DEVICE, SYSTEM, METHOD AND/OR COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR

ACCESSORY DEVICE CONTROL AND MONITORING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device, system, method and/or computer readable medium for accessory devices and more specifically to a device, system, method, and/or computer readable medium for facilitating independence and improving care for individuals who may benefit from assistive or accessory devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] While the experiences of individuals with physical limitations and their caregivers and the promotion of independent living in community settings are issues of importance, assistive technologies for these individuals may not have sufficiently advanced to meet the needs of this growing population. In particular, assistive technologies of the prior art may have failed to solve the problems of ensuring accountability and/or efficiency in service delivery, and the enablement of patient independence.

[0003] Caregiver service providers in community settings may presently lack a means of accurately and/or consistently tracking time spent per client (or patient), frequency of on call usage, and/or timeliness of caregivers. The nature of service provision may currently make direct supervision in community settings difficult for most staff-client interactions. Consequently, there may be few performance indicators for problems with service delivery that do not rely on clients to make a formal complaint. It has been reported that the strong power imbalances between persons with disabilities and service providers are likely to result in underreporting of concerns and that there may be a need for heightened monitoring, transparency and accountability of service providers to enhance the ability to identify urgent matters (See, for example, the Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) report from 2012 entitled Framework for the Law As It Affects Persons with Disabilities).

[0004] In general, assistive technologies may empower people with disabilities by increasing the number of tasks they can complete without assistance. Environment control units allow people with disabilities to independently operate certain devices. This may help people with disabilities, for example, connect socially online, manage finances, order supplies, enter and exit their homes independently. Population specific designs (or environmental control units) may be further customized to the unique needs of individual clients with relative ease via changes to hardware or software. Technology interfaces may be made less complex for individuals with cognitive impairments and physical access switches can be designed custom for individuals with extremely limited means of voluntary movement.

[0005] One of the major issues facing governments may be“upward substitution of care”, whereby clients with disabilities who cannot receive services in community-based settings end up living in less desirable, higher cost institutionalized environments. It may have been reported that approximately 15.5% of hospital beds are in use by patients who should be receiving care in another institution or setting (See, for example, the Ontario Hospital Association statement in 2017). It may also have been reported that the complexity of the clients combined with the waiting lists for appropriate community support has led to a significant increase in the use of alternate levels of care (“ALC”) beds as temporary place for individuals with disabilities (See, for example, The Roadmap to Independent Living Report from 2014 in Ontario). An ALC bed is when a patient occupies a bed in a hospital and does not require the intensity of resources / services provided in this care setting. In addition, it may have been reported that almost 2,000 people were on waitlists for caregiver services in Ontario and estimated wait times were estimated to be almost 10 years with about 25% estimated to leave the waitlist for a long-term care facility (See, for example, The Roadmap to Independent Living Report from 2014 in Ontario citing a 2012 survey). People with disabilities prefer choice and control over where they live and typically prefer to live in community settings; however, current waitlists for services may limit choices for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Furthermore without the ability to schedule caregivers efficiently it may be difficult to keep good staff in the current funding environment.

[0006] In the prior art, it may have been attractive to use smart devices to provide additional functionality to individuals with physical disabilities (such individuals have a unique set of problems that differ from able-bodied individuals). Individuals with physical disabilities may not be able to interact with devices which were created for able-bodied individuals. The advent of smart devices has made the world more accessible (e.g., it is possible to use your voice to control lights and change channels on a TV); however, when these devices stop working, able- bodied individuals may be able to reset these devices to restore their functionality, but these problems may be intractable for individuals with physical disabilities or elderly individuals not familiar with technology. Persons skilled in the art may appreciate that a smart device is an electronic device, generally connected to other devices or networks via different wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, 3G, etc. that may operate partially or completely interactively and autonomously.

[0007] The devices, systems, methods and/or computer readable medium of the prior art may not have been adapted to solve the one or more of the above-identified problem thus negatively affecting the ability for institutions to offer community based healthcare efficiently and accountability and to enablement independence of the patients in the a community setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to an aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a system for use with one or more accessory devices associated with a user and/or a caregiver. The system includes at least one accessory device having one or more accessory device processors local to the user and/or the caregiver and operative to execute a mobile application or a web application to collect and transmit accessory device data associated with the accessory device, the user and/or the caregiver. Also provided is a hub processor, local to the user, in communication with the one or more accessory devices, operative to: (i) execute a user facing application to collect and transmit hub data; (ii) electronically receive the accessory device data associated with the accessory device, the user and/or the caregiver from the one or more accessory device processors; (iii) combine and/or reconcile the hub data and the accessory device data to generate command data comprising instructions for a selected one of the accessory devices; and (iv) electronically transmit the command data to the selected one of the accessory devices. In addition, the system further includes an administrator database, remote from the user and/or the caregiver, to electronically store the hub data, the accessory device data, and the command data. Thus, according to the invention, the system is operative to facilitate communication between the user and/or the caregiver and the one or more accessory devices to improve independence and/or care of the user. [0009] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system may preferably include one or more administrator processors to electronically send or receive the hub data, the accessory device data, and/or the command data.

[0010] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system may preferably include command data, such as: instructions for (i) operating the selected one of the accessory devices; and/or (ii) troubleshooting the selected one of the accessory devices.

[0011] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system may preferably include hub data, such as: instructions from the user to the selected one of the accessory devices, instructions from the user to the backend, communication information between the user and the caregiver, communication information between the user and an administrator, event logs associated with the hub for troubleshooting, and/or configuration information.

[0012] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system may preferably include accessory device data, such as: location information of the selected one of the accessory devices, instructions from the user and/or the caregiver operating the one or more accessory devices, communication information between the caregiver operating the one or more accessory devices and the user of the hub, configuration information, and/or event logs associated with the one or more accessory devices for troubleshooting.

[0013] According to the invention, there is provided a method for use in association with one or more accessory devices associated with a user and/or a caregiver. The method includes: (a) a step of operating one or more accessory device processors of at least one accessory device, carried by the user and/or the caregiver, to execute a mobile application or a web application to collect and transmit accessory device data associated with the accessory device, the user and/or the caregiver; (b) a step of operating a hub processor, local to the user, in communicate with the one or more accessory devices to (i) execute a user facing application to collect and transmit hub data (ii) electronically receive the accessory device data associated with the accessory device, the user and/or the caregiver from the one or more accessory device processors (iii) combine and/or reconcile the hub data and the accessory data to generate command data comprising instructions for a selected one of the accessory devices and (iv) electronically transmit the command data to the selected one of the accessory devices; and (c) a step of electronically storing the hub data, the accessory device data, and the command data in an administrator database. Thus, according to the invention, the method is operative to facilitate communication between the user and/or the caregiver and the one or more accessory devices to improve independence and/or care of the user.

[0014] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably include a step (d) of operating one or more administrator processors to electronically send or receive the hub data, the accessory device data, and/or the command data.

[0015] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably include command data such as: instructions for (i) operating the selected one of the accessory devices; and/or (ii) troubleshooting the selected one of the accessory devices.

[0016] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably include hub data such as: instructions from the user to the selected one of the accessory devices, instructions from the user to the backend, communication information between the user and the caregiver, communication information between the user and an administrator, event logs associated with the hub for troubleshooting, and/or configuration information.

[0017] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably include accessory device data such as: location information of the selected one of the accessory devices, instructions from the user and/or the caregiver operating the one or more accessory devices, communication information between the caregiver operating the one or more accessory devices and the user of the hub, configuration information, and/or event logs associated with the one or more accessory devices for troubleshooting.

[0018] According to the invention, there is provided a hub in communication with one or more accessory devices associated with a user and/or a caregiver, for use with one or more accessory device processors local to the user and/or the caregiver executing a mobile application or a web application which collects and transmits accessory device data associated with the accessory device, the user and/or the caregiver, and for use with an administrator database. The hub preferably includes: (a) an input/output device operative to collect hub data from the user; (b) one or more hub processors operative to: (i) receive the hub data from the input/output device; (ii) electronically receive the accessory device data associated with the accessory device, the user and/or the caregiver from the accessory device processors; (iii) combine and/or reconcile the hub data and the accessory device data to generate command data comprising instructions for a selected one of the accessory devices; and (iv) electronically transmit the command data to the selected one of the accessory devices; and (c) a database for electronically storing the hub data, the accessory device data and the command data. Thus, according to the invention, the hub is operative to facilitate communication between the user and/or the caregiver and the one or more accessory devices to improve independence and/or care of the user. [0019] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the hub is additionally for use with one or more administrator processors in communication with the hub processors and the one or more accessory device processors, wherein the hub processors electronically transmit the hub data, the accessory device data and the command data to the administrator processors.

