Wireless technologies allow medical devices to communicate with each other, with centralized systems, and with healthcare professionals. Common wireless protocols include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G). These protocols enable real-time data transmission and remote monitoring.
The software that runs on microcontrollers is responsible for controlling device operations, data collection, communication, and interactions with sensors and actuators. Firmware is often tailored for specific medical applications and optimized for power efficiency and real-time processing.
Cloud platforms are used to store and process the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices. Services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud provide scalable infrastructure for data storage, analytics, and machine learning.
Various types of sensors are used to capture different physiological, environmental, and activity-related data. Examples include temperature sensors, heart rate monitors, accelerometers, pressure sensors, and more. Actuators, on the other hand, can enable devices to take actions based on collected data, such as adjusting drug dosages in smart infusion pumps.
These are the "brains" of IoT devices. They process data, control device functions, and manage communication. Microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and specialized medical-grade microcontrollers are commonly used.
Medical IoT generates vast amounts of data. Analytics and AI tools are used to derive meaningful insights, identify trends, and make predictions. Machine learning algorithms can assist in diagnosing diseases, detecting anomalies, and personalizing treatment plans.
Mobile applications serve as interfaces for users to interact with medical IoT devices. They display data, provide alerts, and allow users to control device settings. UI/UX design ensures that the app is user-friendly and intuitive.
Security is crucial in medical IoT due to the sensitivity of health data. Technologies such as encryption, secure boot, and secure communication protocols are used to protect data from unauthorized access and breaches.
In cases where real-time processing is critical, data can be processed closer to the device using edge computing. This reduces latency and can be particularly useful in critical medical situations.