CBM370 - WEARABLE DEVICES

OBJECTIVES:

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the

hardware requirements, communication protocols, security aspects, and medical applications of

wearable devices. By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify the key hardware components, such as sensors, processors, and power sources, that

enable the functionality of wearable systems.

2. Understand the communication technologies, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks,

that facilitate data transfer between wearable devices and other systems.

3. Explore the security challenges and best practices for ensuring the privacy and integrity of data

generated by wearable devices, particularly in medical applications.

4. Investigate the diverse range of wearable device applications in the healthcare industry, such as

remote patient monitoring, fitness tracking, and chronic disease management.

UNIT I - INTRODUCTION TO WEARABLE
SYSTEMS AND SENSORS
UNIT II - SIGNAL PROCESSING AND ENERGY
HARVESTING FOR WEARABLE
DEVICES

UNIT III - WIRELESS HEALTH SYSTEMS

UNIT IV - SMART TEXTILE

UNIT V - APPLICATIONS OF WEARABLE

SYSTEMS
 UNIT I - INTRODUCTION TO WEARABLE SYSTEMS AND SENSORS

Wearable Systems- Introduction, Need for Wearable Systems, Drawbacks

of Conventional Systems for Wearable Monitoring, Applications of
Wearable Systems, Types of Wearable Systems, Components of wearable
Systems. Sensors for wearable systems-Inertia movement sensors,
Respiration activity sensor, Inductive plethysmography, Impedance
plethysmography, pneumography, Wearable ground reaction force sensor.

UNIT II - SIGNAL PROCESSING AND ENERGY HARVESTING FOR WEARABLE DEVICES

Wearability issues -physical shape and placement of sensor, Technical

challenges - sensor design, signal acquisition, sampling frequency for
reduced energy consumption, Rejection of irrelevant information. Power
Requirements- Solar cell, Vibration based, Thermal based, Human body as
a heat source for power generation, Hybrid thermoelectric photovoltaic
energy harvests, Thermopiles.
 UNIT III - WIRELESS HEALTH SYSTEMS

Need for wireless monitoring, Definition of Body area network, BAN and
Healthcare, Technical Challenges- System security and reliability, BAN
Architecture – Introduction, Wireless communication Techniques.

UNIT IV - SMART TEXTILE

Introduction to smart textile- Passive smart textile, active smart textile.

Fabrication Techniques Conductive Fibres, Treated Conductive Fibres,
Conductive Fabrics, Conductive Inks. Case study smart fabric for
monitoring biological parameters - ECG, respiration.

UNIT V - APPLICATIONS OF WEARABLE SYSTEMS

Medical Diagnostics, Medical Monitoring-Patients with chronic disease,

Hospital patients, Elderly patients, neural recording, Gait analysis, Sports
Medicine.
 What is wearable technology?

Wearable technology is any kind of electronic device

designed to be worn on the user's body.

Such devices can take many different forms, including jewelry, accessories,
medical devices, and clothing or elements of clothing.

The term wearable computing implies processing or communications

capabilities, (allowing users to interact with the device seamlessly while
carrying out their daily activities.)

but in reality, the sophistication among wearable's can vary.

 What is wearable technology?

But in reality, the sophistication among wearable's can vary.

The most sophisticated examples of wearable technology, include Artificial

Intelligence (AI) hearing aids, Google Glass and Microsoft's HoloLens, and a
holographic computer in the form of a virtual reality (VR) headset.

An example of a less complex form of wearable technology is a disposable

skin patch with sensors that transmit patient data wirelessly to a control
device in a healthcare facility.
 How does wearable technology work?

Modern wearable technology falls under a broad spectrum of usability,

including smart watches, fitness trackers such as the Fit bit Charge, VR
headsets, smart jewelry, web-enabled glasses and Bluetooth headsets.

Wearable's work differently, based on the category they belong to, such as
health, fitness or entertainment.

Predominantly, wearable technology functions by incorporating

microprocessors, batteries and connectivity to the internet so the collected
data can be synced with other electronics, such as mobile devices or laptops.

