Short-range wireless network and wearable bio-sensors for healthcare applications

Currently available wireless technologies and wearable bio-sensors for healthcare applications are reviewed. In most of the case, the wireless is applied only for point to point communication between the sensor and monitor. In this paper, a wireless network for healthcare applications is proposed. This network provides various functions useful for healthcare purpose and in the hospital. Functions are, wireless nurse call, positioning and continuous bio-information detection. Improvement in the accuracy and stability of the sensor is investigated for wrist watch type temperature and pulse sensors. Plus-minus 0.2 degree accuracy was obtained for the temperature sensor and stable pulse detection became possible for pulse sensor. Inner ear type pulse sensor is also proposed.