Wireless infrastructure enhances on body health monitoring systems

Abstract

Due to recent advancements in wireless communication and on body sensing technologies, real time on body health monitoring systems are now becoming more feasible. This paper presents an overview of such newly evolving real time on body health monitoring technologies. A broad overview is provided on the modern wireless mobile communication infrastructure that is relevant to these real time wireless technologies. Conversely, examples of specific newly published work on wearable health monitoring sensing technologies are briefly described such as a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring system for diabetes, a dietary monitoring system for weight control, and a Wireless Electrocardiograph (WECG) monitoring system for heart disease management. In addition, this paper also shows that today's modern wireless infrastructure as provided by the current advanced mobile device and cellular industries such as iPhone, tablets, AT&T, and Verizon are really the cornerstone support for such real time health monitoring systems. These mobile phones or PDA like devices provide a very affordable and convenient solution to enhance the aforementioned wireless sensing for real time on body health monitoring. In conclusion, the upcoming mobile 5G performance standards with significantly higher data rate, spectral and power efficiencies can easily make this revolutionary real time on body health monitoring technology within reach of becoming a reality. This is a remarkable example of how wireless RF sensor and antenna technologies in concert with medical industry can provide effective and yet affordable solutions to the challenging chronic medical problems.