electrode. The internal computer processes the three frequencies by comparing similar frequency changes in both the right and left key electrodes. An eye movement is characterised by antithetical* movement of the right and left electrode. An example of this is indicated by the arrows above.
* “directly opposed/ contrasted”
The muscles within the body continuously emit an electronic frequency that is picked up by the electrodes. This continuous “humm” of the body creates unwanted noise within the right and left electrode frequency graph. The reference electrode provides a method of ‘cleaning’ the signals by removing the consistant “humm”. Without the reference electrode, a usable reading could not be created.
“I NEED HELP”
DIRECTION
R
L TIME
As COMMFI continuously receives information from the electrodes, it translates the three readings into a usable output signal, as shown above. The clean output signal provides a graph of the horizontal deviation of the COMMFI user’s eye over time. This output signal can then be further used to translate the eye movements into messages. This method of translation can be compared to the use of morse code.
Morse Code represents the alphabet through patterned tones. The letter A is represented by a short tone followed by a long tone. COMMFI uses a similar method to communicate. A preset message could be represented by a short look to the right, followed by looking straight ahead, then looking to the right for a longer period.
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TIME
MOVEMENT TIME
TIME
Normal eye movement is not consistant in both deviation and timing. Eye movement is erratic, thus it is possible to identify cued messages when the deviation and timing of the movements are uniform.
TIME 8
MOVEMENT
7
MOVEMENT
6
MOVEMENT
5
TIME
MOVEMENT
TIME
4
MOVEMENT
3
MOVEMENT
2
MOVEMENT
1
TIME
TIME
The interval is ‘off’ if the user’s gaze is centred and held for the entire interval. If the COMMFI user deviates partially or doesn’t hold the central or right gaze for the full interval, the interval is ‘nil’.
By defining timed intervals and a specific level of deviation, COMMFI is capable of creating a variety of translatable patterns. It is important the intervals and deviation of the movements are consistant so the process of communicating becomes intrinsic and repeatable to the COMMFI user.
The diagram above shows the eight possible patterns that can trigger a message, based on three successive intervals. To successfully trigger a message - the three timed intervals must correspond to one of the patterns above.
An interval can be treated as ‘on’.‘off’ or ‘nil’. The interval is ‘on’ when the COMMFI user has deviated their eye to the extreme right and holds the position for the entire length of the interval.
Example Pattern 5: Eyes Look right and hold for two ‘on’ intervals and return to centre for one ‘off’ interval
ACTIVATION
MESSAGE
DIRECTION
R
L TIME
The specified length of an interval is dependant on the COMMFI user’s preferences. A one second interval will require the COMMFI user to hold an extreme right gaze for one second. Shortening the length of an interval quickens the ability to communicate, however it becomes harder to succesfully activate a pattern. Although COMMFI’s patterns are unnatural and unliklely to be replicated involuntarily, it is important to implement a safeguard from false positives.
With the implementation of the activation feature, the COMMFI user must first complete the activation pattern followed by the pattern correlating to the message they wish to communicate. Above is an example of communicating the message “Yes”. To communicate “Yes” the user must activate with pattern 3 followed by the pattern 2 as defined on the opposite page. In this example, the intervals are half a second. The total time to communicate the message “Yes” is three seconds.
COMMFI users can define one of the eight patterns as a method of activating the device to send a message.
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SMART PHONE CONNECTED COMMFI exploits the increasingly widespread adoption of smartphones as a platform to communicate. This appropriation of the common place smartphone allows the final product to be low cost, familiar, and less resource intensive.
81%
70%
32%
35-44
45-54
55+
Smartphone ownership amongst Females aged 35 +
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COMMFI’s smart phone application provides a smooth, succinct and wholistic interface to interact and modify the input and output methods of the device. The COMMFI smart phone app connects to the COMMFI headware device via a Low Energy Bluetooth wireless connection.
C O M M F I
CONNECT ANGE’S COMMFI
CONNECT TO OTHER DEVICE
The bluetooth connection allows the smart phone user to be up to 30 metres away from the COMMFI device and still receive a notification or message from the headware user. The display to the left is the landing page of the application when initially opened. The phone scans via bluetooth to detect COMMFI devices within range. When the smartphone identifies a device, it allows the user to connect and begin communicating. Once the device connects, it moves through to the second landing page. This landing page confirms the device is connected, shows the battery level, and provides a button for the user to modify the settings.
