Michael Galizzi

Development of a wireless low-power multi-sensor network for motion tracking applications

This work presents a novel wireless and low power Attitude and Heading Reference Systems network based on low-cost MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) sensors, developed for motion tracking systems. Biomedical and rehabilitation purposes as well as gaming and consumer electronics may be the potential applications of this network. The paper aims to describe the hardware architecture, the embedded sensor fusion algorithm and the motion tracking system.

A Novel Body Sensor Network for Parkinson's Disease Patients Rehabilitation Assessment

A miniaturized wireless Attitude and Heading Reference System has been developed with the primary purpose to achieve a body sensor network for motor performance quantitative analysis of Parkinsons disease patients during rehabilitation sessions. The paper describes the performance of the single node, the peculiarities of the developed wearable network and the custom software developed specifically for the Extended Timed-Up-and-Go test. An experimental protocol on Parkinsons Disease patients is currently ongoing. This paper reports the preliminary results, involving 13 patients (mean age 64.6±9) with a moderate disease level and 4 controls (mean age 64.3±4). The data taken during rehabilitation exercise have been analyzed and outcomes are discussed.

A novel Qi-standard compliant full-bridge wireless power charger for low power devices

In this paper a Qi-standard compliant compact wireless power charger system, composed of a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, is presented. The developed system aims to be compliant with the latest revision of Wireless Power Consortiums directives and uses a full-bridge resonant inverter as the main power transmitter architecture. The wireless power transmitter and receiver have been designed with ultra low power and high efficiency electronics components thereby maximizing the overall power transfer efficiency.

neMEMSi: One step forward in wireless attitude and heading reference systems

This work presents neMEMSi, a novel MEMS based inertial and magnetic system-on-board with embedded processing and wireless communication capabilities, providing an ultra low-power and easy to use Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS). Main target applications are navigation systems and inertial based motion tracking technologies. The paper describes the architecture of neMEMSi and provides an evaluation of the performance in terms of key features of state-of-the-art AHRS.

Low power textile-based wearable sensor platform for pH and temperature monitoring with wireless battery recharge

Wearable sensing electronics is gradually coming to the foreground, due to the increasing awareness for health, environment and pollution matters. The inclusion of sensors into garments represents one of the most comfortable solutions for the wearer; this can be achieved by associating miniaturized electronics with smart fabrics. Basing our experience on previous studies on pH sensing, a novel smart fabric has been developed as a pH-meter: an organic and atoxic halochromic dye is sol-gel fixed on the textile for durability and reversibility purposes, and the readout is performed with a miniaturized novel sensing platform, including extremely low-power color and temperature sensors, wireless data transmission and a wireless battery recharge system. The potential applications vary from sweat pH monitoring for sport performances or medical research, to measurements of environmental conditions.

Application of a wireless BSN for gait and balance assessment in the elderly

In developed countries, sedentary lifestyle is a major health risk factor. In elderly people, such mobility limitation is worsened by the reduced self-confidence and the fear of falling, leading to a further motor deterioration. This work presents an application of a wireless Body Sensor Network as a simple and easy-to-use individual motor function assessment tool for elderly. The wearable nodes have been exploited to monitor the body during the Six-Minute Walk Test and a set of stability tests. During the exercises, wearable sensors inertial data, along with the real-time orientation of the platforms, have been exploited to obtain gold-standard indicators (such as total distance) and some additional gait parameters. Stability tests consist of a series of single and double stance exercises aimed to assess the balance of the subject. This paper presents the system, the processing and the preliminary results on two subjects groups of different ages (31±6 and 70.8±7).

Development of an Attitude and Heading Reference System for Motion Tracking Applications

This work presents a novel wireless and low-power platform based on low-cost MEMS (microelectromechanical system) sensors to be used for motion tracking and navigation systems. Biomedical and rehabilitation purposes as well as gaming and consumer electronics may be the potential applications. The paper aims to describe the hardware architecture, the embedded sensor fusion algorithm providing real-time orientation of the platform, and the performance with respect to the state-of-the-art solutions.

Inertial based hand position tracking for future applications in rehabilitation environments

This work is about the application of a wireless and miniaturized MEMS based Attitude and Heading Reference System for the estimation of hands position during standard rehabilitation exercises. The 3D orientation of the platform, computed on-board, along with the acceleration data, are collected by a computer. A specific algorithm has been developed in order to provide a reliable 3D position tracking of the hand without suffering from common error sources of MEMS sensors data processing, such as integration drift, inaccurate calibration procedures and finite integration times. This paper presents the setup, the developed algorithm and the preliminary results achieved with both a mechanical arm and a set of standard physical exercises performed by a human.

A Novel Wireless Battery Recharge System for Wearable/Portable Devices

This work presents a Qi standard compliant wireless power charger system, made of a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver. The developed system aims to be compliant with the latest revision of Wireless Power Consortium’s directives and uses a full-bridge resonant inverter as the main power transmitter architecture. The wireless power transmitter and receiver have been designed with ultra-low-power and high-efficiency electronic components, thereby maximizing the overall power transfer efficiency.

An inertial and environmental wireless platform with advanced energy harvesting capabilities

This work presents neMEMSi-TEG, an ultra-low power MEMS based inertial and magnetic platform with embedded processing and wireless communication capabilities. The platform embeds an advanced energy management IC that allows an extremely high efficiency energy harvesting suitable for low-power and miniaturized Thermoelectric Generators. This paper aims to provide a description of the architecture of the system, the embedded orientation estimation algorithm and the performance in terms of power consumption and orientation accuracy.