Sensors are the building blocks of wearables and can be integrated in a variety of forms, including wrist devices, tattoos, clothing and diapers1.
The data collected by these sensors is transmitted to a computer or smartphone as an intermediate step towards its eventual transfer to permanent data storage. This process is governed by different systems that can have impact on the final quality of the data.
How does wearable technology collect data?
Wearables are integrated analytical devices that combine typical characteristics of point-of-care systems with mobile connectivity in autonomously operating, self-contained units1. They enable the continuous monitoring of physiological variables in a noninvasive or minimally invasive way.
The sensors of the device capture biochemical or biophysical signals that correlate with a specific physiological state, such as a blood sugar level or heart rate. These signals are then processed to extract relevant data and then transmitted via wireless communication. The technology used is based on biorecognition elements that convert the presence of an analyte into a detectable signal. This signal is then transmitted to a smartphone or PC for further processing and analysis.
In most cases the sensor data is transferred to a proprietary warehouse using an intermediate app on the smartphone or PC. The smartphone apps also perform analytics on the sensor data to generate useful and meaningful results for the user, such as sleep indicators.
This process can consume a lot of energy and the battery on the device can run out quite quickly. This is why many wearables, such as the Fitbit, provide the user with a “token” that has a limited valid time, so that they can refresh it in order to continue receiving data from their sensors.
Where does the data go?
The sensors in wearables can be connected to other systems that collect and transfer the data they produce. In general, this data is stored in a warehouse and made available to users through apps. However, the specific systems involved and options are dependent on the platforms chosen.
The most common sensors in wearables are electromechanical devices that use electrical measurements to track mechanical movements. Examples include accelerometers and gyroscopes, which are used together to form an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which provides information about angular rotational movement or linear acceleration of the wearer1.
Another popular sensor is GPS, which uses radio signals to scan and quantify precise location. This is a commonly used feature in many devices including smartwatches and smartphones1.
Some sensors are designed to detect biochemical or biophysical analytes. These typically require the use of non-invasive or minimally invasive biorecognition elements that convert the presence of a certain analyte into a signal. Examples of such sensors include on-skin patches, tattoos, contact lenses and even clothes2.
Are the servers for the data in Australia?
Whether it’s for fitness or healthcare, wearable sensors collect sensitive personal information. This data falls under the realm of big data due to its volume, variety, veracity and velocity characteristics. However, the question of who owns the data is still unclear. This is because the data is collected automatically from the user’s body without any involvement of creativity or other activities that require a creative activity in order to be granted copyright.
For example, a company called Zepp Labs uses tiny sensor technology to measure golf, baseball and tennis swings, providing an animated analysis of a player’s performance on the app. The system can even compare a person’s skills with that of professional athletes.
At CES, several companies demonstrated how their sensor systems could be used to help users achieve healthy lifestyles. One of the more interesting examples was a headset that tracks electrical impulses in the brain, helping people relax or focus.
At the same time, emerging digital technologies like blockchain and AI are driving massive demand for data centre services, requiring low latency to be effective at the edge. New servers are now able to meet this demand, while offering greater performance and taking up less space and power. Eligible Asana customers can choose to have their teams, projects, attachments and intellectual property stored in Australia’s regional data center, helping them meet internal data residency policies and compliance with evolving government and third-party regulations enforcing stricter data residency requirements.
OnePhenix is the only IPAAS software that connects your wearable data to your healthcare professionals. www.Onephenix.com.au