Data is the key to any scientific research. Today, many data-recording devices for obtaining raw data are available in the market. Versatile Innovations is developing such a data-recording device that is portable, lightweight and capable of capturing and recording 16 different channels of physiological signals simultaneously. This device would help researchers at the Living Laboratory to conduct research activities that improve the “fit” between people and their daily living and working environments by studying people’s interaction with devices, assistive technology, and environmental features.
Our 16-channel physiological signal data logger allows monitoring and recording of electrical activities of the heart, muscle and brain, the arterial oxygen saturation level in the blood stream, and body temperature. It also records data collected from force, acceleration, and pressure sensors to monitor physical activities

Chan, Fiona

Chan, Karen

Jien, Andy

Shieh, Sean

Versatile Innovations

Simon Fraser University Institutional Repository

Versatile InnovationsSchool of Engineering ScienceSimon Fraser UniversityV5A 1S6versatile-innovations@sfu.caJanuary 19, 1999Dr. Andrew RawiczSchool of Engineering ScienceSimon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, B.CV5A 1S6Re: ENSC 370 Project Proposal for a Physiological Signal Data LoggerDear Dr. Rawicz,The attached document, Proposal for a Physiological Signal Data Logger, brieflyoutlines our project for ENSC 370.  Our project is to design a signal data logger for theLiving Laboratory, a joint venture between SFU and BCIT.  This device is to be used asa part of the Living Laboratory to record various physiological data during a studysession.We are proposing to design and fabricate a portable signal data logger that is capable ofmonitoring and recording of 16 different input signal simultaneously.  The data logger isprogrammed through a personal computer with a software tool.  After recording, the datacollected will be transferred to a PC and analyzed.  This proposal includes our teamorganization, a preliminary schedule, a proposed budget and our source of funding, andan overview of our systemVersatile Innovations consists of four third-year engineering students – Fiona Chan,Karen Chan, Andy Jien, and Sean Shieh.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel freeto contact Andy Jien at 420-0782 or yjien@sfu.ca.Sincerely,Andy Jien, ChairpersonVersatile InnovationsEnclosure: Proposal for a Physiological Signal Data LoggerVERSATILE  INNOVATIONSProposal for a Physiological Data Signal LoggerSubmitted by: Versatile InnovationsFiona Chan, Karen Chan, Andy Jien, Sean ShiehContact: Andy JienSchool of Engineering ScienceSimon Fraser Universityyjien@sfu.caSubmitted to: Andrew RawiczSchool of Engineering ScienceSimon Fraser UniversityIvan LiProject LeaderHealth Applied Research and DevelopmentTechnology CentreSteve WhitmoreSchool of Engineering ScienceSimon Fraser UniversityDate: January 19, 1999   Versatile Innovations Project ProposaliiExecutive SummaryIn any scientific study, the analysis obtained from data is crucial to the success of theexperiment.  In many experiments, data are obtained from signals of various sources.  Forexample, meteorological experiments often need weather information from remotelocations.  The reliability and capability of the data-recording device play important rolesin obtaining raw data.  In many life science fields like medicine and kinesiology, subjectbeing studied such as brainwave often emits signals that are hard to measure.  Moreover,the signals from various sensors sometimes have drastically different characteristics.Data loggers for these signals have to be differentiated from other industrial standard dataloggers.Living Laboratory is a human factor research facility.  It is a join venture between SimonFraser University (SFU) and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).  In thestudy of human factors, dozens of conditions of a human body are often being monitoredat the same time.  Dr. James Watzke is the Project Leader of the Living Lab.  Through apresentation during our lecture time, Dr. Watzke  reveals their need for a signal datalogger to facilitate the study of human factor.  After meeting with the project leader of theLiving Lab, Mr. Ivan, Li, we agreed to design a signal data logger to meet their demand.We propose to develop a signal data logger system that will solve the problems that theLiving Lab is currently facing.  Data loggers from various manufacturers are availablecommercially.  Nevertheless, many loggers in the market do not offer the functionsdesired by the Living Lab.  Moreover, many of the existing products are not engineeredto record physiological signals.  Our signal data logging system will be speciallydesigned with the needs of the Living Lab in consideration.We are Versatile Innovations, a team consists of four third year engineering sciencestudents.  We propose to develop the system with a $2500 budget.  The LivingLaboratory will be the main source of funding for materials necessary for construction ofour first functional prototype.  Such a prototype for the signal data logger is scheduled forcompletion by April 6, 1998.   Versatile Innovations Project ProposaliiiTable of ContentsExecutive Summary ......................................................................................................iiTable of Contents .........................................................................................................iiiList of Figures and Tables............................................................................................ ivIntroduction................................................................................................................... 1System Overview........................................................................................................... 2Sources of Information ................................................................................................. 