A Reliable Sensor Data Collection Network for Health Monitoring

Abstract

In this paper we propose system architecture for smart health care based on an advanced wireless sensor network (WSN). This paper presents a method for reliably collecting data events from sensors and forwarding the data via a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) to sensor monitoring stations located on an external network. At the core is a MANET concept that consists of ground and unmanned aircraft (UA) nodes. UA enable a model whereby widely spaced sensors are intermittently connected to the network and data are sent in stages as connections become available along each stage. This paper describes our efforts to build such a network for a real application. The paper describes the sensor data collection model, the reliable multicast data delivery mechanism, and our experiences so far in this project. In particular, it describes our existing network test bed and the control of an UA through a MANET. It specifically targets assisted living residents and others who may benefit from continuous, remote health monitoring. We present the advantages, objectives, and status of the design.