System architecture of intelligent personal communication node for body sensor network

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a wireless body sensor network (BSN) system architecture with sensor data collection, signal processing, analysis and transmission capabilities. These capabilities are established on an intelligent Personal Communication Node (iPCN) consisting of an FPGA board and/or an Android smartphone with wireless connections to sensor nodes and a central server. We demonstrate signal processing feasibility for both iPCN candidates by observing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) computation performance. Acceleration, temperature, electrocardiography (ECG) and phonocardiography (PCG) signal data collections using an Android smartphone are established for data transmissions and graphical/numerical display in real-time. Wireless protocols such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular data network connections are used for data transmission. This basic system emphasizes the capability to mobilize and enable remote diagnosis of system users while maintaining normal day-to-day activities.