A Body Sensor Measures Pulse in an Emergency
Diakonie, the Frauenhofer Institute, and many other Firms Work with Intelligent Clothing
By Anja Kummerov
ERLANGEN – The “Health” industry comprises one of the largest employers in the region: Approximately 45,000 individuals find employment in 500 firms that are exclusively or partially active in the field of medical technology. If one also considers medical care and research, approximately 70,000 individuals earn their living in the greater Nuremberg Metropolitan Area in the health industry.
In a series of articles, the “Nürnberger Zeitung” (Nuremberg Newspaper ) has been presenting the medical technology spectrum in the region. The current topic is “barrier-free health care assistance” - a joint project in which the Diakonie Neuendettelsau and the Fraunhofer Institute are working closely together.
Her tote bags are heavy. Gertrud Eisenstein must navigate five floors with them. As she reaches her destination, her pulse is racing and she has difficulty breathing. The 78 years old has not yet opened the door to her apartment when a voice speaks from her wristwatch: “Mrs. Eisenstein? Can you hear me? Are you okay?”
Sensors in her undershirt measure pulse and respiration, the data is transmitted to a central data logging station. As the computer notes irregularities, a call center employee is notified, who takes up contact with Mrs. Eisenstein. In order to avoid having the elderly lady search through her handbag for a mobile phone, she wears everything required on her arm – in the form of a wristwatch, which can be used to communicate as well as to send off an alarm. After a short conversation with Mrs. Eisenstein, the call center employee knows that no emergency personnel need be sent to assist her.
Gertrud Eisenstein is fictional. However, in several years this scenario should become reality. Approximately 20 companies and institutions are pursuing Research & Development in this area in Bavaria, including Siemens, Infineon, Ericsson, Netscouts, Starringer, Corscience, Bijo-Data, the Bavarian Red Cross and the University of Erlangen. 20 Million Euro have been made available – half of the entire funding of the Cluster Group for medical technology. 50 % of this funding has been made available through the State of Bavaria and 50% through private industry.
A total of six projects are pursuing various levels of tele-medical health care. “Barrier-free Health Care Assistance” is the title of the lead project whereas Smart Sensors A through E, respectively, title of the remaining five. When research and development are completed in five years, a system should be available which assists elderly individuals having physical limitations in living self reliant lifestyles – while yet being able at any time to take advantage of help and assistance.
A core application of “Smart Sensors” is to support the care-giving for individuals suffering advanced dementia. “Individuals suffering this illness often remember past events better than present events. They are often drawn to an environment in which they feel comfortable – their home. But such is most likely the home of the past to which they are drawn – and they simply begin walking home and lose their way” explains Nadine Pensky, Project Manager of the Diakonie Neuendettelsau, as one of the problems faced in providing care to individuals suffering dementia. The Diakonie is one of the partners of the lead project. In contrast to the three other partners – Fraunhofer IIS as well as the firm Heitec and Nash Technologies – the Diakonie is responsible to test the project for its practical suitability. “Especially for this elderly generation, who are not accustomed to using modern technology, a system must be simple and easy to comprehend.”
The Fraunhofer Institute has its focus earlier in the process: “We want to develop a system which grows with the individual” states Christian Weigand, Department Head with the Frauenhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits in Erlangen. In such fashion the technology can be applied long before the outbreak of an illness, for example with athletes. And such should be compatible with other components of other manufacturers. For many years numerous textile and electronic manufacturers have been working to equip shirts, jackets and pants with many additional functions such as sensors and microcomputers which should be as indistinguishable as possible. Such clothing is named “Intelligent” or I-Wear or Smart Clothes.
“Our project is more comprehensive than all previous ones. It differs mainly due to the fact that we are integrating future clientele and their relatives up front at the developmental stage” explains Mr. Weigand in describing the novelty of the project. The Diakonie residents were asked how such a device, which they are to carry on their wrists, should be designed. Preferably like a watch, so that it would not be easily identified as an aid, was the result of the initial survey. The men could also accept something more pretentious. The design preferred by the ladies has yet to be determined.
This likewise applies for shirts and t-shirts into which various sensors are sewed. “Initial tests have shown that visual appearance is not a major factor for individuals who are dependent upon quick assistance” advises Mrs. Pensky. At present shirts exist for various purposes: those which hug the upper body and ascertain pulse and respiratory frequency. “The manner of movement allows for conclusions on how and where the respective person is under way” declares Mrs. Pensky. Should no movement be ascertainable – unless of course sleeping periods are concerned – the know-how of the Project Smart Sensor D should find utilisation: In an emergency situation the location of an individual should be determined via GPS or mobile network and/or through Bluetooth and WLAN in large buildings like train stations or high-rise buildings.
The last link in the chain would be the central data logging station where a great variety of data converge and are evaluated. There might only be one for all of Germany or perhaps one for each greater metropolitan region. Such is but one of many open questions which the project partners are intensively working on.
Also of importance is the issue of what information a call center employee may be privy to and what is ethically acceptable. But at the end of the day the most important question remains: Can the system earn money? “Through its application as broadly as possible” advises Mrs. Pensky. Thus, for example, in an emergency the system could help find Leon Eisenstein – the six year old grandson of Gertrud – who has again gone lost while playing hide and seek.
Source:
Nuremberg Newspaper of 29.04.2011
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