INTERFACE C O M M F I
C O M M F I
CONNECTED
CONNECTION CONFIRMATION
ANGE’S COMMFI
COMMFI NAME
60%
BATTERY LEVEL
CONNECTING ANGE’S COMMFI
SETTINGS
CALIBRATE
CALIBRATION BUTTON
SETTING BUTTON
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C O M M F I
C O M M F I
C O M M F I
CALIBRATION
CALIBRATING...
CALIBRATING...
C
C TAP TO BEGIN CALIBRATION
BACK
LOOK STRAIGHT UNTIL YOU HEAR THE BEEP
BACK
LOOK RIGHT UNTIL YOU HEAR THE BEEP
BACK
INTERFACE
C O M M F I
CALIBRATED ANGE’S COMMFI
An initial calibration process can quickly be done to ensure optimum performance of the COMMFI device. This process simplifies many of the features within the settings menu as the device can optimise results for each user. The calibration process begins when the carer has presented the device infront of the headwear user. The process will begin when both carer and COMMFI wearer are ready. The initial phase of the calibration measures what is defined as the forward position and monitors general deviation which may be caused by head movements. Once the device has gathered enough data the smart phone will beep and the device wil buzz to prompt the user to continue to the next step. The next phase calibrates the defined level of deviation is required to trigger an ‘on’ interval of the device. Similarly to phase one, the device will buzz and the phone will sound when the position has been held for the prescribed time.
BACK
Once the calibration process is complete, the application will display the fourth screen and provides a back button to go to the status landing page.
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The application allows multiple areas of adjustment to the device and the way the device receives notifications.
C O M M F I SETTINGS CURRENT READING
MESSAGES
TOLERANCE SETTNIGS
NOTIFICATION SETTINGS
The Application allows for the user to view the current readings from the COMMFI device to determine if the device is reading correctly. If the COMMFI device is not reading correctly, the reading will show incredibly erratic movements and will not correlate to the headwear user’s eye movements. With the broad range of COMMFI users, some callibration is needed to determine the levels of deviation required. In the example below, the user has looked to their extreme right twice followed by the extreme left once. In the current form the device may not trigger a message. Within the ‘Current Reading’ page the application user can redefine the extremities of the deviation by dragging the right and left threshold bars to the required level
C O M M F I RIGHT
DATA LOG
STRAIGHT BACK
LEFT DRAG NODES UP OR DOWN TO CHANGE THRESHOLD
BACK
INTERFACE C O M M F I MESSAGES
C O M M F I MESSAGES
“YES”
“YES”
“NO”
TAP TO MODIFY MESSAGE OUPUT RIGHT
“I NEED HELP” “CAN I PLEASE GET UP”
STRAIGHT
The messages menu initially provides a list of the current messages the device has programmed. This list also includes the activation sequence that is needed to prepare the device to send the messages. The user is capable of adding new messages and modifying existing messages to their preferences.
TAP A MESSAGE TO EDIT IT’S SETTINGS
+ TAP TO ADD A NEW MESSAGE
ACTIVATION
LEFT
DRAG NODES TO CHANGE THE EYE PATTERN NEEDED TO SEND MESSAGE
COMMENT
TAP TO MODIFY ACTIVATION METHOD PREVIEW MOVEMENT
SELECT MESSAGE PRIORITY
BACK
The second screen shown is the interface after the user has tapped on the “Yes” message. Within this screen the user is able to modify the message output, the required pattern to trigger the message, the message type, and a preview of the pattern and timing.
BACK
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C O M M F I
NOTIFICATION SETTINGS COMMENT
C O M M F I
TOLERANCE SETTINS
ALARM
DEVIATION 40%
SELECT MESSAGE TYPE
Notification Settings The notification settings allow the user to modify the way the phone will notify a user of a message. There are two notification types: Comment and Alarm. A comment would be messages such as “Yes” and “No” as they are commenting on a question asked by the carer.
MOVE THE SLIDER TO ADJUST DEVIATION TOLERANCE
PUSH NOTIFICATIONS:
YES
NO TIMING
ALARM SOUND:
YES
NO
10%
MOVE THE SLIDER TO ADJUST TIMING TOLERANCE
VIBRATE:
BACK
YES
An “Alarm” is a message that is used to alert the carer of a problem or action required.
