Easy Texting and Monitoring System

• Yunyi Zhou
• Fan Wu
• Dongsheng Xie
• Liao Hu

This product is for elderly people, children, and others who need to stay in touch with their important contacts without the complexity of operating a mobile phone. It is, essentially, a dedicated text-messaging device that allows one to reply to text messages with just a few touches on a touch-sensitive display. For example: You are wondering if your grandfather, who lives alone and is hard of hearing, is doing well. By sending a text message requiring only a yes/no answer, your grandfather is alerted and can easily reply to you without much difficulty. The unit is based on a mobile text-messaging module (GSM, or Global System for Mobile communications) that requires an inexpensive SIM card to connect with the mobile phone network anywhere in the world; it is controlled by a Raspberry Pi computer system that also interfaces with a touch-screen display. The system can be programmed to respond only to messages from pre-approved senders; non-registered contacts are blocked to protect privacy. Because the GSM module also includes GPS capability, we decided to expand the functionality of our product by allowing for a special type of mobile operation. When unplugged from its base, the mobile part goes with the user to serve as an emergency help system (one-button-press for text to a predetermined number), and as a user localization tool (incoming text is automatically replied to with GPS coordinate information). Thus, our design has evolved to become a combination of portable and stationary equipment. The main features of the portable part are the panic button and localization functions. The stationary unit charges the portable device and displays incoming text messages using a large touch screen. Both units are designed to provide a friendly interface with users.