Damien Brulin

BLE localization using RSSI measurements and iRingLA

Over the last few years, indoor localization has been a very dynamic research area that has drawn great attention. Many methods have been proposed for indoor positioning as well as navigation services. A big number of them were based on Radio frequency (RF) technology and Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) for their simplicity of use. The main issues of the studies conducted in this field are related to the improvement of localization factors like accuracy, computational complexity, easiness of deployment and cost. In our study, we used Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for indoor localization in the context of a smart home where an elderly person can be located using an hybrid system that combines radio, light and sound information. In this paper, we propose a model that averages the received signal strength indication (RSSI) at any distance domain which offered accuracy down to 0.4 meters, depending on the deployment configuration.

Instrumented insole for weight measurement of frail people

In this paper, we describe an instrumented shoe insole designed to collect the weight data of a person during his or her daily activities. This research is within a more global project about new wearable systems for monitoring human health status. The work presented compares two solutions: one based on a force-sensing resistor and another one on a pressure sensor. This paper describes the insole device that integrates specific sensors to get weight data and the test bench developed to characterize their performances. The first results show that a 1kg weight change can be obtained which is perfectly meets the needs of healthcare professionals.

Post-test Perceptions of Digital Tools by the Elderly in an Ambient Environment

This article presents the first results about the perception of 33 elderly people about interaction tools in a digital ambient environment. The evaluation of this study is based on the filling of a short questionnaire, and interviews after a presentation of the different possible technologies and the use of a digital automated living lab, centred on a life scenario, by volunteers. The first results show a significant interest of the elderly in the voice interaction mode, in comparison with tactile interaction or switches, as well as a good opinion of the technological tools presented, in the context of a potential future use, for their health, better autonomy and well-being.

Design and evaluation of a smart insole: application for continuous monitoring of frail people at home

Abstract The objectives of this work are to develop a technological solution designed to support active aging of frail older individuals and to conduct a first evaluation of the devices. We wish to bring a reflection in the field of connected health by setting up a remote medical follow-up. In this context, the connected object presented in this article aims at implementation a longitudinal follow-up of the walk by a health professional. Continuous remote data analysis applies behavior learning methods by modeling walking habits and allows the detection of deviations by application of thresholds defined by the expert. We propose an instrumented shoe insole to provide such monitoring (number of steps, distance covered and gait speed). In this perspective, we designed a low power microelectronic device integrated into the thickness of an insole in order to demonstrate the technical feasibility of such a device in laboratory and in living conditions. The project called “FOOT-TEST” is funded by the DIRECCTE of the Midi-Pyrenees Region in France. This project brought together a manufacturer who specializes in the design of foot-care systems, geriatricians and our laboratory specialized in electronics to propose a technical solution adapted to frail individuals. Two smart insole prototypes have been produced and a first evaluation of the smart insole in real use conditions has been performed. According to user feedback, the smart insole seems to be much easier to use than commercial connected pedometers. Moreover, in terms of performance, the smart insole provides better results. In this paper, we present specifications of the device, technological choices and the design of two versions of the smart insole, methods used to measure desired settings, a first evaluation of the system and, finally, preliminary conclusions and work in progress.

Controlled permeation of lidocaine hydrochloride using a smart drug delivery system

Transdermal administration might be an interesting alternative to current routes of administration. It is non-invasive, avoids gastric side effects, and improves bioavailability of the molecules. However, due to the low permeability of the stratum corneum, a permeation enhancement strategy is required to make a large number of molecules suitable to this mode of administration. To overcome those limitations and deliver controlled drugs, a smart transdermal drug delivery system is designing. This paper focusses on the study of transdermal iontophoresis permeation of lidocaine hydrochloride (2%, w/w) across pig ear skin. In vitro iontophoresis experiments were conducted using Franz diffusion cells. Anodal iontophoresis was applied for 30 minutes at different current densities. Samples (1 mL) were withdrawn every 30 minutes from the receptor compartment and replaced with a fresh buffer and then analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results highlight the relationship between current density, time of stimulation, and amount of lidocaine permeated.

Activity Recognition by Classification Method for Weight Variation Measurement with an Insole Device for Monitoring Frail People

Healthcare has become a major field of scientific research and is beginning to merge with new technologies to become connected. Measurement of motor activity provides physicians with indicators in order to improve patient follow up. One important health parameter is weight variation. Measuring these variations is not obvious when a person is walking. This paper highlights the difficulty of providing reliable weight variation values with good accuracy. To reach this objective, the paper presents ways to classify the activity of walking, in order to propose a method to measure weight variation at the right time and in a good position. Many methods were studied and compared, using Matlab. We propose a classification tree that uses the standard deviation of acceleration magnitude to define normal walking. The algorithm was embedded in an insole equipped with two force-sensing resistors and tested in laboratory.

Specifying an MQTT Tree for a Connected Smart Home

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) represents one of the most promising Internet of Things applications due to its influence on the quality of life and health of the elderly people. However, the interoperability is one of the major issues that needs to be addressed to promote the adoption of AAL solutions in real environments, and to find a way of common exchange between the available connected tools to share the data exchanged. This article will present software buses needs and specify an API based on a MQTT software bus treelike architecture. An example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the API developed in a smart home.

Transdermal drug delivery system: Active method for enhancing and controlling lidocaine hydrochloride diffusion

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of iontophoresis on the transport of lidocaine hydrochloride (2%, w/w) across ear pig skin. Our project consists of the development of a transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). The system is designed as a reusable electronic patch where micropump, reservoir, sensors and Bluetooth communication are integrated. Therefore, quantify the iontophoretic diffusion and investigate the effect of different current densities in enhancing and controlling drug delivery is a primordial step. In vitro iontophoresis experiments were conducted using Franz diffusion cells. Iontophoresis was applied for 30 minutes at current density of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mA/cm2. Samples (1 mL) were withdrawn every 30 minutes from the receptor compartment and replaced with fresh buffer and then analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The amount of lidocaine HCl delivered was 247 ± 19, 199 ± 14 and 115 ± 7.11 μg/cm2 for 0.75, 0.5 and 0.25 mA/cm2 respectively and 25.6 ± 3.02 μg/cm2 for passive diffusion. The amount is influenced by current density, and could be therefore enhanced, predicted and controlled by those parameters.