NO
BACK
Tolerance Settings As the device uses a variety of set patterns, a user is unlikely to replicate these patterns precicely. The tolerance settings allow the user to adjust the level of tolerance for the patterns to trigger the messages. The lower the tolerance, the less likely the device will produce a false positive. A high tolerance will make reproducing a pattern easier for the user.
INTERFACE C O M M F I DATA LOGS
C O M M F I DATA LOGS
TAP TO INSPECT DATA LOG OF MESSAGES
“YES”
18-10-2014 9.14AM
“YES”
18-10-2014 9.12AM
“YES”
18-10-2014 9.10AM
“CAN I PLEASE GET UP”
18-10-2014 8.45AM
“NO”
17-10-2014 7.30PM
“YES”
17-10-2014 7.28AM
“I NEED HELP”
17-10-2014 11.40AM
17-10-2014 11.40AM
“I NEED HELP”
The app user can focus on an individual message that was sent and review the signal that triggered the message.
THE HIGHLIGHTED RED FREQUENCY IS THE PATTERN THAT TRIGGERED THE “I NEED HELP” COMMAND
MORE MESSAGE SETTINGS
BACK
The Data log is a way of reviewing messages that have been sent to the phone.
THRESHOLD SETTNIGS
BACK
If there has been a series of false positives it allows the app user to review the signal received to determine if the tolerances are too high or the pattern is likely to be an involuntary movement. Within the data log screen, the app user may press on the quick buttons to move them to the message settings related to the logged message, or the threshold settings.
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“YES” “NO” “CAN I GET UP” “I NEED HELP”
MESSAGES
The four key messages COMMFI is designated to communicate are “Yes”, “No”, “Can I get up” and “I need help!” These four messages allow the COMMFI wearer to communicate their intentions with appropriate prompting by a carer.
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Stage One To start the manufacturing of the COMMFI device, an ABS skeletal frame is injection moulded. This ABS frame is created in a two part mould with three sliding cores. The sliding cores provide the hollows for the electrodes to sit within, as well as a channel for the wiring to access the electrodes. Stage Two Once the ABS skeletal frame has been created, the part moves onto a production line where the electronics are adhered to the frame. The electronics are stuck to the frame using 0.3mm adhesive tape. Stage Three After the electronics have been attached to the rigid frame - the electronics and frame are handplaced into a second injection moulding machine. This machine overmoulds the frame and electronics with a soft polyurethane to encapsulate the electronics to generate a watertight seal.
MANUFACTURE
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The COMMFI encapsulates five key electronic components:
COMPONENTRY
Electrodes: The wax cast, sterling silver electrodes are designed as dry electrodes. A dry electrode requires no preperation before being worn, and can be worn over the top of hair. Battery: The COMMFI is powered by a 3.7v 90mAh curved Lithium Polymer battery. The battery was chosen for it’s flexible property and ability to be fitted directly to the ABS frame. Induction Coil: To charge the Li Po battery, the induction coil is seate in the rear most part of the band. The induction coil locates it’s partner coil using a neodymium magnet. Vibration Motor: The 10mm x 4mm vibration motor provides the COMMFI wearer with tactile feedback. The vibration motor will ‘buzz’ when the device is activated for a message and once the message has been sent. PCB: The PCB of the COMMFi houses multiple smaller components. This includes the frequency amplifiers, BLE unit and microcontroller.
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ERGONOMICS As COMMFI is a wearable device - ergonomics were a key consideration. The headwear device is designed to be worn as a permenant device so minimising wearer fatigue was an obvious issue. Unlike glasses, the device is not held in place by resting on the ears. The device is held in place by a gentle constriction across the entire surface of the COMMFI. An individual point of pressure would cause pain over a prolonged period of wearing. The constriction is generated by the flexible ABS skeletal frame. The band around the back of the head is positioned just below the occipital bone of the skull. This positioning allows the user to be able to lie on their back without the COMMFI being the first point of contact on a surface. Furthermore, the positioning of the band limits the device to be moved when the head is tilted backwards. When the band was positioned lower on the head, a neck extension would create thick skin folds that would push the device and reposition the device. The rear band is padded on the inside of the COMMFI to provide extra comfort and to reduce potential pressure sores. The low profile cross section of the COMMFI provides minimal protrustion allowing for greater comfort when the device is worn on a pillow, as well as being easily hidden under hair.
