WI-PATCH: stick-on wireless sensor platform for continuous monitoring of human physiology

World's population is aging at an unprecedented rate due to increased average lifespan. It is estimated that by 2050, over 45% of human population will be above the age of 50. Consequently there is great need for monitoring technologies that can facilitate remote and automated monitoring of elderly, as well as other population groups with other potential health monitoring needs. Current advances in wireless systems and rapidly growing use of cellphones enable deployment of wireless monitoring devices that can automatically collect patient physiological information, process and transmit it to a central point-of-care physician. In this work, we present the WI-PATCH, which is a flexible low-power stick-on wireless sensing platform that can be used to monitor selected parameters of human physiology. With form-factor similar to a common Band-Aid, the WI-PATCH can be attached on the skin of the patient. Forming a body-sensor network, multiple WI-PATCH devices can coordinate distributed data collection and can infer patient position or orientation. Using active low power RF technology, the WI-PATCH can remain operational for days without the need for frequent re-charging or battery replacement.