Wearable's are embedded with built-in sensors that keep track of bodily
movements, provide biometric identification or assist with location tracking.
 Some applications of wearable technology?

with the recent advancements in the internet of things (IoT) and AI, wearable
technology is being incorporated into all types of scenarios -- from healthcare,
navigation systems, consumer goods and professional sports to advanced textiles.
Wearable Systems- Introduction

Wearable technology is any kind of electronic device designed to be worn

on the user's body

Wearable device - ability to continuously monitor and collect data in a

non-intrusive manner

Fundamentally, wearable's can perform the following basic functions or unit

operations
• Sense • Process (Analyze) • Store • Transmit • Apply (Utilize)
of course, the specifics of each function will depend on the application domain
and the wearer.
Wearable Systems- Introduction
Wearable Systems- Introduction – Key Attributes
Wearable Systems- Introduction – Taxonomy
Need for wearable's

Wearable's provide an unobtrusive way to longitudinally monitor

an individual – not just during the day but, over the individual’s life-
time. Such an expansive view of the individual will be valuable in detecting
changes over time and help in early detection of problems and diseases
leading to preemptive care and hence, a better quality of life.
Need for wearable's

For example, if dangerous gases are detected, the data are processed, and an
alert is issued. It may be transmitted to a remote location for testing and the
results can be communicated in real-time to the user.
Drawbacks of Conventional Systems for Wearable Monitoring

Size and Comfort:

Older wearable systems are often bulky and uncomfortable, which can lead to low user
compliance. These devices can be intrusive and inconvenient for daily wear.

Limited Data Collection:

Conventional systems may not collect a wide range of physiological data. They might focus on a
single parameter, such as heart rate, and lack the ability to monitor other.
vital signs or activities.

Short Battery Life:

Traditional devices often have limited battery life, requiring frequent recharging or battery
replacement, which can be inconvenient for continuous monitoring.

Lack of Connectivity:
Many older systems do not have built-in connectivity features, making it difficult to transmit data
in real-time to healthcare providers or cloud-based systems for analysis.
Drawbacks of Conventional Systems for Wearable Monitoring

Low Data Accuracy:

Conventional devices might not be as accurate as modern systems, especially in dynamic
environments or during physical activity, leading to potential errors in data interpretation.

Limited User Interface:

Older systems often have simple and non-intuitive user interfaces, which can make it difficult for
users to interact with the device and understand their health metrics.

Poor Integration:
These systems may not integrate well with other health monitoring devices or electronic health
records, leading to fragmented data that is difficult to analyze comprehensively.

Cost:
Some conventional systems can be expensive, both in terms of initial cost and maintenance,
making them less accessible to a broad range of users.
Drawbacks of Conventional Systems for Wearable Monitoring

Lack of Customization:
Traditional systems may not offer customizable features that allow users to tailor the device to
their specific health needs or preferences.

Delayed Feedback:
Without real-time data analysis and feedback, users may not receive timely insights into their

health, limiting the potential for preventive measures or timely interventions .

These drawbacks highlight the need for more advanced wearable technologies
that are
User-friendly,
Capable of comprehensive data collection,
Equipped with real-time connectivity,
Feedback features.
Applications of Wearable Systems

Wearable systems have a wide range of applications across various fields,

Healthcare and Medical Monitoring
Sports and Fitness
Workplace Safety and Productivity
Mental Health and Wellness
Rehabilitation and Therapy
Personal Safety and Security
Military and Defense
Augmented Reality and Gaming
Applications of Wearable Systems - Healthcare and Medical Monitoring

Vital Signs Monitoring

Wearable's can track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and
temperature, providing valuable data for managing chronic conditions like
hypertension and diabetes.
Fitness Tracking
Devices monitor physical activity, calories burned, and sleep patterns
to help users maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Enables healthcare providers to track patients' health metrics
remotely, improving care for individuals with chronic illnesses or those
recovering from surgery.
Fall Detection and Emergency Alerts
Wearable's can detect falls and send alerts to caregivers or
emergency services, which is particularly useful for the elderly or individuals
with mobility issues.
Medication Adherence
Smart pills and patches can remind patients to take their medication
and provide data on adherence.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Sports and Fitness
Performance Tracking
Athletes use wearable's to monitor metrics like speed, distance, and
heart rate to optimize training and performance.
Injury Prevention
Devices can analyze movement patterns to identify risks and prevent
injuries.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Workplace Safety and Productivity

