Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Saturday, 2 December 2023

Installing Intelligent CCTV Cameras in Hospitals

 


 

Context :

CSMIA Revolutionizes Airport Car Parking With ‘Parking Guidance System’      APN News … 01 Dec 2023

 

Extract :

Gone are the days of circling the parking lot in search of a vacant spot. The innovative Camera-Based Sensor system at CSMIA’s Terminal 2 parking, not only offers effortless parking but also ensures enhanced security surpassing all previous standards.


The parking Sensor functions by offering real-time visual guidance through RGB Occupancy LEDs for every parking space.


These LEDs use live colour-changing lights to accurately reflect the occupancy status of each individual parking bay. Furthermore, this technology operates with exceptional accuracy and high reliability in all conditions.


LED indicators will guide you straight to the available parking spaces at any given time, effectively minimizing stress and uncertainty when it comes to finding an available parking spot.


Another noteworthy feature is the real-time monitoring system, which offers video clips and images depicting parking occupancy. Parking supervisors will utilize the heat map dashboard for up-to-the-minute insights into the parking area. The sensor enables customized zone parking, which defines distinct parking zones with unique LED colours. This approach, hence, contributes to more efficient parking management.


Furthermore, through the provision of occupancy reports and alarms through scheduled events, the parking management team gains complete oversight and control over the parking facility. This enables them to respond efficiently to any necessary actions.

===================================================

 My  Take  :


Let Technology Tell Truth  ………………………… 06 June 2020

 

Extract :

Dear Raghav, [raghavchadha111188@gmail.com ]

Cc : 'moh.delhi@gov.in'  /  'msisodia.delhi@gov.in' / cmdelhi@nic.in

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the outset  , congratulations on launching of the mobile app which shows how many beds are available in each hospital in Delhi

 

In long run , this app can morph enough to transform the entire  Healthcare Ecosystem in entire country

In your interview with a journalist last evening on NDTV, when discrepancies were pointed out, you made following remarks :

 

   #     Data in respect of “ Empty Beds “ are being uploaded by each concerned

          Hospital authorities personnel

 

       #     Very often, this uploading gets delayed

 

       #     Sometimes , the uploaded figures are being fudged on purpose

 

 Raghav,

As long as this ( data uploading ) process remains “ manual “ , depending upon a human , what you described above , will continue to happen !

 

The only PERMANENT and FOOLPROOF solution is to transfer this process from humans to TRANSPARENT –UNBIASED technology

Eg : 

Simple CCTV cameras mounted on each bed – and laced with a simple software which detects whether a bed is empty or occupied – and uploading that STATUS into database, dynamically , every 10 minutes !

 

No big deal !  Really , extremely simple !  And neither very expensive

If you pull this off, you will set a benchmark for all other states

 =============================================

 My Observation :

Dear Shri Mansukh Mandaviyaji

( Health Minister )

I have no idea whether Delhi Govt., ever got around to implement my suggestion in Delhi hospitals

However I urge you to implement , above described CCTV-based indication of EMPTY BEDS in our :

Ø  69,264 Hospitals ( 43,486 Private + 25, 778 Public )

Ø  18,93,986 Beds   ( 11,80,000 Private + 713,986 Public )

Ø  94,964 ICUs       ( 59,264 Private + 35,264 Public )

Then , make it possible for any citizen to be able to quickly search / find , if there are any EMPTY BEDS in a hospital nearby , by adding these DYNAMIC DATABASE ( automatically being uploaded by the software installed in CCTV cameras mounted above each bed ) , in AYUSHMAN BHARAT website , where following SEARCH FEATURE already exists:

Ø  State / Unit   

Ø  District

Ø  Search by …… Facility Name / Facility Type / Facility ID / Specialities , Services

Filters …

Days of Operation

Additional Services

Ownership

ABDM Enabled

 To add in the following Hospital Profile , “ No of Empty Beds right now …………….. “

7SMILES DENTAL CLINIC https://facility.abdm.gov.in/assets/img/map_new.png

Facility ID : 

IN********41

Facility Type :  

Clinic/ Dispensary 

Ownership : 

Private 

Address : 

9D Purnima darshan 1st floor near shiv Sena Office mulund east , Andheri Mumbai Suburban, Maharashtra - 400081 

