Jan 7, 2013
Category:GPS navigation devicesWearable sensor
A wearable sensor is a sensor that can be attached to an object, such as a human body, for the purpose of monitoring and measuring its physiological or biomechanical characteristics. Wearable sensors can be used to collect, store, analyze, and transmit data that otherwise may not be reliably collected.
Basic architecture
A wearable sensor typically consists of a single sensor and electronics circuitry. Most wearable sensors are powered by an onboard battery and some may be equipped with an onboard microcontroller.
Advantages and drawbacks
By attaching a sensor to an object of interest, it is possible to collect data that would otherwise be difficult to gather. For example, attaching a sensor to an arm or leg can provide information about arm or leg movement. Such data is useful in human computer interaction, sports medicine, biotechnology, biomechanics, and health and wellness.
A typical wearable sensor has a physical form factor that includes one or more electrical contacts to connect to other components. The electrical contacts may be exposed to the environment in the body, thereby increasing the likelihood of infections. Furthermore, the form factor of the wearable sensor may not be comfortable for the user. Finally, the embedded electronics may significantly increase the weight of the sensor.
A typical wearable sensor is capable of sensing temperature, acceleration, magnetic field, magnetic flux, angular position, temperature, motion and pressure, orientation, and temperature. A typical electronic circuit includes an analog to digital converter, microcontroller, logic circuit, power supply, transducer, display, memory, and power management.
Applications
By attaching a sensor to an object of interest, it is possible to collect data that would otherwise be difficult to gather. For example, attaching a sensor to an arm or leg can provide information about arm or leg movement. Such data is useful in human computer interaction, sports medicine, biotechnology, biomechanics, and health and wellness.
Wearable sensors have been used in biomedical and healthcare applications such as:
Health and wellness
Biometric monitoring
Neuro-feedback
Glucose monitoring
Skin cancer screening
Electroencephalography (EEG)
The following scientific and engineering research and development projects use wearable sensors:
Biomedical engineering:
Cardiovascular monitoring
Immune system monitoring
Muscle monitoring
Bio-inspired prosthetics
Bioprosthetics
Neuro-engineering
Drug delivery
Environmental sensing:
Electric power be359ba680
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