Department of Biomedical Engineering
VI Semester
CBM 370 - Wearable Devices
Unit- 1 INTRODUCTION TO WEARABLE SYSTEMS AND SENSORS
1.1 Wearable Systems-Introduction, Need for Wearable systems
Introduction:
What is a Wearable System?
A wearable system refers to
an electronic device or a combination of devices
designed to be worn on the body,
typically integrated into clothing, accessories, or directly attached to the skin.
These systems are equipped with sensors, processors, and communication
modules to collect, process, and transmit data in real-time.
RCET/BME/VI Sem/CBM 370/ Wearable Devices | Dr. Jackson Daniel |
Characteristics of Wearable Systems:
1. Portability: Designed to be lightweight and easy to wear throughout daily
activities.
2. Connectivity: Often connect to other devices (e.g., smartphones) or the
Internet through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks.
3. Real-Time Data Collection: Equipped with sensors to gather and process
data continuously or on-demand.
4. Ergonomic Design: Built for comfort and ease of use to encourage
consistent wearability.
5. Integration with Ecosystems: Compatible with larger systems, such as IoT
devices or cloud-based services.
Evolution of Wearable Systems:
1. Early Mechanical Wearables (Pre-20th Century)
Examples:
• Pocket Watches (16th Century): Early timekeeping devices worn on
the body.
• Eyeglasses (13th Century): Early vision aids.
Characteristics:
• No electronic components.
• Limited to singular, mechanical functions.
2. Analog Wearables (20th Century)
.
Examples:
o Wristwatches (1900s): Became more widespread and featured alarms
and stopwatches.
o Hearing Aids (1900s): Early wearable devices to assist the hearing
impaired.
Characteristics:
o Powered by basic electrical systems.
o Limited data processing capabilities.
2
RCET/BME/VI Sem/CBM 370/ Wearable Devices | Dr. Jackson Daniel |
3. Digital Wearables (1970s–1990s)
Examples:
o Digital Watches (1970s): Early smart features like calculators and
alarms (e.g., Casio Calculator Watch).
o Wearable Music Players (1980s): Sony Walkman and other portable
devices.
Characteristics:
o Introduction of microprocessors.
o Basic programmability and digital displays.
4. Early Smart Wearables (1990s–2000s)
• Examples:
• Wearable Computers (1990s): Bluetooth Headsets (2000s):
Enabled wireless communication.
• Pedometers and Basic Fitness Trackers (Late 1990s): Used for
activity monitoring.
5. Modern Wearables (2010s–Present)
Examples:
• Fitness Trackers (e.g., Fitbit): Revolutionized health tracking with
features like heart rate monitoring.
• Smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch):
Multifunctional devices combining fitness, communication, and
entertainment.
• Smart Glasses (e.g., Google Glass): AR capabilities for enhanced
vision and context-aware applications
6. Emerging Wearables (Future Trends)
• Examples:
• Medical-Grade Devices: Wearables like glucose monitors or ECG
patches.
• AR/VR Headsets: Devices like Meta Quest and Microsoft HoloLens for
immersive experiences.
• Smart Clothing: Textile-integrated wearables for biometric monitoring.
3
RCET/BME/VI Sem/CBM 370/ Wearable Devices | Dr. Jackson Daniel |
Evolution of Medical Wearables:
The evolution of medical wearables has been driven by advancements in
sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and miniaturization, leading to increasingly
sophisticated devices that improve healthcare monitoring and disease management.
1. Early Innovations (Pre-1970s)
Examples:
• Hearing Aids (1920s): Early wearable devices to amplify sound.
• Holter Monitors (1949): Developed by Dr. Norman Holter, these
devices enabled continuous heart monitoring, marking the first major
step in wearable medical technology.
2. Analog to Digital Transition (1970s–1990s)
Examples:
• Wearable Cardiac Monitors: Devices like portable ECG machines for
heart monitoring.
• Insulin Pumps (1970s): Allowed diabetes patients to manage blood
sugar levels more effectively.
