Background
Sensor systems are important drivers of digitalization in many different areas. VITAL-SENSE combines technological development, networks and digitalization into one pilot project at the research center. The project is developing miniaturized sensor systems for the continuous monitoring of vital parameters on the subject’s body. The reliability of the information provided (sensor, sensor data fusion and evaluation), the integrability of the sensors (for example into clothing), their size, energy consumption, and security (circuit design, cyber security) must meet high standards. Systems currently used for fitness and wellness do not meet these standards. Current systems are available as individual solutions and cannot combine measurement data. Such combinations would be particularly useful for an overall picture of the subject’s health. In addition, the current systems are not suitable for permanent mobile use. They are not robust, and their positioning is optimized neither in terms of measurement method nor in terms of suitability for everyday use.
Objectives
The aim of VITAL-SENSE is to develop portable systems for real-time local monitoring of the wearer’s health. To achieve this goal, established methods (e.g. pulse oximetry, heart rate measurement) that are already individual components in various applications (e.g. in the fields of medicine and sports) are miniaturized and redesigned so that they can be worn for long periods of time (e.g. by integrating them into clothing). The aim is to use new sensor concepts to create holistic bio-monitoring systems for the detection of specific elements in exhaled air and body fluids such as sweat. These systems will then provide reliable real-time information about individual health. The detection of specific elements by chemical sensors will provide information that, after data fusion and intelligent evaluation, will help us assess health. New sensor components are continuously being added to the VITAL-SENSE systems to detect specific elements and provide further relevant information about personal health. Examples include the detection of stress biomarkers such as cortisol in sweat and breath markers such as isoprene and acetone, which are produced during physical activity.
An important aspect of the VITAL-SENSE sensor systems is multiparameter evaluation. This means that the systems take environmental parameters such as ambient temperature into account to ensure a reliable interpretation of the measurement results. The new VITAL-SENSE systems thus have clear advantages over all currently used systems since the latter only measure individual parameters such as heart rate or blood oxygen levels.
VITAL-SENSE systems must not only provide reliable sensor information. They must also use as little energy as possible so that they are suitable for mobile use. In the future, VITAL-SENSE systems will be personalized and permanently portable systems. Special attention will be paid to secure data processing and secure communication.