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SIZES A variety of sizes avialable.
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CHARGING COMMFI utilises induction charging technology to provide the device with a completely watertight unit. Induction charging allows the COMMFI headwear to be charged through the material by being in contact with the top of the charging unit. An induction coil is placed in the top of the charger with a magnet centred within the coil. The same configuration is moulded within the polyurethane of the headset. When the two magnets come within close proximity - the magnetic field locates the device into the correct position to allow the copper coils to align and charge effectively. To remove the COMMFI headwear from the device, the user only needs to lift it upwards to break the connection. The COMMFI application user can monitor the charging status of the device by checking the application status page.
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BRANDING The origin of the name COMMFI comes from the blending of the themes of Communication and Comfort. The common colloquial adjective for a comfortable item is ‘comfy’. The pronunciation of ‘comfy’ is the same as the product name - COMMFI. The name was to be simple to say, visually appealling as well as represent the quintessence of the devices purpose. The two dots within the logo represent the right and left electrodes of the device. The colour scheme was designed for high contrast, clean and crisp graphics. Yellow was chosen for it’s association to cheerfulnes and friendliness - SUNSHINE
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MARKET DEFINITION Globally, the disabillity market is enormous. With a huge variety of disabilities and complexities - narrowing the target market is key. The COMMFI device is targetted towards a non-verbal end user. These end user’s already use AAC devices to help communicate, but do not have a secondary method of communicating.
The end user and the target market is not syonymous - a end user may be supplied with a COMMFI through a larger organisation. The large charity & non profit organisations will frequently supply the disability market with equipment to improve quality of life through government grants and charity.
This niche consists of people with Cerebral Palsy, Lock In Syndrome, Stroke Sufferers, Spinal Chord Injuries, Motor Neuron Disease etc. etc.
Targetting a low cost device to these organisations, like Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Motor Neuron Disease Australia and Brain Foundations, provides the end user with accessability to the products and the ability to reduce the costs of the device through bulk purchasing.
The complications that cause the inability to speak are vast and it is difficult to quanitify the market size.
Although targetting to large organisations, COMMFI may still be sourced by an end user for their own specific needs.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND Over 30, 000 Australians suffer from Cerebral Palsy - of those, 7500 cannot talk, whilst many more have severe difficulty. Over 764,000 people globally have Cerebral Palsy - 191, 000 cannot talk. There is an opportunity to provide ~ 191 000 people with cerebral palsy a device that can assist in communicting. It can be assumed that less than half of those will want to use the device or are incapable of using the system surrounding it, including access to a smart phone.
A proposed volume of 3,000 COMMFI units of each size provides the total market of the non verbal CP within Australia, with remaining units available to other disability markets. With 9000 units, this makes high volume manufacturing a financially viable option with little risk as the units could be distributed globally.
When focusing on cerebral palsy alone on a global scale, COMMFI is a feasible product on the disability market. With few electronic competitors, COMMFI could be indoctrinated into the cerebral palsy iconography.
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Ange McReynold has had non verbal cerebral palsy for all of her life. Although she has no control of her speech or movements, her cognitive abilities are unimpaired. Ange enjoys playing Boccia and using her liberator device to play a modified asteroids game with her eye gaze system. Ange has five different carers who assist her with day to day chores.
USER PROFILES When a new carer begins their shift with Ange, they connect to the COMMFI through their smart phone. They quickly calibrate the unit with Ange and then leave Ange to her own devices.
As Ange is non-verbal, she is heavily reliant on her liberator device to help her communicate however she frequently struggles to use the eye gaze systems when light interferes. This interferance can frustrate Ange and make it difficult to ask for assistance or complete her daily tasks on her computer.
The carer on shift may move and assist others within the area normally Ange would not be able to communicate from a distance, however the COMMFI device let’s her notify a carer of assistance when they are in another room.
Like most people, Ange is interested in the latest gadgets and was intrigued by the COMMFI unit and purchased it. She was impressed by it’s ability to provide another level of communication that would not be effected by the lighting environments.
When Ange goes to sleep, she asks a carer to fit the COMMFI device to wear throughout the night. Although she is unlikley to need to call for assistance, the COMMFI provides piece of mind in knowing the device will allow her to ask a carer for assistance in getting up.
