Cable-free wearable sensor system using a DC powerline body network in a conductive fabric vest

A wearable DC powerline communication (PLC) network for health monitoring and rehabilitation is proposed. The network infrastructure is based on a novel use of conductive fabrics as the electrical transmission medium. Whereas other wearable networks rely on bulky sensors and cables, we combine PLC technology and intelligent sensor design to create a noninvasive, comfortable, flexible, and washable monitoring network. Additionally, the design allows us to incorporate multiple nodes in a single network. The network consists of three components; sensor nodes that are composed of a sensor, microprocessor, and local amplifier, a ´central´ node that provides power to and processes information from the various sensor nodes in the network, and a two conductive sheets as the medium for power and data transmission. Using this medium, we can collect and record biological data from multiple sensor nodes to monitor the user´s state. We will begin by reviewing a novel DC PLC network. Next, we will discuss the design of the conductive fabric vest and its salient features. Finally, we will present results of our initial experimental results and the future plans for this work.