Source: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/52872311/Life-Supporting-Apparatus---Patent-6821248
Timestamp: 2015-05-04 18:07:09
Document Index: 630150746

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2']

Life Supporting Apparatus - Patent 6821248 by Patents-187
1. Technical Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a device for supporting lives of aged people, handicapped people, etc.2. Problems to be Solved by the InventionRecently life styles have been changing through the use of various types of digital equipment as the information-oriented society has evolved. For instance, there are proposed various types of service providing systems for supporting life usinga computer network, such as the Internet.Such service providing systems for supporting life include, for instance, a vital monitoring system which monitors the condition of health of a subject of diagnosis who is far away from a medical institution.However, when aged or handicapped people, for example, are to receive such services for supporting their lives, some people find it very difficult to manipulate an advanced information/network terminal, such as a personal computer, and use theInternet or the like.This leads to a digital divide between people who can operate an advanced information/network terminal, such as a personal computer, and people who can not operate an advanced information/network terminal. Therefore, there is a problem thatthose who can not operate digital equipment can not fully access such support in their lives which use otherwise helpful information networks.Such a problem is frequent among old people who particularly need supports in their lives, which is thought to be a worsening problem with the progressive aging of society.The present invention has been made to solve the digital divide problem in the support of people's lives as described above.More precisely, the present invention aims at allowing even those people who are not familiar with how to operate an information/network terminal, such as a personal computer, to easily use an information network-based life supporting system, andhence expand the network distribution business.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[Means for Solving the Problems]To achieve the above object, a li
United States Patent: 6821248
6,821,248
A display 2A, a CCD camera 2C, a speaker/microphone 2D, and service select
pads 2Ga through 2Gd which are allotted to the life supporting services to
be provided are disposed. As a life supporting service is selected by
means of the service select pads 2Ga through 2Gd, the display 2A, the CCD
camera 2C and the speaker/microphone 2D are connected to service providing
facilities which provide the selected life supporting service, through a
public telephone line network T or the Internet I.
Natori; Shuji (Tokyo, JP)
09/861,678
P. 2000-158441
600/300  ; 128/920; 600/485; 600/508
600/300,481,485,508,509,301 128/920,903,904
6319207
6544198
1.  A life supporting device, comprising: a recording member;  service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided;  and a
data reader member which reads recorded data, which are recorded in a recording medium, from said recording member, and is connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to transmit said
recorded data read from said recording medium to said service providing facilities to which said data reader member are connected.
2.  A life supporting device, comprising: an imaging member;  a recording member;  a voice output member;  service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided;  and a motion command member
which performs image analysis on the motion of a person which is shot with said imaging member, compares thereof with previously set motion patterns, and outputs a predetermined operation signal, which corresponds to a motion pattern which matches with
the captured motion of the person, to said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member or said service selection members.
3.  A life supporting device, comprising: an imaging member;  a recording member;  a voice output member;  service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided;  and a voice command member which
analyzes a voice which is recorded with said recording member, compares thereof with previously set voice patterns, and outputs a predetermined operation signal, which corresponds to a voice pattern which matches with the recorded voice, to said imaging
member, said recording member, said voice output member or said service selection members.
4.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided, wherein, as
life supporting services are selected by operating corresponding ones of said service selection members, said image display member, said imagine member, said recording member and said voice output member get connected to service providing facilities
which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, and a data reader member which reads recorded data which are recorded in a recording medium from said recording medium, and is connected to service
providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to transmit said recorded data read from said recording medium to said service providing facilities to which said data reader member are connected.
5.  The life supporting device of claim 4, further comprising: a printing member which is connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to print data contents which are transmitted
from said service providing facilities to which said printing member are connected.
6.  The life supporting device of claim 4, further comprising: a vital data detection member which detects vital data and is connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to
transmit vital data, which are detected, to said service providing facilities to which said vital data detection member are connected.
7.  The life supporting device of claim 4, further comprising: a cursor movement control member which moves a cursor on a computer screen which is displayed on said display member.
