Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
6. AAL systems composition
6.1. Reference architecture
The chart below depicts a three-layer networking approach to enable communication
and connectivity between devices and services in the area of AAL. This model has
been presented in the European project MyHeart for tele-monitoring and remote patient
monitoring and has been adopted and translated into a more abstract form by the
Continua architecture team. This version is slightly adapted to reflect the two main
categories of users: clients and caregivers.
This top-level view of AAL systems consists of seven classes of components:
PAN devices:
this class consists of sensors, actuator devices and controllers which are
in-body, on-body or wearable near-body devices. They will collect raw data from one
or more sensors or control one or more actuators. They can have local processing from
raw data and aggregate data from multiple sensors. They can also give some basic
emergency feedback, e.g. using lights and/or sound, when relevant or as a fallback, e.g.
when communication to an application-hosting device is not possible for some reason.
PAN interface:
this class is intended to realize the connectivity, communication and
data exchange from PAN devices with one or more application hosting devices. This
means that besides basic connectivity and communication protocols standardization of
messages is also important. The network should be able to handle dynamic
configurations so registration and discovery or pairing protocols are needed. Security is
important when it relates to safety (the prohibition of unauthorized access to certain
devices and especially to the application-hosting device) and transfer of sensitive data
(e.g. healthcare data). Due to the characteristics of the PAN devices, low power is also
an issue. It is important that a device does not simply drop dead when it is out of power
but a timely warning is given for recharging or battery replacement.
LAN devices:
this class consists of sensors, actuator devices and controllers which are
stationary, may be movable in a room, house, car or public spaces. The devices will
collect raw data from one or more sensors or control one or more actuators. They can
have local processing from raw data and collect data from multiple sensors. They can
also give some basic emergency feedback, e.g. using lights and/or sound, when
relevant or as a fall back, e.g. when communication to an application-hosting device is
not possible for some reason.
LAN interface:
this class is intended to realize the connectivity, communication and
data exchange from LAN devices with one or more application-hosting devices. This
means that besides basic connectivity and communication protocols standardization of
messages is also important. The network should be able to handle dynamic
configurations so registration and discovery or pairing protocols are needed. Security is
a topic when it relates to safety (the prohibition of unauthorized access to certain
devices and especially to the application-hosting device) and transfer of sensitive data
(e.g. healthcare data). Power constraints might be less sensitive than for the PAN
interface but for devices that are not connected to power outlet it is still an issue. It is
