Smartbath: Water temperature control system

Abstract

Due to the increase of the elderly population, there is an increasing number of bed-confined people and thus an increased concern with the quality of life of those confined to beds. Baths are considered an important area in the care for bed-confined individuals, and their quality, safety, security and versatility are important factors. The evaluation of these parameters is something that concerns professional care providers and relatives. To minimize negative outcomes associated with baths, we have developed a Smart-bath proof-concept, which is a new assistive technology to promote greater autonomy, safety, comfort and hygiene in the care of the elderly or bedridden. The system integrates, tree functional parts, such as: bathboard, controller and water supplier. In this paper, it is presented the controller of smartbath, the parts consist in the automatic control of bath temperature, water flow-rate and light intensity, capable of being operated directly into the system. More attention is going to be given to the control of the bath temperature.