WirelessDoc

Wireless M2M technology

This article on EDN online gives an overview of the issues involved with wireless M2M (machine-to-machine) technology.

Here's a quick summary of the important points:

• Machine-to-machine wireless networks primarily use cell-phone or ISM (industrial/scientific/medical) bands
• WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and 700-MHz analog-TV bands will provide new frequencies
• FHSS (frequency-hopping spread spectrum) hops the frequencies; DSSS (digital-sequence spread spectrum) smears frequencies, and agile radios jump frequencies looking for a clear band
• Battery life and interference are big issues in wireless network
• Careful system design minimizes interference and maximizes battery life

"M2M" is the new buzzword that has replace what used to be called "telemetry." In medicine, it's what transformed the PDA loaded with medical texts into the clinical smartphone, UMPC, Tablet PC, etc. which now offer connectivity in a wider variety of form factors. Capsule-sized wireless monitors offer convenience for both the patient and the clinician. Clinics in rural and third-world settings can now be manage via WWAN using easily distributable cell phones.

This article is a good framework for exploring the critical issues surrounding what the author refer to as the third wave of computing. I'll address each issue in future posts, perhaps with some interviews with experts working on these projects. All of my research will be collated and assembled in the form of a whitepaper which I'll be offering the new future.

Medtronic Bravo wireless pH monitor

I recently posted an item about wireless pH monitors used to diagnose GERD. This composite should give you a good idea of the size of the sensor and the monitor, and how this device is placed endoscopically. (Click on the image for a larger size.)

Andy Abramson on what makes the perfect hotel room

It naturally follows that wireless technology plays a major part of the digital lifestyle we all seek to work and play more effectively. Andy Abramson created this list in his post, "What A Global Nomad Wants In A Hotel To Work Anywhere," on his digital lifestyle blog, Working Anywhere. I remember a while back when Andy and I did a Skype call while he was working on his laptop at a London train station. We had a long discussion on using connected PDAs for making Skype calls.

For wireless amenities, he wants reliable broandband (>1.5 Mbps), plenty of outlets--the usual. I would also add a large desk with a comfortable chair.

He's a connoisseur of fine wine and food, and by looking at his older posts, you're bound to find good restaurant tips as well.

RFID pH monitor for GERD

The wireless system, developed at the UT Southwestern Medical CTR is an endoscopically placed RFID chip that is used for pH monitoring as a means of diagnosing or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The new system involves pinning a small, flexible RFID chip to the esophagus, where it remains until removed by a physician. The chip, about two square centimeters, or a little bigger than a dime, tests for electrical impulses that signal acidic or nonacidic liquids moving through the esophagus. It then transmits data to a wireless sensor worn around the neck.

This is certainly a more comfortably solution for the patient over the traditional pH monitoring that involves passing a catheter through the patient's nose and into the esophagus where it remains for 24 hours.

Medtronic has a similar system which they call the Bravo pH Monitoring System:

The Bravo System consists of two primary components:

• A small pH capsule about the size of a gelcap that is attached to the wall of the esophagus and transmits data to the receiver.
• A pager-sized receiver worn by the patient that receives pH data from the Bravo capsule. After the test is completed, data from the receiver is downloaded to pH analysis software using infrared technology.

With the Bravo System, the capsule eventually sloughs off, passed along through the patient's GI tract.