[0020] According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the input/output device includes one or more switches adapted to generate hub data from the user.

[0021] According to the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium on which is physically stored executable instructions which, upon execution, will facilitate communication between a user and/or a caregiver and one or more accessory devices, wherein the executable instructions comprise processor instructions for one or more hub processors local to the user, and/or one or more accessory device processors associated with the user and/or the caregiver to automatically: (a) collect accessory device data associated with the one or more accessory devices, the user and/or the caregiver and/or electronically communicate the accessory device data from the one or more accessory device processors to the hub processors; (b) collect hub data from the one or more hub processors; (c) combine and/or reconcile the accessory device data with the hub data to generate command data comprising instructions for a selected one of the accessory devices; (d) electronically communicate the command data to the selected one of the accessory devices; and (e) electronically store the hub data, the accessory device data and the command data in an administrator database. Thus, according to the invention, the computer readable medium is operative to facilitate communication between the user and/or the caregiver and the one or more accessory devices to improve independence and/or care of the user. [0022] The present invention preferably increases the ability of users (e.g., individuals with disabilities) to independently complete tasks and/or to collect service delivery metrics (e.g., from caregivers). This preferably includes assisting individuals with disabilities to operate a variety of accessory devices including but not limited to telephones, computers, televisions, doors, and hospital beds independently, integrating with existing smart home devices, including but not limited to lighting (e.g., Philips Hue lights), Belkin WeMo, and/or recording caregiver care metrics. Overall, the present invention preferably empowers users (e.g., people with disabilities) and/or makes the caregiver services system more transparent, accountable and/or efficient through provision of accurate and/or comprehensive data collection regarding service delivery metrics.

[0023] In preferable embodiments, data tracking across time accurately and/or comprehensively facilitates key decision makers in determining if more users and/or tasks can be added to a caregiver workload for a given site, shift time and/or employee. Administrators and/or managers may preferably also immediately track whether any changes to the system (e.g., adding a low care client, adding a new employee, etc.) impact the metrics for one or more users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the system and device according to the present invention, as to their structure, organization, use, and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system and device according to one preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of components of the system and device of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a user interface for troubleshooting media components in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a user interface for troubleshooting home components in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIGS. 5A to F are, taken together, a user interface for a troubleshooting events log in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an over-arching method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, may be provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain embodiments and features of the invention.

[0032] The present disclosure may be described herein with reference to system architecture, block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. It may be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions.

[0033] These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer- readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. [0034] Accordingly, functional blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagram illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It may also be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by either special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or suitable combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0035] The present disclosure may be now described in terms of an exemplary system in which the present disclosure, in various embodiments, would be implemented. This may be for convenience only and may be not intended to limit the application of the present disclosure. It may be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0036] In this disclosure, a number of terms and abbreviations may be used. The following definitions and descriptions of such terms and abbreviations are provided in greater detail.

[0037] As used herein, a person skilled in the relevant art may generally understand the term “comprising” to generally mean the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components as referred to in the claims, but that it does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0038] It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, method, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method, or a computer readable medium such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network wherein program instructions are sent over a network (e.g., optical or electronic communication links). In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in numerous configurations depending on implementation choices based upon the principles described herein. Various specific aspects are disclosed, which are illustrative embodiments not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to standards and protocols known to a person skilled in the art, the present disclosures as well as the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific standard or protocol. Each of the standards for non- mobile and mobile computing, including the Internet and other forms of computer network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, and HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents.

[0040] As those of ordinary skill in the art would generally understand, the Internet is a global computer network which comprises a vast number of computers and computer networks which are interconnected through communication links. A person skilled in the relevant art may understand that an electronic communications network of the present invention, may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a local area network, a wide area network, peer to peer communication, an intranet, or the Internet. The interconnected computers exchange information using various services, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Gopher, web- services, application programming interface (API), File Transfer Protocol (FTP). This network allows a server computer system (a Web server) to send graphical Web pages of information to a remote client computer system. The remote client computer system can then display the Web pages via its web browser. Each Web page (or link) of the“world wide web” (“WWW”) is uniquely identifiable by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). To view a specific Web page, a client computer system specifies the URL for that Web page in a request (e.g., a HyperText Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”) request). The request is forwarded to the Web server that supports the Web page. When the Web server receives the request, it sends the Web page to the client computer system. When the client computer system receives the Web page, it typically displays the Web page using a browser. A web browser or a browser is a special-purpose application program that effects the requesting of web pages and the displaying of web pages and the use of web-based applications. Commercially available browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox, Google Chrome among others. It may be understood that with embodiments of the present invention, any browser would be suitable.

[0041] Web pages are typically defined using HTML. HTML provides a standard set of tags that define how a Web page is to be displayed. When a provider indicates to the browser to display a Web page, the browser sends a request to the server computer system to transfer to the client computer system an HTML document that defines the Web page. When the requested HTML document is received by the client computer system, the browser displays the Web page as defined by the HTML document. The HTML document contains various tags that control the displaying of text, graphics, controls, and other features. The HTML document may contain URLs of other Web pages available on that server computer system or other server computer systems. [0042] A person skilled in the relevant art may generally understand a web-based application refers to any program that is accessed over a network connection using HTTP, rather than existing within a device’s memory. Web-based applications often run inside a web browser or web portal. Web-based applications also may be client-based, where a small part of the program is downloaded to a user’s desktop, but processing is done over the Internet on an external server. Web-based applications may also be dedicated programs installed on an internet-ready device, such as a smart phone or tablet. A person skilled in the relevant art may understand that a web site may also act as a web portal. A web portal may be a web site that provides a variety of services to users via a collection of web sites or web based applications. A portal is most often one specially designed site or application that brings information together from diverse sources in a uniform way. Usually, each information source gets its dedicated area on the page for displaying information (a portlet); often, the user can configure which ones to display. Portals typically provide an opportunity for users to input information into a system. Variants of portals include“dashboards”. The extent to which content is displayed in a“uniform way” may depend on the intended user and the intended purpose, as well as the diversity of the content. Very often design emphasis is on a certain“metaphor” for configuring and customizing the presentation of the content and the chosen implementation framework and/or code libraries. In addition, the role of the user in an organization may determine which content can be added to the portal or deleted from the portal configuration.

[0043] It may be generally understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the term “mobile device” or“portable device” refers to any portable electronic device that can be used to access a computer network such as, for example, the internet. Typically a portable electronic device comprises a display screen, at least one input/output device, a processor, memory, a power module and a tactile man-machine interface as well as other components that are common to portable electronic devices individuals or members carry with them on a daily basis. Examples of portable devices suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, smart phones, cell phones, wireless data/email devices, tablets, PDAs and MP3 players, etc.

[0044] It may be generally understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the term “network ready device” or “internet ready device” refers to devices that are capable of connecting to and accessing a computer network, such as, for example, the Internet, including but not limited to an IoT device. A network ready device may assess the computer network through well-known methods, including, for example, a web-browser. Examples of internet- ready devices include, but are not limited to, mobile devices (including smart-phones, tablets, PDAs, etc.), gaming consoles, and smart-TVs. It may be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that embodiment of the present invention may be expanded to include applications for use on a network ready device (e.g., cellphone). In a preferred embodiment, the network ready device version of the applicable software may have a similar look and feel as a browser version but that may be optimized to the device. It may be understood that other“smart” devices (i.e., devices that are capable of connecting to and accessing a computer network, such as, for example, the Internet) may include voice activated assistants, watches, thermostats, sensors, lights, IoT devices, etc.

[0045] The Internet of things (“IoT”) is a concept in which a large number of network ready devices are interconnected to each other and to the Internet to provide functionality and data acquisition at very low levels. As used herein, an IoT device may include a semi -autonomous device performing a function. The function may include sensing or control, among others. The IoT device may communicate with other IoT devices and a wider network, such as the Internet. Example networks of IoT devices may include commercial and home automation devices, such light switches, thermostats, locks, cameras, alarms, motion sensors, and the like. The IoT devices may be accessible through remote computers, servers, and other systems, to control systems or access data. Other IoT devices may include IoT gateways, which are used to couple IoT devices to other IoT devices, and to cloud applications. Cloud applications may include services, for example, such as data storage, process control, and the like.

