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Adaptive Body Area Networks Using Kinematics and Biosignals
IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics
|August 5, 2020
Summary
This study introduces an adaptive wireless body area network (WBAN) that uses body movement and biosignals to improve connectivity for wearable devices. The adaptive WBAN scheme enhances packet delivery and reduces power consumption in body-centric communication systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wireless Communication
- Internet of Things (IoT)
Background:
- Wearable and implantable devices require efficient and reliable wireless connections.
- The human body presents unique challenges for wireless channels, including high and variable path-loss.
- Existing wireless body area network (WBAN) schemes struggle with dynamic body movement and environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an adaptive WBAN scheme that reconfigures network parameters in real-time.
- To leverage body kinematics and biosignals for low-overhead network adaptation.
- To improve the robustness and energy efficiency of WBANs for connected health applications.
Main Methods:
- An adaptive WBAN scheme was designed, utilizing accelerometer data for optimal packet scheduling.
- Biosignals (EMG, heart rate) were used for real-time transmission power control.
- A realistic body channel emulator was developed to assess path-loss during human activities.
- Simulations and experimental tests were conducted on a custom test-bed.
Main Results:
- Up to 41% improvement in packet delivery ratio (PDR) and 27% reduction in power consumption through intelligent scheduling.
- Average PDR increase of 20% using adaptive EMG-based power control.
- Average PDR increase of 18% using adaptive heart-rate-based power control.
- Demonstrated efficacy of the adaptive WBAN scheme in realistic scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The proposed adaptive WBAN scheme effectively addresses the challenges of body-centric wireless communication.
- Leveraging kinematics and biosignals offers a low-overhead approach to enhance WBAN performance.
- The developed channel emulator and adaptive techniques provide a foundation for more reliable and energy-efficient wearable and implantable device networks.
