PRODUCT CONCEPTUALIZATION AND PROTOTYPING
IoT BASED HEALTHCARE MONITORING SYSTEM
Submitted By
Guided By
Mrs. P.SARANYA ME
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
ANNAI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLGY
KOVILACHERI, KUMBAKONAM
Aim:
The aim of the IoT Healthcare Monitoring system is to continuously monitor vital
health parameters of patients using sensors, process and transmit this data to the
cloud in real-time, and enable remote monitoring through a mobile application.
The system is designed to provide timely alerts for abnormal readings, facilitating
proactive healthcare management and ensuring patient safety.
Apparatus Required
Heart Rate Sensor (e.g., Pulse Sensor)
Temperature Sensor (e.g., LM35 or DS18B20)
Blood Pressure Sensor (e.g., BMP180 or similar)
SpO₂ Sensor (Oxygen Saturation Sensor)
Microcontroller (Arduino/ESP32)
Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266) or GSM Module
LCD Display (optional)
Buzzer or LED for alert notifications
Power Supply (Battery or Adapter)
1. Heart Rate Sensor (Pulse Sensor):
The heart rate sensor detects the pulse rate by measuring the blood flow through
the fingertip or wrist. It converts the pulsatile blood flow into an electrical signal,
which is then processed by the microcontroller to calculate beats per minute
(BPM). The sensor ensures continuous monitoring of heart rate and detects
abnormal conditions like tachycardia or bradycardia.
This sensor is critical for real-time monitoring, as it allows early detection of
cardiovascular issues. Its compact size and non-invasive nature make it suitable for
wearable healthcare devices, providing accurate and reliable data for remote
healthcare management.
Heart Rate Sensor (Pulse Sensor)
2. Temperature Sensor (LM35/DS18B20):
The temperature sensor measures the patient’s body temperature and converts it
into a digital or analog signal. The microcontroller reads this data to monitor for
fever or hypothermia conditions in real-time. The sensor provides high accuracy
and low error in readings, which is essential for detecting early signs of infection
or illness.
It plays a vital role in continuous patient monitoring systems. By integrating with
the IoT platform, temperature data is transmitted to the cloud for real-time access
by healthcare providers, allowing prompt intervention if abnormal readings are
detected.
Temperature Sensor (LM35/DS18B20)
3. Blood Pressure Sensor (e.g., BMP180 or similar):
The blood pressure sensor measures systolic and diastolic pressure, providing
essential information about cardiovascular health. The sensor works with a cuff or
piezoelectric module to detect arterial pressure changes and converts them into
signals readable by the microcontroller.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure helps in managing conditions like
hypertension and hypotension. The system can trigger alerts when readings exceed
safe thresholds, allowing caregivers or doctors to take immediate action,
preventing serious health complications.
Blood Pressure Sensor (e.g., BMP180 or similar)
4. SpO₂ Sensor (Oxygen Saturation Sensor):
The SpO₂ sensor measures oxygen saturation in the blood using light absorption
techniques. The sensor emits light through the fingertip and measures the amount
absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The microcontroller calculates
the percentage of oxygen saturation and pulse rate from this data.
Monitoring oxygen levels is vital for patients with respiratory illnesses or COVID-
19. Abnormal readings can trigger alerts via the IoT system, ensuring timely
medical intervention. The sensor provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring,
enhancing patient safety in both hospital and home environments.
SpO₂ Sensor (Oxygen Saturation Sensor)
5. Microcontroller (Arduino/ESP32):
The microcontroller acts as the brain of the system, collecting data from all
sensors and processing it in real-time. It performs calculations, filters noise from
sensor signals, and prepares the data for transmission to the cloud.
It also controls local alerts like buzzer or LED notifications when abnormal
readings are detected. The microcontroller’s programmability allows integration
with IoT platforms, enabling remote monitoring through mobile apps and
dashboards, ensuring seamless healthcare tracking.
Microcontroller (Arduino/ESP32):
6. Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266) / GSM Module:
The Wi-Fi or GSM module is responsible for transmitting sensor data from the
microcontroller to the cloud. It allows real-time monitoring of patient health by
healthcare providers from anywhere.
This module ensures reliable connectivity for remote monitoring and sends
automatic alerts in case of abnormal readings. It is essential for creating an IoT-
based healthcare system, where continuous data transmission enhances patient
safety and proactive medical response.
Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266) / GSM Module
7. LCD Display (Optional):
LCD display shows real-time sensor readings locally, such as heart rate, body
temperature, and oxygen saturation. It provides instant feedback to patients or
caregivers without needing a mobile device.
Local display acts as a backup in case of connectivity issues and helps in
immediate visualization of vital parameters. It also makes the system user-friendly
for non-technical users, supporting better self-monitoring at home.
LCD Display (Optional):
8. Buzzer / LED for Alerts:
The buzzer or LED provides immediate visual or audible alerts when sensor
readings go beyond safe limits. It ensures quick response to abnormal health
conditions.
This component complements remote alerts sent via mobile apps. It enhances
patient safety by alerting nearby caregivers or the patient themselves, making the
system effective for continuous monitoring and timely intervention.
9. Power Supply (Battery / Adapter):
The power supply provides stable energy to the microcontroller, sensors, and
communication modules. Batteries make the system portable, while adapters are
used for stationary setups.
A reliable power source ensures uninterrupted monitoring and real-time data
transmission. Low-power design and backup options increase system reliability,
preventing downtime that could risk patient safety.
Power Supply (Battery / Adapter)
Block Diagram
Key Use Cases and Applications of IoT Based
Healthcare Monitoring System
1. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
IoT allows the monitoring of patients out of hospital and those
needing supervision for a chronic disease, recovering from
surgery, and other recent discharge from the hospital (acute
or chronic). RPM has been shown to reduce readmissions by
as much as 20%, while increasing compliance with the care
plan and reducing costs.
2. Emergency Response and Fall Detection
Connected sensors detect falls and send SOS alerts for
elderly or at-risk patients. They share real-time situational
awareness and location. Rescue networks respond quickly to
deliver immediate support.
3. Medication Management
Devices in IoT healthcare monitoring systems track
medication compliance effectively. They notify patients and
care teams about missed or incorrect dosages. RFID or NFC
tagging confirms if medications are legitimate.
4. Hospital Asset and Staff Tracking
Smart sensors have been integrated on the drugs, equipment
and staff, allowing for accurate tracking of assets and
employees, while reducing waste and optimizing resource
workflows.
5. Chronic Disease Management
Continuous monitoring of patients with diabetes, heart
disease, or respiratory problems can facilitate better
monitoring of patients along specific care pathways, and IoT
allows for easy blood glucose checks, ECGs and respiratory
monitoring.
6. IoT in senior Care
Smart monitoring devices track the vital signs, activities, and
safety of the older adult population allowing for independent
living, while proactively engaging caregivers and clinician
assistance as needed.
7. In-Hospital Patient Monitoring
A Smart Health Monitoring System based on IoT enables
continuous monitoring of acute care patients in hospitals. It
transmits vital sign data directly to the care team. This
reduces time, errors, and the need for manual check-ins.
8. Post-operative and Rehabilitation Care
IoT can effectively monitor recovering patients from an
external site to identify complications early, optimize
rehabilitation exercises, and keep the care team engaged
without having to see the patient frequently.
9. Mental Health and Wellness Monitoring
Connected wearables and apps for monitoring sleep and
activity and behavioral routines reveal important information
to health care teams and alert them to potential relapses or
crisis situations, especially vulnerable individuals.
Benefits of Healthcare Monitoring System
Using IOT for Patients
Below are the essential benefits one get with healthcare
monitoring system using IOT, check it out:
Ongoing Monitoring: In instances where a patient is
required to seek treatment we can provide 24 hours, 7
days a week observation of a patient outside of the
clinical space, which reduces the likelihood of negative
health experiences.
Early Detection: Automated detection systems reduce
the risk of hospitalization through the detection of either
short and/or long severity changes outside of significant
symptoms that would trigger a visit to a clinical
space/trip to ED.
Convenience: Patients can send vital signs without a
trip to the clinic, saving time and money.
Personalized Health: Through data and analytics, we
can assist with disease management and provide
proactive care as the health of the individual may
dictate.
Benefits of Smart Healthcare
Monitoring System Based On IOT
for Healthcare Provider
Improved Efficiency: Automating vitals collection and
asset tracking helps ease the workload on medical
personnel and expand service to more patients
efficiently.
Better Decision-Making: Real-time, longitudinal data
can help clinicians make better clinical decisions.
