A Novel MAC Protocol for Wireless Physiological Information Sensor Network

A wireless physiological information network (WPISN) is used to monitor multiple kinds of physiological information on a patient while allowing the patient to move as usual. In the building of a WPISN, design of communication protocols, especially the MAC protocol, is key to make the whole network work. A novel low power MAC protocol for WPISNs is presented. It avoids power consuming during idle listening, collision and overhearing, thus prolongs the lifetime of a battery-equipped sensor node. Operating time slots can be dynamically adjusted according to different tasks. Also a time synchronization method is designed for the medical center and nodes in a WPISN, providing precise time for MAC protocol implementation.