2024 IEEE 15th Control and System Graduate Research Colloquium (ICSGRC), 17 Aug 2024, Shah Alam, Selangor,

Malaysia

Design and Implementation of a Wireless Health

Monitoring System for Real-Time Patient Data
Using ESP32
Norsuzila Ya’acob Syila Izawana Ismail Muhammad Zakwan Mohd Amin
School of Electrical Engineering School of Electrical Engineering School of Electrical Engineering
College of Engineering College of Engineering College of Engineering
Universiti Teknologi MARA Universiti Teknologi MARA Universiti Teknologi MARA
40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia 23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
[email protected] Correspondence*[email protected] [email protected]

Nur Farhana Abdul Aziz

School of Electrical Engineering
College of Engineering
2024 IEEE 15th Control and System Graduate Research Colloquium (ICSGRC) | 979-8-3503-8655-4/24/$31.00 ©2024 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ICSGRC62081.2024.10691254

Universiti Teknologi MARA

40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
[email protected]

Abstract— In line with Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) oxygen saturation [2]. Devices leveraging IoT technology
technology, wireless communication is becoming essential in can transmit this data wirelessly to healthcare providers,
many modern applications, including health monitoring. As facilitating remote health monitoring and timely medical
people lead increasingly busy lives and the elderly population interventions. For instance, devices equipped with sensors
grows, there is a rising need for efficient patient health
like the MAX30102 for pulse and oxygen levels, DS18B20
monitoring systems. Many individuals neglect regular medical
check-ups due to time constraints or the misconception that they for body temperature, and Global Positioning System (GPS)
are healthy if they don't feel sick. This study aims to develop a for location tracking provide comprehensive health data that
reliable health monitoring system to encourage proactive health can be sent to cloud storage for further analysis and
management. By using sensors connected to an ESP32 immediate action in case of emergencies [6]. This approach
microcontroller, the system captures vital signs such as oxygen not only enhances the quality of healthcare by providing
saturation and body temperature, transmitting the data to a accurate and real-time data but also reduces the need for
server via Wi-Fi. This real-time data is then displayed on a frequent hospital visits, thus saving time and costs for patients
smartphone application, enabling continuous and convenient and healthcare systems alike.
health monitoring for patients and general users.
Specific applications of these technologies are varied and
Keywords—wireless communication, health monitoring, impactful. For example, a smart jacket equipped with a
oxygen sensor, body temperature sensor, ESP32 microcontroller. Peltier module and various sensors can help regulate body
temperature for individuals with hyperthermia or
hypothermia [7]. Similarly, portable health monitoring kits
I. INTRODUCTION that include pulse rate sensors, temperature sensors, and
Health monitoring devices play a crucial role in modern Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, allow doctors to monitor
healthcare by providing real-time monitoring of patients remotely, offering immediate medical attention when
physiological parameters, enabling early detection of health necessary [4], [8]. The integration of these systems with
issues, and facilitating proactive management of chronic cloud platforms like Blynk, enables the seamless
conditions. Remote health monitoring, which involves transmission of health data to medical practitioners for real-
monitoring patients' health status outside traditional time analysis, enhancing patient care even further. The
healthcare settings using technology-enabled devices, offers combination of IoT and wearable technology not only
numerous benefits. It enhances patient access to healthcare facilitates continuous health monitoring but also supports
services, improves convenience, and reduces healthcare- proactive health management, especially for vulnerable
related costs. Additionally, remote monitoring enables early populations such as the elderly or those with chronic
detection of health issues, personalized care plans, and conditions [3], [5]. Overall, these developments signify a
optimized resource utilization. paradigm shift towards more accessible, efficient, and
With recent advances in Internet of Things (IoT) and personalized healthcare solutions.
wireless sensor networks, many attempts have been made to The objective of the proposed project involves on
deliver patient data remotely without going to the hospital [1]. measure the percentage level of oxygen by using the
In recent years, there has been significant progress in the MAX30102 sensor and body temperature using GY-906-
development of health monitoring devices, driven by BCC Non-Contact Infrared Temperature Sensor Module by
advancements in smart sensing technologies and the Internet develop a health monitoring system using Espressif Systems
of Things (IoT) [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. These innovations have ESP32 (ESP32) and Blynk app and monitor the health system
enabled the creation of systems that allow for continuous, through Blynk apps on smart phone in real-time.
real-time monitoring of various physiological parameters
such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and

