Archive for 2012

Visit Shimmer Research at the BSN 2012 being held at Imperial College in London between the 9^th and 12 of May.

BSN 2012 is the 9^th International conference on wearable and implantable body sensor networks, and Shimmer Research will have a booth located in Ambulatory room of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) on the 10^th and 11^th of May during the main conference proceedings (please see floor plan below for more details).

Body Sensor Network (BSN) technology has gained significant interest in recent years from researchers both in academia and industry. With the development of innovative wearable/wireless/implantable biosensors, the applications for BSNs extend from in-vivo monitoring and intervention to healthcare, as well as fitness, life-style monitoring, sport and security. BSN 2012 will address the fast-growing BSN research and offer participants a unique forum to discuss the key issues and innovative solutions in current BSN research and its future applications.

Engineers, Equipment, and Demo’s

Shimmer Research will have leading application engineers available at our booth during the conference to talk through any questions, along with the full range of Shimmer’s sensing capabilities on display. Visitors to our booth will also be able to view the full range of supporting applications including the recently released MATLAB, LabVIEW and Multi Shimmer Sync solution. For a sneak preview at some of the demo’s on show – watch the following EMG/Strain Gauge demo via the following link.

To contact us in advance email us at info@shimmer-research.com … hope to see you there!!

• View the BSN 2012 flyer
• Visit the BSN 2012 website

Shimmer Research has launched the first of a new range of solutions for the Shimmer platform. Multi Shimmer Sync is an application which allows for the configuration of and synchronised data capture from multiple Shimmers.

About Multi Shimmer Sync

The application is ideal for users looking to develop applications where simultaneous data capture from a number of units is required, and interpretation and analysis requires the data to be synchronised, with accuracy up to 0.98ms. Multi Shimmer Sync permits the user to configure multiple Shimmer units, can be used with Shimmer’s full range of sensing modules, and allows for synchronisation with external systems such as camera based motion capture systems.

With a range of features and data capture tools users can select sampling rate, detect and notify of dropped packets, save and load application settings for future use, annotate data, and name Shimmer units to ensure functionality, efficiency, and ease of use in data capture and synchronisation.

Core Features Include:

• Synchronised data capture from up to 7 Shimmers to a single file
  • Synchronisation accuracy of up 0.98ms depending on sampling rate and number of Shimmers
  • Allows for synchronisation with external systems e.g. Camera based motion capture systems
• Data stored in a tab delimited text format (files compatible with Microsoft Excel, Open Office, Matlab and most standard data manipulation programs).
  • Includes a verified .m script for loading data directly into Matlab
• Controls to configure each Shimmer
  • Configure features such as sampling rate, enable/disable sensors, set accelerometer range etc.
• Detection and notification of dropped packets
  • If packets are dropped due to the Shimmer going out of range or the UI will notify the user through the flashing of a red LED
• Monitor data using real-time plot
  • When the application is streaming data the real-time plot can be used to view the data from one or more signals
• Save and load application settings
  • This allows the user to save the settings for their particular experimental set-up and quickly reload the settings into the application when they resume their data capture session.
• Annotate Data with pulse marker and level marker
• Synchronise with an external system (e.g. Camera based motion capture systems) using trigger input (Requires Shimmer expansion board) or system timestamp

Shimmer Solutions provide software and applications that are designed and developed to meet specific end user application requirements. Shimmer Solutions are the latest addition to the current range of Shimmer products, OEM, Consultancy and Customisation services.

Driven by feedback from existing users, researchers, and companies the software and solutions aim to improve the quality and ease of data collection, research, and application development work by addressing challenges, techniques and providing tools associated with wireless sensing applications.

The software and applications are available to individuals, groups, and organisations via our website’s e-store.

Visit the Multi Shimmer Sync product page to read more, download an evaluation copy of the software, and watch a video demonstration.

Shimmer Research is proud to announce the Beta release of the Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver to support users’ algorithm test and implementation, data visualization, data analysis, and numerical computation.

The Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver is an object orientated solution for Shimmer data capture directly into MATLAB. The solution will allow Shimmer users to stream data directly to MATLAB, and assist users of the Shimmer 2 and Shimmer 2r in the development of Shimmer based applications in MATLAB. Shimmer users will benefit from MATLAB’s full range of tools including matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages, including C, C++, Java, and Fortran.

The Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver adds to the range of supporting tools and applications already available to Shimmer users including the Shimmer LabVIEW Library, ShimmerConnect (C#), and the Shimmer 9DoF Calibration applications.

Key features of the Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver include:

• Object orientated solution for Shimmer data capture directly into MATLAB
• Provides for full configuration functionality to set features such as
  • sampling rate
  • accelerometer range
  • which sensors are enabled/disabled
• Allows for simultaneous data capture from multiple Shimmers
• Two example .m scripts which demonstrate the use of the ShimmerHandle class including plotting of data and writing data to a file
• Includes documentation and help info

Version 0.X is a Beta release prior to the release of the more extensive Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver Solution (v1.X) which will be released at a later date. The Instrument Driver is designed to work with MATLAB 2008a (version 7.6) or later on a Windows OS (the library has been tested on Windows XP and Windows 7).