8.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include medical service facilities, and medical services are provided through said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member and said
voice output member by means of connection with said medical service facilities.
9.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide services regarding counseling.
10.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide surrogate services for civic procedures.
11.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide services as a travel agency.
12.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide a service to introduce someone for conversation.
13.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide the service of sending e-mail.
14.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide the service of translating letters.
15.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide the service of drawing composite sketches.
16.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide game services.
17.  The life supporting device of claim 4, wherein said service providing facilities include facilities which provide services regarding printed matter.
18.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided, wherein as
life supporting services are selected by operating corresponding ones of said service selection members, said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member and said voice output member get connected to service providing facilities
which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, and an image input member which scans and reads an image and is connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said
service selection members so as to transmit image data which are read to said service providing facilities to which said image input member are connected.
19.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, and service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided,
wherein as life supporting services are selected by operating corresponding ones of said service selection members, said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member and said voice output member get connected to service providing
facilities which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, wherein, a plurality of said service selection members are provided corresponding to each category of the life supporting services to be
20.  The life supporting device of claim 19, wherein said plurality of service selection members are colored differently from each other.
21.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided, wherein,
as life supporting services are selected by operating corresponding ones of said service selection members, said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member and said voice output member get connected to service providing facilities
which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, and a motion command member which performs image analysis on the motion of a person which is shot with said imaging member, compares thereof with
previously set motion patterns, and outputs a predetermined operation signal, which corresponds to a motion pattern which matches with the captured motion of the person, to said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member or said
service selection members.
22.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided, wherein as
which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, and a voice command member which analyzes a voice which is recorded with said recording member, compares thereof with previously set voice patterns,
and outputs a predetermined operation signal, which corresponds to a voice pattern which matches with the recorded voice, to said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member or said service selection members.
23.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided, wherein as
which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, and an armrest member for supporting a human arm in front of an operation panel in which said image display member, said imaging member, said
recording member, said voice output member and said service selection members are arranged.
24.  A life supporting device, comprising: an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, service selection members respectively allocated to each life supporting service which is to be provided, wherein as
which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network, and an operation panel in which said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member and said service
selection members are arranged disposed on a supportive base which is approximately as tall as a table.  Description
2.  Problems to be Solved by the Invention
Recently life styles have been changing through the use of various types of digital equipment as the information-oriented society has evolved.  For instance, there are proposed various types of service providing systems for supporting life using
a computer network, such as the Internet.
However, when aged or handicapped people, for example, are to receive such services for supporting their lives, some people find it very difficult to manipulate an advanced information/network terminal, such as a personal computer, and use the
This leads to a digital divide between people who can operate an advanced information/network terminal, such as a personal computer, and people who can not operate an advanced information/network terminal.  Therefore, there is a problem that
those who can not operate digital equipment can not fully access such support in their lives which use otherwise helpful information networks.
The present invention has been made to solve the digital divide problem in the support of people&#39;s lives as described above.
More precisely, the present invention aims at allowing even those people who are not familiar with how to operate an information/network terminal, such as a personal computer, to easily use an information network-based life supporting system, and
hence expand the network distribution business.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the first aspect of the invention comprises an image display member, an imaging member, a recording member, a voice output member, and service selection members allocated to each
life supporting service which is to be provided, and is characterized in that as life supporting services are selected by operating said service selection member, said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member and said voice output
member become connected to service providing facilities which provide selected life supporting services through a telecommunications line or a computer network.
The life supporting device according to the first aspect of the invention can be installed in a public space, such as an old people&#39;s center, a nursing home for the aged and a care house, where people who are in need of support such as the
elderly and handicapped people gather, or can be installed in a home.
The life supporting device is connected to service providing facilities, such as a medical service center and an Internet site which provides various types of on-line services, through a public telephone line network, and a computer network such
as the Internet, or the like.
This connects the image display member, the imaging member, the recording member, the voice output member which are disposed to the life supporting device to service providing facilities which provide the desired selected life supporting service
through a public telephone line network, a computer network such as the Internet, or the like, thereby making it possible to transmit and receive information to and from the service providing facilities.
