- for tech researchers: An Amulet is computational jewelry, that is, a wearable computing device that is convenient and fashionable. It addresses the challenges of setting up and maintaining a secure and reliable body-area network of mobile-health devices. An Amulet serves as an identity proxy and provides essential body-area network services, such as device discovery and monitoring, authorization control for mobile apps, and a trusted path for interacting with the user. With a focused mHealth purpose, Amulet emphasizes security, privacy, and usability; the general-purpose smartphone platform remains to serve other applications. In the future, we believe, the smartphone will not be the preferred device for implementing a highly available WBAN controller. Rather, a very small wearable device will better meet the high availability requirements of mobile-health body area networks.
- for healthcare experts: A wearable wristband that is easy for patients (and other individuals) to use for managing other health-related devices they wear, carry, or use occasionally. It can support medical care, wellness enhancement, and health-related research. It enhances security and privacy, and does not require the patient to replace their cellphone (or require the provider to give the patient a smartphone).
- for everyone else: We envision a simple wristband that you can wear anywhere, any time, in any activity, which helps you monitor and manage your health. Unlike popular fitness trackers, this wristband talks to your other health and fitness devices, so they know it’s you using them – and gives you a quick and easy way to approve the transfer of health information from one device to another or to your health record. It can help track your use of medications and remind you when it’s time for the next dose. And, the wristband can provide critical health data to responders if you experience a medical emergency. It works with health-related apps on your smartphone or even on your smart television – but only when you and your Amulet are present and give permission.
Computational Jewelry: Amulet
Dartmouth College and Clemson University
Computational Jewelry: Amulet 