User availability estimation prototype for home and office use

Modern technologies and connectivity enable users to perform their tasks faster than ever before. Overall performance no longer depends upon barriers imposed by the tools used for the work, but by the speed of the worker himself. Trying to compete with their electronic “helpers”, such as computers, PDAs and mobile phones, people perform multitasking as common practice while trying to minimize idleness and produce results. Interruptions by others are not desirable. Nevertheless, time gaps when a person appears to be idle are sometimes the only moments for interaction. This paper presents a multi-sensorial platform that estimates person availability, and alerts others by using light effects and a web portal. Using cameras, microphones and events from home/office equipment, the platform decides the light scheme to illuminate the foyer in front of the monitored room using the color corresponding to occupant´s availability. People, such as coworkers, can also visit the web portal to check the availability of their colleagues prior to visiting them in person.