[0046] It may generally be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the term “cloud computing” is an information technology model that facilitates ubiquitous access to shared pools of configurable system resources and higher-level services that can be provisioned with minimal management effort, usually over the Internet. Third-party clouds (e.g., Amazon Web Services) enable organizations to focus on their core businesses instead of allocating resources on computer infrastructure and maintenance.

[0047] Elements of the present invention may be implemented with an IoT network that includes various devices (including IoT devices) and/or other physical objects. For example, in various embodiments, the devices and/or other physical objects in the IoT network may include, among other things, one or more IoT devices having communication capabilities, non-IoT devices having communication capabilities, and/or other physical objects that do not have communication capabilities.

[0048] It may be further generally understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the term“downloading” refers to receiving datum or data to a local system (e.g., a mobile device) from a remote system (e.g., a client) or to initiate such a datum or data transfer. Examples of remote systems or clients from which a download might be performed include, but are not limited to, web servers, FTP servers, email servers, or other similar systems. A download can mean either any file that may be offered for downloading or that has been downloaded, or the process of receiving such a file. A person skilled in the relevant art may understand the inverse operation, namely sending of data from a local system (e.g., a mobile device) to a remote system (e.g., a database) may be referred to as“uploading”. The data and/or information used according to the present invention may be updated constantly, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. depending on the type of data and/or the level of importance inherent in, and/or assigned to, each type of data. Some of the data may preferably be downloaded from the Internet, by satellite networks or other wired or wireless networks.

[0049] Features of the present invention may be implemented with computer systems which are well known in the art. Generally speaking, computers include a central processor, system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the central processor. A system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of a system memory may be well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) stored in a read only memory (“ROM”) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (“RAM”). Computers may also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data. A user of the system can interact with the computer using a variety of input devices, all of which are known to a person skilled in the relevant art. [0050] One skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the device connections mentioned herein are for illustration purposes only and that any number of possible configurations and selection of peripheral devices could be coupled to the computer system.

[0051] Computers can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. The computer of the present invention may include a network interface that couples the system bus to a local area network (“LAN”). Networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems. A wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet, can also be accessed by the computer or mobile device.

[0052] It may be appreciated that the type of connections contemplated herein are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, mobile devices and networks. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, may be presumed, and computer can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve and send data to and from a web-based server. Furthermore, any of various conventional web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data in association with a web based application.

[0053] The operation of the network ready device (i.e., a mobile device) may be controlled by a variety of different program modules, engines, etc. Examples of program modules are routines, algorithms, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. It may be understood that the present invention may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCS, personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Furthermore, the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0054] Features of the present invention may be implemented on a Blockchain which is a peer-to-peer decentralized open ledger, and may rely on a distributed network shared between its users where everyone holds a public ledger of every transaction carried out using the architecture, which are then checked against one another to ensure accuracy, preferably using one of a variety of cryptographic functions. This ledger is called the“blockchain”. Blockchain may be used instead of a centralized third party auditing and being responsible for transactions. The blockchain is a public ledger that records transactions. A novel solution accomplishes this without any trusted central authority: maintenance of the blockchain is performed by a peer-to- peer network of communicating nodes running software. Network nodes can validate transactions, add them to their copy of the ledger, and then broadcast these ledger additions to other nodes. The blockchain is a distributed database; in order to independently verify the chain of ownership or validity of any and every transaction, each network node stores its own copy of the blockchain.

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention may implement Artificial Intelligence (“AT’) or machine learning (“ML”) algorithms. AI and ML algorithms are general classes of algorithms used by a computer to recognize patterns, and may include on or more of the following individual algorithms: nearest neighbor, naive Bayes, decision trees, linear regression, principle component analysis (“PCA”), support vector machines (“SVM”), evolutionary algorithms, and neural networks. These algorithms may“learn” or associate patterns with certain responses in several fashions, including: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi -supervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0056] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by a software program for processing data through a computer system. It may be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the computer system can be a personal computer, mobile device, notebook computer, server computer, mainframe, networked computer (e.g., router), workstation, and the like. In one embodiment, the computer system includes a processor coupled to a bus and memory storage coupled to the bus. The memory storage can be volatile or non-volatile (i.e. transitory or non-transitory) and can include removable storage media. The computer can also include a display, provision for data input and output, etc. as may be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art.

[0057] Some portions of the detailed description that follows is presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic block, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer executed step, logic block, process, etc. is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or instructions leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the present invention integrates with existing IoT devices and may include a device to complement the home environment of individuals with physical disabilities including assisting with the unique challenges affecting these individuals. Preferably, the present invention ensures that the IoT devices are functioning properly. If a device were to encounter an issue, an alert to a caregiver would preferably automatically be placed to inform them of the issue and how to fix it.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a system 50 for use with a hub subsystem 60, an accessory subsystem 70 and an administrator subsystem 80. Some parts of the system 50 depicted in FIG. 1 may be provided at a remote location.

[0060] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 50 is shown in use with a communication network 200. The communication network 200 may include satellite networks (e.g., GPS), terrestrial wireless networks, the Internet, and cloud computing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services cloud). The communication of data (including, for example, hub data 400, accessory data 402 and/or administrator data 404) between the hub subsystem 60, the accessory subsystem 70 and the administrator subsystem 80 may also be achieved via one or more wired means of transmission or other physical means (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus cable and/or flash drive) of transmission. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the system includes hardware and software. [0061] FIGS. 1 and 2 further schematically illustrate, among other things, that the hub subsystem 60 includes a hub 110 for receiving inputs from a user 10 (i.e., a user 10 may include a client, a patient, a caregiver, etc.) and generating hub data 400, a hub processor 112, a hub database 114, hub input/output (or“hub I/O”) components (e.g., display, auditory, microphone, and/or tactile components) 116, hub transmitter-receiver 118, one or more switches 120 and/or a computer readable medium (e.g., an onboard hub processor-readable memory) 122 local to the hub 110. The accessory subsystem 70 includes an accessory device 150 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, hospital bed, smartwatch, smart light, etc.) for generating and/or receiving accessory data 402, an accessory processor 152, and/or an accessory database 154. The administrator subsystem 80 (alternately“backend 80”) includes an administrator processor 180 (which may be provided as a component of a tablet, laptop, computer, smart phone, server or any other device that may be known to a person of skill in the art), an administrator database 182, administrator input/output devices 184 (e.g., a printer for generating reports, speaker, etc.), and/or a computer readable medium (e.g., a processor-readable memory) 186 local to the administrator processor 180 wherein the administrator subsystem 80 is adapted to generate administrator data 404.

[0062] Persons skilled in the art may appreciate that the backend 80 functions preferably include those functions that may not be performed at the site of the user 10 and/or be local to the hub 110, a web application, a mobile application or other functions associated with the system 50. Functions of the backend 80 may include, for example, data access (e.g., database access) and may include database administration, security concerns, data backup, etc. [0063] In a preferred embodiment, the accessory device 150 is adapted to receive inputs from the user 10 using a software application 300 that includes a web application 300a and/or a mobile application 300b.

