Using 5.9 GHz DSRC to Aid the Elderly in Vehicular Environments

• Author / Creator

  Kamal, Fraaz

• This thesis investigated the feasibility of using the Dedicated Short Range Communication (5.9 GHz) protocol as a vehicular wireless system for transmitting elderly drivers‘ vital signs in medical emergencies. Existing vehicular communication systems, physiological monitors, and low-power wireless protocols were researched. An integrated in-car system that combined DSRC and physiological monitoring was developed. The DSRC system was tested for latency, packet loss, and range. The physiological monitor was tested for accuracy of its sensors. Finally, the integrated system was tested for its success rate in a vehicular environment. The DSRC system communicated between moving vehicles with an average latency of 1.450 ± 0.415 ms, and it transmitted from a vehicle to roadside infrastructure at a maximum range of 460 m. The physiological monitor collected accurate heart rate, SpO2, and body temperature measurements. Finally, the integrated system transmitted physiological parameters from one moving vehicle to another with a 95% success rate.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Vehicle
  • DSRC
  • Wireless

• Graduation date

  Spring 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3H60K

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.