Implementation of an Intelligent Neonatal Monitoring System using Rasperry PI

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to develop An Intelligent Monitoring System for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Recently many premature babies have lost their lives due to a lack of proper monitoring of the incubator that leads to accidents. A neonatal incubator is enclosed equipment where a pre-mature infant will be kept in a clean and controlled environment for observation and care. Monitoring pre-mature infants continuously require sensors. As the temperature, respiration, and movements play a vital role during the development of premature weak infants,  this work develops a wireless system that continuously monitors these parameters inside the NICU. The analog signals from sensors are processed using a Raspberry pi. The Raspberry Pi B+ module is used to Control the total system of the hardware, sensors are incorporated to detect the baby's movement and the Pi camera is used to capture the baby's motion and further transmitted towards the receiving end with the help of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) modem. The system is equipped with a GSM module, enabling it to send the measured parameters periodically via a short message service (SMS). The system can also send information about emergencies, such as temperature(>32 or <23), respiration, baby movements (>10). The information is then transferred to their parents through a wireless network. The system is extended for interfacing with mobile phones to enable remote monitoring. Also, it activates a buzzer and gives alerts on the phone. The block diagram of the proposed system is shown in figure 1. The photograph of the prototype developed is shown in figure 2. The development of monitoring and imaging techniques makes predictive techniques more accurate and helps to prevent some complications. This proposed system can provide an easier and convenient way for parents and nurses in terms of taking care of premature infants.