SVBOX: Switch Video BOX for Monitoring and Protection of the Elderly and Their Residences

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown poor communication between people, especially the elderly living in heavily deserted and depopulated agricultural regions. This is a reality present in Portugal and all over the world, where there are technological and physical barriers that prevent these older adults, the most vulnerable people, from having easy access to essential goods, food, and medicines, among others, and are also exposed to risky situations, such as theft and fraudulent activities. Bearing in mind that the best company for older adults is television, we propose the development of a system called SVBOX (Switch Video Box), which includes the design and proof of concept of an electronic system that allows the integration of various equipment, including video intercom, designed to be an active surveillance device, with the integration of the video intercom system with the internal network of sensors in the home, for monitoring living conditions and security, detecting fire, flooding, toxic gases, among others, using the television as the main means of communication and sensors to monitor the vital signs and health status of older adults. This system has growth potential, with several applications in real security and protection contexts, namely in security environments and monitoring of health conditions.