6Budget............................................................................................................................ 6Funding.......................................................................................................................... 6Schedule......................................................................................................................... 7Team Organization ....................................................................................................... 8Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 8References...................................................................................................................... 9Glossary ....................................................................................................................... 10Appendix   Versatile Innovations Project ProposalivList of Figures and TablesFigure 1: Typical activities of the system ...................................................................... 2Figure 2: Configuration mode ....................................................................................... 3Figure 3: Logging mode................................................................................................ 4Figure 4: Upload mode ................................................................................................. 5Figure 5: Project Gantt chart ......................................................................................... 7Figure 6: Project milestone chart................................................................................... 7Table 1: Proposed budget ............................................................................................ 6   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal1IntroductionThe Living Laboratory is a joint venture between SFU and BCIT that concentrates onhuman factors research.  The main goal of this research is to improve the relationshipbetween people and their daily living and working environments.  The LivingLaboratory’s research focuses on the study of people’s interaction with devices,environmental features, and assistive technology.Currently, the Living Laboratory is having difficulties collecting physiological signals(blood pressure, muscle activities, nerve stimulation, etc.) for further research.  Theresearches require a lightweight portable device that is able to collect and store thesephysiological data collected.  The commercially available signal data loggers do not meettheir requirements in size, price, and functionality.Mr. Ivan Li and Dr. James Watzke presented us with this problem and asked for our help.We feel that this Physiological Signal Data Logger has the potential to become a greatproduct.  Such a device can greatly assist physiological research, which will bring forthimprovements to our lives.This document is a proposal providing an overview of our project, a brief systemoverview, a proposed budget and source of funding, sources of information and our teamorganization.  Also included with this document are a preliminary Gantt chart and amilestone chart, which includes all the deadlines for documentation.   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal2System OverviewUsersIn the lab, both the research staff and the test subjects will both use the signal data logger.On one hand, research staff will configure the device as well as analyze the informationcollected by the logger.  On the other hand, test subjects will wear the data logger duringa lab session.  Our goal is to develop a system that provides both types of users with allthe necessary components.Operating modesThe signal data logger operates in three different modes: Configuration, Logging, andUpload.In Configuration Mode, the system allows the users to program the device.Specifications related to the data logging can be specified and recorded onto the deviceunder this mode.  Examples of such specifications are signal types (signal for EEG,EMG, pressure sensors, etc.), clock, recording time, duration, and signal resolution.In Logging Mode, the device receives signals from its inputs and records the data instorage.  Moreover, users can control as well as monitor the status of the device inLogging Mode.The third operating mode of the physiological signal data logger is Upload Mode.  Underthis mode of operation, data stored in the device can be ported to a personal computer.Users can then perform analysis with the information gathered.With these three modes, the system allows users to collect data.  A typical trial utilizesthese three modes sequentially.  Users first setup the device in Configuration Mode.After the device is properly configured and tested, it can then start to record data inLogging Mode.  Upon the completion of data collection, the data can then be uploadedfor further analysis.  After the data has been transferred from the signal data logger to acomputer, the device is available for a recording session of either the same arrangementor a new configuration. The following figure illustrates the life cycle of the system undertypical usage.Figure 1 Typical activities of the system   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal3After introducing the three modes of operations, we can discuss the different overviewsof the system under the three modes.Configuration ModeIn Configuration mode, the signal data logger is connected to a personal computer.  Userscan configure the device with the software tool included in the system.  The figure belowis a system overview under Configuration mode.Figure 2 Configuration mode   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal4Logging ModeIn Logging Mode, the device is connected to one or more signal source.  Although theusers cannot configure the signal logger in this mode, they have the options of resetting,pausing, resuming, and stopping the device.  The built-in display on the data logger alsoprovides feed backs to the users on the status.  Different types of information areavailable in this mode.  