PFT

In the last decade there has been significant research and development in Body Area Networks (BodyNets) technology. BodyNets have the potential to improve quality of life for people who suffer from chronic conditions. Efficient healthcare management and disease prevention through real time monitoring of various physiological signals have become possible with the aid of wireless sensors. The interactive gaming and entertainment industry has also benefited from this technology. IEEE Std 802.15.6-2012 was released in February 2012 as the first international standard for short-range wireless communications to connect small devices deployed on the surface, inside, or in the peripheral proximity of the human body. This standard specifies the characteristics of the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers for the implementation of BodyNets in industrial, scientific, medical (ISM) bands as well as frequency bands approved by national medical and/or regulatory authorities. IEEE 802.15.6 compliant devices are expected to be available in the market soon. Ongoing research, however, suggests that further improvement of the core technology for BodyNets and their applications can be achieved and the drive for development did not cease with the publication of the standard.

This workshop will serve as an open forum for discussion on the perspectives and future trends in BodyNets technology. Innovative ideas for the future development of BodyNets will be put forth, and their challenges and potential benefits will be thoroughly discussed by the participants. Initiatives for amendments and/or extensions of IEEE Std 802.15.6-2012 will be discussed too. We encourage contributions describing innovative concepts, trends, futuristic ideas, and new research challenges for the further development of BodyNets.