Applying wearable solutions in dependent environments

IEEE Trans Inf Technol Biomed. 2010 Nov;14(6):1459-67. doi: 10.1109/TITB.2010.2053849. Epub 2010 Jul 26.

Abstract

This paper proposes a multiagent system (MAS) that uses smart wearable devices and mobile technology for the care of patients in a geriatric home care facility. The system is based on an advanced ZigBee wireless sensor network (WSN) and includes location and identification microchips installed in patient clothing and caregiver uniforms. The use of radio-frequency identification and near-field communication technologies allows remote monitoring of patients, and makes it possible for them to receive treatment according to preventive medical protocol. The proposed MAS manage the infrastructure of services within the environment both efficiently and securely by reasoning, task-planning, and synchronizing the data obtained from the sensors. Additionally, this paper presents the design and implementation of the reasoning agent in the MAS. A system prototype was installed in a real environment and the results obtained are presented in this paper.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Body Temperature
  • Caregivers
  • Clothing*
  • Computer Communication Networks
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electromyography
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Homes for the Aged*
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / instrumentation*
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / methods
  • Nursing Homes*
  • Oximetry
  • Telemetry / instrumentation*