press release
sales of seasonal influenza epidemic risk visualization solution
November 19, 2020
Fujikura Ltd.
Fujikura Ltd. (President and CEO: Masahiko Ito) has expanded its lineup of solutions that utilize sensor systems equipped with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), an energy-harvesting device developed by the company, and has begun sales a solution that makes it possible to "visualize" the risk of seasonal influenza epidemics.
Background and Issues
The number of people infected with seasonal influenza, which is prevalent mainly in the winter, is said to exceed 10 million people each year in Japan, and according to an analysis by the Japanese Association of Public Health, the total number of deaths caused directly or indirectly by influenza averages more than 10,000 per year. In this situation, reducing the risk of contracting influenza is considered an urgent issue.
Statistics show that influenza victims are particularly high among the elderly, but since there have been cases where the spread of infection began in places where many people gather, such as schools, and has then spread to the elderly, reducing the risk of infection in such places is considered to be an effective measure to reduce the number of elderly people who become infected. In addition, within corporate activities, efforts to strengthen work environment management, such as measures to prevent influenza in the workplace, such as offices and work sites, are now required more than ever before.
Product strong point / feature
To help with these countermeasures, we have recently begun offering a solution that makes it easier to "visualize" the risk of seasonal influenza epidemics. The main product strong point / feature are as follows:
- This solution uses the correlation between seasonal influenza and absolute humidity derived from the research of Dr. Makoto Shoji of the Shoji Pediatric Internal Medicine Clinic in Sendai City as an indicator for visualizing the risk of influenza epidemics. (See Figure 1: Indicators of absolute humidity at which seasonal influenza epidemics occur)
- Temperature and humidity data is measured at the sensor node to calculate absolute humidity, and the data is then stored in the cloud and visualized in the form of risk information. The visualized information can be viewed anytime, anywhere on the customer's management device screen, such as a smartphone or tablet, via the internet. Furthermore, if the absolute humidity value exceeds a set threshold, the display color on the management device screen will change, an alarm will sound, and an alarm will be sent via email. (See Figure 2: System configuration and example of the "Visualization" screen)
- In this way, by detecting the risk of seasonal influenza epidemics within the system installation environment and notifying people of the risk by issuing alerts, it is possible to encourage relevant parties to take appropriate action to maintain indoor humidity, such as by increasing the humidity level, thereby reducing the risk of influenza infection.
- The sensor nodes used to measure temperature and humidity data are equipped with a DSSC, an energy harvesting device, and can operate independently using power generation, making it possible to build a completely wiring-free and maintenance-free sensor network.
- This solution will be offered as a package with the "Heat Stroke Prevention IoT Solution" that we sales this summer. Customers who use the "Heat Stroke Prevention IoT Solution" can use it without having to sign a new contract or add any additional devices. For details on the "Heat Stroke Prevention IoT Solution," please refer to the press release dated June 25, 2020, "Launch of Heat Stroke Prevention IoT Solution."
(https://www.fujikura.co.jp/newsrelease/products/2062295_11541.html )
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Figure 1. Absolute humidity index for seasonal influenza epidemics |
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Figure 2 System configuration and example of the "Visualization" screen |
By providing and disseminating this new solution, we will contribute to preventing seasonal influenza infections.
For a system overview of this solution, please visit https://eh-iot.fujikura.jp You can view it at:
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