Active in-database processing to support ambient assisted living systems

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Health Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Existing software architectures for smart homes and ambient assisted living (AAL) systems primarily use database management systems (DBMSs) for data storage only.
• This approach presents limitations in terms of data processing efficiency, security, and privacy for sensitive user data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a database-centric architecture for AAL systems that leverages active databases and in-database processing.
• To enhance the performance, security, and privacy of AAL systems by centralizing data processing within the DBMS.

Main Methods:

• Development of a database-centric architecture utilizing active databases with triggers for event detection and in-database processing via stored procedures and functions.
• Implementation and testing of three distinct AAL services to demonstrate the feasibility and flexibility of the proposed architecture.
• Application of in-database machine learning methods for modeling user behaviors, such as bed-exits and room transitions.

Main Results:

• The active in-database processing approach successfully detected events like bed-exits and room transitions, and modeled early night behaviors.
• Centralizing computation within the DBMS eliminated the need to transfer sensitive data externally, significantly improving performance, security, and privacy.
• The architecture demonstrated improved code reuse, adaptation, and maintenance, crucial for evolving smart home environments.

Conclusions:

• Database-centric architectures with active and in-database processing offer a scalable, secure, and privacy-preserving solution for AAL systems.
• DBMSs can effectively address the complex requirements of smart environments in healthcare, including dependability and personalization.
• This approach is well-suited to the heterogeneous nature of users, needs, and devices characteristic of smart homes and AAL systems.