Continuous Body Monitoring - Ambient Intelligence for Scientific Discovery - page 213

Fig. 10. The HealthWear armband. Back view, right, is without strap.
The HealthWear System automatically records and tracks calories burned.
Tracking calories consumed is enhanced with an innovative online food diary. The
system goes one step further to compare the data, report the results, and recom-
mend to the user ways in which to reach their personal weight goals. Screenshots
from the HealthWear application are shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9.
From a technology perspective, HealthWear is both a medical device and
wearable computer - two product categories often equated with technology-
centric complexity. To reduce this perception, the team created a goal to take the
best parts of these product categories: the accuracy implied in medical devices
and leading-edge technology implied in wearable computers, and blend them into
a new form and interaction experience that conveys empowerment and health. A
highly ergonomic and body shaped form factor, integrated and seamless material
transitions achieved through over and insert-molding, and soft, light colors help
convey this perceptual message (see Fig. 10).
The HealthWear armband has only one button, which is used to view the
memory and battery status. All other interactions are automated, increasing
simplicity, reducing user error and reinforcing the advanced nature of the device.
The HealthWear armband turns on simply by sliding it on. Once the armband
detects that it is being worn, the armband turns on. A short vibration and
friendly sound sequence indicate that the armband is starting to monitor. When
the wearer slides the armband off, it turns off.
Uploading the data stored on the armband to the HealthWear website is just
as easy. While wearing the armband the user opens the Weight Center software
and transmits their information through a small Wireless Communicator con-
nected to the user's PC USB port. This device is a disk 65mm in diameter,
domed to 20mm at the center and 4mm at the edge.
By reducing the size of the technology and enabling the system with online
software, HealthWear liberates clinically accurate weight monitoring from the
lab, allowing patients to proactively monitor their goals in a free-living fashion,
see their progress in the context of everyday living, predict their weight loss or
gain trend, and share results with their health care provider. The HealthWear