Prof. Hidetoshi Wakamatsu, Ph.D.
Dept. Biophysical System Engineering
Graduate School of Health Care Sciences
Abstract: For the rapid shift of our society to the longevity and little birth rate, we discuss the possible contribution of communication environment based on information technology to the better living arrangement of the elderly, the handicapped, the sick, the healthy and so on. The information systems based on the same principle combined with a newly developed button type simple computer for definite inevitable functions are introduced as a unified system. It was particularly designed not only for everyday life convenience but also for sudden illness threatened to life for the lonely living persons. The unified system works on the basis of its safety, reliability and flexibility, reflecting limits and vulnerability of past technical achievements in wellness and well-being. We emphasize the importance of wide area networks, considering its easy replacement and convenience for public benefits, including favorable economics and easy-to-handle equipment, as systems boasting both high-tech and multiple functions in a single apparatus do not necessarily lead to widespread use. Hereby, the active use of the Internet environment is also mentioned for the wide provision of convenience on public benefits. Various appropriate systems as variations on the basis of same principle are presented for the help of guidance, health care, nursing and medical affairs, physical exercise, amusement, rehabilitation, social participation and so on. The proposals on policies aimed at hardware development, software improvement and system management, which can help better use of these networks with technical viewpoints and equipment derived from our trials with comprehensive engineering issues related to developing and practical utilization of basic functions. In addition, beneficiaries themselves cover effective activity and communications in remote islands and/or depopulated area, where sufficient resource of welfare staff might not be provided including the definite intercommunication of persons at a distance. Although our argument and views cover some, not all, pertinent aspects, we try to illustrate and advocate the roles and possibilities that we can play in wellness and well-being. Thus, we provide appropriate means of communication not only for everyday life support of beneficiaries with closely related persons such as family members, but also for substantial support of welfare staff such as helper, caretaker, nurse, health nurse and physician. Consequently, the basic posture of proposed system relating to current information technology leads us to the intended build-up of new future welfare culture.
Plenary Speaker's Brief Biography: Professor Hidetoshi Wakamatsu born on 15.Nov.1946, received his B.E. and M.E. degrees from Yokohama National University in 1970 and 1972, respectively. He received his Dr. of Eng. degree in 1984 from the University of Tokyo. Academic Positions: He was a research Associate at the Institute for Medical and Dental Engineering from 1972-1986, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. From 1973-1974 he was a Visiting Research Associate, Institute for Biocybernetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany. From 1986-1988 he was an Associate Professor at Ashikaga Institute of Technology, Associate professor 1988-1991, Professor 1991-1992 at Fukui University and Professor, Faculty of Medicine in 1992, Professor, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences in 2001, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. In 1994 a visiting professor, Oregon State University and so on. From 2006 a general chair of Asia Pacific Conference on Control and Measurement.
Scientific Activities
1. Automatic precise control system of temperature for clinical brain hypothermia
2. Biochemical dynamics in the damaged area of brain tissue and in the clinical treatment.
3. Haptic operation of virtual visco-elasto-plastic material by virtual tools and its application to medicine
4. Life support system based on simple principle and method using the Internet.
