DexterNet: An Open Platform for Heterogeneous Body Sensor Networks and its Applications

Abstract

In this paper, we present an open-source platform for wireless body sensor networks called DexterNet. The system is motivated by shifting research paradigms to support real-time, persistent human monitoring in both indoor and outdoor environments. The platform utilizes a three-layer architecture to control heterogeneous body sensors. The first layer, called the body sensor layer (BSL), deals with design of different wireless body sensors and their instrumentation on the body. We detail two custom-built body sensors: one measuring body motions and the other measuring the ECG and respiratory patterns. At the second layer, called the personal network layer (PNL), the wireless body sensors on a single subject communicate with a mobile base station, which supports Linux OS and the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. The BSL and PNL functions are abstracted and implemented as an opensource software library, called Signal Processing In Node Environment (SPINE). A DexterNet network is scalable, and can be reconfigured on-the-fly via SPINE. At the third layer, called the global network layer (GNL), multiple PNLs communicate with a remote Internet server to permanently log the sensor data and support higher-level applications. We demonstrate the versatility of the DexterNet platform via three applications: avatar visualization, human activity recognition, and integration of DexterNet with global positioning sensors and air pollution sensors for asthma studies.

A wireless body sensor network for the prevention and management of asthma

“…The architecture is based on the DexterNet BSN platform [18], a flexible system for heterogeneous wireless BSNs that consists of mote platforms running the TinyOS operating system and an open source software framework for managing on-node sensor data signal processing and between-node communication, arranged in a 3-layer hierarchy (Fig. 1).…”

“…But, there is ongoing work within our group and others to better integrate improved air quality sensors and battery life for health research. Addition of a physiologic sensor that measure respiration, which was included in our group's earlier DexterNet work may be an improvement [18]. But, complex, invasive, or too many sensors may impact user acceptance.…”

A system for monitoring real-time body parameters of sows using a lightweight and flexible wireless sensor platform

“…The weight of both the TelosB and the Micaz, however, were more than the allowed weight of the final ear tag, and with a weight of 10.36 grams the Shimmer sensor platform was chosen. The Shimmer platform has been used successfully in related sensor network projects (Yang et al 2009). …”

Opportunistic strategies for lightweight signal processing for body sensor networks

“…This required a system architecture that could support a heterogeneous set of sensors that could be dynamically configured over-the-air for different application needs, and be appropriate for long-term monitoring applications in both indoor and outdoor environments [11]. Figure 1 illustrates the 3-layer hierarchy of our system, which we call DexterNet.…”