The topic of this report is Wireless Body Area Networks-WBANs, which are a part of evolving computation/communications Ambient Intelligence. Ambient Intelligence emphasizes on greater user-friendliness, more efficient services support, user-empowerment, and support for human interactions. In this vision, people will be surrounded by intelligent and intuitive interfaces embedded in everyday objects around us (including a human body or its proximity) and an environment recognizing and responding to the presence of individuals in an invisible way. In such a world, computing and networking technology coexist with people in a ubiquitous, friendly and pervasive way. Numerous miniature and interconnected smart devices create a new intelligence and interact with each other seamlessly.
Recent technological progress in extremely low-power integrated circuits, wireless short-reach communications and physiological sensors promote the development of tiny, lightweight, ultra-low-transmitted power monitoring devices that can be used in a wide spectrum of applications. A body-centric network, WBAN, can be formed by integrating these devices on a human body (or its proximity). WBAN, with sensors consuming extremely low power, is used to monitor patients in critical conditions inside hospitals. Outside the hospital, the network can transmit patients’ vital signs to their physicians over the Internet (or private networks) in real time. WBAN can use ZigBee, Bluetooth or UWB radio technologies. The main purpose of the medical applications is improving the quality of healthcare together with a significant reduction of the cost.
Besides medical and fitness applications, WBAN is used in military, security, first responders operations, entertainment and other.
This report analyzes the WBAN development, evolving standards, markets and applications. Details of the IEEE802.15.6 WG project are discussed. Together with other standard organizations, the IEEE actively persuades work on WBANs with emphases on medical applications. It is envisioned that WBAN proliferation will start in 2011-2012.
The report also analyzes radio technologies and their markets-such technologies are used in WBANs to carry information between nodes as well as for outside communications. Three candidates are: Ultra Wideband, ZigBee and Bluetooth. Benefits and issues of using each of these techniques in the WBAN environment are discussed.
Altogether, WBAN requirements are very stringent, combining ultra-low power consumption (efficient batteries, power harvesting) with advanced security and extremely low power communications. The IEEE is still accepting proposals from vendors, universities and other organizations, trying to come up with efficient and cost-effective WBAN solutions. The standardization process is a requirement for most of technologies to succeed.
The report stresses that though the WBAN development aims, mainly, to the medical applications, this technology can also be useful to a wide spectrum of other industries. Entertainment, military and first responders operations are examples of such applications. Though the WBAN market is still in its beginning stage, many vendors continue manufacturing WBAN elements using proprietary technologies and preparing to the market evolution.
This report can help IT departments of hospitals, doctors, homeland security organizations and military to better understand functions of WBAN and to be prepared to utilize such a network to enhance operations and reduce the cost of services.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was also conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.
Target Audience
This report provides the analysis of WBAN technologies and WBAN market assessment; it concentrates on the recent developmental trends. The report is useful for service providers, IT departments of hospitals, retail operators, vendors, network operators and managers, investors and end users seeking to gain a deeper understanding of WBAN-based structures opportunities and barriers
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