Image data transmitted from the service providing facilities are displayed by the imaging member, voice data similarly transmitted from the service providing facilities are outputted from the voice output member, or video data imaged with the
imaging member or voices recorded by the recording member are transmitted to the service providing facilities, whereby various types of life supporting services, such as medical services including medical checkup and doctors&#39; inquiries, counseling
services, communication supporting services and entertainment services, using the image display member, the imaging member, the recording member and the voice output member.
As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, a user, even someone who is not familiar with how to operate an information/network terminal such as a personal computer, or an aged person who particularly needs supports to his
or her life, etc., is required only to select a desired life supporting service using the service selection members in order to be connected to service providing facilities which provide the desired life supporting service, resulting in easy access to
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the second aspect of the invention is characterized in further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, a data reader member which
reads recorded data which are recorded in a recording medium from said recording medium, and becomes connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection member so as to transmit said recorded data read from
said recording medium to said service providing facilities to which said data reader member are connected.
As a user selects a desired life supporting service using the service selection member, said data reader member of the life supporting device according to the second aspect of the invention, together with the image display member, the imaging
member, the recording member and the voice output member, becomes connected to service providing facilities which provide the desired selected life supporting service through a public telephone line network, a computer network such as the Internet, or
the like, whereby it becomes possible to communicate with the service providing facilities.
When a user uses the medical checkup service, or medical services based on doctor&#39;s inquiries to patients, or the like provided by a medical institution or the like using this life supporting device, for example, the data reader member such as an
IC card reader reads vital data such as electrocardiogram data regarding the user which are recorded in a recording medium such as an IC card, from this recording medium and transmits the vital data to a connected medical institution or the like, so that
the user can easily receive medical services such as a medical checkup.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to a third invention is characterized in further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, a printing member which becomes connected to
service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to print the contents of data which are transmitted from said service providing facilities to which said printing member are connected.
As a user selects a desired life supporting service using the service selection member, said printing member of the life supporting device according to the third invention, together with the image display member, the imaging member, the recording
member and the voice output member, becomes connected to service providing facilities which provide the desired selected life supporting service through a public telephone line network, a computer network such as the Internet, or the like, whereby it
becomes possible to communicate with the service providing facilities.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, an image input member which
scans and reads an image and becomes connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to transmit image data which are read to said service providing facilities to which said image input
member are connected.
As a user selects a desired life supporting service using the service selection member, said image input member of the life supporting device according to the fourth aspect of the invention, together with the image display member, the imaging
In consequence, a material prepared in writing for receiving services is read and transmitted by said image input member to the service providing facilities, which make it easy for the user to receive services provided by the service providing
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, a vital data detection
member which detects vital data and becomes connected to service providing facilities which are selected by operating said service selection members so as to transmit vital data, which are detected, to said service providing facilities to which said
vital data detection member are connected.
As a user selects a desired life supporting service using the service selection member, said vital data detection member of the life supporting device according to the fifth aspect of the invention, together with the image display member, the
imaging member, the recording member and the voice output member, becomes connected to service providing facilities which provide the desired selected life supporting service through a public telephone line network, a computer network such as the
Internet, or the like, whereby it becomes possible to communicate with the service providing facilities.
This connects, when the user selects medical services, for example, said vital data detection member to a medical institution or the like which provides medical services.  The vital data detection member transmits detected vital data, such as the
heart rate, pulse and blood pressure, regarding the user to the medical institution or the like, and the vital data are used as materials for a medical checkup, etc.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, a cursor movement control
member which moves a cursor on a computer screen which is displayed on said display member.
In the life supporting device according to the sixth aspect of the invention, during execution of a life supporting service provided from a service providing facilities on a computer screen which is displayed on said display member, movements of
a cursor on the computer screen are manipulated by the cursor movement control member.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, there are a plurality of such service
selection members corresponding to category of life supporting services to be provided.