[0064] Hub Subsystem

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the hub 110 includes a graphical user interface 126 (“GUI 126”) adapted to display images (e.g., icons), including a series of images (e.g., video) or text associated with a function that the user 10 can interact with or control using the hub 110. Preferably, the functions are displayed using the GUI 126 and setup based on a hierarchical system (e.g., all media-related functions are found within a “media” category, all“smart” furniture-related functions ae found within a“home” category, etc.). The hub menu may preferably be configured in multiple ways by the user 10 or a technician.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention the hub 110 is preferably configured to provide a hub interface application (alternately a user facing application) to automatically scroll or transition through the various functions available to the user 10 using the hierarchical system until a selection is made. Automatic scrolling (or scanning) or transitioning includes automatically transitioning through different user options from the hierarchical system until a selection is made by the user 10. Preferably, during automatic scrolling (or scanning), the hub 110 interfaces with an accessible switch 120 adapted to control and/or provide input to the hub 110. In some preferable embodiments, the accessible switch 120 may include and/or be associated with controls for an electric wheelchair, Sip/puff device, and/or an eye blink switch. Automatic scrolling or transitioning is preferably configured for users 10 with very limited mobility or for users 10 with poor muscle control and/or who are non-verbal. The automatic scan is preferably optimized for a user 10 by adjusting a timing parameter, which is the time interval between the transition of functions that the user controls.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention the hub 110 may also be configured for manual scanning, which is preferably implemented using at least two switches 120 for the scan. A first switch l20a may be adapted to instruct the hub 110 to initiate the manual scan (e.g., to activate the scanning feature when the user 10 wants to scroll through the different user options) and a second switch l20b may be adapted to activate a selection presented during the manual scan.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the hub 110 - for example, using the hub processor 112 to apply a search algorithm 803a and engage the hub transmitter-receiver 118 - automatically and/or manually searches one or more predetermined locations (e.g., rooms in a home) to identify the electronic accessory devices 150 and associate those devices 150 with the one or more predetermined locations (e.g., living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.). For example, a bedroom may include a variety of devices 150 (e.g., a hospital bed, a television, a cable box, a light that is wall mounted / ceiling mounted / table lamp, etc.). An automatic and/or manual scan of the bedroom using the search algorithm 803a preferably identifies the foregoing electronic devices 150 and associates those devices 150 with the bedroom. When a user 10 accesses the hub 110 to control the devices 150 in a selected location (e.g., bedroom), only those devices 150 associated with the selected location will be accessible (e.g., any devices 150 in the living room or kitchen will not appear on the GUI 126). [0069] In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the switches 120, the hub 110 is also adapted to support voice as an input for the user 10 to interact with the system 50 using the hub input/output component 116 using a voice application 300c whereby the processor(s) 112,152 and/or 180 are adapted to apply voice logic 808a, 808b. Preferably, the hub 110 is adapted to provide all of the functionality for voice commands as available to switches. For example, voice commands may include“turn on living room lights”,“raise my bed head up”,“turn off the TV”, etc. In preferable embodiments, commands via voice input is enabled by third-party hardware, such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, Smart displays, etc. Alternatively, the web application 300a and/or the mobile application 300b may also be adapted to provide commands via voice input.

[0070] Voice commands also preferably enable troubleshooting using artificial intelligence algorithms and/or machine learning algorithms to interpret (alternately reconcile) requests by the user 10 and automatically test the system 50 when an issue arises (e.g., loss of connectivity of the hub 110 or device 150, a non-functioning device 150). Additionally, in preferable embodiments, voice functionality is used to communicate with the administrator subsystem 80, for example, in order to contact an administrator (e.g., customer support) to open a ticket or connect in real time with a support person (e.g., using bidirectional audio or video call that connects the client and customer support).

[0071] In one embodiment, the voice command may be received by the backend 80 (e.g., the administrator issues a voice command) which preferably relays the voice command to the hub 110 located remotely. The artificial intelligence algorithms and/or the machine learning algorithms are applied to the command by one or more of the processor(s) 112, 152, 180 to interpret (alternately reconcile) the command into the appropriate function(s) to any associated device 150 (e.g., bed controller, door controller, smart plugs, etc.).

[0072] In preferable embodiments, the hub subsystem 60 includes one or more switches 120 adapted to interact with the hub 110. In some embodiments, the one or more switches 120 may be incorporated into the hub 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hub 110 preferably connects to the one or more switches 120 using, for example, 3.5 mm mono jacks as inputs. A person skilled in the relevant art may appreciate that 3.5 mm jacks are a standard in the industry; however, the present invention may implement other mechanisms known in the art for establishing connections to the switches 120. Preferably, at least one output/input of each switch 120 is electrically isolated. In an embodiment of the present invention the hub 110 preferably receives power from a 5 -volt power input.

[0073] In preferable embodiments, the hub 110 includes the transmitter and receiver 118 adapted to connect to the network 200 as shown in FIG. 2. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include WiFi and/or Bluetooth low energy capable transceivers to facilitate connectivity of the present device, system, method and/or computer readable medium including communication with the devices 150 and/or the administrator processor 180. The hub 110 preferably establishes and/or maintains connection to the backend 80 to determine whether it is functioning correctly and for setup and/or maintenance purposes. Preferably, the connection to the backend 80 facilitates the troubleshooting of issues and/or reconfiguring the hub 110 if a change to the setup or configuration is desired and/or required. In an alternate embodiment, the hub 110 is adapted to facilitate troubleshooting of issues and/or reconfiguration of the hub 110 locally (i.e., without communication with the backend 80). [0074] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hub 110 is configured to detect the presence of a tag 162. Preferably, the low energy capable transceiver 118 (e.g., Bluetooth) detects the presence of a unique tag 162 (e.g., Bluetooth enabled) associated with each device 150, such as a smart watch, carried by for example a caregiver in order to track interactions between patients and caregivers remotely. The hub 110 is preferably adapted to function as a gateway for connecting devices 150 to the backend 80 (e.g., IoT devices, including off-the-shelf IoT devices such as Philips Hue, Belkin, Tp-link, etc.). In preferable embodiments, the hub 110 communicates with the devices 150 via the communication network 200 (e.g., WiFi). Such devices 150 preferably include for example a universal IR receiver, a WiFi controlled hospital bed controller and/or a WiFi controlled door opener remote control. Preferably, the hub connected devices 150 are configured via the web application 300a and/or the mobile application 300b. In some embodiments, the devices 150 may be configured using the hub 110 or via the server 180.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hub 110 and the connected devices 150 are preferably setup (or configured) via the network 200 (e.g., the Internet). Preferably, once the initial setup (or configuration) is complete, the hub 110 remains connected to the network 200. A person skilled in the relevant art may appreciate that by maintaining a connection to the network 200, it may be possible to automate at least some of the fault-finding (or troubleshooting) processes. This is in contrast to traditional assistive technology devices, whereupon once the initial setup for a patient is complete, it is up to the client / patient to determine when a technical issue arises. This traditional approach often then requires the individual having physical limitations to direct an able-bodied individual to fix the issue which often times means lengthy waits until the able-bodied person is available. In particular, the traditional approach does not provide an enterprise-level solution for off-the-shelf smart devices.

[0076] By way of example, the first step in troubleshooting most connectivity issues for a given device 150 is to restart the device 150, usually by turning it on and off again (which may include unplugging the device 150 from an electrical outlet and then plugging the device 150 back into the electrical outlet after a predetermined amount of time or, if battery powered, turning off the device 150 and then turning the device 150 back on after a predetermined amount of time). While this task may be relatively straightforward for an able-bodied individual it can be difficult or impossible for those persons with physical disabilities or cognitive issues. In an embodiment of the present invention— via application of the troubleshooting algorithm 805a, b using one or more of the processors 112, 152, 180— if the hub 110 (preferably connected to a router, for example, via the communication network 200) loses connectivity with the network 200 a signal is sent to the power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) to turn the receiver-transmitter 118 (e.g., router) off for a predetermined amount of time and then restore the power to the receiver-transmitter 118. Accordingly, the present invention is preferably adapted to discover connectivity issues between one or more of the hub 110, the devices 150, and/or the network 200 and instructing the connected devices 110, 150 to attempt issue correction by application of the troubleshooting algorithm 805a, b. The troubleshooting feature is preferably implemented on the hub 110, the device 150 and/or the server 180 through a series of troubleshooting algorithms 805a, b employing certain AI and/or ML techniques to optimize the troubleshooting procedures and/or algorithms 805a, b. In preferred embodiments, the AI and/or ML techniques are adapted to determine based on the most common issues experienced globally (e.g., as determined by the backend 80) and initiate the process to correct the issue (e.g., turning off the power for the device and then turning on the power for the device after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed). In some embodiments, the system 50 is adapted to automatically apply the processes that are currently manually executed by a human technician or operator to resolve the issue based on the best principals to resolve the issues.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hub 110 may be further adapted to connect with devices 150 including those that are IoT devices. One common IoT device 150 which the hub 110 may communicate with, for example, are smart lights. Smart lights traditionally receive power from the electrical socket with which they are connected to function, even when the lights are commanded to be off. This results in the requirement that the smart lights are always in the“on” position at the light switch. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, if an able-bodied individual accidentally turns the light switch to an“off’ position for the smart light, the processor(s) 112, 152 and/or 180 preferably applies the troubleshooting algorithm 805a, b to determine that there has been a loss of communication between the hub 110 and the light device 150 and send an automated message to a caregiver to resolve the error with a list of instructions including steps required to correct the issue. In preferable embodiments, the backend 80 in communication with the hub 110 preferably monitors these communication parameters. Preferably, the hub 110 may also be adapted to facilitate a call for assistance from the user 10 to enable tracking of a caregiver’s response time and client metrics on needs.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter-receiver 118 includes a WiFi module adapted to facilitate connection of the entire system 50 to the communication network 200 (e.g., the Internet). The WiFi module preferably provides a communication link between the server 180 and/or database 182 and the devices 150 that are connected to the system 50 via the network 200 (including a local network). In a preferred embodiment, at least some or all of the processing within the system 50 is conducted by the hub processor 112. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the input/output component 116 includes a first LED indicator adapted to provide one or more visual indicators (e.g., RGB) to alert the user 10 regarding the current mode of the WiFi module such as: (a) looking for a WiFi network; (b) connected to a WiFi network; (c) connected to the cloud; and/or (d) firmware update. In alternate embodiments, the current mode of the WiFi module is displayed on the GUI 126, the administrator input/output device 184 and/or the accessory devices 150.

