standard medical monitoring. It is possible to measure the
blood pressure using wearable sensors through a modified
volume-oscillometric technique which eliminates the need for
an inflatable pressure cuff [5] and using earphone and mobile
device [6].
In the area of sport and training there is an increasing trend
of using various wearable sensors. Something, for example,
measurement of sweat rate which was possible only in the
laboratory based system a few years back is now possible
using wearable sensors [7]–[9].
The use of wearable sensors has made it possible to have
the necessary treatment at home for patients after an attack of
diseases such as heart-attacks, sleep apnea, Parkinson disease
and so on [10]–[12]. Patients after an operation usually go
through the recovery/rehabilitation process where they follow
a strict routine. All the physiological signals as well as
physical activities of the patient are possible to be monitored
with the help of wearable sensors. During the rehabilitation
stage the wearable sensors may provide audio feedback, virtual
reality images and other rehabilitative services. The system can
be tuned to the requirement of individual patient. The whole
activity can be monitored remotely by doctors, nurses or
caregivers [13].
A significant amount of research is currently undergoing in
the development of a smart sensing system to detect falls of
elderly within the home [14]–[16]. Falls are the single largest
cause of injury in New Zealand [1] and it may be true for
any other country. In New Zealand one in every three people
over the age of sixty five years has a fall every year and it
increases to one in two for the age of over eighty years [1].
Falls may lead to several major health problems for the elderly
and immediate help needs to be provided to reduce the risk of
complications. In the absence of quick help, the elderly may
suffer pain, go through emotional distress and even develop
other medical complications such as dehydration, hypothermia
and so on. The wearable smart panic button can also provide
a mental peace to the elderly [1], [3].
It is now an everyday news [17] that the wearable
electronics devices and technologies, such as heart rate
monitors, smart watches, tracking devices (including PillCam)
and smart glasses (google glass), etc. are experiencing a period
of rapid growth. Fitness devices are by far the most mature
market, making up 97% of the projected value in 2013, though
this will fall dramatically as smart watch and smart glasses
categories develop and products with embedded sensors
that track and analyse physical or other movements and
activity. Future wearable technology reports that the wearable
technologies will impact future medical technology, affecting
i