• Basic Wearable Sensors: Used in hospitals for continuous monitoring
of vitals.
4
RCET/BME/VI Sem/CBM 370/ Wearable Devices | Dr. Jackson Daniel |
3. First Generation Medical Wearables (2000s)
• Examples:
• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Devices like the Dexcom
CGM became more prevalent, providing real-time glucose monitoring
for diabetes management.
• Pulse Oximeters: Early portable models used for oxygen saturation
monitoring.
• Wearable Fitness Trackers: Some trackers began integrating heart
rate sensors with medical-grade accuracy.
4. Modern Medical Wearables (2010s–Present)
• Examples:
Smartwatches with Health Features (e.g., Apple Watch, Samsung
Galaxy Watch):
Advanced CGMs (e.g., Abbott FreeStyle Libre):
Wearable Blood Pressure Monitors:
Sleep Apnea Monitors:
5. Emerging Medical Wearables (Future Trends)
• Examples:
Smart Patches: Flexible, skin-adhering devices for drug delivery and
continuous monitoring.
Implantable Wearables: Devices embedded under the skin for long-
term monitoring.
AI-Enabled Wearables: Systems that analyze data for predictive
insights (e.g., early detection of arrhythmias).
Bio-Sensing Textiles: Clothing with embedded sensors to monitor
vitals or detect stress and fatigue.
5
RCET/BME/VI Sem/CBM 370/ Wearable Devices | Dr. Jackson Daniel |
1.1.2 Need for Wearable Systems:
1. Healthcare and Wellness
Continuous Monitoring: Wearables like fitness bands, smartwatches, and
medical devices help monitor vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen
levels) in real-time.
Disease Management: Devices assist in managing chronic conditions like
diabetes (e.g., glucose monitors) or sleep apnea (e.g., smart sleep trackers).
Fitness Tracking: Step counters, calorie trackers, and exercise monitors
motivate users to stay active and healthy.
Early Detection: Sensors in wearables can identify irregularities, such as
abnormal heart rhythms, aiding early diagnosis.
2. Convenience and Productivity
Hands-Free Operation: Devices like smart glasses and wearable headsets
enable users to stay connected while performing tasks.
Notifications on the Go: Smartwatches allow quick access to calls,
messages, and alerts without needing a phone.
Voice Assistance: Integration with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google
Assistant, or Siri enhances productivity.
3. Safety and Security
Emergency Features: Wearables often include SOS buttons, fall detection,
and GPS tracking, providing safety for users, especially children, the elderly,
or adventurers.
Authentication: Wearable devices can be used for secure authentication in
accessing devices, bank accounts, or other systems.
4. Entertainment and Gaming
• Immersive Experiences: Wearable devices like VR headsets and AR
glasses provide a highly engaging experience for gaming and multimedia
consumption.
6
RCET/BME/VI Sem/CBM 370/ Wearable Devices | Dr. Jackson Daniel |
• Interactive Interfaces: Devices like smart rings or gesture controllers enable
new ways to interact with technology.
5. Workplace Applications
Ergonomic Monitoring: Wearables help track posture, strain, or repetitive
movements, reducing workplace injuries.
Industrial Use: Devices like smart helmets and AR glasses enhance
productivity, safety, and efficiency in sectors like construction and
manufacturing.
6. Sports and Performance
Performance Analysis: Wearable devices provide insights into athletic
performance, helping athletes improve their training.
Injury Prevention: Sensors track movements to detect potential stress or
injuries early.
7. Fashion and Personal Expression
Stylish Designs: Wearables now merge technology with fashion, offering
customizable bands, cases, and accessories.
Smart Clothing: Clothing with embedded sensors can monitor activity or even
regulate temperature.
8. Environmental Monitoring
Air Quality: Devices can monitor pollutants, allergens, or UV exposure, helping
users make informed decisions.
Location Tracking: GPS-enabled wearables are critical for navigation and
safety during outdoor activities.
*******************
