Event Description
PhD Dissertation Defense: Shrenik Vora
In this work, a novel passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based method for transmitting health parameters wirelessly and without batteries is described. The dissertation proposes an innovative method of transmitting health parameter data by simply turning RFID tags on and off. Technology for RFID based continuous monitoring that include a wireless power harvester and low-power circuits for amplification and health parameter detection are developed in this research. The dissertation includes practical applications of the technology that are demonstrated using heart rate and uterine contraction monitoring as examples. Empirical tests for characterizing the heart rate monitoring system are also conducted. The heart rate monitoring technology is validated with human testing which showed a correlation of over 99% between actual and detected heart rate data.
Wearable health monitoring devices are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in clinical settings and even in monitoring daily activities. This recent spurt in wearable devices has been made possible through the development of low power electronics, small footprint components and efficient data transmission methods. The next big step in making monitoring devices more ‘wearable’ is the elimination of batteries. Without the need to replace and recharge batteries, monitoring can be uninterrupted and the monitoring device itself can be seamlessly integrated into garments. However, to achieve this goal, merely reducing sensor power consumption is not enough. There is a need for unconventional methods of health monitoring.
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