WEARABLE BIOSENSORS

Abstract This paper describes the development of a ring sensor for twenty-four hour patient monitoring. The ring is packed with LEDs and photo detectors where the technology of pulse oximetry is implemented for blood oxygen saturation monitoring. The measured data are transmitted to a computer through a digital wireless communication link. The ring sensor is worn by the patient at all times, hence the health status is monitored 24 hours a day. Detailed descriptions of the hardware and the software of the ring sensor will be presented. Also, the effects of motion artifact and ambient light will be investigated. Introduction As the population of aged people increases, close and continuous monitoring becomes more important. Real-time, continuous monitoring would allow not only for emergency detection but also for long-term assessment to establish the right dose and timing of medication. Especially, an ambulatory system that would allow long-term monitoring of otherwise difficult and noncompliant patients such as demented elderly people is highly in demand. A couple of compact, continuous monitoring devices have been developed [1-2] for elderly care. However, these devices have not been widely accepted due to the lack of functionality and comfort for wearers.

To answer these needs, we have developed a compact,

non-obtrusive telemeterd wearable patient-monitoring device in a ring configuration. Figure 1 shows a photograph of the miniaturized ring sensor. This sensor is equipped with optoelectric components that allow for long-term monitoring of the patients arterial blood volume waveforms andblood oxygen saturation non-invasively and continuously [3-4]. These signals are transmitted to a home computer for diagnosis of the patients cardiovascular conditions. Thiscontinuous monitoring system can provide unique and useful information for preventive diagnosis in which long-termtrends and signal patterns are more important. The ring sensor is completely wireless and miniaturized so that the patient can wear the device comfortably twenty-four hours a day. The objective of this paper is to provide detailed descriptions of the hardware and software of the ring sensor Also, the effects of motion artifact and ambient light will be investigated.

2.2.SMART SHIRT (WEARABLE MOTHERBOARD) Smart shirt developed at Georgia tech which represents the first attempt at relying an unobtrusive, mobile and easy to use vital signs monitoring system; presents the key applications of the smart shirt technology along with its impact on the practice of medicine; and covers key opportunities to create the next generation of truly adaptive and responsive medical systems.[5] Research on the design and development of a smart shirt fort a combat casualty care has led to the realization of the worlds first wearable motherboard or an intelligent garment for the 21st century. The Georgia tech wearable motherboard (GTWM) uses optical fibers to detect bullet wounds and special sensors and interconnects to monitor the body vital signs during combat conditions. This GTWM (smart shirt) provides an extremely versatile framework for the incorporation of sensing, monitoring and information processing devices. The principal advantage of smart shirt is that it provides for the first time a very systematic way of monitoring the vital signs of humans in an unobtrusive manner.