October 24, 2010
School of Engineering, Coimbatore
 

The project Real-Time, Remote, Home-Based, Non-Invasive, Elder Monitoring System created and designed by Vineeth. R, Deepak Krishnan, Akhil. K. S. and Denny. C Jacob, was selected for the final round of the Malayala Manorama Yuva Mastermind Contest.
 

Selected from among 25 projects submitted by students from all over India, this initiative of students of B.Tech. (Electronics and Communication) at the Amritapuri campus, was also chosen for presentation at an international conference earlier this year.
 

“One of the main advantages of this system is that doctors can keep an eye on the physical and medical conditions of their elderly patients from any part of the world,” shared the students. “Based on their observations, they can provide instructions to those attending these patients.”
 

Real-time monitoring of physical and medical conditions is achieved by a student-designed glove that is meant for the patient to wear at home. The attached sensors interface to a PC that monitors the sensor output. Based on the sensor output, the computer sends a message and also makes calls to relatives, doctors, and others concerned, if needed.
 

The proposed system can monitor the heart beat rate, the body temperature and ECG, reflecting the overall condition of the patient. The students used cost-effective sensors in the project that gave precise readings.
 

“The system can be produced as a low-cost device, making effective home-based elderly patient monitoring a reality,” they stated.
 

Mr. Rajesh Kannan, faculty of the Electronics and Communication Department, guided the students.
 

“The students did a great job,” he stated. “They’re so dedicated and sincere. I just guided them by suggesting a course of action to follow.”
 

What is next for the students?
 

“We have three months for completion of the project. Ten thousand rupees has been provided by the contest organizers.”
 

The final round will be conducted as an exhibition in January, 2011. An expert panel will evaluate all exhibited team projects, awarding cash prizes for the winning entries.
 

We wish these students all the best!