Isao Nakajima

DESIGN AND PROTOTYPE OF SATELLITE TRACK WITH QUADRANT DETECTOR FOR AMBULANCES

Tokai University has been conducting research on ambulances and related onboard systems for transmitting video images from vehicles in motion via the quasi-zenith satellite and HEO, which are scheduled to be launched by the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL) and the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL). This paper describes a newly-developed high-precision satellite tracking system, which we have developed for use with this system. The core of this tracking system comprises a few mutually complementing independent signal processing subsystems. Within this system, the absolute coordinates of the satellite are estimated by a quadrant detector, while its relative coordinates are estimated by a GPS-based continuous kinematic positioning technique that relies on directional data provided by a fiber-optic 3D gyro and calculations of six orbit elements. The newly-developed technique, which employs coaxial non-backlash gears for high- precision mechanical control and absorbs vibrations generated during vehicle operation with an air cushion installed in the basement of the antenna, can track the satellite with a tracking error of one degree or less as the ambulances move over paved streets. 1.Objective

A Hybrid Color Slow Scan TeleVision for Developing Nations

We have developed a Hybrid Color Slow-Scan Television device incorporating a fax modem for compatibility with both analog telephone line and Internet networks to support telemedicine in developing nations. This Hybrid Color Slow-Scan Television device enables transmission and reception of color medical images over an analog telephone network, while utilizing the same compression method as a facsimile machine designed for use of the same analog telephone line. We believe that developing countries have a great need for such Hybrid Color Slow Scan Television devices with facsimile machine compatible compression when the need for telemedicine arises and the only available method of transmission is over an analog telephone network We field tested the device in a developing country and proved it capable of transmitting ultra-sound images of sufficient quality for telemedicine application.

Tele-health projects in Pacific and the Japanese possibility to support its circuit

(Abstract) Pacific islands due to their geography and isolation, coupled with financial problems and lack of skilled staff, offer an ideal environment for development and implementation of telehealth applications. Currently there are three major telehealth projects running in Pacific. POLHN (Pacific Open Learning Health Network) is a successful tele-health initiative among 10 Pacific Island countries that has been supported by funding from Japanese government. Pacific Basin Telehealth Initiative is another major telehealth project running in US affiliated Pacific Islands funded by Office of Advancement of Telehealth (OAT) of US government. Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN) is the third major project which was created in 1996 under the joint auspices of South Pacific Council (SPC) and WHO. We have investigated the various activities of these projects and proposed Universal Service Fund coverage for these projects to reduce the running cost and self sustainability. Secondly to over human resource shortage, we have extended our cooperation in human resource development (HRD) in telehealth and have started training programs in telehealth through ITU, APT, NICT, Sasakawa Fund, and other private sectors in developed nations. We are inviting research teams in health care field, governments sectors in island, and other stakeholders in the region and providing them an opportunity to study more advanced telehealth at the ITU eHealth Expert Training Course in the Shonan Campus, Hiratsuka Japan. We have also reported the activities of WINDS satellite which is currently under joint development JAXA and NICT. In addition to establishing a domestic ultra high speed Internet network, the project also aims to construct ultra high speed international Internet access, especially with Asian Pacific countries and regions that are more closely related to Japan.

INVESTIGATION OF REQUIRED CHANNELS FOR SATELLITE-BASED COMMUNICATIONS IN SUPPORT OF EARLY-STAGE TELEMEDICINE DURING MAJOR DISASTERS

The purpose of this investigation was to calculate the number of channels necessary for satellite-based communications in support of early-stage telemedicine during major disasters. Erlangs equation was used in the calculation. Based on the medical data acquired from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (Kobe Earthquake), we expected that 29 satellite channels would be sufficient for the disaster-relief operation of a telemedicine system using hospital-to-hospital communications in Japan. It should be noted that the calculated number of channels does not include management channels or channels for inquiries about safety. Assuming a required transmission capability of 3.0 Mbps for each channel, a bandwidth of 87 Mbps (3×29) must be secured for satellite communication channels.