Fully automated health monitoring system in the home.

The aim of this study was to provide health monitoring for elderly and disabled persons at home by using fully automated signal measurement with personal identification to support daily health care and improve quality of life. We attempted to develop a home health monitoring system that did not provide any restrictions during sleep, bathing or elimination. A bedroom, bathroom, and separate toilet were built. The system consisted of monitoring devices and a computer terminal for collecting data. Data were automatically collected from monitoring devices placed in the bed, bath, and toilet and were transferred to a data terminal in the bedroom and stored for further analysis. The system was tested by a young healthy subject who stayed overnight in the rooms. Data were obtained without any trouble. The data acquisition system is now being used in experimental rooms in our laboratory and in a house located in Takaoka City, Toyama Pref. Japan. Data are being extensively collected.