Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSN) in Healthcare
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Aljoharah A. Algwaiz
Computer Science & Engineering Department
The University of Connecticut
371 Fairfield Road, Box U-255
Storrs, CT 06269-2155
Aljoharah.algwaiz@uconn.edu
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Introduction
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of deaths in the
U.S. with 7 out of 10 deaths each year. Heart disease,
cancer and stroke account for more than 50% of all
deaths each year.
In-hospital screening provide a one-time “snapshot”
reading.
Advances in technology provided an opportunity to
develop Wireless Body Sensor Networks for continuous
monitoring.
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Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSN)
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It is a network that works around the human body.
The network consists of one or more body sensors
used with a central management device.
It can be used not only for medical uses, but also in
other fields such as in military or sports.
WBSN nodes contain sensors ,transceiver, processors,
accelerometers, and batteries
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Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN)
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Wireless body sensors can be implanted, injected,
or worn on human body.
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Motivation
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Improve diagnosis
Early Alert and Detection
Engage patient in his healthcare
Lower cost of care delivery
Automated data collection
Continuous Monitoring
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Communication Standards
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Data transfer from sensors to central managing device
 IEEE 802.15.4 communication standard (basis for
zigbee, MiWi) and can be used with 6LoWPAN
 Bluetooth
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Data transfer between central managing device and
database, provider, or other system.
 WLAN
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General Architecture
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First Stage
Second Stage
Third Stage
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Important Considerations
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Materials
Weight and size
Durability
Reliability
Energy
Security
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Security
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Security Objective:
 Data Confidentiality
 Data Integrity
 Device Authentication
 User Authentication and Access Control
 Service Availability
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Application Areas
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Heart Attack Detection
Heart Sensor
Wireless Insulin Pumps
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
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Application Areas
Fitness and weight management
 Blood Pressure
 Body Movement and Position
monitor
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Processing for WBSN
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Data processing and analysis is the final stage of data
body sensor networks.
Data processing and data management can be done
through a smartphone application such as
MyFitnessPal, a dedicated device such as Alere
HomeLink, or web-based platform such as
HealthVault.
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Challenges
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Interoperability
Device Security
Interference
Data Management
Energy Consumption
Cost
Eligibility
User interface
Body Reaction
Accuracy and promptness
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Potentials and Future Advances
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The WBSN field is still considered in its early
development and has high development potential.
Smaller in size and lower in cost.
Transmit to longer distances.
Lowering power consumption and finding other
energy resources.
WBSN system will be integrated with other technical
devices.
Sensors designs will focus on sending an alert even
before symptoms emerge.
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Conclusion
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WBSN is a special kind of wireless sensor network
that can work around the human body.
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The rate of patients diagnosed that need chronic
disease management is predicted to increase in the
future.
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WBSN will help make a shift in medical healthcare
from hospitals making patient more engaged in their
healthcare management.
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Conclusion
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WBSN will lower healthcare costs and provide an
automated in-home health monitoring service with
minimal patient interference.
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Security and energy consumption still need to be
further developed in WBSN and expected to see
significant improvements in the future.
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Smartphones and tablets are becoming more complex
and technically sophisticated. They are expected to be
further integrated wireless body sensors network.
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Thank You
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