Collated Prototype - Intro and Hardware

Health Monitoring System

Our prototype is a number of integrated devices used for monitoring an elderly person's health. The aim of this system is to help save lives through quicker response to potential problems, and to try and make it easier for someone to check their own health at home, without requiring a large number of check-ups, particularly if the person has to check their health anyway (e.g. if they have been told by their doctor to keep a record of their weight and diet). We have also outlined an optional feature to the system which provides automated home security through the exisitng setup. The system would be setup by a professional team, who would also provide an introduction for the user.

The system consists of three pieces of hardware: a watch used for monitoring the user's heart rate and movement, a portable input device for allowing easy logging and sending of health information, and an optional box installed in the home that stores a backup of vital information and can coordinate an optional security system.

Watch

• Digital watch with an analogue appearance.
• Used for tracking heart rate and location.
• Available in different styles e.g. men’s and women’s.
• Available with enlarged numbers for easier viewing.
• Built-in GPS tracking, wireless transmission (e.g. GPRS). This is under the assumption that GPS is more accurate and can work indoors in the future.
• Built-in in bluetooth for communicating with other devices in the system.
• Built-in speaker + microphone for making emergency calls.
• Waterproof.
• Easy method of replacing watch battery.
• Features one button, which performs different functions depending on how it is used (wind it to set the time, press it to make emergency call, press and hold it to set off alarm).
• Built-in in emergency alarm, activated by button.
• Built-in sensors to monitor heart rate.
• Dimensions: same as regular watches, assuming we can fit all our technology into a regular watch in the future.

Input Device

• Used for logging general health information, communicating with GP, and performing optional security features.
• Dimensions: Each panel is approximately A5 size. Device is thin and lightweight.
  
• Two touch screens. One for input, one for displaying instructions.
• Built-in microphone and speakers. Microphone is used for inputting voice commands as a shortcut for navigation. The speakers output information on the screen for users with poorer eyesight.
  
• Stylus included.
• Microphone activation button, which must be held down for microphone to work.
• Can send information wirelessly (e.g. using GPRS) or via the black box using Bluetooth or similar technology.
• Rechargable direct through mains.

Black Box

• Stores important information (e.g. contact details, security password), and provides a reliable method of sending data down the phone line if other methods not available.
• Optional extra, is not vital for the running of the system.
  
• Installed into home.
• Optionally coordinates a number of PIR sensors installed into home to create a security system.
• Built-in Bluetooth to communicate with other devices in system.