Some examples are battery condition, recording progress, andstorage capacity.  Figure 3 is a representation of the system in Logging Mode.Figure 3 Logging mode   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal5Upload ModeAfter the logging session ends, users can transfer the data stored in the logger to apersonal computer for analysis or storage.  To achieve this, the device will be connectedto the personal computer (similar setup as in Configuration Mode).  Using the softwaretool developed by Versatile Innovations, the users can upload the data from the logger tothe PC.  In this mode, the system resembles that of Configuration Mode.  However,instead of “downloading” programs from the PC to the logger, information is uploaded tothe PC.  The next figure (Figure 4) is an overview of the system under such mode.Figure 4 Upload mode   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal6Sources of InformationIn order to achieve the objective of the project, we will get information from a variety ofsources.  One of the main sources would be technical literature of the relevant fields.Also, Internet is another source of information.  Due to the popularity of the web, manycompanies have marketed similar devices on the web.  By analyzing the advantages anddisadvantages of the existing data logger, we have a greater opportunity in designing aphysiological signal data logger that is both high in quality and reasonable in price.In addition, people in the Living Laboratory and the Department of Kinesiology canprovide us with their expertise in the biomedical field.  Dr. James Watzke, an expert ingerontology and psychology, can provide us with input to the user-interface of ourdevice.  We are also looking into the possibility of borrowing the necessary bioelectrodesfrom the Department of Kinesiology at SFU.BudgetTable 1 shows our proposed budget for this project.Table 1 Proposed budgetRequired Components Estimated Cost ($)Microcontroller(s) 150Prototype Board(s) 100Memory Storage Device 200Casing 140Power Supply 120LCD Display 100A/D Converter(s)1 250Data Acquisition Card 900Miscellaneous 250Total Cost 2210FundingSince our project team works in collaboration with the Living Laboratory to develop thisPhysiological Signal Data Logger, our major source of funding is from the LivingLaboratory.  Funding will be provided by the Living Laboratory on the basis that we onlypurchase the necessary components for this project.                                               1 Might not be necessary for this project   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal7ScheduleFigure 4 Project milestone chartFigure 5  Project Gantt chart   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal8Team OrganizationThe project team consists of four innovative, enthusiastic, and intelligent people  AndyJien, Fiona Chan, Karen Chan and Sean Shieh.  We are all third year engineering studentswith at least one work term experience.  Please refer to the resumes in the appendix forour individual skills and experience.Besides the technical tasks assigned to each member during the team meetings, eachmember has an administrative responsibility so as to maximize productivity. Andy Jien,the contact person, is in charge of chairing team meetings.  Sean Shieh is responsible fortaking minutes during meetings and keeping track of the progress of each member toensure all the deadlines are met.  Karen Chan is in charge of the inventory and budget.Fiona Chan is responsible for maintaining a positive atmosphere within the group.A team consists of different individuals, so effective communication is necessary. Wehave meetings twice a week to discuss the progress of each member’s tasks and to updatefuture plans for the project.  A meeting minute is given as a record to the plans set duringthe meeting. A brief weekly report, submitted by each member every Friday, allows eachmember to summarize his or her own achievement during the week. This is to provideeach member in the team a basic understanding of the project progress.We treasure group dynamics.  During group meetings, everybody is encouraged toexpress ideas and listen to suggestions and criticisms.  Once an action item is brought up,action will not be passed until a mutual consensus is reached.  This way, harmony amongteam members can be ensured.This project very challenging to a group of four.  As team working is a crucial element inthis project course, it is also our best tool to overcome the challenges.  We are certain ofthe success of this project and its contribution to the human factors research.ConclusionVersatile Innovations is dedicated to the proposed physiological signal data logger.  Westrongly believe this device will benefit researches in the area of human performance,ergonomics and occupational health and safety.  While our solution to signal data loggingis superior to that in the market, we also ensure the cost of the device to be reasonable.We are confident that we can fabricate a working prototype by April 6, 1999.   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal9ReferencesIvan Li, Acting Director, Health Applied Research and Development, Technology Centre,BCITprivate conversationAndrew Rawicz, Professor, School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser Universityprivate conversationBCIT Technology Center Home, http://www.bcit.bc.ca/~hard   Versatile Innovations Project Proposal10GlossaryEEGElectroencephalogram. A diagnostic test which measures the electrical activityof the brain (brain waves) using high sensitive recording equipment attached tothe scalp by fine electrodes.EMGElectromyography. A test which measures muscle response to nervestimulation. Used to evaluate muscle weakness and to determine if theweakness is related to the muscles themselves or a problem with the nervesthat supply the muscles   Versatile Innovations Project ProposalAppendixResumes

Physiological Signal Data Logger

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Physiological Signal Data Logger

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