Ange has the COMMFI device ready for use when she believes she may confront a situation where her AAC device may not communicate effectively.
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http://www.jessicairwin.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/JESS.IRWIN.DARE2BU/photos/a.214923151888794.50661.196860930361 683/689034631144308/?type=1&permPage=1
Jess Irwin has also had non verbal cerebral palsy for all of her life. She has limited ctonrol of her body but can control her arms to some degree.
USER PROFILES
Jess Irwin’s passion is photography and trying to break the boundaries of her disability. You will often find her outside taking beautiful photos of the landscape. Although Jess is far more independant , when compared to Ange, she still has trouble communicating. Jess is frequently being burnt in showers due to carer’s misinterpretting the water temperature before placing Jess underneath. Jess purchased the COMMFI as a showering aid to limit the occasions where she could be burnt. COMMFI allows her to tell her carers if the water temperature is too hot for her. She keeps her COMMFI charging in the bathroom ready to be used for every shower. Jess is brought into the bathroom, the carer places the COMMFI on Jess’ head - the carer then initialises COMMFI. Once the COMMFI is continuoulsy reading, the carer runs the shower to the appropriate temperature - Jess is then asked if the temperature is comfortable and responds with the appropriate “Yes” or “No” message.
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NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
MOCK TRIALS ETHICS CLEARANCE CONTINGENCY CLINICAL TRIALS KICKSTARTER MANUFACTURE RELEASE MARKETING
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
There are several stages COMMFI must go through before being available on the market:
Mock Trials Mock trials is the testing of the electronics and design outside of a focused analysis. The purpose of the mock trials is to optimise the device and all components before begin clinical trials. The mock trials will provide information on areas that may be of key concern within the ethical clearance phase. Ethical Clearance Ethical clearance is the process of defining the tests that will be carried out within the clinical trials, as well as being authorised to do so. Contingency Although the creation of the Ethics documents may be short in duration, many months have been allowed for potential revisions and allowance for the quad annual meeting of the ethics committee. Clinical Trials Clinicals trials is the key benchmark of if the COMMFI device works effectively and safely.
Kickstarter Kickstarter would be used as the primary source of capital. By using the ongoing marketing and the data collected from the Clinical Trials, an effective kickstarter campaign could be used to raise funds to pursue manufacturing goals. The Kickstarter campaign could be both used as a way of charity raising for non-end users, and also end-users who may want a COMMFI device. Manufacture The manufacturing of the device is estimated to be 4 months, however the duration may vary. Prior to the manufacturing phase of the implementation plan, research needs to be made in contacting potential manufacturers. Release The target release date would be early December. This date has been chosen to benefit from the Christmas sales as well as potential media interest surrounding the ‘gift of communication’ for Christmas.
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ACTIVATION
DIRECTION
R
L TIME
C O M M F I
CONNECT ANGE’S COMMFI
CONNECT TO OTHER DEVICE
MESSAGE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
PRODUCT PROGRAMMING COMMFI’s programming, algorithms and optimisation processes will be patent protected and owned by the company Wings of Invention APPLICATION INTERFACE COMMFI’s application interface aesthetic, will be protected by a standard copyright protection
PRODUCTS AESTHETIC COMMFI’s overall form and aesthetic will be protected by a registered design. BRANDING The COMMFI logo and Wings of Invention logo will be protected by a trademark All of the intellectual property listed is owned by Wings of Invention which holds the right to sell or licence the intellectual property.
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PROTOTYPING
PRODUCT TESTING
USER SURVEYS
MANUFACTURE
CLINICAL TRIALS
TO MARKET
MARKET VALIDATION PROTOTYPING and PRODUCT TESTING The prototyping process is closely linked to the product testing. During the product testing the products functions and abilities can be validated for going forward and being used by the market. If the product’s function fails there is need to reprototype USER SURVEYS Using the tested prototypes the ability to test the market’s acceptance of the product or the need can be validated through both user Survey’s and User Tests. These tests are also used to validate the function across a variety of users. If the product does not meet the functional requirements the product may need to be reprototyped.
MANUFACTURE The manufacturing process is an umbrella term in the sense it encapsulates the validation of the product to be manufactured for market usage and to validate it fitting within the predicted price bracket. If quotes for manufacturing are in line with the expected price than the product can move forward into clinical trials. CLINICAL TRIALS The Clinical trials will certify the device so it may be sold to the public market and that it’s desired function will not harm the users.
