Remote healthcare education based on synchronous and asynchronous high quality video application

Along with the popularization of broadband Internet, more and more videos are exchanged among remote sites. In this paper, we propose a distance classroom environment integrating synchronous and asynchronous video applications as a future employment of high definition, low latency video transmission technology. In the case of healthcare distance classes, spatial, directional and real-time timing information are as crucial as - sometimes more crucial than - high quality image reproduction. The prototype environment over the Japan Gigabit Network consists of a digital video conferencing and a video server containing modular learning materials. It enables nearly simultaneous presentation of learning materials among remote places and distance instruction in practical skills to some extents. The current prototype employs digital video transmission over the ATM layer, ensuring stable communication without delay. DV transmission over an IP network is now under examination, so that local residents and healthcare professionals can use the proposed environment for lifelong learning at healthcare and welfare institutions in future. This paper gives an overview, a description of features and actual usage examples of the proposed environment, and summarizes the problems to be solved.