Cost Savings: Reducing hospital readmissions, and,
reducing in-person monitoring, all lead to a cost-
reduction approach to long-term patient monitoring.
Better Patient Engagement: Patients are involved in
their own health journey versus passive management
that leads to longer costs, lower adherence, and poorer
outcomes.
Scalability: Cloud-based monitoring systems can do all
of the above for many thousands of patients, all with the
same infrastructure across multiple sites.
when they can assure the detect/dispatch capabilities in
the event of an emergency.
Benefits of Using IoT in Healthcare
The IoT will reshape healthcare as we know it, with profound
implications. In terms of how apps, devices, and people communicate with
each other to deliver healthcare solutions, we have reached a whole new
level of evolution. The IoT has given us a new perspective and tools for an
integrated healthcare network, greatly improving healthcare quality.
The IoT has made it possible to automate healthcare procedures
that previously required a significant amount of time and left room for error
due to human involvement. For example, to control airflow and
temperature in operating rooms, many hospitals now use networked
devices.
There are almost endless ways the IoT can improve medical care; however,
the following are some of the key benefits:
Reduced cost of care.
Human errors are reduced.
Elimination of the limitations of distance.
Reduced amounts of paperwork and record keeping.
Chronic diseases are detected early.
Improvements in medication management.
The need for prompt medical care.
Better treatment outcomes.
System Architecture
1. Sensing Layer (Data Collection)
Sensors attached to the patient’s body measure physiological parameters such
as:
Heart rate (Pulse sensor)
Blood pressure (BP sensor)
Body temperature (Temperature sensor)
Oxygen saturation (SpO₂ sensor)
ECG (Electrocardiogram sensor)
Glucose level (Glucose sensor)
These sensors are connected to a microcontroller or microprocessor (like
Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32).
2. Processing Layer
The microcontroller collects and processes the sensor data.
It converts analog signals from sensors into digital values.
It may preprocess the data (filter noise, normalize readings, etc.).
It formats the data for transmission.
3. Communication Layer
The processed data is sent to a cloud server or mobile application via
communication protocols such as:
Wi-Fi (ESP8266 / ESP32)
Bluetooth / BLE
GSM / 4G / 5G
LoRa / Zigbee (for
long-range or low-power applications)
MQTT / HTTP (for cloud communication)
4. Cloud Layer
The data is stored and analyzed on a cloud platform such as:
ThingSpeak
Firebase
AWS IoT Core
Microsoft Azure IoT Hub
Google Cloud IoT
The cloud performs:
Data visualization (graphs, dashboards)
Trend analysis
Alerts or notifications (SMS, Email, App)
5. Application Layer
The user interface allows:
Patients to view their health stats.
Doctors to monitor multiple patients remotely.
Alerts in case of abnormal readings (e.g., low SpO₂ or high BP).
It may include:
Mobile App (Android/iOS)
Web Dashboard
Typical Components Used
Componat Function
Arduino / ESP32
Central controller
Pulse Sensor Heart rate monitoring
LM35 / DS18B20 Body temperature sensor
MAX30100 / SpO₂ and pulse rate
MAX30102
BP Sensor (e.g., Blood pressure measurement
MPX5050)
ECG Sensor Heart electrical activity
(AD8232)
Wi-Fi Module Internet connectivity
(ESP8266)
LCD/OLED Local display of readings
Display
Buzzer / LED Local alert system
Working Principle of IoT Healthcare Monitoring System
The Internet of Things (IoT) integrates sensors, microcontrollers, and
internet connectivity to continuously monitor and transmit a patient’s health
data to doctors or caregivers in real time.
🧩 Step-by-Step Working Principle
1. Data Sensing (Input Stage)
Biomedical sensors are attached to the patient’s body.
These sensors continuously measure physiological parameters such
as:
o Heart rate
o Body temperature
o Blood pressure
o Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
o ECG signals
Each sensor converts the patient’s biological signals into electrical
signals.
🩺 Example:
If the heart rate increases, the pulse sensor generates a corresponding voltage
change.
2. Data Processing (Controller Stage)
The signals from the sensors are sent to a microcontroller (like
Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32).
The controller:
o Reads and digitizes sensor signals.
o Filters out noise or inaccurate readings.
o Prepares the data in readable format (e.g., BPM, °C, %SpO₂).
🧠 This step ensures accurate and clean data is ready to transmit.
