Enhancing Health Monitoring: The Circadian Dynamics Mobile App

Overview

The Circadian Dynamics mobile application brings advanced personal health monitoring to Android devices. 

By interfacing with the Bittium Faros device via Bluetooth, the app provides real-time heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) readings. This mobile platform enhances user engagement through instant data display and prepares the foundation for future features.

Category

Mobile Application
Development

Services

UI/UX Design
Product Management
Software Development
Hardware Integration
Deployment Management

Team

Claire Owen
Robert Bilsland
Nathan Barlow

Sector

MedTech
HealthTech

Objective

To develop an Android mobile application that delivers real-time heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) monitoring using a Bluetooth-connected Bittium Faros device, offering users intuitive health tracking and data management capabilities directly from their mobile devices.

Key Requirements & Functionalities

Real-Time Data Visualisation

Display HR and BP metrics in real-time as data is received from the Bittium Faros device, with an implementation of a loading icon to indicate data processing.

Health Data Comparison and Alert System

Allow users to view health data for trend analysis and integrate an alert system that notifies users when readings fall outside their personalised ‘normal range.’

Integration of ML Model

Integrate a pre-developed machine learning model to convert ECG signals into  blood pressure readings, enhancing the app’s capability to deliver real-time health metrics efficiently.

Non-Invasive BP Monitoring

BP readings are calculated directly from ECG data without the need for a cuff. This innovative approach allows for continuous and comfortable monitoring of blood pressure levels and avoids white coat syndrome.

Challenges & Considerations

Reliable Bluetooth Connectivity

Constant, stable Bluetooth connectivity is crucial for real-time data transfer from the Bittium Faros device to the mobile app.  Fluctuations in connection can lead to data loss or delays, impacting user experience and data accuracy.

Data Processing Efficiency

The requirement for the BP readings to be derived from ten ECG beats introduces a delay in data availability. Optimising the ECG processing algorithm to shorten this delay is essential for improving responsiveness and user satisfaction.

User Interface and Experience Design

The app must be intuitive and user-friendly, accommodating users with varying levels of tech-savviness. Design challenges include creating an effective way to communicate waiting times and integrating complex health data in an understandable format.

Scalability and Future Enhancements

Ensuring the app can scale effectively with increased user numbers and future feature integrations, such as more complex health monitoring tools and data analytics, poses a significant technical challenge.  

Technical Details

Software Dependencies

Android: Java, SQLite
Google Play Console

Software Modules

Android native mobile application 
Bluetooth API
Microsoft Azure
ECG Processing Algorithm

The Result

The Circadian Dynamics mobile app has successfully provided users with a convenient, no-cuff, method to monitor vital health metrics in real-time.

The app’s capability to display immediate data, coupled with features for data viewing and health trend analysis, empowers users to manage their health proactively.

With plans for future enhancements including more interactive features and broader data integration, the app aims to become an essential tool in personal health management.