Scientists at la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have developed a prototype intelligent t-shirt that monitors temperature, heart rate and other body functions, while also locating the patients within the hospital and relaying their activity levels. It was developed as part of LOBIN, a project concerning locating and biomonitoring of patients within the hospital by means of wireless networks.
Right now, the intelligent t-shirt and localization device are separate, with the localization device carried in a pocket, but there are plans to incorporate this into the garment in the future. The t-shirt is washable and includes electrodes that detect bioelectric power through which an electrocardiogram can be obtained (“e-textile”). In addition, it has a removable device that includes a thermometer and an accelerometer, which are used to take the patient’s temperature, his relative position (reclining, standing, etc.) and his level of physical activity.
A wireless network installed in the hospital is used for indoor localization and acquiring information collected by the sensors. The individual’s position within a two-meter margin of error is displayed on a map of the hospital. With modifications the prototype can also be used for monitoring in other areas such as at home.
Press release: Monitoring patients using intelligent t-shirts…
