Real Time Personal Positioning and Physiological Monitoring System

Hoffman Gregory S. and Miller, Mikel M

Abstract:	An integrated system using a small, lightweight GPS receiver and physiological sensors is currently under development to monitor the health and performance of a team of outdoor workers, such as forest fire fighters, operating in hazardous situations. Knowing each team member's physiological status and location is critical in performing dangerous missions in as safe and effective manner as possible. By monitoring each team member's position and physical well being, the person coordinating a dangerous activity will be able to maximize the efficiency of the team from a location and performance standpoint. This paper presents the preliminary design of a real-time, lightweight, non-intrusive, and wearable vest capable of monitoring a person's outdoor location and physiological well-being. An array of sensors including electrocardiography, blood volume pulse, skin temperature, and respiration rate are transmitted along with GPS position information to a remote base station. A mission coordinator can use a laptop computer for real-time processing and analysis of the physiological data for signs of performance degradation, that may signal a need for relief. Advanced software gives warning indications when physiological parameters are not in the proper range, making the job of monitoring large groups easier. By showing the correlation between performance (work quality), physiological data, and GPS provided position, one can effectively monitor a team member's well being and safety from a remote base station.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2001) September 11 - 14, 2001 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	267 - 273
Cite this article:	S., Hoffman Gregory, Miller,, M, Mikel, "Real Time Personal Positioning and Physiological Monitoring System," Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2001), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2001, pp. 267-273.
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