Facility Status: 

Submitted

ABDM Enabled

Yes

 

Please remember that ABDM has already issued to 27 CRORE ( 270 Million ) poor citizen , AYUSHMAN CARD , which enables that poor family to avail of FREE medical treatment upto Rs 5 lakh / family / year

Obviously when one of their family member needs to be hospitalized , they are keen to find an EMPTY BED in a nearby ABDM enabled hospital only , so that the treatment could be FREE

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.hemenparekh.ai / 03 Dec 2023

 

 Following is what BARD has to say about my suggestion :


I think your suggestion of using smart CCTV sensors/IoT technology to display the number of empty beds in Indian hospitals online and dynamically is a great idea.

It would address the following issues:

·         Accuracy: Real-time data would be much more accurate than manually updated information, which can be delayed or inaccurate.

·         Transparency: Patients and their families would have immediate access to bed availability, reducing uncertainty and stress.

·         Efficiency: Hospitals could better manage bed allocation and utilization, leading to shorter waiting times and improved patient care.

·         Reduced paperwork: Automating bed status updates would eliminate manual data entry, saving time and resources.

Here are some additional thoughts on your suggestion:

·         Privacy concerns: It's important to ensure that patient privacy is protected. Cameras should only capture bed occupancy, not personal details.

·         Cost-effectiveness: The cost of implementing this technology should be weighed against the potential benefits. However, with advancements in technology, it's becoming increasingly affordable.

·         Integration with existing systems: The system should be integrated with existing hospital information systems for seamless data flow.

Overall, I believe that using smart CCTV sensors/IoT technology to display empty bed information has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in India.

It's a transparent, efficient, and patient-centric approach that could benefit everyone involved.

I hope your suggestion gains traction and is implemented in hospitals across India.

Here are some additional points that you may want to consider including in your blog:

·         The potential for this technology to be used beyond bed availability, such as tracking patient flow and monitoring equipment usage.

·         The possibility of using AI to analyze camera data and predict future bed availability.

·         The importance of data security and ensuring that patient information is not compromised.

I believe that by addressing these concerns and highlighting the potential benefits, you can make a strong case for implementing this technology.

Good luck!

========================================= 

And following is ChatGPT’s opinion about my suggestion :

Your suggestion to implement a system using CCTV cameras and IoT technology to monitor and display the number of empty beds in Indian hospitals is innovative and could significantly benefit patients seeking medical care.

The idea of employing technology to provide real-time information on bed availability across hospitals can streamline the process of finding medical care, especially during emergencies.

By incorporating this data into existing healthcare platforms like AYUSHMAN BHARAT, it could immensely aid individuals in locating nearby hospitals with available beds, ensuring timely treatment, and making the most of the healthcare facilities provided.

Your proposal addresses the existing challenges related to manual data updating and potential manipulation of information regarding bed availability. By automating this process through a transparent and unbiased technological solution, it aims to provide accurate and timely information, minimizing discrepancies and ensuring fairness.

The use of CCTV cameras equipped with software to detect and update bed occupancy status every few minutes seems feasible and relatively cost-effective.

Integrating this information into a comprehensive database accessible to citizens through existing platforms could indeed set a benchmark for healthcare management across the country.

Your suggestion aligns with the vision of leveraging technology for the betterment of healthcare services, particularly for the underprivileged who possess AYUSHMAN cards and seek free medical treatment. It emphasizes the importance of efficient resource management and equitable access to healthcare facilities.

Implementing such a system would require collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, healthcare institutions, and technology providers. Your proposal could serve as a catalyst for enhancing the efficiency and transparency of healthcare services in India.

 

 

 

Friday, 1 December 2023

Hate Speech : Prevention Mechanism

 


 

Context :

Action must follow on hate speeches: Supreme Court       HT   /  29 Nov 2023


Context :

Earlier, the Court had directed police chiefs of all states and Union Territories to file suo motu cases against hate speeches made by people from any religion.

Action must be taken against any and all kinds of hate speech, said the Supreme Court on Wednesday, as it agreed to hear in February a clutch of petitions seeking to put in place a mechanism to curb hate speeches.

