Abstract
Results about the problem of accurate ranging within the human body using ultra-wideband signals are shown. The ability to accurately measure the range between a sensor implanted in the human body and an external receiver can make a number of new medical applications such as better wireless capsule endoscopy, next-generation microrobotic surgery systems, and targeted drug delivery systems possible. The contributions of this paper are twofold. First, we propose two novel range estimators: one based on an implementation of the so-called CLEAN algorithm for estimating channel profiles and another based on neural networks. Second, we develop models to describe the statistics of the ranging error for both types of estimators. Such models are important for the design and performance analysis of localization systems. It is shown that the ranging error in both cases follows a heavy-tail distribution known as the Generalized Extreme Value distribution. Our results also indicate that the estimator based on neural networks outperforms the CLEAN-based estimator, providing ranging errors better than or equal to 3.23 mm with 90% probability.
Highlights
The concept of a Body Area Network (BAN) is an emerging paradigm in medical information and communication technology (ICT) that has been steadily gaining popularity
We do this by proposing two novel range estimators, one based on an implementation of the CLEAN algorithm [9] and another based on neural networks (NNs)
In estimating the time delay, Δt, that forms the basis for range estimation, the time delay corresponding to the strongest path in the channel profile was used, as that gave a more accurate estimate of the range than the first arriving path
Summary
The concept of a Body Area Network (BAN) is an emerging paradigm in medical information and communication technology (ICT) that has been steadily gaining popularity. Potential application domains for BANs are e-health, public safety/military, and even personalized entertainment [1] Out of all these application domains, the case of implant communications where the sensors are implanted inside the human body is the focus of the current paper. Examples of such implant applications include wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) [2], targeted drug delivery vehicles, and next-generation microrobotic surgery systems. Next-generation microrobotic surgery could revolutionize surgery, allowing medical procedures with minimal discomfort for patients, both during and after the procedure This application example would be impossible without knowledge of the location of the implanted microrobot within the body
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
