News
Idea for hi-tech care in the community wins first prize in UK
Satellite Navigation Challenge
19 November 2007
An idea by a De Montfort University academic to help older and
vulnerable people live more active lives has won first prize in a
national competition for the use of satellite technology.
Eric Goodyer, Principal Lecturer at De Montfort University's School of
Computing, developed the concept for Mobile Ambient Assisted Living, or
MobiAssist. This combines patient monitoring technology, GPS and
wireless technologies in an easily wearable device that can communicate
with patient care systems and services.
The idea was named the top entry in the UK Satellite Navigation 2007
Challenge and came second in the European stage of the competition, the
European Satellite Navigation Competition 2007.
Mr Goodyer was presented with his award at a ceremony in Munich in
October. As the UK champion, Mr Goodyer was given the opportunity to
showcase his winning idea at the Munich Systems Fair, an international
trade fair for the information technology, telecommunications and new
media industries.
The UK and European Satellite Navigation Competitions aim to
encourage exciting new ideas around satellite navigation technology.
Entrants submit ideas for how satellite navigation can be used in the
development of new applications and services ahead of the launch of
Galileo, the European satellite navigation system.
Eric Goodyer said: "DMU is extremely proud to be named the UK Satellite
Navigation 2007 Challenge Champion. It recognises that our Faculty of
Computing Sciences and Engineering is at the cutting edge of today's
technology. "If we can transform our concept for mobile telecare into
reality thousands of older people could benefit from being given the
opportunity to live independent lives in the community."
He added: "Other projects that have explored the use of mobile telecare
technology outside the home have produced devices that are often bulky
and impractical. MobiAssist is different in that we will work with a
group of people who rely on home telecare to ensure that what we produce
is not driven by what is technologically possible, but by what works in
practice for the people who would use it.
"There is no point in creating a device which can transmit massive
amounts of medical data, but which is too heavy for a person to carry
around for more than an hour. Any device created for this purpose has to
be truly portable, and that includes having a lightweight and
inexpensive power supply."
Adam Tucker, of HBIC, Europe's Space Incubation Centre (UK) which
manages the UK SatNav Challenge, said: "I am delighted by the continued
level of enthusiasm and interest that this unique programme offers UK
innovation and science.
"It is with the continued support of our industrial partners and the
backing of the UK's regional government agencies that we are able to
encourage UK businesses, academia and research to present such world
class innovation, science and technology; as represented here by
MobiAssist.
"With over 40% of the European ideas presented this year coming from the
UK, we are truly showing the presence we have for developing, and desire
in commercialising, our innovation, science and technology.
"This is an exciting time for those who are driving forward
applications, services, or technology that will encompass the capability
of the global satellite navigation systems, telecommunications and GMES.
The new markets will be vast and the demands endless."
The UK Satellite Navigation 2007 Challenge is sponsored by a number of
UK companies and organisations, including East Midlands Development
Agency (emda), Greater South Eastern Region (EEDA, SEEDA, LDA) the
British National Space Centre, EADS Astrium, Scott & York and Location &
Timing KTN.
The European Satellite Navigation Competition 2007 is sponsored by T
Systems, DHL Innovation Center and Gate, and is supported by the
European Space Agency (ESA).
David Wallace, emda's International and Innovation Director,
commented: "DMU's success in both the national and European competition
is a real testament to the strength of the East Midlands in telematics
and Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology. Their
contribution to this particular sector is immense and really is helping
the region to flourish through innovation-led activities. I wish them
every success as they explore further opportunities to secure commercial
success for the Mobile Telecare concept."
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