Dealing with applications filed by individuals and groups citing several instances of hate speeches, a bench headed by justice Sanjiv Khanna said, “We cannot have a pan-India monitoring of the problem of hate speeches. In a country as big as India, there will be problems. But the question to be asked is whether we have an administrative mechanism to deal with it.”

Posting the case for hearing in February next year, the bench, also comprising justice SVN Bhatti said, “Society must know if a law is violated, there will be an action that follows. We cannot have these proceedings on a pan-India basis or else every day, applications will keep coming.”

Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay who has filed a petition in these proceedings seeking a separate penal provision on hate crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said, “Cases are not being registered by police as there is no definition of hate speech under IPC.” He requested the Court to consider referring the matter to the Law Commission.


Hate speech has been defined by this Court in several decisions. The question is of implementation as to which cases it is to be applied and which cases not to apply,” the bench noted.


The Court had in January this year sought to sensitise Centre and states on taking hate speech offences seriously and said that such speeches had the potential of becoming a “Frankenstein” that could gobble up people.


The Court sought to strengthen the mechanism under the 2018 judgment and had in the past passed numerous orders requiring :

#  nodal officers to maintain case diaries of hate speeches,

#  installing CCTVs at places where the police apprehended trouble and

#  sensitising police about reporting hate speeches to the nodal officer.

 

 

My  Take :

 

STEP  A :

We must prepare a list ( dataset ) of words / phrases , denoting hate . This list will comprise words which have following connotations :

“ Racist / Sexist / Homophobic / Offensive / Dehumanizing / Trauma-causing / Graphic / Violent / Profane / Swear words / Curses / Rude / Vulgar / Impolite ., etc “

As per ChatGPT ( and also BARD ), these words would fall under following broad categories :

 

1.     Racist Language:

 

Specific racial slurs or derogatory terms targeting particular ethnic groups.

 

2.     Sexist Language:

 

Remarks or terms that discriminate against or belittle individuals based on their gender.

 

3.     Homophobic or Transphobic Language:

 

Derogatory comments or slurs aimed at individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

4.     Offensive or Dehumanizing Language:

 

Words that dehumanize or degrade individuals, treating them as less than human.

 

5.     Trauma-Inducing Language:

 

References to sensitive topics like abuse, violence, or personal tragedies that could cause emotional distress.

 

6.     Graphic or Violent Language:

 

Detailed descriptions of violent or gruesome scenarios that might disturb or upset individuals.

 

7.     Profanity, Swear Words, and Curses:

 

Words or phrases considered vulgar, offensive, or socially unacceptable in polite conversation.

 

8.     Rude or Impolite Language:

 

Insensitive or disrespectful comments that undermine courtesy or basic social norms.

 

9.     Disinformation or Misinformation:

 

False or misleading information, including conspiracy theories or unverified claims presented as facts.

 

10.  Threatening or Aggressive Language:

 

Words or phrases that convey threats, aggression, or intimidation towards individuals or groups.

 

STEP B  :

Mandate all manufacturers of Mikes ( used in public gatherings ) to incorporate IoT enabled SENSORS , having following capabilities :

#  Capture entire speech and convert it into text ( “ Speech to Text “ software are

    already commonplace )

#  Transmit ( over internet ), entire TEXT to a CENTRAL SERVER

 

STEP C :

Central Server will subject this text to an AI based analysis .

Based on the presence of each “ Hate Word “ and its frequency and context of occurrence , AI will assign a rating to this text as follows :

1 ……………. Distasteful

2 ……………. Disrespectful

3……………….Offensive

4 …………….. Profane / Vulgar

5 …………….  Inciting violence / Outright Hate

 

AI will :

#   Immediately publish its rating on the website >  www.HatePrevent.gov.in

 

STEP D :

In all cases rated “ 3 / 4 / 5 “ ,  Server will send “ instructions “ to the Mike-based SENSOR , to go MUTE

Such instructions could be sent even as the speech is proceeding !