In the life supporting device according to the seventh aspect of the invention, as a user merely selects and operates the service selection members to which a desired life supporting service is allocated, the life supporting device is connected
to service providing facilities which provide the desired life supporting service.  Hence, even an aged person or the like who is not familiar with how to operate an information/network terminal can easily select the life supporting service and get
connected to the service providing facilities.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the eighth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the seventh aspect of the invention, said plurality of service selection
members are colored differently from each other.
In the life supporting device according to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the service selection members are colored differently from each other in accordance with categories of life supporting services, it is possible to select a
desired life supporting service in an easy manner.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the ninth aspect of the invention is characterized by further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, a motion command member
which performs image analysis on the motion of a person which is shot with said imaging member, compares this with previously set motion patterns, and outputs a predetermined operation signal, which corresponds to a motion pattern which matches the
captured motion of the person, to said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member or said service selection members.
With respect to the life supporting device according to the ninth aspect of the invention, when a user makes a predetermined motion with signs and gestures, etc., the motion command member performs image analysis on a video signal which is
obtained from the motion which is shot by the imaging member.  When the motion matches with a predetermined motion pattern, in response to the operation signal outputted from the motion command member, the imaging member, the recording member, the voice
output member or the service selection members performs an operation which corresponds to the motion pattern.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in further comprising, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, a voice command member which
analyzes a voice which is recorded with said recording member, compares this with previously set voice patterns, and outputs a predetermined operation signal, which corresponds to a voice pattern which matches with the recorded voice, to said imaging
member, said recording member, said voice output member or said service selection member.
With respect to the life supporting device according to the tenth aspect of the invention, when the user makes a predetermined pronouncement, the voice command member analyzes the voice signal of the voice recorded by the recording member.  When
the voice matches with a predetermined voice pattern, in response to the operation signal outputted from the voice command member, the imaging member, the recording member, the voice output member or the service selection members performs an operation
which corresponds to the voice pattern.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the eleventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, an armrest member for supporting a
human arm is attached in front of an operation panel in which said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member and said service selection members are arranged.
Using the life supporting device according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, since it is possible to support a user&#39;s body as the user leans against the armrest member, the user can easily manipulate the life supporting device even when
the user is aged or handicapped.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the twelfth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, an operation panel in which said image
display member, said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member and said service selection members are arranged is disposed on a supportive base which is approximately as tall as a table.
Since the life supporting device according to the twelfth aspect of the invention allows a user to operate the operation panel in which said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member, said voice output member and said
service selection member are arranged, while sitting in a chair, even an aged or handicapped person can operate the life supporting device whilst assuming a comfortable posture.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include medical service facilities, and medical services are provided through said image display member, said imaging member, said recording member and said voice output member by means of a connection with said medical service facilities.  Hence, a user
can receive medical services such as medical checkup and face-to-face diagnosis using a videophone.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide services regarding counseling.  Hence, a user can receive life supporting services such as advice regarding their life.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide surrogate services for civic procedures.  Hence, by deputizing someone to do civic procedures at a municipal office and the like, a user can receive supports to his or her daily life.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide services as a travel agency.  Hence, a user can receive life supporting services such as to be introduced a package tour and to arrange a journey.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide a service to introduce someone for conversation.  Hence, a user can easily find opportunities to communicate.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the eighteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide the service of sending e-mail.  Hence, even an aged person or the like who is not familiar with how to operate an information/network terminal can easily use e-mails.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the nineteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide the service of translating letters.  Hence, even an aged person can easily write a letter directed to a foreign country or easily read a letter received from a foreign country.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the twentieth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide the service of drawing composite sketches.  Hence, a user&#39;s face is synthesized into a past face, a future face, a CG character-like or an animated cartoon-like face, etc., from data obtained by actually shooting the face
with the imaging member.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the twenty-first aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide game services.  Hence, various types of games, such as a game for the aged, are provided.
