Communications of the ACM
Bathrooms Become Smarter With Touch Screens
IDG News Service
Researchers at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems have developed a touch screen mirror that can remind people when to take their medicine, wash their hands, or brush their teeth. Developers hope that the mirror, which was on display at the recent Cebit IT trade show, will help elderly people with conditions such as dementia live more independently.
The mirror displays icons to remind people to perform certain actions, including washing hands and face, brushing teeth, washing dentures, and applying moisturizer. When the medicine cabinet is opened, a large icon with a pill in the middle shows how many pills the person should take. The mirror also could be linked to a care provider to enable them to remotely monitor patients to make sure they are accomplishing basic hygiene tasks.
The mirror also can be used to control water temperature or raise the entire sink basin and toilet for those with limited mobility. The system also could work with a radio frequency identification device worn be each household member to automatically know and adjust the bathroom to each person's preferences.
From IDG News Service
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