title: Ubiquitous health monitoring system for multiple users using a ZigBee and WLAN dual-network.
abstract: A ubiquitous health monitoring system for multiple users was developed based on a ZigBee and wireless local area network (WLAN) dual-network. A compact biosignal monitoring unit (BMU) for measuring electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and temperature was also developed. A single 8-bit microcontroller operated the BMU including most of digital filtering and wireless communication. The BMU with its case was reduced to 55 x 35 x 15 mm and 33 g. In routine use, vital signs of 6 bytes/sec (heart rate, temperature, pulse transit time) per each user were transmitted through a ZigBee module even though all the real-time data were recorded in a secure digital memory of the BMU. In an emergency or when need arises, a channel of a particular user was switched to another ZigBee module, called the emergency module, that sent all ECG and PPG waveforms in real time. Each emergency ZigBee module handled up to a few users. Data from multiple users were wirelessly received by the ZigBee receiver modules in a controller called ZigBee-WLAN gateway, where the ZigBee modules were connected to a WLAN module. This WLAN module sent all data wirelessly to a monitoring center. Operating the dual modes of ZigBee/WLAN utilized an advantage of ZigBee by handling multiple users with minimum power consumption, and overcame the ZigBee limitation of low data rate. This dual-network system for LAN is economically competitive and reliable.
authors.affiliation: Broadcasting & Communications Fusion Program, Graduate School of Nano Technology, Information Technology, and Design Technology Fusion Technology, Seoul National University of Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yong Dae
authors.initials: YD
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Gilwon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yoon
mesh_terms: D000703:Analog-Digital Conversion; D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017156:Photoplethysmography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018511:Systems Integration; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013686:Telemetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055986:Vital Signs