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Description
Material
Process
Quanitity
Material Cost
Time (Min)
Labour
Part
Body
ABS
Injection Moulded
1
$5.00
.5
$0.25
$5.50
Body Overmould
PU
Injection Overmoulded
1
$5.00
3
$1.50
$6.50
Left Electrode
Sterling Silver
Wax Investment Cast
1
$12.00
15
$8.75
$20.75
Right Electrode
Sterling Silver
Wax Investment Cast
1
$12.00
15
$8.75
$20.75
Reference Electrode
Sterling Silver
$3.00
15
$8.75
$11.75
Wax Investment Cast
1
Bluetooth 4.0
Outsourced
1
$0.10
PCB
Outsourced
1
$0.50
Microcontroller
Outsourced
1
$10.00
3.7v LiPo battery
Outsourced
1
$5.00
Induction Coil
Outsourced
1
$0.30
Vibration Motor
Outsourced
1
$1.00
Neodymium Magnet
Outsourced
1
$1.00
Induction Coil
Outsourced
1
$0.75
Wire
Outsourced
1
$0.10 Total Material
Total Labour
Total Parts
$37.00
$28.00
$88.50
COSTINGS Tooling Costs Wax Investment Casting
$15000.00
ABS Injection Tooling
$20,000.00
Based on $5 per unit for 3000 units $20 per unit $6.60 per unit
PU Injection Tooling
$20,000.00
$6.60 per unit
Total Tooling
$33.20
Distribution & Transport Sourced Components
2% of Sourced Components
$0.40
Distribution to retailer
2% of Production Cost
$2.80
Total Dist. & Transport
$3.20
Initial Tooling Cost
$20,000.00
Total Cost Per Unit
$124.90
Retail Cost Per Unit
$220.00
Profit Margin
43%
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CONCLUSION COMMFI is a secondary communication device, used when a primary AAC device is unavailable. COMMFI is a wearable device that translates the movements of the user’s and translates them into a message. COMMFI’s ability to communicate long distance, in wet environments, and without a digital interface makes it a product with no competitors. COMMFI’s application interface lends itself to improving and developing communication abilities, as well as monitoring methods.
The technology within COMMFI is not limited to the disability market - the data collection and communication methods can be adapted to a huge variety of methods that require hands free communication. COMMFI’s elegant and simple ritual of use provides a way of improving comfort without drastically changing a user’s way of life. COMMFI improves it’s user’s quality of life by providing Comfort in Communication
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Tania Perkovic Stefan Lie Dr Jordan Nguyen Anna & Tony Davis Ange McReynolds Lorraine Fernandes Ashlyn Lee, Hoang Bui, Kris Stasi Angus Bean Andrew Gregorace
REFERENCES Dynavox 2014, ‘ Dynavox T10’ Viewed September 28th 2014 <https://www.mydynavox.com/Solutions/T10#MeetTheT10> Dynavox 2014, ‘Dynavox Vmax Plus’ Viewed September 28th 2014 <http://au.dynavoxtech.com/products/vmaxplus/> Opportunity Foundation 2012, ‘Eagle Eyes’ ,Viewed October 2nd 2014 <http://opportunityfoundationofamerica.org/eagleeyes/main/> Jessica Irwin 2013, ‘About Me’ Viewed October 29 2014, <http://www.jessicairwin.com.au/index.php> CPA 2014, “Manual Ability Classification System” Viewed October 4th 2014 <https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au/what-is-cerebral-palsy/severityof-cerebral-palsy/manual-ability-classification-system/> Luiz Cruis 2013, “Eyeboard electrooculography system” Viewed 29th September 2014 <http://makezine.com/projects/make-29/eyeboardelectrooculography-eog-system/> Open EDU 2014, “Personal Care Assistants” Viewed 10th October 2014, <http://www.open.edu.au/careers/community-service---not-for-profit/ personal-care-assistants> Thompson R., 2007, Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals, London, United Kingdom Tilley, A.R 2002, The Measure of Man and Woman, New York, N.Y.
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THE METHOD OF TRANSLATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FOR IP PROTECTION PURPOSES
THE METHOD OF TRANSLATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FOR IP PROTECTION PURPOSES