The Wide Angle: 10 Ways Bio-Networks Can Improve LifeBy Jonathan Strickland, HowStuffWorks.com
The Body Electronic Electronic devices so common outside the body could one day be attached to, or even inside us, monitoring our vital signs.
Got Something to Say?Speak up here:
We're rapidly heading toward a future in which computers are pervasive -- and maybe even invasive. We already have computers in our houses, offices and cars, radio frequency identification tags on packaging and GPS in our cell phones and cars. Many of the latest televisions on the market have computers inside them. But before much longer we'll be wearing devices on our clothes and perhaps even incorporating them into our bodies. These ubiquitous computing devices will create biosensor networks. You can probably guess what a biosensor network is from its name. It consists of several networked sensors mounted on or implanted in a living being. The sensors collect data -- data about the carrier itself, the surrounding environment or both. Then the sensors put that data through a preliminary analysis and send it wirelessly to other devices for further processing. A biosensor network can be simple: As you step into a room, a sound system begins to play your favorite music. Or they can be very complex: A tiny sensor inside your body monitors your heart rate and sends the information to your physician. While we're making great progress on the technical front, there are still some tricky questions to answer regarding privacy and security. There are several pilot studies and projects across the globe that will incorporate these sensors in the hopes of creating networks that will make our lives more pleasant. We'll look at just a small sample of some of the most promising applications of biosensor networks. More on How Tech Works from |
advertisement
GET MORE OF THE WIDE ANGLE!Networked sensors mounted on or implanted in a living being collect data from the body, the surrounding environment or both and then send it wirelessly to other devices for processing. This Wide Angle looks at how these sensors, electronic textiles and small electronic devices are being harnessed to improve health and safety and enhance our entertainment experiences.
Download the Tech Widget
|
-
our sites
-
video
mobile
-
shop
-
stay connected
-
corporate
