CeBIT 2016: Proxemic Monitor from Fraunhofer HHI improves processes in the Intensive Care Unit

Every second counts in the intensive care unit and the right decisions have to be made quickly in emergencies. Fraunhofer HHI has developed an intelligent monitor in order to optimize processes in a hospital’s most sensitive unit. It provides a clear view of the data from the connected medical devices and prevents false alarms. Contactless screen operation from the distance using gestures and voice commands reduces the risk of spreading pathogenic germs.

The monitor developed in the “Leitwarte” (control room) joint project quickly provides doctors and nursing staff with crucial information about the vital signs of intensive care patients. The screen has interfaces to the medical devices in the room and to the hospital’s information systems. Web-based programming of the user interface ensures that it is also suitable for mobile monitors such as tablets.

An important benefit of gesture control: Doctors and nursing staff do not have to touch the equipment directly. Three different cameras and a microphone sample the space in front of the monitor. The integrated Fraunhofer HHI software analyses the video data to determine the presence of a person, how far the person is away from the screen and which movements are being made. This means a video call for example can be started with pre-programmed gestures.

You can experience the medical monitor to improve hygiene and usability in the intensive care unit yourself from March 14 to 18 at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany. Fraunhofer HHI is presenting the Proxemic Monitor at the Fraunhofer joint exhibition booth in hall 6, exhibition booth B36.

Another Fraunhofer HHI project is also being presented at CeBIT in Hanover: the Smart Data Forum.

The Smart Data Forum is a demonstration and experience space for smart data solutions and a venue for networking at European and international levels. Bundling intelligent mass data processing knowledge, the forum brings experts from politics, science and industry together with the interested general public.

The content of the forum focuses on industry, medicine, mobility and energy since the biggest innovation leaps are expected in these fields. “Smart Data” is part of the federal government’s new high-tech strategy and digital agenda.

You will find the Smart Data Forum at the exhibition booth of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in hall 6, exhibition booth C38.