Literature Review

Abstract

The term “Body Area Network” (BAN) was first introduced by Van Dam et al. [36] in 2001. BAN technology envisions miniaturized sensors worn [37] or implanted on the body, continuously monitoring health parameters and acting to prevent the onset of critical health events. For instance, diabetics currently have access to an automatic insulin pump which monitors glucose levels and administers insulin when glucose levels are high. Similar technologies are also leading toward the construction of devices which can minimize incidences of heart attack or stroke, thus reducing hospital visits and saving costs for both the individual patient and a nation’s healthcare system. According to a recent report from Parks Associates, the U.S. market for wireless home-based healthcare applications and services are expanding with an annual growth rate of over 180 % and becoming a $4.4 billion industry in 2013 [38]. Such statistics indicate a rising demand for portable health monitoring devices, e.g. comparison, which are currently undergoing tremendous research and development.