Internet of things–based vital sign monitoring system

International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE)
Vol. 10, No. 6, December 2020, pp. 5891~5898
ISSN: 2088-8708, DOI: 10.11591/ijece.v10i6.pp5891-5898  5891
Journal homepage: http://ijece.iaescore.com/index.php/IJECE
Internet of things–based vital sign monitoring system
Alamsyah1
, Mery Subito2
, Mohammad Ikhlayel3
, Eko Setijadi4
1,2
Department of Electrical Engineering, Universitas Tadulako, Indonesia
3
Department of Information Technology and Communications, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine
4
Department of Electrical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia
Article Info ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received Nov 10, 2019
Revised May 9, 2020
Accepted May 22, 2020
Wireless network technology-based internet of things (IoT) has increased
significantly and exciting to study, especially vital sign monitoring
(body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure). Vital sign monitoring is
crucial to carry out to strengthen medical diagnoses and the continuity of
patient health. Vital sign monitoring conducted by medical personnel to
diagnose the patient's health condition is still manual. Medical staff must
visit patients in each room, and the equipment used is still cable-based.
Vital sign examination like this is certainly not practical because it requires
a long time in the process of diagnosis. The proposed vital sign monitoring
system design aims to assist medical personnel in diagnosing the patient's
illness. Vital sign monitoring system uses HRM-2511E sensor for heart
detection, DS18b20 sensor for body temperature detection, and MPX5050DP
sensor for blood pressure detection. Vital sign data processing uses
a raspberry pi as a data delivery media-based internet of things (IoT).
Based on the results of the vital sign data retrieval shows that the tool
designed functioning correctly. The accuracy of the proposed device for body
temperature is 99.51%, heart rate is 97.90%, and blood pressure is 97.69%.
Keywords:
Health monitoring
Internet of things
Raspberry pi
Sensor
Vital sign
Copyright © 2020 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science.
All rights reserved.
Corresponding Author:
Alamsyah,
Department of Electrical Engineering,
Universitas Tadulako,
Soekarno Hatta Street, Km. 9 Tondo, Palu, 94118, Indonesia
Email: alamsyah.zakaria@untad.ac.id, alamsyah14@mhs.ee.its.ac.id
1. INTRODUCTION
Wireless networks technology-based internet of things (IoT) [1-3] has increased significantly [4, 5]
and interesting to study, especially smart health services [6, 7] such as monitoring systems for blood
pressure, heartbeat, and body temperature. IoT-based medical applications and health checks will provide
benefits for medical personnel in reducing costs, improving quality of life, strengthening medical
diagnoses [8], and subsequent treatment processes [9]. One form of health service that is of particular
concern is the examination of vital signs [10]. Based on information from the World Health Organization
(WHO), it stated that hypertension [11] and heart disease are the highest health risks. Furthermore, to support
health services can be implemented using e-health applications [12]. In 2014 Southeast Asia, especially
Indonesia, the death rate reached 35% due to heart disease, and 39% experienced age under 44 years.
One of the factors causing high mortality in heart disease is slow handling in examining the patient's
disease condition [13].
Monitoring vital signs [14] is a top priority that must be considered by health care centers to make
early prevention [15] and reduce mortality. Vital sign monitoring used by medical personnel to carry out vital
sign patients checks has available at the hospital. However, this equipment still based on conventional [16],
which certainly has weaknesses in terms of time efficiency. This condition positively affects patient health
services in real-time [17], especially in the process of diagnosing disease, operational costs, and the workload

 ISSN: 2088-8708
Int J Elec & Comp Eng, Vol. 10, No. 6, December 2020 : 5891 - 5898
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of medical staff to increase. IoT-based vital sign monitoring becomes a solution to improve health services in
real-time [18] and overcome the problems of conventional medical equipment.
Several researchers are proposing research related to vital signs in diagnosing a patient's disease.
Implementation of the proposed design includes heartbeat monitoring [19] and body temperature using
Arduino [20, 21] based IoT. Research conducted shows that the heartbeat diagnosis information could control
through smartphones [22] and computer server [23, 24]. However, the sensors used by researchers are still
limited to heart rate and body temperature sensors. The author has not added a blood pressure sensor in
diagnosing a patient's illness. The next research proposed an ability analysis of the routing protocols in health
monitoring. The study results show that the recommended temperature heterogeneity energy (THE) method
can improve lifetime performance and throughput [25] in the IoT application. For conditions, the number of
patients that denser recommended using the optimized link state routing (OLSR) [26, 27] on MANET.
However, the researcher has not yet implemented the concept of routing protocols on IoT devices.
Patient health monitoring systems are based on simulations to determine IoT performance. The proposed
IoT-based vital signs monitoring system expected to reduce the workload of medical personnel and help
speed up the process of diagnosing a patient's illness in real-time.
2. RESEARCH METHOD
This research using method includes the development of research concepts based on study literature,
system design, hardware and software design, hardware testing, software testing, data collection, and analysis
of testing results. The research stages of the IoT-based vital sign monitoring system which proposed shown
in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Research methodology
2.1. System design
Vital signs measurement using Raspberry Pi is the primary device and data processing. The heart
rate sensor as an input reader that provides analog input that is transmitted to Raspberry Pi through the MCP
3008 in converting analog signals to digital so that they can read. Raspberry Pi will process body temperature
and blood pressure as digital data input. The results of the retrieval of vital sign data will show on the liquid
crystal display (LCD) and Android devices. Furthermore, the results of vital sign checks will be stored in
a web server database and can reaccess through the android interface. Figure 2 shows the design of
an IoT-based vital sign monitoring system.
Figure 2. Framework of system design

