A Large Scale Platform Using WBAN Technology for Patient Monitoring

Abstract

In this paper, a large-scale platform using the WBAN (Wireless Body Area Network) technology for the monitoring of patients in their homes, in nursing homes or in large hospitals is proposed. The WBAN technology is based on wireless sensor nodes attached to the patient's body that capture vital signs and send them for the analysis of a medical team located remotely or locally. The overall design of the platform is proposed and the main parts are implemented to show their features and their performances. The sensor nodes of temperature, heartbeat and moisture are designed to have better performances for the WBAN, and implemented in practice. The evolution of the platform for large scale was obtained by the utilization of Nordic radio in Enhanced ShockBurst® mode that allows ease of expansion in a tree configuration. The operation of radio in pairs allows, also, the transmission of data from up to six sensor nodes, simultaneously, using the CSMA/CA access scheme (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance). All developed parts are tested and energy consumptions are measured. The general tests on the prototype developed indicate that the platform is operating satisfactorily.