[0079] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the WiFi module includes one or more coupling capacitors adapted to reduce some or all of the noise (e.g., unwanted disturbances in electrical signals) in the circuit. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) programming pins are provided, for example, for supporting in-circuit debugging and firmware programming as well as for boundary scan testing, and includes the local programming port for the WiFi module. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the transmitter-receiver 118 includes a Bluetooth module adapted to facilitate programming and to serve as a master or slave device. In a preferable embodiment, the Bluetooth module is configured to mimic a HID (i.e., human interface device) / BEACON (i.e., a hardware transmitter adapted to broadcast an identifier to nearby electronic devices) profile. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the WiFi module can be reset / setup by using internal buttons to connect to other WiFi networks that may be in communication with the network 200. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, a second LED indicator is provided to indicate the status of the Bluetooth module. In alternate embodiments, the current mode of the Bluetooth module is displayed on the GUI 126, the administrator input/output device 184 and/or the accessory devices 150. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the programming pins are preferably a local programming port.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 2, preferable embodiments of the present invention include a power supply unit 170 including power input circuitry with reverse polarity protection as well as a step down regulator (e.g., USB Micro-B).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, in preferable embodiments of the present invention, the hub 110 includes one or more switches 120 that may be connected to the hub 110 via the input/output component 116 using one or more ports adapted to facilitate the connection. In an embodiment of the invention, the switch 120 is an accessory input/output device such as, for example, a wheelchair joystick or drive control system (not shown), to control the scanning features provided by the hub 110. In preferable embodiments, the input/output component 116 includes three input ports for receiving commands from a wheelchair joystick and/or a wheelchair drive control system to enable the user 10 to connect two accessible switches and one output port to connect an output cable to facilitate control of another accessible switch device.

[0082] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the transmitter-receiver component 118 includes communication pins to facilitate communication between the WiFi module and the Bluetooth module using, for example, a full duplex RS-485 BUS. In preferable embodiments, the Bluetooth module may not include any real logic as some or all decisions are processed by the WiFi module. The communication pins are preferably the pins that pass the logic between the WiFi module and the Bluetooth module. [0083] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the WiFi module provides breakout pins that include connections to the GUI 126 (e.g., a display module) as well as test points and connections for possible breakout boards (i.e., components that are adapted to break out a conductor to a terminal that can easily accept a hook-up wire for distribution to another device), an alert device 128 (e.g., buzzer) and/or a speaker 130 for audio notifications or communications for non-verbal clients.

[0084] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, a WiFi IR hub is provided as an accessory device 150. In preferable embodiments, the IR signal processing is carried out by the WiFi module (e.g., accessory processor 152), hub processor 112 and/or administrator processor 180 and includes encoding an IR signal as well as decoding the IR signal from internal storage (e.g., the accessory database 154 local to the WiFi IR hub, the hub database 114 and/or the administrator database 182) or the signal information that is received remotely from the server 180. The WiFi IR hub preferably includes full duplex communication for (i) receiving the information or IR signal local from an IR enabled accessory device 150 and (ii) sending the IR signal to the server 180 using the accessory processor 152 to populate the administrator database 182. Alternately, the WiFi IR hub may (i) receive the signal from the server 180 or the administrator subsystem 80 and (ii) send the signal to the hub 110 local to the client using the accessory processor 152. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, PNA460XM is the IR signal sender with a range of frequencies from about 20KHz to about 60KHz. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the other circuit components are preferably adapted for an array of IR transmitters.

[0085] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a WiFi accessible door opener is provided as an accessory device 150. In preferable embodiments, the WiFi accessible door opener includes terminal blocks, power input ports, connections to the strike plate of the door opener and a sensor (e.g., reed switch; an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field) to detect if the door has been opened or closed. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, switches / buttons associated with the WiFi accessible door opener include a power switch to turn on power to the unit, an open door tester to facilitate triggering the event to open the accessible door opener, and an E-strike / E-latch switch to stimulate the connection to the electric strike plate. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the switch door open may be a relay circuit to trigger the signal to alert the accessible door opener to activate. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, a WiFi module may be the bridge between itself and the hub. Preferably, the hub may send the signals to the WiFi module with a local communication protocol. Some or all of the processing within the system is conducted by this module. The programmer is preferably the local programming port for the WiFi module. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the power supply 170 steps down the voltage from about 48 volts AC/DC to the about 3.3 volts required to run the electronic devices. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the strike / latch lock may be an electrical isolation circuit between the electronics associated with the present invention and the strike plate. It preferably detects if the strike plate is active or inactive.

[0086] A WiFi hospital bed controller is provided as an accessory device 150 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In preferable embodiments, the WiFi module for the accessory device 150 is in communication with the hub 110. The hub processor 112 preferably sends the signals to the WiFi module with a local communication protocol. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the power supply 170 may step down the voltage from about 5 volts to about 3.3 volts required to run the electronic devices. In preferable embodiments, the WiFi hospital bed controller may be associated with the hospital bed, for example, by detaching the hospital bed pendant from the hospital bed and inserting the WiFi hospital bed controller between the pendant and the hospital bed. Associating the WiFi hospital bed controller with the hospital bed facilitates the recording of all interactions with the bed, for example, by the client activating the bed or the attendant/nurse using the hospital bed pendant. Each WiFi hospital bed controller is configured to each type of pendant which depends on the make and model of the bed. The circuit board of the WiFi hospital bed controller (i.e., the accessory processor 152) is preferably split into two parts: (1) the mother board and (2) the daughter board. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mother board includes the WiFi module and all of the complex logic and the daughter board facilitates the interaction between the WiFi hospital bed controller (i.e., mother board) and the specific make and model of the bed.

[0087] In preferable embodiments, some or all of the processing within the WiFi hospital bed controller is conducted by the mother board (i.e., the accessory processor 152). Terminal blocks may be the output connection between the accessory processor 152 and the hospital bed controller. In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the relay circuitry may be the relays that trigger the signals to the hospital bed controller to enable the controls to be activated. Preferably, the relay circuitry may also ensure electrical isolation between the circuits associated with the present invention and the hospital bed.

[0088] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, the hub 110 is associated with the user 10 and the accessory devices 150 (e.g., the smart devices) are also associated with the hub 110. Control of the flow of data 400, 402, 404, 406 between the hub 110, accessory devices 150 and the user 10 by the administrator (e.g., using the administrator backend 80 or automatically using the AI and ML algorithms) minimizes errors and/or issues within the system 50. In preferable embodiments, the data 400, 402, 404, 406 collected in the administrator database 182 of the user interaction with and between the accessory devices 150 facilitates remote training of the users 10 to promote technology adoption.

[0089] Traditional off-the-shelf smart devices are typically designed for home use, to work on a single WiFi network and provides access to everyone in the home. This setup is problematic when the smart devices are deployed in a long-term care facility and requires an enterprise solution. For example, if multiple clients are provided with smart speaker devices and smart lights and these devices are connected to the same WiFi network, issues related to“cross talk” will arise resulting in a situation where everyone will be able to control everyone else’s smart lights. In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the foregoing flow of communication or data ensures that a user can only control the devices that are associated with the user’s hub.

