Abstract
Microelectronics is shrinking health equipment in size, cost and operability, thereby moving it from the medical to the consumer market. A typical example is the oximeter. Originally, it was the bulky helper of the anesthetist in the operating theatre, but gradually it has become a routine check for hospital admittance and is rapidly shaped as a simple consumer item, similar to a smart thermometer. The success is inspiring for more. A variety of sensor types are being experimented with to capture the vital data for health in general, and fitness in particular. Accessories are placed in, on and around the body and together with the smartphone they are rapidly becoming part of a ‘fashion statement'. Some sensors are integrated into a single product; some are wireless connected to one or more wearables to provide extensive services.
TopBackground
The m-health arena has started from a replacement market. Here Apps are administrative systems where the end-user is logging available data as provided from other sources. Examples are body temperature from a thermometer, calories from the food wrapper and body weight from bathroom scales. Such products do not provide more than a simple agenda for logging and many products share a lack of enthusiasm in the market.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Body-Area-Network: A wireless network of wearable computing devices.
Spectroscopy: Delivers the absorption frequency to indicate the presence and amount of matter.
Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive method for measuring a patient’s O 2 saturation.
Reflective Light: Visual light that is sensed from the reflection on the skin.
Perfusion: The body process delivering capillary blood in its biological tissue.
Smart Phone: A mobile phone with more advanced capability than basic feature phones, such as a vision sensor.
PPG: Signal is the photoplethysmographical time-series that is extracted by an oximeter on basis of light reflection on the skin.
MHealth: An abbreviation for mobile health, the use of mobile devices for medicine and public health.
EHealth: The use of electronic processes and communication for healthcare practice.
Wearable Technology: Comprises clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies. Meant for the consumer market, it has a clear aesthetic, say fashionable, aspect.
Photoplethysmography: The use of a pulse oximeter to illuminates the skin and measure changes in light absorption.
Quantified Self: A movement to incorporate data acquisition technology for health in aspects of a person’s daily life.
Smart Watch: A wristwatch that at least monitors cardiac effects.