ABSTRACT
Inspecting the human body like a parasite has often been a subject in science fiction novels and movies. In Fantastic Voyage, a 1966 film, scientists developed technology that could miniaturize matter by shrinking individual atoms. Agents used the miniaturized submarine Proteus to remove a blood clot in a scientist’s brain. Today, this vision has been in part implemented in the real world. This chapter explores sensors that can be swallowed, attached to the skin, and worn as a headset or shoes. These wearable sensors are called body media, and they represent a revolution in personal and affordable diagnostics. The areas covered in this chapter are just a few snapshots of a big wave in wearable sensors, including
• Body-area networks (BANs) • Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) • Epidermal electronics • Capsule cameras, or pill cameras
A number of wearable health sensors have come into our lives: pedometers, Fitbit activity sensors, and eWatches. They are inexpensive, simple, and fitness oriented. Here, we focus on more advanced ambient diagnostic systems.
