Hardware setup, Final product, and Testing
In the previous blogs Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #3 and Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #4, we saw how to set up the main software for the Healthcare wearable and Asset monitoring modules.
The module which we have developed is scalable and can accommodate any use-case scenario. Here I am showing two simple use-cases which are:
- Smart monitoring and reporting of healthcare activities / Smart wearable
For the making of smart wearable, the module should be worn on the body of the subject. The best practical way of approach is to wear on the hand.
I could salvage a band from my previous smartwatch to make a carrier for the module so that it can be worn easily on the subject's hand. Since I do not own a 3D printer nor have access to any, I could print any sample band cases. So as of now, the module is attached to the band using double-sided tape.
After it was attached to the band, it made a very good smart band.
- Asset Monitoring
The module can be attached to any assets that need to be monitored. A real-life example is to monitor the transit of fragile or delicate items such as pets, organs, glass items, cutlery, etc. The module could measure the vibrations that happen on the package on its journey from source to destination. Thus we can estimate the amount of damage that might have taken by the item even before opening the package. Thus it can monitor delicate packages within a shipping facility or during transit.
Since the module is very lightweight (very few grams), it won't add up any extra weight to the package. The module can run on the coin cell battery power for almost a year. So it won't run out of charge during its transportation period.
Other notable use cases of this smart module
- Elderly Fall monitoring
This is a combination of the SmartBand and Asset Monitor system. The movements of the elder person are continuously monitored by the IMU from the Smart Module via the band worn by them in hand. When a fall (Zg > 10) is detected, an alert is produced on the Smart Band mobile application to indicate a possible emergency. - Ambient Environment monitoring
This wearable also assists people working in extreme conditions to monitor the ambient temperature and other factors. For eg: Mineworkers. The wearable can either be worn on hand like this band or sewn to their outer jackets.
Upon testing both the use cases, the custom-built app was able to display the necessary data required for the functionality. After the setup, this module can be just run on a coin cell battery and would last for months. This makes the application so extensive.
Testing for Smart Wearable / Healthcare monitor [Smart Band]
Testing for Asset Monitoring System
TIP: I would suggest you use the normal non-debug version of the module for these as the debug versions have the protruding 10-pin debug header which might hinder its portability.
Conclusion
So, this concludes our project for the development of a smart module to be used for healthcare monitoring/wearable and asset monitoring.
For a future perspective, I am due to adding a lot of features to this module to make it more informative. However, due to time constraints, I had to stick to this now for this contest. But the modifications will be documented here as and when it's done.
Final Remarks
Thanks to Element14, On Semiconductor for conducting this awesome contest and e14phil, Richard LaBorde for their constant support throughout. Last, but not least, thanks to all the element14 staff, members, my friends and all others for the support.
Blogs in this series:
Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #1 [Introduction]
Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #2 [Kit Unboxing]
Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #3 [Software Setup 1]
Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #4 [Software Setup 2]
Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring - Blog #5 [Hardware Setup & Testing] --> Current