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 2024 IEEE 15th Control and System Graduate Research Colloquium (ICSGRC), 17 Aug 2024, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

II. METHODOLOGY

A. Project Framework
The system's inputs include the power source, pulse
oximeter (MAX 30102), and body temperature sensor (GY-
906), while the outputs are two Light Emitting Diode (LED),
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a smartphone application
called Blynk. The ESP32 Wi-Fi module, which operates at
3.3V DC, serves as the system's controller. The hardware
component requires an ESP32 Wi-Fi module and sensors for
measuring oxygen levels and body temperature as illustrated
in Fig. 1.

Fig. 2. Project’s flowchart

B. Sensor’s working principle

The MAX30102 sensor is a compact, integrated pulse
oximeter and heart-rate sensor module commonly utilized for
monitoring heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels in
Fig. 1. Wireless Health Monitoring System Block Diagram.
blood. It employs a combination of red and infrared LEDs to
emit light into the skin, while a photodetector measures the
Fig. 2 outlines the steps involved in using an ESP32-
amount of light absorbed or reflected by blood vessels as
based health monitoring system. Initially, the system
shown in Fig. 3. Through analyzing variations in light
establishes a Wi-Fi connection, which is essential for
absorption caused by pulsatile blood flow, the sensor
communication with external devices and servers. It then
calculates heart rate and estimates oxygen saturation levels in
boots up the Blynk server, an IoT platform that facilitates data
the blood. Due to its small form factor and accuracy in
transmission between the ESP32 microcontroller and the user
measuring vital signs, the MAX30102 finds applications in
interface. After establishing the connection between the
wearable fitness trackers, medical devices, and health
Blynk server and the ESP32, the system reads data from the
monitoring systems.
connected sensors, specifically the pulse oximeter (MAX
30102) and body temperature sensor (GY-906). This data,
which includes oxygen levels and body temperature, is then
displayed on a smartphone application via the Blynk platform
for real-time monitoring. The system checks whether the
patient's condition is normal based on predefined thresholds.
If the condition is normal, a green LED illuminates; if
abnormal, a red LED illuminate. Concurrently, the data is
displayed on an LCD screen connected to the ESP32,
providing a local visual display of the patient's vital signs.
The process concludes after displaying the data on the LCD,
completing a full cycle of data acquisition, analysis, and Fig. 3. Pulse Oximeter working principle [9].
display.
The GY-906 sensor is an infrared thermometer module
commonly used for non-contact temperature measurement. It
detects infrared radiation emitted by objects and converts it
into temperature readings. This sensor is based on the
principle of infrared radiation absorption by objects, which
increases with temperature. The GY-906 sensor typically
consists of an infrared sensor and a processing unit. When
aimed at an object, the sensor detects the infrared radiation
emitted by the object's surface. By measuring the intensity of
this radiation, the sensor calculates the object's temperature

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 2024 IEEE 15th Control and System Graduate Research Colloquium (ICSGRC), 17 Aug 2024, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

