Wireless Biomedical Sensor System

Student: Luke Pomery

Supervisor: Mark Schulz

Category: Engineering Thesis Project - Computer Systems

The integration of wireless communication into medical applications is continuing to revolutionize hospital care. With wireless sensors, patients are no longer bound to a bed where the medical instruments monitor their vital signs. Now with freedom of movement, many patients are able to get the proper exercise they need for recovery while still having the safety of constant medical monitoring. These wireless medical systems aim to solve clinical needs, reduce hospital risks and lower the cost of essential medical care.

This project has implemented a low power multi-node wireless network of heart rate sensors. These sensors take an electrocardiogram reading from the heart and obtain the heart rate of the patient. These sensors then relay this collected data to a computer where multiple patients are monitored concurrently.

This system also has the capability to dynamically manage a variety of situations involving either the patient or the sensor network. These include detecting dangerous situations with respect to the patient’s medical condition. In this event, the end user (e.g. Nurse or Doctor) is notified of the patient’s condition, and the appropriate action can be taken.

The concept of this product has vast potential for further extensions and advancements. Real-time automated medical monitoring using small wireless sensor nodes will redefine not only hospital care, but also work, home and recreational activities.

Thesis Document (PDF)

Poster Presentation (PDF)