To achieve the above object, a life supporting device according to the twenty-second aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the structure according to the first aspect of the invention, said service providing facilities
include facilities which provide services regarding printed matter.  Hence, various types of printed matter, such as printed cards describing the lyrics of karaoke songs and colored paper printed with lines indicating the places to fold for making
figures by folding, are provided.
An armrest 3 for supporting an aged person&#39;s body while the aged person or the like operates the life supporting device (LSD) is attached between the base part 1 and the operation part 2 such that the armrest 3 protrudes at both sides towards the
A display 2A for showing a videophone image and displaying a computer screen is attached to a central portion of a panel of the operation part 2 of the life supporting device (LSD), and a color scanner/printer 2B, which reads a document,
transmits thus read information through a telecommunications line and prints out various types of information which is transmitted through a telecommunications line, is attached in such a manner that a paper feed slot and a paper discharge slot are
positioned horizontally along a bottom edge portion of the display 2A.
A CCD camera 2C, which shoots a user who is seated in front of the life supporting device (LSD) and transmits a corresponding video signal through a telecommunications line, is attached at a upper central position of the display 2A.  A
speaker/microphone 2D is disposed which converts the voice of a user, who is seated in front of the life supporting device (LSD), into a voice signal and thereafter transmits through a telecommunications line or converts a transmitted voice signal into a
voice and thereafter outputs the signal.  An IC card reader 2E is disposed such that an IC card insertion slot is positioned on the right-hand side of the display 2A as a user faces it.
Further, a joymouse/vital sensor 2F, which comprises, as an integrated part, a vital sensor which detects vital data, such as a heart rate, pulses and a blood pressure, from a joymouse for playing games and a user&#39;s hand which is in contact with
the joymouse, is attached below the central position of the display 2A.  In addition, on both sides of the joymouse/vital sensor 2F, a plurality of (four in this example) service select pads 2Ga through 2Gd are disposed which are for selecting various
types of services which are provided by the life supporting device (LSD).
Connected to the Internet I are life advice site B1, a civic procedures site B2 and a travel agency site B3 which belong to a counseling service genre B for various types of counseling and surrogate services for a user of the life supporting
device (LSD), a conversation partner introducing site C1, e-mail site C2 and a translation site C3 which belong to a communication service genre C for auxiliary services for a user to communicate with other user, and a composite sketch site D1, a game
site D2 and a printed matter providing site D3 which belong to an entertainment service genre D for providing entertainment to a user.
A server A1 for accumulating vital data regarding the subject of diagnosis (user of the life supporting device (LSD)) and a judging apparatus A2 which is connected with the server A1 are installed in the medical service center A. The judging
apparatus A2 judges the condition of health of the subject of diagnosis based on the vital data regarding the subject of diagnosis supplied from the server A1, as described later.
The translation site C3 is a site which provides a service to translate a hand-written letter or speech which a user enters into the life supporting device (LSD) into English or the like and translating a letter, etc., received from a foreign
The composite sketch site D1 belonging to the entertainment service genre D is a site which provides a service to synthesize a user&#39;s face into a past or future face, a CG character-like or an animated cartoon-like face, etc., from data obtained
by actually shooting the face.
The printed matter providing site D3 is a site which provides various types of printed matter, such as printed cards describing the lyrics of karaoke songs and colored paper printed with lines indicating the places to fold for making figures by
The service select pad 2Ga of the operation part 2 of the life supporting device (LSD) is allocated with a function to connect the life supporting device (LSD) to the medical service center A. With the service select pad 2Ga pressed, the life
supporting device (LSD) is connected with the medical service center A through the public telephone line network T.
As the life supporting device (LSD) is connected with the medical service center A, the IC card reader 2E transmits to the medical service center A personal medical chart data regarding a user read from an IC card inserted into the IC card reader
2E, and transmits to the medical service center A vital data, such as the heart rate, pulse and blood pressure to be detected from a user&#39;s hand which is in contact with the joymouse/vital sensor 2F.
After connection with the medical service center A, the life supporting device (LSD) is connected further with the medical institution H through the medical service center A as described later, so that the display 2A, the CCD camera 2C and the
speaker/microphone 2D transfers and receives video signals and a voice signal with the medical institution H.
