Orientatech testing team has analyzed the CerQana application to check its functionalities.

Our analysis begins with the installation of the user and family version apps on Samsung S6 and J5 terminals, the application is easily localizable in Google Playstore, its version is light and therefore the installation process did not involve complications.

In any case, the installation of the user app requires to be done by the familiar or caregiver in many cases as it is not intuitive for people with cognitive impairment.

“Instalation process”

In the installation process it will be necessary to accept all the permissions so that there are no problems in certain functionalities of use.

NOTE: At this point it is important to note that the user application takes device administrator permissions.

The purpose of asking for this permission is to prevent it from being easily uninstalled. You can only uninstall it when you click on the disable button from the website. Pressing this button sends an automatic message to the phone that disables that permission, closes CerQana, and deactivates it as the default launcher, returning to the usual Android state.

In any case, if you are testing the application and want to uninstall it, you need to access the menu (Lock screen and security / other security settings / device manager) and disable the application as administrator in the menu.

To start using the applications it is necessary to obtain some codes generated in the web portal after registering as users or enter the user account generated on the web, in this case we can use the trial full version of 10 days, after that period the version turns into basic features automatically at no cost.

“Obtaining the user code at the web site”

After registering in the web site we enter the code in our application and generate a user identifier that identifies our terminal from the web site.

“User Log in

The user application runs automatically once installed and displays a simple and easy-to-understand environment where complex functions of any Android screen are removed. In this launcher version, large icons give direct access to the family and emergency contacts, as well as the return to home menu, which shows the route to return to the usual address or other locations configured by the relative.

 “User App”

At the low side there is a button that allows access to the calendar that can be controlled from the web portal by the familiar, similarly, another button allows access to the menu of applications with large icons. The list of executable applications can also be configured by family members from the web portal.

The user has restricted the uninstallation of the application by the traditional methods, which prevents to lose the control on the part of the relative unless it wishes to unlink the user from the portal.

There is an emergency icon that allows an immediate call to the number identified as an emergency contact and displays its keystrokes both in the family terminal and the web portal, we tested this functionality successfully on several occasions.

The application of family use has very limited functionalities compared to the web portal, in this case the application is used only for the receipt of status messages sent by the user terminal such as: entry and exit in safe area, calls performed, etc...

"Family App”

The application allows to visualize the position of the terminal, but when we tested this functionality some errors occurred to show the map and we could not guarantee its operation, the application in turn allows to define a time zone of sound notifications, except the emergency pulsation whose audible warning can not be deactivated. * 1

The web portal is intended as a control center for the entire system, and it is where you can configure all aspects related for a correct operation.

Among the functionalities you can find the constant monitoring of the battery and network coverage, as well as the GPS position, from the portal you can also access a calendar that allows you to remember tasks to the user such as going to the doctor, going to school, etc ...

“Device status datal”

Full control over the user terminal is available through a management menu of the applications and contacts in the user's phonebook.

 “Agenda and app manage window”

There is a fall sensor activation functionality implemented in the user terminal accelerometer that triggers an emergency call in the event of a fall, this functionality has been tested without much success, the CerQana developers report that they are working to integrate precision external fall sensors.

“Sensor status data”

Task and calendar

The web site in turn allows the assignment of tasks by the family member to the user, so that it activates an alarm with a programmed time and a map of the location of the destination, this map display functionality has not been shown in any way correctly in the user application during our tests. *1

“Calendar window”

Safe and danger area managment

As the main resource, the web portal has a detailed map of the configuration of safe and dangerous areas so that an alert is received at the moment the user enters or leaves one of these areas.

“Area management window”

The accuracy of the location data has generated some erroneous messages of entry and exit of areas in indoor locations, but reaches greater accuracy once the user walks in outdoor locations.

Route creation and guidance

The application allows to select a location for a home or other point of interest and guides the user from the point where he is to the selected home or point of interest, this functionality was successfully tested, but in one of the first Tests appeared in English language, was solved for the rest of tests, and is a very useful functionality facing the user with certain cognitive impairment.

 “Routes and guidance

Messages

The messaging system is easy and intuitive on both sides, the web version, and the user application.

 “Sending messages from the web site”

The relative or caregiver can send reminder messages that include text, voice and pictograms which facilitates the correct understanding.

The messages have confirmation that they have been read by a double check in the web application.

 “Read confirmation"

In the case of the user application, the messages are played automatically when the user has active the application.

Messages can be read and heard as many times as they want by the users.

 “Messages in the App”

The ARASAAC pictograms database of the government of Aragón is already taken as a reference at the state level, in this case CerQana allows its inclusion in messages and icons for appointments in the calendar which facilitates the understanding for people with some type of deterioration or Cognitive impairment.

 “Messages with images"

 “Pictograms data base”

Simplified calls

We consider that the function of simplification of the call interface like the rest of simplification of graphical interfaces, is intuitive and it obtains its purpose.

 “Simplified calls screen”

In turn the functionality of auto answer call, which activates voice communication automatically when the user receives a call from the family member or caregiver, facilitates communication in cases of emergency in which the user is not able to activate the call.

Support service 

The chat and telephone service has answered all our doubts during the test procedure.
 

Highlights

USER APP 

• The ease of use and simplicity with a very good graphical interface, that allow the understanding to users with difficulties of understanding.
• The system of messaging through text, voice and pictograms that allows the correct understanding even for users with great cognitive impairment.

FAMILY APP

• The concretion and usefulness of the messages received on the activity in the terminal of the user.

WEB SITE

• The tool for definition of zones of safety and danger with a simple configuration.
• Task management functionality, apps and calendar contacts that allow full control over the user's device.
• Organized, aesthetic and complete.
• Good customer service and resolution of doubts by telephone and chat.

Improvement points

USER APP

• It is recommended to resolve the failure in the calendar task location (the map is not currently displayed so it can not be associated with a geographic position). *1
• The fall sensor does not work effectively.
• Some sporadic blockages and blank screens that are solved by rebooting the terminal.
• Lack of precision in the sample of the battery level in some occasions. *4

FAMILY APP

• It could include a battery display menu and user terminal coverage and other features that if contemplated in the web portal.

WEB SITE

• Reduce or simplify the notifications menu as it sometimes annoy. *2