[0090] Web-Based Application

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention the web-based application 300a is preferably provided by the hub processor 112, the accessory processor 152 and/or the administrator processor 180 to present a status of the system to the user 10. In preferable embodiments, the web application 300a is configured with full read/write capabilities depending on the credentials of the user 10 logged onto the web application 300a. The web application 300a is preferably configured to allow for the following user types: technician, distribution, therapist, guardian, caregiver, patient, client, administrator and/or organization.

[0092] The hub 110 is preferably configured by a technician with appropriate credentials (e.g., a technician who supports a therapist) to setup the hub 110 and/or accessory devices 150 for the clients using configuration logic 804a, b. The therapist preferably determines the needs of the client and transmits this information (or data) to the technician to configure the hub 110. An initial configuration is preferably performed by the technician when first setting up the hub 110 for the client and during any subsequent replacement of the hub 110. Configuration of the hub 110 may include the association of one or more accessory devices 150 with the hub 110.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during the initial configuration of the hub 110 using the configuration logic 804a, b, as compared to a replacement, the technician will access the web application 300a. The technician preferably first registers as a technician by providing the following information: name, date of birth, postal code/ZIP and/or the name of the organization that employs the technician.

[0094] Each hub 110 is preferably assigned a Unique Identifier (“UID”) which may be located on the hub 110 (e.g., a back surface). The registered technician may then preferably associate a given hub 110 with a user 10 (i.e., a client) using the web application (e.g., the client setup screen). Preferably, the technician may input the following information about the client: name, date of birth, postal code/ZIP, and/or therapist information and/or other service personnel. Preferably the UID of each hub 110 is associated with a client and each service personnel (e.g., therapist) is also associated to one or more particular clients as well as organisations that support these clients. A person skilled in the relevant art may appreciate that this setup allows for multiple service personnel to be associated with a single client and for a single service personnel to be associated with multiple clients.

[0095] Preferably after assigning a client to a hub 110, the technician may further configure the hub 110 using the configuration logic 804a, b, for example, in the presence of the client and/or the therapist by preferably observing the way the client interacts with the switch and the types of functions the client may need the device to perform. Preferably, the web application 300a, via one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, may be adapted to generate a report 164 (e.g., a soft or hard copy) of the configuration for the therapist’s records as well as storing a copy of the configuration in the administrator database 182.

[0096] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, if the hub 110 requires replacement, a technician may log into the web application 300a using the provided credentials and input the UID of the hub 110 to be replaced and/or the respective client’s information. The web application 300a preferably, via one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, recalls relevant information from the server 180 and/or database 182 and displays the set up page on an accessory device 150 with a button (e.g., virtual button) called“Swap Device” on a display associated with the device 150. This button preferably allows a technician to assign a new UID for the replacement hub 110. The replacement hub 110 preferably prompts the technician to confirm that the hub 110 is being replaced and the replacement hub 110 is preferably connected to the communication network 200 (e.g., Internet) through a wireless connection. In preferable embodiments, upon using the replacement hub 110 to confirm that the technician wishes to configure the hub 110, the server 180 may upload the settings associated with the previous hub 110 from the database 182 to the replacement hub 110. The server 180 preferably also notifies other predetermined individuals and/or organizations that the hub 110 has been replaced, for example, the manufacturer and/or a repair technician. A person skilled in the relevant art may appreciate that this allows the notified individuals and/or organizations to prepare for the previous hub 110 to be returned and, if possible, be repaired. [0097] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution user type credential preferably allows a distributor’s technician to create a profile using the configuration logic 804a, b, via the one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, including the same or similar information as the technician. In preferable embodiments, the web application 300a displays a list of all the hubs 110 in the field assigned to a designated distribution channel. The distributor’s technicians will also preferably be able to access service requests that were started by the technician and input the fault associated with the hub 110. In preferable embodiments, comparing the number of units that the manufacturer has shipped to the distributor and the number currently deployed to clients will allow the web application 300a to determine the remaining stock of the distributor available to be used as a replacement hub 110. The web application 300a preferably displays the hubs 110 for which there is a service request and allows the distributor’s technician to initiate a replacement by entering the UID of the replacement hub 110.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present invention the therapist user type preferably allows the therapist to view the clients that have been assigned to them, allowing them to visualize their caseload. The therapist preferably only has read access credentials (or authorization) and may submit requests to access / attach (or assign) a new client and the attachment is preferably performed by the technician. In preferable embodiments, the web application 300a may be used by the therapist, via the one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, to view the setup of the system and a visual graph of how the client is hitting or interacting with the switch. Upon the initial registration on the web application 300a, the therapist preferably provides the following information: name, date of birth, postal code/ZIP, and/or the organization for which they work.

[0099] In an embodiment of the present invention, the client user type or credentials preferably allows a client to create a profile that includes some or all of their demographics using the configuration logic 804a, b, via the one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180. The client preferably provides the following information: name, date of birth, and/or postal code/ZIP. The client preferably also includes and/or allows to be entered their medical information related to the services required. In some embodiments, this may include the client’s condition, for example, cerebral palsy, and the associated service requirements, for example, the need to be turned once during the night and help with feeding as well as the time that the client requires the services of a caregiver. The web application 300a will also preferably provide the client with the ability to see all people that are part of their care plan and what information those individuals can access. The client may preferably be able to both read/write data.

[00100] In an embodiment of the present invention the guardian user type or credentials preferably allows a guardian to determine if there are any faults and/or errors with the hub 110 and/or associated devices 150 and preferably provide read access so that the guardian can view the dependant’s services requests and the duration required to fulfil those requests. The guardian preferably creates a profile with the same information as the therapist and preferably provides the following information: name, date of birth, postal code/ZIP, and/or the identity of the dependant.

[00101] In an embodiment of the present invention the caregiver user type or credentials is preferably created by / for each caregiver using the configuration logic 804a, b, via the one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, and preferably includes the information of the caregiver including: a photo, what skillsets they have done before and how often they have provided them, references from a previous employer, the geographic area in which they want to provide services, and/or the times they are available to provide services. [00102] In an embodiment of the present invention the organization user type preferably allows organizations to enter employee information using the configuration logic 804a, b, via the one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, including: an employee’s name, date of birth, postal code/ZIP, area of operation, and/or assign/attach clients and independent living centers to the employee. In preferable embodiments, organizations may also request, print, and have graphically displayed data from the database, including the location, hours worked, and the number of calls completed by the caregiver. Organizations preferably register as a scheduler or a data manager and the provided information is preferably determined by the type of registration. In addition to selecting the organization type, organizations also preferably provide their name, date of birth or incorporation, and any affiliates or related entities of the organization.

[00103] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 50 is adapted to automate the coordination of services. For example, if an internet service provider is needed, the hub 110 and/or the backend 80 logs the call with the internet service provider and then the internet service provider would be granted access to the user’s home via the web application 300a and/or the mobile application 300b. In a preferable embodiment, a camera device 150 is provided to ensure the integrity of the service visit if the client requests. This coordinate of services process may be executed on any service that is needed in the home.

[00104] Mobile application

[00105] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile application 300b is provided to enable the caregiver / nurse / emergency services to open the door of the client remotely based on the user 10 of the application having logged on to the mobile application 300b with the appropriate credentials based on the authorization levels and confirmation from the client that they are allowed to do it. In preferable embodiments, the user 10 will not be required to log onto the mobile application 300b to provide authorization as the application 300b will be adapted to receive voice commands and/or web-based commands, for example, via the web application 300a.

[00106] In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the mobile application 300b is provided by the accessory processor 152 and is adapted for use in association with one or more accessory devices 150 (e.g., a mobile device, hospital bed, etc.), allows clients and/or caregivers to interact with the system 50 and/or devices 150. The mobile application 300b is preferably in communication with the server 180 and/or database 182. This setup preferably provides connectivity to the hub 110 and its associated devices 150 inside a client’s home through their connection with the server 180. The mobile application 300b preferably provides a log-on screen (for the user 10 on the GUI of the mobile device 150) using the configuration logic 804a, b, via the one or more processor(s) 112, 152, 180, to allow the user 10 to select what type of user (i.e., credentials) they are, such as either a client or a caregiver. Depending on the type of user, different functionalities may be offered for selection by the mobile application 300b.

