"I picked up an iPhone as soon as they were put on sale," says Sumio Murase. "And I'd really like a 3D TV as soon as I can get one." Although the director of the Toin Hospital in Mie prefecture, Japan, he watches developing trends in the electronics industry closely. It's more than just personal interest, although he admits he's had a strong interest in electronics since he was a child, and considered entering information engineering at the university. Today he's most interested in incorporating electronics technology into medicine.
Murase launched the Japanese Telemedicine and Telecare Association (JTTA) of Japan in 2005 as a new form of medicine driven by information technology (IT). Recognizing that nothing would happen unless he did it himself, he has left the society and now concentrates on implementing remote medical care in health management and other applications. We spoke with him about his expectations for electronics companies.
Q: What do you expect of electronics companies in medicine and health?
A: I think there are major requirements for electronics technology in the fields dealing with the elderly, who represent a growing portion of the population.
We are gradually implementing barrier-free design, such as installing slopes next to staircases, adding support railings inside rooms, and building elevators, and there is already a large market for such products. All of these things help the elderly eliminate physical barriers imposed by the deterioration of leg and back function.
I think the near future will see rising demand for barrier-free life in the mental and psychological senses. The elderly also suffer a deterioration of mental function, and require frameworks and tools to assist them in making up for this loss in ability. I'm confident the market will be as big as the physical barrier-free market is already. And I think this is something that the electronics industry should address.
Q: Could you explain a little more about what you mean by barrier-free in the mental sense?
A: For example, take a TV remote. There have been a few designed for use by the elderly. At best, though, they only offer minor modifications like larger or color-coded buttons, or making the buttons easier to push. They help eliminate the physical barriers, but they are still designed from the basic assumption that the user has to press the buttons.
If you take a look at their actual living situation, though, you understand that this isn't the right answer. They may have a favorite program they watch every week. If their daughter lives with them, the daughter may inform them their favorite show is about to start, and press the buttons on the remote for them.
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2012 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
