RFID Chips Watch Grandma Brush Teeth
By Biever, Celeste; NewScientist.com News Service,Publication Date: March 2004
Article discusses the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to monitor people who are older while in their homes. Small computer chips that emit RFID technology can be placed onto toothbrushes, chairs, and toilet seats to monitor daily living activities. Data from the RFID chips could help to reassure family members and caregivers that their loved ones are taking care of themselves, as unusual data patterns could provide an early warning that something is wrong. Intel utilizes the technology in a glove embedded with a RFID reader the size of two AA batteries. The reader records any tagged objects that the user touches, and wirelessly transmits the information to a central computer, which records the time. Algorithms on the computer use probabilistic reasoning to determine what the person is doing. Concerned relatives can then check on their family member over the Internet. The computer could also be programmed to pick up on unusual patterns and alert relatives through an e-mail message.
Published by: Reed Business Information, Ltd. (Website:http://www.reedbusiness.co.uk)
Link to text: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4788
