By Laurence Weir, business development and technology implementation for biomedical and healthcare projects at Plextek investigates connecting vulnerable adults in care through their TV.
We are rapidly reaching a stage in the UK where access to information and systems over the internet is fundamental to nearly every aspect of life. However, statistics from the ONS show that over 50% of elderly and disabled adults do not have a sustained or installed access to the internet. The hesitancy generated when interacting with new technology is denying huge swathes of the population access to data which could help both them and their careers.
Rather than trying to push new technology (tablets, smartphones, computer, smart speakers, for example) on people who are least likely to accept it, I would suggest we use technology they already have and are comfortable with: their television set. Ironically, the television used to have a data service available to use for free. Teletext was officially switched off in 2012 after 38 years due to lack of use.
Teletext was slow, non-personalised, and not particularly user friendly. But it was simple to use. I want to suggest a system which will seamlessly integrate with people’s existing TV setup, with no installed internet connection required.
Hardware
There is nothing new or original in the design of this system. The concept is simply to deliver a viewing portal to information which is currently accessible via the internet, at relatively low data rates. Most current similar systems are used to stream ultra-high-definition video data through Wi-Fi. The proposed system could easily be made up of a few Off-the-shelf technologies to reduce integration complexity.
The main risks that exist in the system is secure biometrics being hacked to allow access to secure data. To overcome this, all security must be encased in the remote, with a processor that interprets and encodes the biometric input, with secure paired connection to the dongle.
It is very likely that the individual components that make up these commercially available devices are considerably cheaper, and that a complete device could be envisioned at less than £100, especially if supported by government schemes or charities.
Online Services
The goal of the device is to merge video stream output, with online retrieved data. Even though most cellular data contracts now allow many gigabytes of data for a very low monthly cost, this system will instead focus on orders of magnitude less data that that. Basic text, and low-resolution images will use much less than a megabyte to transmit. If necessary, the entire dataset required for services could be downloaded and stored on local memory to allow access even when wireless data connectivity stops.
A service fee may be required to sustain advanced services, although that will be dependent on uptake and complexity of data provided. Accessibility options such as text to speech and large print will be included as standard.
Most of the setup cost, and where this device will succeed or fail, will be the utility of the services provided. These can be split into different categories depending on risk.
| Risk Category | Low Risk | Medium Risk | High Risk |
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Low Risk
These would be services very similar to those on the old Teletext system. Such services based around simple personalization such as location and individual preferences. As such, biometric certification would not be necessary to access this level of data. The relatively low cost would be on the service provider side to make sure access to the information portals is kept up to date. However, it is likely that these would be the ones most frequently used by users.
Medium Risk
As data becomes more personalised, services would need more security. However, these could still be deemed as not causing serious harm if accessed by the incorrect people.
The added risk on these kind of services stems from both the setup and integration with existing or new data platforms. Devices may or may not be compatible with local devices or platforms, which means it is more likely to fail and therefore cause frustration through use. The information on people and goods would only be that which is readily given out already, such as package or public transport tracking. The cost of facilitating these gets more complex as the number of disparate systems supported increases.
High Risk
With a properly locked and authenticated system, there is the possibility of providing services which could be used to provide highly sensitive and important data.
Issues arise from vulnerable people being put in a position of responsibility for this data. It could be that responsibility is transferred to other carers or family members, who are deemed responsible for access. However, it is likely that any system that could put someone at risk will be difficult to certify and keep safe in use. However, in the coming decade, the proliferation of hyperconnectivity in technology may improve this situation. For instance, if a centralised personal authentication service is installed, then access to personal information could be made easier. In any case, it would have to be seen what is possible with the budget for the services provider.
To conclude, we are proposing a low-cost and initially low-risk system which could be created and supported to provide vulnerable and elderly people with an access point to data which most of us take for granted. With further development, these installed devices could be updated and improved to provide hard to reach people with at least a viewing portal into information we will need to access key services in the next decade. Research will need to be done on the most reliable biometric sensor to be used for these adults.
Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.