Calling all InnOvaTors!

Two weeks ago we shone the bright light of innovation in your eyes and quizzed you thoroughly on your process for designing an IoT solution. Now we're back, and asking you to elaborate on the nodes and sensors that would act as the eyes and ears of your Internet of Things platform.

Looking Back at Workflow

The results of our look at that InnOvaTors workflow has been a treasure trove of inventive direction.

"I'd want to intimately get to know what information is valuable, and to whom the information is valuable," shabaz explained in regard to his IoT design approach. "Determine the overall goal in detail and determine the actual information or results that would be needed to make this a success."

Instructorman advised that we must "Keep scalability in mind. The solution should work well for a single user and for the tens of millions of other users too," while beacon_dave sees two distinct angles reveal themselves during his design process; active and reactive requirements.

Now we're off on the journey, let's take a much closer look at the first leg of the InnOvaTors race; Nodes.

First, here's a quick reminder of the scenario your IoT solution is working to solve.

Design a Home Patient Monitoring System with Notification and Alert Capabilities

Background

Among the numerous types of innovations that are expected to be fostered by Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, smart-connected healthcare solutions will perhaps be the most important one for millions of elderly people who live alone. In the UK 3.5 million people over the age of 65 live alone, and almost 70% of the women in this age group. The U.S has a similar trend with 11.8 million, and nearly half of the women over the age of 75 living alone.

This number is expected to increase as the growth in people over age 65 is projected to double from 43.1 million in 2012 to 83.7 million in 2050, according to the U.S Census Bureau. Whether an elderly person lives alone by choice or necessity, this living arrangement can pose a potential health risk as physical and cognitive impairment becomes evident.

Your Challenge: Helping a Stroke Patient Who Falls

A typical example of the challenge that the elderly face while living alone is Mrs. Jones. She is 79 years-old and has been living alone successfully for ten years since her husband passed away. While she has not had any problems during this period of time, Mrs. Jones recently suffered a minor stroke that led to numbness in her extremities and an overall weakness in strength but did not appear to be life-changing until she began losing her balance and falling in her apartment

Mrs. Jones’s daughter suggested to her mother that it was time to consider moving into a nursing home for safety’s sake. Mrs. Jones dismissed the idea out of a desire to remain independent. Her daughter discussed this situation with Mrs. Jones's doctor who said her options were limited. Beyond a live-in caregiver, home nurse visits, or home monitoring systems, which had limited benefits as they are currently designed, there was little else to do.

Common Sensors

The design process is in place, so now it's time to get specific. Help us flesh out the sensor side of things by telling us what you'd use, and how you'd use it. Consider the following:

• What kinds of sensors and nodes would you employ here?
  
• How will the nodes or sensors be powered?
• What type of connectivity will be used?

In the comments section below, we'd like to hear your thoughts and advice on the sensor side of an IoT solution. The advice, ideas and direction you provide here will ultimately wind up in front of suppliers, manufacturers and industry leaders at this year's Elektronica show, so don't hold back!