 

Sure , implementation of this entire suggestion, may take a few years to get implemented , even if agreed to by all political parties / Election Commission / Supreme Court

 

I believe in harnessing technology ( Sensors – IoT – AI ) , since I believe humans are unlikely to constrain themselves on their own

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.hemenparekh.ai  /  02 Dec 2023

   

 

 

Related Readings :

A Literature Review of Textual Hate Speech Detection Methods and Datasets    26 May 2022

 

BARD said :

Your suggestion for deploying AI technology to prevent hate speech during public speeches is both desirable and feasible, although with some caveats and potential challenges. Here's an analysis:

Desirability:

·         Combatting hate speech: 

Your suggestion directly addresses the Supreme Court's call for a mechanism to curb hate speech.

·         Transparency and accountability: 

The immediate publication of AI-generated ratings on www.HatePrevent.gov.in promotes transparency and holds politicians accountable.

·         Potential for deterrence: 

The possibility of having their microphone muted mid-speech could deter politicians from using hateful language.

·         Scalability: 

AI-based analysis can be applied to multiple speeches simultaneously, making it scalable for large-scale monitoring.

Feasibility:

·         Existing technologies: 

Speech-to-text, IoT, and AI are already developed technologiesmaking the technical implementation feasible.

·         Data availability: 

Creating a comprehensive dataset of hate speech words and phrases is achievable with existing resources and ongoing research.

·         AI development: 

AI models can be continuously improved to better understand context and nuances in language, leading to more accurate detection.

Challenges:

·         Accuracy of AI models: Current AI models still face challenges in accurately identifying hate speech, especially considering sarcasm, context, and cultural nuances.

·         Potential for bias: AI models can be biased based on the data they are trained on, leading to unfair or inaccurate assessments.

·         Freedom of speech concerns: Implementing such a system could raise concerns about infringing on the right to free speech.

·         Technical limitations: Real-time analysis and muting of microphones might pose technical challenges, requiring robust infrastructure and technology.

·         Cost and implementation: Implementing this system across all public gatherings would require significant funding and resources.

Overall, your suggestion is a promising approach to combating hate speech during public speeches.

However, careful consideration and mitigation strategies are necessary to address potential challenges related to accuracy, bias, freedom of speech, technical limitations, and implementation costs. Open discussion and collaboration between various stakeholders, including politicians, technologists, legal experts, and civil society groups, will be crucial to ensure the responsible and effective implementation of such a system.

 

ChatGPTs opinion :

 

Your proposal suggests using advanced technology to prevent hate speech during public speeches, particularly among politicians.

It involves utilizing IoT-enabled sensors in microphones, converting speech to text, analyzing the text using AI algorithms to detect hate speech, and muting the microphone if the speech crosses a certain threshold of offensiveness.

This is indeed an ambitious and innovative approach that leverages modern technology to address a critical societal issue.

However, there are several aspects to consider:

1.     Accuracy of AI Analysis: The accuracy of AI algorithms in identifying hate speech is crucial. AI models can sometimes misinterpret context or sarcasm, leading to false positives. Ensuring a high level of accuracy is essential to avoid unintentional censorship or stifling free speech.

 

2.     Ethical and Legal Considerations: Determining what constitutes hate speech can be complex and context-dependent. Differentiating between genuine hate speech and speech that may be offensive but falls within the realms of free expression or debate requires careful consideration.

 

3.     Technological Feasibility: Implementing IoT sensors in all microphones used in public gatherings nationwide is a massive undertaking. It involves technological integration, infrastructure, and compliance issues, which would require substantial resources and time.

 

4.     Policy and Governance: Creating a centralized system for monitoring and controlling speech raises concerns about surveillance, privacy, and misuse of power. Establishing clear policies and governance to prevent abuse of this system would be crucial.

 

5.     Public Perception and Acceptance: Introducing a system that actively censors speech, even hate speech, might face opposition or concerns about infringing on freedom of speech.

While technological solutions can play a role in curbing hate speech, it's important to approach this issue comprehensively, considering social, legal, and ethical dimensions.

 

Collaborating with legal experts, ethicists, technologists, and civil society stakeholders will be crucial in refining and implementing such a system effectively while balancing freedom of expression with the need to prevent hate speech and incitement of violence.

Your proposal signifies a proactive stance in tackling hate speech, but its implementation would require careful planning, consensus-building, and a robust framework to ensure fairness, accuracy, and protection of fundamental rights.

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