Requirements and conceptual architecture

Abstract

This chapter describes an overview of research into the design principles for the system envisioned for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The report identifies the design principles from two perspectives. From one side, it describes the system user needs/clinical specification-this describes the system requirements from a user/therapist perspective in order to provide the service and ensure effective usability of the system. On the other hand, it shows the system from a technical perspective-detailing the operational system to be used for pilot testing, proof-of-concept experiments and demonstration purposes. This offers the development of system requirements from both perspectives for a functional and operational system. These requirements can be implemented into forthcoming work packages to achieve both technical objectives and to satisfy user needs. A review of the literature and the findings of our National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Programme 'Assistive Technologies in Rehabilitation of the Arm following Stroke' (ATRAS REF: RP-PG-0707-10012) has informed the proposed design from the user needs perspective. The chapter then follows up with the system specification and the description of the conceptual architecture.