3. Data Transmission (Communication Stage)
The processed data is transmitted wirelessly using:
o Wi-Fi (ESP32 / ESP8266)
o Bluetooth / GSM / 4G / LoRa
The data is uploaded to a cloud server or IoT platform such as:
o ThingSpeak
o Firebase
o AWS IoT
o Azure IoT
📡 Communication Protocols: MQTT, HTTP, or HTTPS are commonly used.
4.Data Storage and Analysis (Cloud Stage)
The cloud platform receives and stores the incoming health data.
It performs:
o Data visualization (graphs, dashboards).
o Analysis to check if readings are within normal limits.
o AI/ML-based prediction (in advanced systems).
Example:
If body temperature > 38°C, the cloud system flags a fever alert.
5.Alerts and Notifications (Output Stage)
When an abnormal value is detected:
o An alert message (SMS, email, app notification) is sent to the
doctor or family.
o The device may also trigger a local buzzer or LED alert.
Doctors can view real-time health data remotely via a web or mobile
dashboard.
📲 Example:
“ALERT: Heart rate 130 bpm detected for Patient A.”
6.Continuous Monitoring (Loop)
The system continuously repeats the above steps.
Data is updated in real-time or at fixed intervals (e.g., every 10
seconds).
Ensures 24×7 patient monitoring without the need for physical
presence.
Main Idea
The system connects:
Sensors (to measure health parameters)
Microcontroller / Processor (to process the data)
Internet connection (to send data)
Cloud platform or mobile app (to store, analyze, and display results)
This allows remote health monitoring, early disease detection, and
emergency alerts without requiring the patient to visit the hospital
frequently.
🧩 Example
A patient wears a small device containing:
A heart rate sensor
A temperature sensor
A Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller (ESP32)
➡ The device continuously reads the patient’s heart rate and temperature.
➡ It sends the data to a cloud platform (like ThingSpeak or Firebase).
➡ If an abnormal reading is detected (e.g., high temperature or low oxygen),
the system automatically sends an alert to the doctor or family via SMS or
app notification.
💡 Purpose
Early warning for abnormal
Continuous real-time health tracking
conditions
Remote patient monitoring
Reducing hospital visits and costs
Better care for elderly or chronically ill patients
Short Definition :
A system that uses sensors and technology to continuously measure
and monitor vital health parameters of a person to ensure early detection
of abnormalities.
Advantages of IoT Healthcare Monitoring System
1. Real-Time Monitoring
o Continuously tracks patient health parameters like heart rate,
blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
o Enables immediate action in case of abnormal readings.
2. Remote Monitoring
o Doctors can monitor patients from anywhere through mobile apps
or dashboards.
o Reduces the need for hospital visits.
3.Early Detection of Health Issues
o Detects abnormalities like high blood pressure, low oxygen, or
irregular heart rate early.
o Helps prevent critical health events or emergencies.
4.Data Storage and Analysis
o Stores historical data for long-term health tracking.
o Helps doctors analyze trends and make informed decisions.
3. Time and Cost Saving
o Reduces unnecessary hospital visits and medical expenses.
Pulse Sensor
An alternate name of this sensor is heartbeat sensor or
heart rate sensor. The working of this sensor can be done by
connecting it from the fingertip or human ear to Arduino board. So that
heart rate can be easily calculated.
Temperature Sensor
Similar to any other sensor, the Arduino Temperature
Sensor is used to sense the temperature and quantify the
temperature measured in a measurable quantity which is voltage in
this case.
Arduino Uno
All Arduino boards need electric power to function. A power
supply is what is used to provide electric power to the boards and typically
can be a battery, USB cable, AC adapter or a regulated power source device.
There are different ways to power your Arduino board. The most
common way is through the USB connector available on every board, but
there are a few other possibilities to power your board. If you like to know
more about this, the different ways to supply power to your board are listed
below:
Conclusion:
IoT-based healthcare monitoring systems represent a
transformative approach to patient care by enabling real-time monitoring,
early detection of health issues, and efficient management of medical data.
These systems improve the quality of healthcare services, reduce
response times in emergencies, and allow healthcare providers to make data-
driven decisions.
By integrating sensors, wireless communication, and cloud
analytics, IoT healthcare solutions offer continuous patient monitoring,
personalized treatment plans, and enhanced overall patient safety.
As technology advances, these systems are expected to become
more accurate, cost-effective, and widely accessible, contributing
significantly to proactive and preventive healthcare.