Development of a wearable computer system with a hands-free operation interface for the use of home health caregiver.
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.
Mizuno
F
F
Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
Hayasaka
T
T
Tsubota
K
K
Wada
S
S
Yamaguchi
T
T
D017028:Caregivers; D001330:Electronic Data Processing / Q000295:instrumentation; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D014584:User-Computer Interface