IEC 60050-871:2018

Overview

IEC 60050-871:2018 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the vocabulary related to Active Assisted Living (AAL). As part 871 of the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV), this standard provides comprehensive terminology covering general concepts, applications, and technologies involved in AAL. It serves as a horizontal standard, meaning it offers foundational terms that support various specialized areas within the broader electrotechnical field.

Active Assisted Living refers to the use of technologies to support aging populations and individuals requiring assistance in maintaining independence and quality of life. This standard ensures consistent use of terminology across devices, systems, information technologies, home management, telemonitoring, and medical technologies related to AAL.

Key Topics

IEC 60050-871:2018 organizes terminology into specific sections for clarity and practical application:

• General Terms and Definitions: Foundational concepts applicable across all aspects of active assisted living.
• Persons and Organizations: Terms related to individuals benefiting from AAL technologies and the organizations involved in service provision.
• Home and Building Management: Vocabulary pertinent to smart homes and facilities management that integrate AAL systems.
• Devices and Systems: Definitions for the technological components making up AAL solutions, including sensors, actuators, and interconnected systems.
• Information Technology: IT terminologies relevant to the software, data processing, and communication used in AAL environments.
• Telemonitoring and Medical Technology: Terms covering remote monitoring and medical devices supporting health care within AAL.

The standard is multilingual and includes terms in English, French, Arabic, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, and Chinese, enhancing global usability and collaboration.

Applications

IEC 60050-871:2018 provides terminological consistency essential for developers, manufacturers, service providers, researchers, and policymakers engaged in the following applications:

• Smart Homes for the Elderly: Implementing intelligent systems that monitor wellbeing, enable emergency responses, and automate home functions to foster independence.
• Remote Healthcare Monitoring: Utilizing telemonitoring devices and medical technology to track health metrics and deliver timely interventions.
• Health Care Services Integration: Standardizing language for coordination among healthcare providers, technology experts, and caregivers involved in AAL.
• Assistive Devices Development: Designing and testing innovative devices that support mobility, communication, and daily living activities.
• Building and Facility Management: Managing environment control systems within domiciliary or care facilities to enhance living quality.

By unifying terminology, IEC 60050-871:2018 facilitates interoperability, reduces misunderstandings, and supports regulatory compliance in active assisted living.

Related Standards

IEC 60050-871:2018 is part of the broader IEC 60050 series-the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary-which comprises approximately 90 parts covering electrotechnology and electronics domains. Related standards that complement this vocabulary for more specialized or technical aspects include:

• IEC 60050-161: Electromagnetic Compatibility
• IEC 60050-411: Rotating Machines
• IEC Guides and Technical Reports: Offering guidance on terminology use and standard development processes.

Stakeholders in AAL should consider IEC 60050-871 in tandem with emerging standards on smart health, IoT, and telehealth to build cohesive and future-proof solutions.

Keywords: IEC 60050-871, Active Assisted Living, AAL terminology, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary, smart home technology, healthcare technology, telemonitoring, medical devices, electrotechnical standards, smart building management.