Revision 1
1 Project Overview
The goal of this project is to build an off-the-shelf prototype of a wireless vital-sign monitoring system. It will be able to detect minute electrical activity on the surface of the human body, including: brain waves (EEG), heart activity (ECG), muscle activity (EMG), etc. These sensors will also integrate a wireless chip-set, such as Bluetooth and/or Zigbee, to wirelessly transfer the sensor data to a central basestation, such as an iPhone, OSWALD, PDA, or other such post-processing device. The purpose of this project is to investigate and design a wireless solution to an otherwise complex set of wired sensors on the body, for such measurements as mentioned above. It will also serve as a testing platform to evaluate multiple types of wireless systems, and the differences between types of sensors.
The purpose of this project is to provide a less intrusive sensor array to both individuals, and the medical industry. WIth a more comfortable monitoring system, it would be possible to monitor the vital signs of elderly or sick people continuously, while they continue with normal life. It also allows for personal use in the home when an individual wishes to check their vital signs, much like when people measure their blood sugar, pulse, or temperature. The hope of such technology is that people will be able to safely predict dangerous medical conditions and get help before such events as epilepsy, heart attack, or stroke. This device could also be used to monitor stress levels of individuals as it will monitor both the brain and the heart. Measuring stress levels in this manner has been done before, however it was performed in conditions that may themselves be stressful, such as in a hospital, or with many intrusive wires. With these wireless sensors, people could log their day, and analyze the data later, making it possible for individuals to go about their normal routine and therefore produce more accurate stress readings.
Example Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD3vKNbLv68
Highlights
- Measures EEG and EKG signals
- Low Power; Lasts up to 12 hours!
- Evaluation of multiple wireless protocols
- Evaluation of multiple sensor types including; adhesive, gel-based, and dry electrodes
- Light weight and small in size
- Uses off the shelf components
2 Needs Identification and Background Research
3 System Requirements and Desired Features
5.1 Sensor
5.3 Battery
5.4 Amplifier
5.6 Microcontroller
5.8 Post Processing
5.10 Post Processing Code
5.11 Node Case
5.12 Basestation Case
6 Testing
8 Budget
