Types of Different Definitions of Telemedicine

16 Figure 1.4 Subsets of telemedicine connecting different people and entities together FONG et al 2011 Various type of communication network might be needed for the telemedicine system in this particular situation. The in depth explanation of networking will be covered in Chapter 2 with particular focus on the applications of telemedicine as in Sec- tion 2.4. However, let us refer to Figure 1.5 for further under- standing on the emergence of three isolated networks that are connected to form a telemedicine system. While moving around, the patient who is under observation is bounded by a BAN, carried by the patient. A nearby local area network LAN receives the data collected, and stores and processes the information. The LAN links the patient’s home and the hospital attended by the metropolitan area network MAN effectively. LAN is a very typical and simple permanent home network fit- ted at the patient’s home. A telemedicine system that supports tele-monitoring is feasible with the installation of the right equipment in correlation with the BAN, and a link to the hospi- tal through the MAN. Tele-surgery is perhaps the most extremely complex and diffi- cult to follow application partly due to the precision required. Apparatus of very high degree of motion in every direction and 17 un blocked view in high quality must be made available to the surgeon for the surgical operation to commence from a remote location. The following are essential requirements and must be satisfied in order to perform even the simplest operation: ¾ Sensors with extreme precision that is capable of detect- ing even the slightest shift of a surgeon’s hand in real time. ¾ High definition cameras capable in delivering crystal sharp images of the patient without any interference. This is quite difficult to achieve as surgical tools move- ment should be considered and it is crucial to constantly maintain an excellent viewing angle of the patient. ¾ Actuators capable of replicating the exact 3-D hand movements as captured by the sensors in real time. ¾ A communication network that can rapidly transmit all types of data to and fro with a high level of reliability which is vital to make sure there are zero transmission errors throughout the whole process. Figure 1.5 Simple network connections from the human body to the outside world FONG et al 2011