[00107] In preferable embodiments, if the client logs in to the mobile application 300b the client is preferably granted access to the devices 150 in the client’s home which are connected to the hub 110. For example, a client may wish to grant certain permissions to the caregiver to be able to open the client’s front door wirelessly. The mobile application 300b also preferably allows the client to input their service needs, which preferably include the type of service they need and what timeframe they need it for. [00108] In a preferable embodiment, the mobile application 300b allows the client to input applicable funding sources from which the caregiver is to be paid including for any out-of-scope services and/or expenses the caregiver has provided/incurred outside the bounds of the direct funding that the client receives. For example, as some direct funding programs do not pay for a caregiver to go and purchase groceries for the client, the client may use the mobile application 300b to provide alternate funding sources for these types of services.

[00109] In a preferable embodiment, the mobile application 300b may also allow a client to input an immediate request if they require unscheduled assistance. The mobile application 300b preferably tracks the location and/or identity of the caregiver for display on the GUI 126 during the day when on duty, which in some embodiments can also be done by the user via the voice application 300c. Once the request is entered in the system 50 and a caregiver has accepted the request, the client may also be able to see how far the caregiver is or the estimated time of arrival on the GUI 126, which in some embodiments can also be done by the user via the voice application 300c. In preferable embodiments, the mobile application 300b allows for the prioritization of requests or instructions, for example, if the user 10 urgently needs help (e.g., has a seizure, needs to use the bathroom, etc.) a caregiver can drop a scheduled appointment with lower priority. The client may preferably anonymously review a caregiver using, for example, a star-based system. In preferable embodiments, the mobile application 300b tracks ratings, such that if the user 10 is continuously giving bad ratings to one or more caregivers, or tends to not provide a rating, or conversely rates all caregivers well, another user would be able to see that information in their“average rating” of interactions.

[00110] In preferable embodiments of the present invention, when a caregiver logs into the mobile application 300b, a timetable may preferably be generated by the accessory processor 152 or administrator processor 180 and displayed on the accessory device 150 with a list of client appointments for each day including the duties and/or the location. Caregivers may also use the application 300b to respond to requests for assistance outside of booked hours and review the client that they just attended. A person skilled in the relevant art may appreciate that by providing the ability for a caregiver to respond to support requests, the present invention preferably allows for intermittent support, for example, to assist clients in the bathroom, and for eating and drinking while not requiring the caregiver to be onsite all the time, but rather only requiring that someone be in the area on call. Furthermore, as some individuals need help for a few discrete tasks, for example, putting on shoes, or straightening hair due to range of motion issues, the mobile app mitigates the difficulty of having to hire someone for very limited amounts of work per day. In preferable embodiments of the invention, by requiring only a single caregiver to be in a predetermined area, the present invention allows users to form groups and/or pool funding in order to offer more hours to a caregiver and/or more per hour for a better caregiver. Preferably, the mobile application 300b allows the tracking of anticipatory needs and “booking” in advance to allow other people also using the system to see the bookings and be able to reach out to each other to negotiate.

[00111] The mobile application 300b preferably contains a disciplinary discussion forum, such that members of a group can request that a caregiver be removed from the application 300b. In preferable embodiments, if such a decision is made by the group members the mobile application 300b will notify the caregiver. Conversely, the mobile application 300b preferably allows a caregiver to submit feedback concerning inappropriate interaction with a group member and/or the ability to decline to continue working for the group or any individual member. Preferably, the mobile application 300b may also have hiring functionality to allow caregivers to submit profiles and/or videos of interview questions and for members of a group to vote and hire a caregiver.

[00112] The mobile application 300b, web application 300a, and hub 110 preferably allow for accurate tracking of who used what services when and suggest a fair distribution of payment given the hours used and the frequency of use. Preferably the web application 300a and server 180 preferably arranges for the payment of a caregiver automatically from a shared account for base pay for on call time, and automatically from a discretionary account for services outside the scope of the directly funded services.

[00113] Processors

[00114] Preferably, the processors 112, 180 - i.e., the hub processor 112 and/or the administrator processor 180 - are operatively encoded with one or more algorithms 80 la, 80 lb, 802a, 802b, 803a, 803b, 804a, 804b, 805a, 805b, 806a, 806b, 807a, 807b, 808a, 808b (shown schematically in FIG. 2 as being stored in the memory associated with the hub subsystem 60 and/or the administrator subsystem 80) which provide the processors 112, 180 with data logic 80la,b, report generation logic 802a, b, scanning logic 803 a, b, configuration logic 804a, b, troubleshooting logic 805a, b, location logic 806a, b, encryption logic 807a, b and voice logic 808a, b. Preferably, the algorithms 80la, 80lb, 802a, 802b, 803a, 803b, 804a, 804b, 805a, 805b, 806a, 806b, 807a, 807b, 808a, 808b enable the processors 112, 180 to assess the assess the hub data 400 generated by the hub processor 112, the accessory data 402 generated by the accessory processor 152 and/or the administrator data 404 generated by the administrator processor 180.

[00115] The hub processor 112 is preferably in communication with the accessory processor 152 and/or the administrator processor 180. Preferably, the processor(s) 112, 152, 180 may be used to automatically: (i) collect the hub data 400, the accessory data 402 and/or the administrator data 404 which includes instructions generated by a user; (ii) combine and/or interpret (alternately reconcile) the data 400, 402, 404 to generate command data 406; and/or (iii) apply the command data 406 to operate one or more accessory devices.

[00116] Encryption

[00117] Preferably, the hub data 400, accessory data 402, administrator data 404 and the command data 406 are encrypted or de-encrypted (or decrypted) for secured transmission by the processors 112, 152, 180 using the encryption algorithm 807a, 807b. Following transmission, the encrypted data is preferably automatically de-encrypted by the processors 112, 152, 180 using the encryption algorithm 807a, 807b.

[00118] Location Information

[00119] Preferably, the processors 112, 152, 180 may also be used to confirm and/or monitor the physical location of one or more accessory devices 150. More specifically, using the location algorithm 806a, 806b, the processors 112, 152, 180 may be used to locate an accessory device 150 associated with a caregiver (e.g., a smartwatch) or determine the location of the accessory devices within a home during the application of the search algorithm 803 a, 803b.

[00120] Command Data

[00121] Preferably, the processors 112, 152, 180 may also be used to collect, reconcile and/or analyze command data 406. More specifically, using the command data algorithm 80 la, 80lb, the processors 112, 152, 180 may be used to collect and reconcile the hub data 400, the accessory data 402, and/or the administrator data 404 to facilitate the operation and/or troubleshooting of the accessory devices 150.

[00122] Hub data 400 may include: instructions from the user to an accessory device 150 (e.g., selecting an activity / feature / operation on the hub associated with an accessory device 150) and/or backend 80, communication information between the user of the hub and a caregiver or administrator, event logs for troubleshooting, and/or configuration information.

[00123] Accessory data 402 may include: location information of the accessory device 150, instructions from an operator of the accessory device 150 to the hub 110 and/or backend 80 (using, for example, the mobile application 300b), communication information between the operator of the accessory device and the user of the hub, configuration information, and/or event logs for troubleshooting.

[00124] Administrator data 404 may include: reports 164, instructions from the backend 80 to the hub 110 and/or accessory device 150 (e.g., for troubleshooting), communication information between the administrator and the user of the hub and/or accessory device, event logs for troubleshooting, and/or configuration information.

[00125] Presentation

[00126] The processors 112, 152, 180 preferably generate a signal for presentation of the various data (such as, hub data 400, accessory data 402, administrator data 404, and/or command data 406) to the user 10 and/or third parties of the system 50. The data 400, 402, 404, 406 and the hierarchical system of features may be presented by the system 50 using the GUI 126 associated with the hub processor 112. The data 400, 402, 404, 406 and hierarchical system of features may also be presented by the accessory device 150 and the I/O devices 184 associated with the administrator processor 180.

[00127] FIG. 3 depicts the user interface (as shown, for example, on the hub GUI 126, the web application 300a, the mobile application 300b and/or the GUI of the administrator I/O devices 184) for troubleshooting the accessory devices 150 associated with media, including media controllers for cable television and/or internet streaming services.

