Considerations for Synchronization in Body Area Networks for Human Activity Monitoring

• Published in: International journal of wireless information networks Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 280 - 294
• Main Authors: Plomp, Johan, Heiskanen, Mikko, Hillukkala, Mika, Heikkilä, Tapio, Rehu, Jari, Lambert, Niek, van Acht, Victor, Ahola, Tom
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-12-2011
• Subjects: Electrical Engineering; Engineering; Motion sensing; Wireless body area networks; Wireless networks; Synchronization; Activity sensing
• ISSN: 1068-9605; 1572-8129
• DOI: 10.1007/s10776-011-0136-2

In this paper, we highlight considerations for synchronization issues in body area networks. Requirements for the synchronization accuracy in body area networks depend on the application at hand. Synchronization may be needed for power management, sample ordering, calculation of stimulus responses and for sensor fusion. This paper provides a theoretical exercise to help understand the accuracy required for typical human motion sensing. It gives an overview of various synchronisation strategies used and implemented in prototype systems. Lessons learnt from practical implementations using Bluetooth, an IEEE 802.15.4 proprietary network and Nanonet are presented to illustrate the principles involved. The discussion provides some considerations and the requirements for typical WBAN applications.