Information technologies: opportunities and challenges in personal healthcare systems

The well-being of a person consists of two aspects, the physical and the psychological. Technological development makes it possible to massproduce cheap sensors for personal use. The data collected provide objective and comprehensive personal health information. In this paper, we report our preliminary findings in applying modern information technology to personal healthcare systems. We are constructing a brain activity level model by using EEG signals to objectively measure the effectiveness of meditation, detect mental fatigue and boredom, and comprehend human emotions. Also we have used accelerometer and GPS data to assess sports performance and training enhancement, lower limb injury prevention and recovery monitoring, and falls prevention for aged people. Then we exploit the potential of Kinect devices in monitoring the movements of aged persons in their houses to prevent falls. Finally, we point out some remaining challenges and possible opportunities in using information technologies to deliver personal healthcare.