Environmental Monitoring
Wearable's can track exposure to harmful substances or extreme
conditions in industries like construction or mining.
Ergonomics and Posture
Devices can provide feedback on posture and movements to prevent
musculoskeletal injuries ( like lifting heavy objects, routine overhead work,
and repetitive tasks).
Productivity Enhancement
Wearable's can monitor stress levels and suggest breaks or exercises
to improve worker productivity and well-being.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Mental Health and Wellness
Stress and Anxiety Monitoring
Wearable's can track physiological indicators of stress, such as heart
rate variability, and provide feedback to help manage anxiety.
Sleep Analysis
Devices monitor sleep stages and provide insights to improve sleep
quality.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Rehabilitation and Therapy
Physical Therapy
Wearable's can assist in tracking exercises and progress during
rehabilitation, providing real-time feedback to therapists and patients.
Cognitive and Emotional Therapy
Some devices offer biofeedback to help users manage emotions and
improve cognitive function.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Personal Safety and Security
Location Tracking
Wearable's with GPS capabilities can track the location of children,
elderly individuals, or workers in hazardous environments.
Emergency Assistance
Panic buttons on wearable's can alert authorities or contacts in case
of danger.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Military and Defense
Health and Performance Monitoring
Wearable's track soldiers' health and performance in real-time,
ensuring readiness and safety during missions.
Environmental Awareness
Devices can provide situational awareness by monitoring
environmental conditions.
Applications of Wearable Systems - Augmented Reality and Gaming

Immersive Experiences
Wearable's like smart glasses enhance augmented reality
applications, providing immersive gaming or educational experiences.

These applications demonstrate the versatility and impact of

wearable systems across diverse domains, offering significant benefits in terms
of health, safety, and productivity.
As technology advances, the range and effectiveness of wearable
applications are expected to expand even further.
Components of wearable Systems

1. Sensors
Motion Tracking Sensors
Bodily Function Sensors
2. Control Components
Microprocessor
Microcontroller
3. Memory
4. Batteries
Alkaline
Nickel – Metal – Hybrid
Li – Ion Lipo
5. Display
Components of wearable Systems
Components of wearable Systems
Components of wearable Systems
Components of wearable Systems
Components of wearable Systems
Components of wearable Systems
Types of wearable Systems
Types of wearable Systems

1. Smart watches
2. Fitness Trackers
3. Smart Jewelry
4. Game Simulators
5. Smart Clothing
6. Smart Glasses
7. Heartbeat Trackers & Blood Pressure Monitors
8. Smart Ear buds
9. Smart Contact Lens
 Types of wearable Systems
Smart watches:

These days, the watches are tech-enabled. They double up as a fitness tracker and

Sleep monitor in addition to being the classic time-keeping device. Smart watches

provide us with many other features including enabling us to make & attend phone calls

and check messages. Some watches have the feature of playing FM radio or audio &

video files with a Bluetooth headset. They generally connect to the smart phone via an

app and act as a supporting device. They are often referred to as a ‘Wearable

Computer’ on your wrist because of the bundle of features that can use through the

touch screen
Types of wearable Systems
2. Fitness Trackers:

Fitness Trackers are among the wearable technology devices wearable on

the wrist. Fitness trackers were primarily launched to perform the function of

pedometer, i.e. counting the number of steps but they have evolved to become an

overall health monitor since then. They perform various functions including

tracking your heartbeat, monitoring your sleep, calories burned, and other metrics.

They share the data to the app on the smart phone. In to, they make a perfect

health tracker. Some devices are enabled to regularly share the information on the

metrics of the wearer to their physicians to keep them informed and help early

detection of any issue.

Types of wearable Systems
3. Smart Jewelry:

Have you ever imagined being notified about a phone call or tracking your

steps through your jewelry? Jewelry no more acts like pieces of ornaments on your

neck or hand, they have become smart. Smart Jewelry are those wearable's like

necklaces, wrist bands, bracelets, or rings that are tech-enabled to help you track

your steps, track monitor your heartbeat & sleep, and some even notify you of

incoming calls.
Types of wearable Systems
4. Game Simulators:

The rise of VR in gaming has given rise to many wearable devices that

simulate an environment and make the experience more realistic, engrossing, and

adventurous. The devices include VR Headsets (also called Head-Mounted Displays

or HMDs) that create a visual simulation and bands that come with built-in sensors

to detect your movements. These bands enable you to control your movements

through hand gestures.

