Distance Bounded Impulse Radio for Continuous Glucose Sensor

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant This proposed project aims to develop an advanced telemetry system for body worn continuous glucose sensors using a new radio based on ultra wideband impulse radio technology The proposed radio features ultra low power and multiple layers of security including distance bounding for secure reliable and low cost body area sensor networks There has been an increasing interest in body area sensor networks due to a number of factors The technology for low power radios and microprocessors due to improved silicon technologies has dramatically increased the capabilities and miniaturization of sensors for health monitoring Furthermore the number of older Americans has been increasing and is projected to continue to increase significantly in the future According to the administration of aging the older population numbered million in and is estimated to be about million in There is a desire to use technology to help the older population maintain independent lives for increased quality of life and decreased health care costs There are many research projects and some products that use existing wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Zigbee for body area sensor networks These technologies have been used primarily for their ubiquity as opposed to being the optimum solution The use of these technologies and more specifically the frequency spectrum that they occupy is increasing dramatically with smartphones and other mobile devices wireless home networks etc causing increasing levels of interference Another issue with utilizing standard wireless technologies in their current state is privacy and security The proposed radio technology provides a layer approach to security including encryption and distance bounding The new design also offers a unique interference detection scheme that allows for real time pauses and resumption during interference in the middle of packet transfers A secure link is necessary for patient protection for applications where the sensor is being used to directly provide therapy decisions such as a wireless link between a glucose sensor and an insulin pump in an artificial pancreas This proposed new wireless link will provide enhanced security improved resilience to interference and lower operating power than existing solutions We have assembled a highly qualified team with proven success to develop this patent pending design with a partnership with a medical device designer and manufacturer to ensure commercial success PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE According to the administration of aging the older population persons years or older numbered million in representing of the U S population and is expected to increase to million older persons by This is driving an increased desire for body area sensor networks for improved health and quality of life Increased use of body sensor networks is driving the need for improved wireless technologies