Int J Elec & Comp Eng ISSN: 2088-8708 
Internet of things–based vital sign monitoring system (Alamsyah)
5893
2.2. Hardware design
Hardware design consists of a series of components, including Raspberry Pi, MCP3008,
HRM-2511E sensor, DS18b20 sensor, MPX5050DP sensor, power supply, and LCD. Figure 3 shows that
three sensors used as vital sign parameters, namely the HRM-2511E, DS18b20, and MPX5050DP sensors.
HRM-2511E sensor serves to detect heart rates in units of beats per minute (BPM). This sensor placed at
the tip of the finger, which will produce a heartbeat in the blood circulation as input for analog data for
further processing by Raspberry. DS18b20 sensor is a temperature sensor the has accuracy and stability much
better than the LM35DZ temperature sensor. This sensor can use to detect body temperature in units of
degrees Celsius. MPX5050DP sensor functions to detect blood pressure. Furthermore, vital sign sensor data
processed by Raspberry Pi will send to the server and displayed on an android device.
Figure 3. Hardware design
2.3. Software design
Raspberry Pi is the main module in the design of processing software. This module functions to
program hardware using the Python programming language and stored in a .py extension file. The database
system uses MySQL, PHP, and Apache. Figure 4 demonstrates the stages of software.
2.4. Testing of vital signs device
Step of next is to test the vital sign sensor, which starts from the preparation of the measuring
instrument and verifying the device. This test aims to ensure the sensor is working correctly. First, heart rate
sensor testing done by placing one of fingertip onto the sensor. After that, it observed whether the sensor was
able to record heart rate data and display the beats per minute (BPM) value. The selection of the fingers and
the placement of the fingertips on the pulse sensor will produce more consistent and stable data.
Second, the DS18b20 sensor tested with grip the tip of the sensor and observing whether the sensor can
display the temperature in units of degrees Celsius. Temperature test results will display on the LCD in
degrees Celsius. This test as the basis that the DS18b20 sensor is functioning correctly or not functioning.
Body temperature data will vary according to the physical condition of the patient when retrieval data.
Third, blood pressure sensor testing done by installing a sensor on the wrist and observing whether the sensor
has responded to sensor data by displaying systolic and diastolic values on the LCD. The systolic value is
the highest pressure achieved when the heart muscle contracts. The diastolic value is the blood pressure in
the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Wi_Fi
Pulse Sensor
Temperature Sensor
Blood Pressure Sensor
LCD

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5894
Figure 4. Flow diagram of software
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Heartbeat
Heartbeat data measured to diagnose a patient's heart defects that can cause a heart attack. Heart rate
measurements of ten respondents were carried out under normal conditions or not doing activities. To find
out how much accuracy and system error in finding the value of the heartbeat. The proposed system design
compared with digital pulse sensors sold in the market. Measurements made three times to ensure
the accuracy of the resulting data with a time duration of one minute. The data obtained can see in the vital
sign database. The measurement of heart rate from a digital device will note on the data collection sheet,
which analyzed to conclude all data that has collected. The results of taking IoT-based heartbeat data are in
the numbers 78-95 BPM with an accuracy rate of 2.10%. The heartbeat data obtained still categorized as
normal because it is in the range of 60-100 BPM. These results indicate that the proposed design is
functioning normally. The result of heartbeat data taking showed in Table 1.
Table 1. Retrieval of heartbeat data
Id_Number Heartbeat (BPM) Error (%)
HRM-2511E Digital hearbeat
001 92 94 2.13
002 86 89 3.37
003 95 97 2.06
004 90 93 3.23
005 87 87 0
006 78 82 4.88
007 89 89 0
008 89 91 2.19
009 92 92 0
010 91 94 3.19
Average error 2.10
3.2. Blood pressure
Taking blood pressure data very determines the condition of a person's health. The normal blood
pressure for adults is 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. The numbers of 90 mmHg and 120 mmHg are upper blood
pressure that indicate the level of heart contractions that push blood through the arteries to the body
(systolic). Table 2 shows the results of taking blood pressure data.

