Fujitsu develops sound system to monitor elderly living alone
12-May-15, The Asahi Shimbun
Elderly people who live alone can now be monitored around the clock by a new system that detects and analyzes everyday sounds in their homes without violating their privacy.
%20The%20Asahi%20Shimbun.jpg "Fujitsu develops sound system to monitor elderly living alone (c) The Asahi Shimbun")
Image: The Asahi Shimbun
Developed by Fujitsu Ltd., the system detects household noises via a microphone that is connected online to a data center, the company announced May 11. If an abnormality is detected, it alerts registered family members or a security firm.
Although systems that use cameras are available, many people fear that such systems can be an invasion of privacy. Fujitsu said its new system sends only wavelengths of gleaned data to a data center, ensuring that conversations cannot be heard by third parties.
The company plans to market its new sound system to hospitals, municipal governments and security companies.