Development of a wearable computer system with a hands-free operation interface for the use of home health caregiver

Issue title: Frontiers of Medical Informatics

Guest editors: Takami Yamaguchi and Shigeo Wada

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mizuno, F.^{a; *} | Hayasaka, T.^b | Tsubota, K.^a | Wada, S.^a | Yamaguchi, T.^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan | [b] Japan Science and Technology Agency | Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-1-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8579, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Fumio Mizuno, Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-01, Sendai 980-8579, Japan. Tel.: +81 22 217 6958; Fax: +81 22 217 6959; E-mail: mizuno@pfsl.mech.tohoku.ac.jp.

Abstract: We previously developed a network-based medical care support system called the Hyper Hospital, a computer network with an interface that is dedicated to patient care. In this study, we developed a wearable information system that is designed so that a caregiver can obtain information and control various support devices within the home-care environment. In our system, the wearable computer itself consists of a computer network built into a jacket. Each required function is implemented by a dedicated small computer connected to the in-jacket network. A new function may easily be added to the system by connecting additional computers. A network comprising such a set of single-function computers becomes a highly efficient information system when applied to health care support.

Keywords: hyper hospital, home care support, wearable computer, Electro-Oculo-Graph (EOG)

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2005-13408

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 293-300, 2005