A Multimodal Software Architecture for Serious Exergames and Its Use in Respiratory Rehabilitation

Abstract

Serious Exergames (SEGs) have been little concerned with flexibility/equivalence, complementarity, and monitoring (functionalities of systems that deal with a wide variety of inputs). These functionalities are necessary for health SEGs due to the variety of treatments and measuring requirements. No known SEG architectures include these three functionalities altogether. In this paper, we present the 123-SGR software architecture for the creation of an SEG that is appropriate to the needs of professionals and patients in the area of rehabilitation. An existing SEG was adapted and therapy-related sensor devices (Pneumotachograph, Manovacuometer, Pressure Belt, and Oximeter) were built to help the patient interact with the SEG. The architecture allows the most varied input combinations, with and without fusion, and these combinations are possible for both conscious and unconscious signals. Health and Technology professionals have assessed the SEG and found that it had the functionalities of flexibility/equivalence, complementarity, and monitoring, and that these are really important and necessary functionalities. The 123-SGR architecture can be used as a blueprint for future SEG development.