Title :
Applying wearable solutions in dependent environments
Author :
Fraile, J.A. ; Bajo, J. ; Corchado, J.M. ; Abraham, A.
Author_Institution :
Univ. of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
Abstract :
This paper proposes a multiagent system (MAS) that uses smart wearable devices and mobile technology for the care of patients in a geriatric home care facility. The system is based on an advanced ZigBee wireless sensor network (WSN) and includes location and identification microchips installed in patient clothing and caregiver uniforms. The use of radio-frequency identification and near-field communication technologies allows remote monitoring of patients, and makes it possible for them to receive treatment according to preventive medical protocol. The proposed MAS manage the infrastructure of services within the environment both efficiently and securely by reasoning, task-planning, and synchronizing the data obtained from the sensors. Additionally, this paper presents the design and implementation of the reasoning agent in the MAS. A system prototype was installed in a real environment and the results obtained are presented in this paper.
Keywords :
geriatrics; interactive devices; microprocessor chips; multi-agent systems; patient care; patient monitoring; radiofrequency identification; telemedicine; wearable computers; wireless sensor networks; MAS; ZigBee wireless sensor network; geriatric home care facility; microchips; multiagent system; near-field communication technologies; patient care; patient clothing; radio-frequency identification; remote patient monitoring; smart wearable devices; Biomedical monitoring; Clothing; Geriatrics; Medical treatment; Multiagent systems; Protocols; Radiofrequency identification; Remote monitoring; Wireless sensor networks; ZigBee; Dependent environment; human health; smart wearable devices; wearable systems; Aged; Body Temperature; Caregivers; Clothing; Computer Communication Networks; Electrocardiography; Electromyography; Equipment Failure Analysis; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Monitoring, Ambulatory; Nursing Homes; Oximetry; Telemetry;
Journal_Title :
Information Technology in Biomedicine, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TITB.2010.2053849