Development of the ring sensor for healthcare automation

This paper presents the development of a miniaturized telemetered ambulator y monitoring device in a ring configuration. The device, called ring sensor , is worn by the patient at all times, hence the health status is monitored 24 hours a day. The ring is equipped with LEDs and photo detectors where t he technology of pulse oximetry is implemented for monitoring pulse waves a nd blood oxygen saturation. The measured data are transmitted to a computer through-a digital wireless communication link and the patient health statu s is analyzed continuously and remotely. Any trait of abnormal health statu s and possible accidents is detected by analyzing the sensor data. Detailed descriptions of the hardware and the software of the ring sensor including a noise protection algorithm will be presented. Also, unique features of t he 24 hour patient monitoring system using the ring sensor will be discusse d. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.