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Values of 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg are low blood pressure that shows the amount of blood pressure
in the arteries when the heart rests, such as when sleep or silent (diastolic). Measurement and retrieval of
blood pressure sensor data performed on ten respondents. Tests carried out three times to see the level of
precision of the proposed device. Data generated in digital form by the Raspberry Pi module. The results of
data retrieval obtained from a blood pressure sensor compared with a digital blood pressure device that has
prepared. This value will use as a comparison between the proposed system design with commercial digital
devices. Based on the results of taking blood pressure data for ten respondents showed that the lowest value
of 115 mmHg and the highest value of 135 mmHg with an average error rate of 2.31%.
Table 2. Retrieval of blood pressure data
Id_Number Blood pressure (mmHg) Error (%)
MPX5050DP Digital blood pressure
001 115 120 4.17
002 120 125 4
003 130 129 0.78
004 138 136 1.47
005 130 130 0
006 125 125 0
007 128 130 1.54
008 128 130 1.54
009 135 134 0.75
010 120 120 0
Average error 2.31
3.3. Body temperature
Retrieval of body temperature data aims to analyze the condition of the body temperature
experienced by patients. An increase in body temperature will be directly proportional to the rise in heart
rate. Neither does the opposite if the body temperature decreases will be causing the heart rate to decrease.
Retrieval of body temperature data from ten respondents within three minutes was 36.40 to 36.90 0C.
Temperature data obtained are still in the healthy category for adults. The proceeds of this data collection
show that the proposed design is to work fine with an average accuracy of 0.49%. Table 3 shows the results
of taking body temperature data.
Table 3. Retrieval of body temperature data
Id_Number Body temperature (0
C) Error (%)
DS18b20 Digital thermometer
001 36.48 36.60 0.33
002 36.80 36.80 0
003 36.90 36.60 0.82
004 36.80 36.50 0.82
005 36.90 36.40 1.34
006 36.60 36.60 0
007 36.80 36.40 1.09
008 36.90 36.80 0.27
009 36.80 36.70 0.27
010 36.40 36.40 0
Average error 0.49
3.4. Vital sign monitoring system
Vital sign monitoring application consists of a login menu, data entry (id_number, name, age,
gender, address, and telephone number), patient data report, data retrieval process of body temperature,
blood pressure, heartbeat, and data storage. Figures 5 and 6 show the method of processing heartbeat,
body temperature, and blood pressure data. Data retrieval do by entering patient data. After entering the data,
proceed by inserting one of the fingertips into the HRM-2511E sensor. The MPX5050DP sensor mounted on
the wrist and the tip of the DS18b20 sensor held. Next, enter the value of the duration of data retrieval into
the time menu. After the duration value input, select the process menu. This menu serves to carry out
the process of retrieval sensor data attached to the body of the respondent. Respondent data that has recorded
will display on the LCD or web server with BPM (heart rate), mmHg (blood pressure), degrees Celsius
(body temperature). Vital sign data obtained can save by selecting the save menu. Furthermore, to display
respondent data can do by entering respondent data based on Id_Number.

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Figure 5. Information of patient’s data
Figure 6. Storage of patient's data
4. CONCLUSION
The proposed IoT-based vital signs monitoring system aims to minimize the workload of medic
personnel and speed up the diagnosis process of a patient's illness in real-time. Medical staff can access
IoT-based vital sign monitoring through an android device. Vital sign data retrieval indicates that
the proposed system design is functioning normally. The resulting accuracy level for body temperature is
0.49%, heartbeat of 2.10%, and blood pressure of 2.31%.

5897
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the Research, Technology, and Higher Education Republic of Indonesia
(RISTEKDIKTI) for have to provide funding support Applied Research Grant in 2019 and scholarship
support for the Ph.D. program in ITS.
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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS
Alamsyah received his bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering Department of Hasanuddin
University of Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia in 2000. He received his Master of Electrical
Engineering from Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia, in 2010. He has joined
Department of Electrical Engineering, Tadulako University Palu, Indonesia, and Indonesia
Since 2002. His current interest’s research areas are Communication Network, WSN,
Biomedical Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. Degree
at Department of Electrical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya,
Indonesia, since 2014.
Mery Subito is a senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Tadulako
University, Indonesia. She earned his Masters of Engineering in the field of electronics
engineering at Gajah Mada University, Indonesia in 2002. Her fields of research interest Digital
Electronics, Microcontrollers, Telecommunications Basics, and Signal Processing. Her recent
research work focuses on the biomedical field specifically the development of vital sign
monitoring infrastructure.
Mohammed Ikhlayel is a Faculty member at Al-Quds Open University (QOU). He was Action
Head of Department of Information Technology and Communications from 2009 until 2012, in
QOU. Mr. Ikhlayel received his Bachelor degree in electrical engineer (Communications) in
2004, he received his master degree in Communications in 2007 from Egypt, and he Studies
PhD at Department of Electrical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya,
Indonesia, since 2016.
Eko Setijadi received his bachelor degree in electrical engineering from Institut Teknologi
Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia in 1999. He received his Master of Technology
from Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia in 2002. He received a Ph.D. degree
from Kumamoto University, Japan in 2010. His research interest is in structural health
monitoring, wireless sensor network, computer network, microwave device, antenna design,
multimedia, and electromagnetic computing.

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