The service select pad 2Gb is allocated with a function to connect the life supporting device (LSD) to the respective sites of the counseling service genre B. With the service select pad 2Gb pressed repeatedly, the life supporting device (LSD) is
connected sequentially with the sites B1 through B3 belonging to the counseling service genre B through the Internet I and the public telephone line network T.
The service select pad 2Gc is allocated with a function to connect the life supporting device (LSD) to the respective sites of the communication service genre C. With the service select pad 2Gc pressed repeatedly, the life supporting device (LSD)
is connected sequentially with the sites C1 through C3 belonging to the communication service genre C through the Internet I and the public telephone line network T.
The service select pad 2Gd is allocated with a function to connect the life supporting device (LSD) to the respective sites of the entertainment service genre D. With the service select pad 2Gd pressed repeatedly, the life supporting device (LSD)
is connected sequentially with the sites D1 through D3 belonging to the entertainment service genre D through the Internet I and the public telephone line network T.
Entries for receiving services are made in the service providing screen which is displayed by the display 2A, as the joymouse/vital sensor 2F is manipulated, the color scanner/printer 2B reads, the CCD camera 2C captures images, or the
speaker/microphone 2D captures voices.
One can make basic operations on this life supporting device (LSD) or basic operations in a home page which are displayed by the display 2A, even using his or her voice, gestures and signs, which serve as voice/motion commands, through the CCD
camera 2C and the speaker/microphone 2D.
More precisely, as shown in FIG. 3, as the CCD camera 2C captures the user&#39;s motions such as gestures and signs, a video signal representing them is fed to a CPU 2H which is incorporated in the operation part 2.  The CPU 2H compares, by means of
image analysis, motion patterns stored in a motion pattern data base 2I with the user&#39;s motion expressed by the video signal.  When the user&#39;s motion expressed by the video signal is found to match with a motion pattern stored in the motion pattern
database 2I as a result, an operation instructing signal corresponding to this motion pattern is outputted to a power source circuit 2K or a volume adjustment circuit 2L and a data input control circuit 2M, whereby a power source is turned on or off, the
volume is adjusted, data are entered, or other corresponding operations are made.
Meanwhile, when a user&#39;s voice is entered via the speaker/microphone 2D, a voice signal representing it is supplied to the CPU 2H.  The CPU 2H compares voice patterns stored in a voice pattern database 2J with the user&#39;s voice expressed by the
voice signal.  When the user&#39;s voice expressed by the voice is found to match with a voice pattern stored in the voice pattern database 2I as a result, an operation instructing signal corresponding to this voice pattern is outputted to the power source
circuit 2K or the volume adjustment circuit 2L and the data input control circuit 2M, whereby the power source is turned on or off, the volume is adjusted, data are entered, or other corresponding operations are made.
The life supporting device (LSD) described as above can be installed in a public space, such as an old people&#39;s center, a nursing home for the aged and a care home, where people, who are in need of support such as aged people and handicapped
people, gather, or can be installed in a home.
Since the operation part 2 is mounted on the supportive base 1 which is approximately as tall as a table, a user who intends to use this life supporting device (LSD), can manipulate the operation part 2 while seated in a chair 4 which is placed
in front of the life supporting device (LSD), as shown in FIG. 4.
When a user wishes to receive various types of on-line services using this life supporting device (LSD), the user first selects any one of the service select pads 2Ga through 2Gd and presses the service select pad to which the desired service is
allocated, to thereby choose the service.
For example, when a user wishes for the medical checkup or a medical inquiry service, as the service select pad 2Ga is pressed, the life supporting device (LSD) becomes connected with the medical service center A through the public telephone line
network T.
As the user thereafter inserts an IC card which stores vital data, such as electrocardiogram data, prepared in advance into the IC card reader 2E, the IC card reader 2E reads the user&#39;s vital data from the IC card and transmits this to the
medical service center A.