and provides an output signal. The GY-906 sensor is widely III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
used in applications such as temperature monitoring in
industrial processes, HVAC systems, medical devices, and Installing the Blynk application on a smartphone and
consumer electronics. connecting it to the same Wi-Fi network as the ESP32
microcontroller lets users receive real-time health updates.
C. Health Monitoring Factor The ESP32 collects data from the sensors and sends it to the
Blynk app, where it is displayed in a simple, user-friendly
Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels range from 95% format. Fig. 5 shows a typical dashboard setup in the Blynk
to 100% for both adults and children. Levels below 95% app, displaying body temperature and oxygen levels. This
indicate hypoxemia, which may lead to symptoms like setup makes vital health information easy to access and allows
shortness of breath [10]. Severe hypoxemia, below 80-85%, users to design their own monitoring interfaces creatively. Fig.
can result in brain damage. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of 6 and Fig. 7 show the results obtained during prototype
the skin or mucous membranes, may occur when SpO2 drops testing. When the system detects normal health conditions, a
below 67%. Normal SpO2 levels for newborns and children green LED illuminates, and the measured values are displayed
are typically 97% and above, while levels around 95% can be on both the LCD screen and the user's smartphone. Similarly,
normal for those over 70. when an abnormal health condition is detected, a red LED
As individuals age, particularly those over 64, they may lights up, indicating the issue. The corresponding
measurements are again displayed on both the LCD screen
encounter challenges in swiftly adapting to sudden
and the smartphone. This visual and digital feedback ensures
temperature changes. Their capacity to retain body heat that users can easily monitor their health status in real-time,
diminishes, often resulting in lower average body providing clear and immediate indications of normal or
temperatures compared to younger adults. The generally abnormal conditions.
accepted normal body temperature falls within the range of
The prototype encounters difficulty when accurately
36.1°C (97°F) to 37.2°C (99°F) for adults, marking a
measuring oxygen saturation levels near the normal range
departure from earlier assumptions [11]. Conversely,
(95% and above), as its maximum measurable value is capped
children exhibit variability in body temperature, typically at 95%. Consequently, to facilitate analysis, the normal range
ranging around 36.4°C (97.52°F). Both adults and children for oxygen saturation levels using the prototype has been
can experience fever if their temperature exceeds 38°C designated as 90% to 95%. Likewise, for body temperature
(100.4°F). Conversely, if body temperature drops below measurements, the prototype operates within the range of 36.1
35°C (95°F), it can precipitate hypothermia, constituting a °C to 37.2 °C. If either measurement falls outside these
medical emergency. Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to predetermined ranges, the prototype indicates a potential
severe consequences, including brain damage and cardiac health concern.
failure, due to its disruption of vital organ function, such as
the heart and nervous system.
D. Circuit connection
Fig. 4 illustrates the central role of the ESP32
microcontroller in the data transmission process. The ESP32
is responsible for sending data collected from the user’s
finger via an oxygen sensor and a body temperature sensor.
Additionally, the figure highlights the inclusion of an LCD
within the system. This LCD serves the purpose of displaying
the same data that is transmitted to a smartphone connected
to the system via Wi-Fi. The smartphone, when connected,
will receive, and display the sensor data in real-time, ensuring
consistent and synchronized information between the LCD
and the smartphone interface. This setup allows for
continuous monitoring and easy access to vital health metrics
both on the device itself and on a mobile platform.

Fig. 5. Blynk application dashboard on the smartphone.

Fig. 4 . Circuit connection

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 2024 IEEE 15th Control and System Graduate Research Colloquium (ICSGRC), 17 Aug 2024, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

