A mobile phone-based wearable vital signs monitoring system

Design and implementation of a multiple vital signs monitoring system based upon mobile telephony and Internet infrastructure for e-health are described. The system hierarchy comprises three layers for sensing, communication, and management. The core of the sensing layer is a wearable sensor unit, including a cordless sensor device and a sensor-wear garment, suitable for vital signs real-time monitoring without discomfort and constraint during daily activities. The communication layer performs bi-directional data/command exchange via either wired or wireless means to bridge between the sensor layer and management layer. The management layer conducts comprehensive data analysis and evidence-based health management. 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 explained.