Types of wearable Systems
5. Smart Clothing:

The advancement of technology with IoT has fostered many inventions

including Smart Clothes. Smart clothes are also popularly known as E-Textile as they

come integrated with electronic devices that measure the health metrics of the

wearer. Smart clothes help measure health-related aspects like heart rate,

respiration rate, sleep, the body temperature, and provide you with that

information. Smart clothing also includes smart shoes that examine your health,

steps, fatigue, and collect other metrics to help you improve health and prevent

injury.
Types of wearable Systems
6. Smart Glasses:

Ranging from simple smart glasses that are equipped with Bluetooth

wireless music and hands-free calling to the glasses that can live stream videos to

take photos, to advanced smart glasses that are AR-enabled to give you an immersive

experience, these smart glasses are the of eyewear. Smart glasses can enable the user

to read text messages and reply to them hands-free. Smart glasses by some

companies are equipped with features like internet access and browsing through

voice commands.
Types of wearable Systems
7. Heartbeat Trackers & Blood Pressure Monitors:

There are fitness trackers for a specific use case like monitoring the heartbeat

or regularly measuring the blood pressure. These devices help track the metrics among

the people who suffer from related diseases. The fitness trackers record and provide the

measurements to the wearer regularly. Some devices are enabled to share the data with

the physician.
Types of wearable Systems
8. Smart Ear buds:

New to enter the wearable technology market are ear buds. Though

Bluetooth ear buds are existing for a while now, they aren’t considered among

wearable technology because they do not collect and send data. But some

companies are making ear buds smart. Smart ear buds have a built-in gyroscope,

GPS, and compass. The sensors in the ear buds relay the information to the smart

phone, which enables it to know your direction and movement. Hence, the smart ear

buds are equipped to provide directions in real-time.

 Types of wearable Systems
9. Smart Contact Lens:

Smart Contact Lens is among the recent inventions made possible with IoT.

The smart contact lenses currently available in the market are helpful for medical

reasons. It helps monitor eyes for various diseases like Diabetes, Glaucoma, and

cataracts. It helps in the treatment of farsightedness. Apart from medical reasons,

some companies are working on smart contact lenses that are AR-enabled, work on

solar power, and capture and store images and videos. Smart lenses are among the

implantable devices.
 Sensors for Wearable Systems

• Inertia Movement Sensors

• Respiration Activity Sensor
• Inductive Plethysmography
• Impedance Plethysmography
• Pneumography
• Wearable Ground Reaction Force
Sensor
 Sensors for Wearable Systems
Inertia Movement Sensors

Inertial sensors are devices that measure an object's motion relative

to an inertial reference frame, such as the Earth.
Made up of a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and
sometimes magnetometers and other sensors:
Accelerometers: Measure linear acceleration
Gyroscopes: Measure angular rate
Magnetometers: Measure the strength and direction
of the Earth‘s magnetic fields
such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, measure motion,
orientation, and position.
 Sensors for Wearable Systems
Respiration Activity Sensor

A respiration activity
sensor is a device that detects chest
or abdominal expansion and
contraction during breathing, and
then outputs a respiration waveform.
Respiration activity sensors
can be worn using a woven elastic
band and webbing belt, and can be
Respiration activity sensors track
used to monitor changes in breathing patterns, providing insights
into respiratory rate, depth, and
respiratory activity, such as
rhythm.
frequency and depth.
Sensors for Wearable Systems
Inductive Plethysmography

Inductive plethysmography measures changes in electrical

impedance caused by breathing, providing information about lung volume
and airflow.
Respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) is a noninvasive
method for measuring lung volume and respiratory effort.
It uses inductance coils wrapped around the chest and abdomen to
detect changes in respiratory volume.
Sensors for Wearable Systems
Pneumography
Recording thoracic movements: The process of recording the
movements of the thorax during respiration. This can be done using a
pneumograph, which is an instrument that records lung movements or
volume changes.
The pneumograph can either monitor respiratory movements
electrically or take X-ray images of the lungs after injecting them with
gas. The gas improves the contrast between tissue areas.
Sensors for Wearable Systems
Wearable Ground Reaction Force Sensor

Wearable ground reaction force sensors measure the forces

exerted by the foot on the ground during walking or running,
providing insights into gait mechanics and biomechanics.