Further, as the user touches the joymouse/vital sensor 2F by hand, the joymouse/vital sensor 2F detects user&#39;s vital data, such as the heart rate, pulse and blood pressure, on the spot and transmits the data to the medical service center A.
At the medical service center A, the vital data transmitted from the life supporting device (LSD) as described above are accumulated together with a user&#39;s ID in the server A1 and fed to the judging apparatus A2.
The judging apparatus A2 judges a user&#39;s health condition based on the vital data which are supplied from the server A1.
When the judging apparatus A2 judges that a further examination is necessary, the server A1 is provided with imaging information, such as the user&#39;s face imaged with the CCD camera 2C which is mounted to the life supporting device (LSD), and the
user&#39;s voice recorded with the speaker/microphone 2D, and the judging apparatus A2, whilst considers such additional information, judges the user&#39;s condition of health in more detail.
These judgment results are displayed on the display 2A or printed with the color scanner/printer 2B based on judgment data which indicate the judgment results which are transmitted to the life supporting device (LSD) from the medical service
center A, whereby the user who is the subject of diagnosis is informed of the judgment results.
Further, with respect to a judgment result made at the medical service center A, when it is determined that a further inquiry is necessary or when the user wishes further inquiry, the life supporting device (LSD) is connected with the medical
institution H, such as a hospital, through the server A1 of the medical service center A.
As shown in FIG. 5, an image of a user M captured with the CCD camera 2C and a voice recorded with the speaker/microphone 2D are transmitted to the medical institution H. In the life supporting device (LSD), the display 2A displays an image of a
doctor Dr who is in the medical institution H and the speaker/microphone 2D outputs a voice of the doctor Dr, so that the user M can receive face-to-face examination using a videophone, and hence, receive a more correct diagnosis from the doctor Dr.
When a user hopes to receive a service which is classified as the counseling service genre B, as the service select pad 2Gb is pressed, the life supporting device (LSD) becomes connected with the respective sites B1 through B3 belonging to the
counseling service genre B through the Internet I and the public telephone line network T. When a service which is classified as the communication service genre C is wished, as the service select pad 2Gc is pressed, the life supporting device (LSD) is
connected with the respective sites C1 through C3 of the communication service genre C When a service which is classified as the entertainment service genre D, as the service select pad 2Gd is pressed, the life supporting device (LSD) is connected with
the respective sites D1 through D3 of the entertainment service genre D.
At this stage, every time the service select pad 2Gb, 2Gc or 2Gd is pressed, the connection is switched from the life advice site B1 to the civic procedures site B2 and further to the travel agency site B3, or from the conversation partner
introducing site C1 to the e-mail site C2 and further to the translation site C3, or from the composite sketch site D1 to the game site D2 and further to the printed matter providing site D3, and therefore, the user, by repeatedly pressing the service
select pad 2Gb, 2Gc or 2Gd until getting connected to a site which provides a desired service, can easily select the desired service site.
In the case of the e-mail site C2 and the translation site C3 which require input of a hand-written document, as a user inserts a document to be inputted into the color scanner/printer 2B of the operation part 2, the color scanner/printer 2B
reads the content of the document and the data thus read are transmitted to a service site to which the life supporting device (LSD) is connected.
Further, in the case of the composite sketch site D1 which requires a user&#39;s image, a user&#39;s image captured with the CCD camera 2C is transmitted to a service site to which the life supporting device (LSD) is connected.
Further, in the case of the composite sketch site D1 and the printed matter providing site D3 which provide services in writing, services (such as composite sketches, cards describing the lyrics of karaoke songs, and colored paper printed with
lines indicating the places to fold for making figures by folding) are printed by the color scanner/printer 2B based on service data transmitted from service sites.
As shown in FIG. 6, the user M can use voice/motion commands which are created as the CCD camera 2C captures the motion of the user M and the speaker/microphone 2D records a voice of the user M as described above, in order to realize basic
operations, such as to adjust a volume of the speaker/microphone 2D, and basic data input operations for various types of services on the Internet.
"Life Supporting Apparatus - Patent 6821248"
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