[00128] FIG. 4 depicts the user interface (as shown, for example, on the hub GUI 126, the web application 300a, the mobile application 300b and/or the GUI of the administrator I/O devices 184) for troubleshooting the accessory devices 150 associated with the home, including a bed, a fan, an air conditioning unit, a voice assistant (e.g., Google Home), an electronic door opener, smart electrical outlets (e.g., as provided by WeMo).

[00129] FIGS. 5 A to F depicts the user interface (as shown, for example, on the hub GUI 126, the web application 300a, the mobile application 300b and/or the GUI of the administrator I/O devices 184) for troubleshooting issues with accessory devices 150 using the events log, which may be adapted to provide information on for example devices 150 going offline (including date, time, device type, source and description), troubleshoot actions taken, etc.

[00130] Alerts

[00131] If the hub 110 and/or the accessory devices 150 lose connectivity with eachother and/or the administrator subsystem 80, the processors 112, 152, 180 will generate an alert for presentation to the user 10 and/or a third party (e.g., a caregiver, an administrator) to initiate the troubleshooting features. [00132] Method

[00133] FIG. 6 depicts steps of a method 500 to operate an accessory device 150. Method 500 is suitable for use with the system 50 and accessory devices 150 described above and shown in FIG. 6, but it is not so limited.

[00134] As shown in FIG. 6, the method 500 includes the following steps, among others: a start step; a step of activating the system (e.g., the hub 110, an accessory device 150) 501; a step of entering an instruction for a desired accessory device 503; a step of transmitting the instruction to the desired accessory device 505a; a step of transmitting the instruction to the backend 505b; an optional step of authorizing the instruction by the backend 505c; a step of automatically operating the desired accessory device based on the instruction 507; a step of transmitting completion of the operation from the accessory device to the backend 509.

[00135] Example 1 - User wants to open door (non-verbal individual, switch access)

[00136] The hub 110 is configured for automatic scanning using one switch input with icons. The user 10 engages the switch 120 to activate the hub 110. The hub 110 begins scanning through the top-level options of the hierarchical system that the user can control, like the bedroom (e.g., facilitates access to all accessory devices 150 located in the bedroom), living room (e.g., facilitates access to all accessory devices 150 located in the living room), door (associated with an automatic door opener). When the icon for the door appears on the hub display, the user engages the switch again to send a TCP/IP signal (i.e., hub data 400) from the hub 110 (e.g., via the WiFi module through a local WiFi router to the WiFi module on the automatic door opener). At the same time as the signal is sent to the door opener to open the door, a second signal is sent to the backend 80 indicating that a signal was sent and stored in the database 182. Once the door opener accessory device 150 acknowledges that the signal was received, the device 150 sends a signal (i.e., accessory data 402) back to the hub 110 confirming the receipt of the signal. The hub 110 sends a signal to the backend database 182 that the operation was successful.

[00137] Example 2 - User wants to open door (verbal individual)

[00138] The user 10 speaks an invocation phrase to activate a smart speaker (i.e., the accessory device 150). Once activated, the user 10 activates a voice application 300c (e.g., phrase“talk to”) and then provides instructions (e.g.,“open my door”). The voice application 300c interprets (alternately reconciles) the instructions using the voice logic 808a, 808b and may preferably be configured to request a password. If the user provides the correct password, the door opens. If the user provides an incorrect password, the smart speaker accessory device 150 will ask the user to repeat the password. If the user is unsuccessful for a predetermined number of attempts (e.g., three times), the password is reset. The foregoing example is facilitated by the voice application 300c using either Google or Amazon smart speakers.

[00139] When the invocation phrase is spoken by the user 10 and the user activates the voice application 300c, the interpreted (alternately reconciled) statement is converted to text (e.g., by the voice logic 808a, 808b) and sent (e.g., accessory data 402) to the backend 80 for storage in the database 182. In preferable embodiments, the backend 80 compares the text to a reference library of phrases and/or instructions assigned for specific commands (e.g., door open, raise bed, etc.) and once a match is identified by the administrator processor 182, the appropriate command is transmitted from the backend 80 to the hub 110 (e.g., as administrator data 404). The hub 110 locally receives the signal and then sends the command to the appropriate accessory device 150 in the user's home. The device 150 preferably acknowledges that it received a command and sends acknowledgement of the command back to the hub 110 and then the hub 110 sends the command acknowledgement to the backend database 182.

[00140] Example 3 - Caregiver wants to open the door

[00141] A caregiver approaches the front door of the user 10. The caregiver has logged on to the mobile application 300b (e.g., using a registered email address). On the backend database 182, the caregiver email address has been granted access for the ability to open the user’s door for a predetermined time period (e.g., the period of time that the caregiver should be at the user’s home for service). The time parameter is obtained from scheduling software that is accessible by the system 50. If a permission match is identified between the user and the caregiver for the requested time period, the caregiver will be able to open the door. The caregiver will activate the mobile application 300b and the application 300b is configured to receive the user’s WiFi credentials so that the caregiver’s device automatically connects to the system 50 (i.e., the caregiver’s device is an accessory device 150 of the system 50). Once the connection is established, the caregiver will be able to select a virtual button presented by the mobile application 300b to open the door. The signal is sent from the mobile application 300b to the backend 80 which maps the request to open the door. The signal is then sent from the backend 80 to the hub 110 to open the door. Another signal is sent to show that the automatic door opener received the signal and that the door is opening, both of these signals are sent via the hub

110 to the backend database 182. [00142] Example 4 - Scenario, client wants to increase the volume on the tv in the living room (Non-verbal individual, switch access)

[00143] The user 10 selects the switch 120 and activates the hub 110. The hub 110 scans through the top-level options of the hierarchical system that the user can control, like bedroom (which accesses all accessory devices 150 in the bedroom), living room (which accesses all accessory devices 150 in the living room), and door. When the icon for the living room appears the user selects the switch again. The next level of icons in the hierarchical system starts to automatically scan (or scroll). The arrangement and general appearance of the icons is determined based on the needs of the user. The first option may preferably be“TV on/of ’, the subsequent options may preferably be“channel up”,“channel down”,“volume up”,“volume down”, then“favourites”. If the user wants the volume down, the user would select the switch when that icon associated with“volume down” appears on the GUI 126. A signal (e.g., a TCP/IP signal; or hub data 400) is sent from the hub 110 via the WiFi module (or receiver transmitter 118) to the WiFi module on the IR Hub (the accessory device 150). At the same time as the signal is sent from the hub 110 to the IR hub, a second signal is sent to the backend database 182 indicating that a signal was sent. Once the IR Hub acknowledges that the signal was received (e.g., using the accessory processor 152 associated with the IR Hub), a signal is sent back to the hub 110 confirming the receipt of the signal and then the hub 110 sends a signal to the backend database 182 stating that the operation was successful.

[00144] Example 5 - Voice application

[00145] A user residing in a long term care facility can activate the voice application 300c associated with, for example, an accessory device 150 such as a smart speaker. The user can ask for the identity of the caregiver and the voice application 300c using the voice logic 808a, 808b and accessing the database 182, will respond with the caregiver’s name. The user may also request services such as, for example, a request for a beverage, a new pillow, food orders (the voice application 300c may be adapted to provide a menu), etc. The data 402 is sent to the backend 80 and forwarded to either the caregiver, the nursing staff or the staff responsible for food preparation.

[00146] Data Store

[00147] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system 50 including data storage (e.g., databases 114, 154, 182) that may be used to store all necessary data 400, 402, 404, 406 required for the operation of the system 50. A person skilled in the relevant art may understand that a“data store” refers to a repository for temporarily or persistently storing and managing collections of data which include not just repositories like databases (a series of bytes that may be managed by a database management system (DBMS)), but also simpler store types such as simple files, emails, etc. A data store in accordance with the present invention may be one or more databases, co-located or distributed geographically or cloud-based. The data being stored may be in any format that may be applicable to the data itself, but may also be in a format that also encapsulates the data quality.

[00148] In preferred embodiments, the collection of sufficient data on the typical problems that users experience in the home with the accessory devices 150 will facilitate the use of AI and ML algorithms to automate the resolution of a majority of these problems.

[00149] The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and maybe not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Other modifications, variations and alterations are possible in light of the above teaching and may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be used in the design and manufacture of other embodiments according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It may be intended the scope of the invention be limited not by this description but only by the claims forming a part of this application and/or any patent issuing herefrom.