Development of a scalable healthcare monitoring platform

Design and implementation of a universal platform based upon mobile telephony and Internet infrastructure for healthcare monitoring and other related applications are described. The platform hierarchy comprises three layers for sensing, communication, and management. The core of the sensing layer is a wearable sensor unit suitable for vital signs monitoring without discomfort and constraint during daily activities. The communication layer conducts bi-directional data/command signals via either wired or wireless means to bridge between the sensor and management layers. The management layer performs data mining and functional assessment. This article describes the architecture design considerations and systemic implementation to meet various practical needs and provide scalable solutions not only for home healthcare but also other applications driven by vital signs. Three applications platformed on this architecture are described.