In this study, the paired two-sample t-Test was employed

as a statistical method to compare the means of two related
groups or conditions. This test was utilized to assess the
significance of differences between paired observations
obtained from distinct treatments or conditions. Additionally,
the t-test served to determine whether the observed variations
between the groups were statistically significant, thereby
contributing to the robustness of the statistical analysis
conducted in this research. The comparison between the
prototype and the market device reveals notable distinctions
in their measurements of oxygen saturation and body
Fig. 6. Prototype testing (Normal condition detected) temperature as shown in TABLE II and TABLE III.
Specifically, the prototype displays lower mean values for
both oxygen saturation (92.515) and body temperature
(34.65°C) compared to the market device's means of 96.65
and 36.75°C, respectively. Furthermore, the variances in the
prototype's measurements are higher for both oxygen
saturation (7.9213) and body temperature (1.3131),
indicating greater variability in the prototype's readings.
Despite these differences, strong positive correlations are
observed between the prototype and market device
measurements for both oxygen saturation (correlation
coefficient: 0.78042) and body temperature (correlation
Fig. 7. Prototype testing (Abnormal condition tested)
coefficient: 0.8606). However, the significant t-statistics (-
10.0565 for oxygen saturation and -14.509 for body
The prototype underwent testing across a randomly temperature) and exceedingly small p-values (2.4 x 10-9 and
selected group encompassing various age demographics to 4.93 x 10-12, respectively) indicate statistically significant
assess its reliability and functionality, utilizing both the differences between the means of the two devices. These
developed prototype and an existing product available in the findings suggest that while the prototype captures similar
market. The data obtained from these measurements are trends to the market device, there are notable discrepancies in
presented in the TABLE I. Statistical calculations were then their measurements, potentially attributable to the prototype's
conducted to compare their reliability and performance, increased variability.
aiding in understanding factors such as accuracy and
consistency. TABLE II. STATISTICAL DATA FOR OXYGEN SATURATION LEVEL
MEASUREMENT.
TABLE I. DATA OBTAINED FROM PROTOTYPE TESTING AND MARKET
DEVICE. Oxygen saturation Oxygen saturation
(prototype) (market)
Oxygen Oxygen Body Body % %
saturation saturation Temperature Temperature
Sample Mean 92.515 96.65
(prototype) (market) (prototype) (market)
% % °C °C Variance 7.921342105 2.765789474
Observations 20 20
1 92.3 98 34.8 36.3
2 88.7 95 36.8 37.8 Pearson Correlation 0.780419681
3 92.6 97 33.9 36.5 t Stat -10.0564791
4 93.1 97 34.2 36.2 P(T<=t) one-tail 2.4031E-09
5 94.8 98 34.5 35.9
6 93.3 97 33.8 36.5 TABLE III. STATISTICAL DATA FOR BODY TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT.
7 93.5 99 34.4 36.4
8 86.5 94 36.7 38.2 Body temperature Body temperature
9 95.4 96 34.5 36.5 (prototype) (market)
10 94.8 98 33.9 36.5 °C °C
11 94.3 97 33.3 36.3 Mean 34.65 36.75
12 94.7 99 34.7 36.4
Variance 1.313157895 0.498421053
13 93.7 98 33.3 36.3
Observations 20 20
14 94.5 98 33.9 36.9
Pearson Correlation 0.860695594
15 88.3 94 36.4 38.4
16 96.2 96 34.8 36.8 t Stat -14.50957057
17 86.7 93 36.7 37.7 P(T<=t) one-tail 4.93131E-12
18 91.8 96 34.5 36.5
19 92.4 97 33.1 36.1
20 92.7 96 34.8 36.8

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IV. CONCLUSION Electronics Engineers Inc., 2023, pp. 1128–1132. doi:

10.1109/ICTACS59847.2023.10390490.
[8] A. K. Dwivedi, A. Dwivedi, S. Singh, and A. Tiwari, “Prototype
In summary, this device acts as a convenient health Development for IOT Based Contactless Heart-rate and Body
monitoring solution, allowing users to easily access their Temperature Monitoring System,” in 2021 7th International
Conference on Signal Processing and Communication, ICSC
health data through smartphones via the Blynk app. It 2021, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2021,
operates wirelessly with the ESP32 Wi-Fi module, enabling pp. 377–380. doi: 10.1109/ICSC53193.2021.9673311.
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range of health metrics available through the smartphone Newsletter. Accessed: May 30, 2024. [Online]. Available:
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monitoring system. From a commercial perspective, further icle.htm
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into a wearable device, enhancing its flexibility and MedicineNet Newsletter. Accessed: May 30, 2024. [Online].
portability. Ultimately, by leveraging modern technology in Available:
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this manner, the goal is to foster a proactive approach to w_hypothermia/article.htm
health management, empowering individuals to take charge
of their well-being in their day-to-day lives.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This research was supported by Universiti Teknologi

MARA, Malaysia under the ‘Geran Penyelidikan Inovasi
Sosial’ (GIS)-600-RMC/GIS 5/3 (009/2023). The invaluable
guidance provided by the lecturers throughout this endeavor
is deeply appreciated.

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