Summation
- The KNN sends out an alarm when a patient has fallen or a notification when a patient is struggling, unable to get out of bed, or has remained in the bathroom for longer than expected.
- Given the current care home crisis which has come about as a result of the current pandemic, it is even more important that our technology is perceived as a force for good within the care industry and by the medical profession.
- The registration signifies that the software has been tested both internally and in the field to meet the highest specifications and that risk assessments and mitigating measures have been met.
October 20, 2020
Kepler Vision Technologies, developer of vision-based human activity recognition software has announced that its Kepler Night Nurse (KNN) software has officially been registered as a medical device in compliance with the European council directive 93/42/EEC.
Kepler Vision Technologies is the world’s first computer vision-based fall detector to be awarded medical device status. Its intended use is the “Monitoring the mobility of patients with a reduced ability to keep balanced.” Through the use of machine learning and computer vision, KNN is able to detect falls and beyond. Elderly patients are prevented from falling thanks to KNN, which detects when a fall is going to happen and alerts nearby carers.
This new technology, based on artificial intelligence, reports its false alarm rate based on the number of false alarms recorded per year. In contrast, alternative technologies such as motion sensors, bed mats, and wearables, generate a series of false alarms per day. This clearly demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in patient care: KNN outperforming all current fall detection methods by a factor of 1,000.
Kepler Vision successfully registering its KNN computer vision software as a medical device proves the functional quality of its software and demonstrates brand and product credibility within the medical technology sector. The registration signifies that the software has been tested both internally and in the field to meet the highest specifications and that risk assessments and mitigating measures have been met. The software encodes seventeen patent applications of which two have been granted and 15 are pending.
To look after the well-being of patients, the KNN monitors live video streams for patients’ body language and activity levels. After extensive testing, it has been
deployed across several care homes in The Netherlands, providing safety and privacy for patients. The KNN sends out an alarm when a patient has fallen or a notification when a patient is struggling, unable to get out of bed, or has remained in the bathroom for longer than expected. This allows carers to intervene only when necessary, reducing the amount of time spent checking on patients and freeing up staff time and resources. In addition, the KNN reporting can automatically add accurate behavioral observations to a patient’s medical file which can help doctors with their diagnoses.
Dr. Harro Stokman, CEO of Kepler Vision Technologies, said: “This is a proud moment for us as a business and one that sets the stage for future growth and success. Given the current care home crisis which has come about as a result of the current pandemic, it is even more important that our technology is perceived as a force for good within the care industry and by the medical profession.”