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Available to Download

The Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver is a Beta release that will be made available to registered website members and Shimmer users only. For more information visit the Shimmer MATLAB Webpage:

• Shimmer MATLAB Instrument Driver [webpage]

The Shimmer 9DoF Calibration Application has just been updated, and is now available via the members section of the website.

The latest version (v1.0) now provides automated calibration for the 9DoF’s Gyro and Magnetometer, along with the automated Accelerometer calibration that was associated with version 0.1 of the application.

With an improved user interface and a step by step video tutorial the application facilitates fast and simple calibration of the Shimmer 9DoF IMU.

Main Features Include:

• Automated procedure for determining calibration parameters of tri-axial accelerometer, dual and single axial Gyros, and Magnetometer
• Save the calculated calibration parameters to the Shimmer unit
• Indicates if factory default parameters are being used (in the case that no parameters have been stored), or if stored calibrated parameters are being used
• Provides a data analysis tab to verify the accuracy of the calibrated parameters
• Version 1.0 has an improved application interface for ease of use / calibration

The application is accompanied by a detailed manual with a step-by-step guide, and is supported by a demonstration video. The application is freely available to all members of the Shimmer website.

Visit the webpage for more details, and to watch the video tutorial.

We are happy to announce the release of our new Pricing Guide for 2012. As part of the our new pricing we have extended the range of Development Kits on offer to customers, with two new Starter Kits to meet end users’ application and equipment requirements.

Based on customer feedback we have developed a Bio Starter Kit and Kinematics Starter Kit to offer a range of sensing modules designed for entry level users to test, develop and establish wireless sensing applications. These new offerings are perfect for researchers and developers looking to conduct proof of concept, test/develop algorithms, or evaluate the Shimmer platform.

The Kinematics Starter Kit includes a range of sensing capabilities to support the development of Kinematic (IMU) sensing applications including gait analysis, sports technique and analysis, motion tracking of objects or people, rehabilitation, fitness and sports training.

The Bio Starter Kit includes ECG, EMG, GSR and Strain Gauge expansion modules to provide a full range of Biophysical sensing capabilities. The Kit will allow for application development in remote patient monitoring, heart function monitoring, biofeedback and muscle activity, stress detection and analysis, strength capacity, and force measurement.

Each starter kit includes a programming/charging Dock, as well as access to supporting developer applications including LabVIEW and ShimmerConnect.

More details can be found via the following links:

• Kinematics Starter Kit – Product Page
• Bio Starter Kit – Product Page
• Shimmer Pricing Guide 2012

If you have any queries or would like an official quotation please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wearable Wireless Sensing Enables Recovery at Home, Improves Care and Convenience

Boston, MA, February, 2012: Telefónica, the third largest telecommunications provider in the world, and the leading provider in Spain and Latin America, has launched its much anticipated ‘Rehabitic’ product, using wearable wireless sensing technology from Shimmer Research.

For patients who have had a total knee replacement and need extensive physiotherapy – Rehabitic enables the rehabilitation regime to be carried out in the comfort of home while maintaining the oversight of clinicians who monitor session from the hospital.

The patient attaches Shimmer devices to both sides of the affected knee in front of a touch screen PC, on which application software visually instructs them through their prescribed therapy session. An avatar onscreen displays the patient’s movement in real-time, with dynamic feedback and reflection of performance. All information is sent to the clinician for either real time or offline assessment.

Tested in Grenada, Spain and Chile, results have been highly effective in this promising market for tele rehabilitation.

Watch the BBC News Feature on Rehabitic:

• Visit the BBC News Feature [link]
• Visit the Rehabitic Product Page [link]
• Download the Information Sheet [link]
• Meet with us at MWC 2012 [link]

About Shimmer Research

With research and development offices in Boston, MA and headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, Shimmer Research has been a leader in wearable wireless sensing since its founding in 2008. The company designs, develops and manufactures a full range of wearable Kinematic, BioPhysical, and Ambient sensing modules and solutions, currently used in over 50 countries for a wide variety of applications.  The company’s core product, the Shimmer, is a wireless sensor platform that allows for the capture and communication of a sensed data in real‐time, featuring low-power, standards based, wireless communication technologies and a large storage capacity which facilitates wearable wireless sensing in both connected and offline modes.   Shimmer has leading expertise in application development, technical support, and systems integration. Its platform can be integrated into existing product, service, research, and development programs for customers across a wide array of industries.  To arrange a meeting or demo, please contact Tom McMahon:  tmcmahon@shimmer-research.com or 1-857-362-7254 (US East Coast).

Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona is almost here and this year promises more to do, see and experience than ever before.

One of the key topics at MWC 2012 will be the growing focus on mHealth and Personalised Healthcare. With data traffic increasing faster than revenue, providers are looking towards innovative approaches on improving Healthcare delivery and wellness solutions as a source of new revenue streams and increasing their ARPU.

Arrange a meeting with us at MWC 2012 to discuss how Shimmer’s proven technology can deliver your mHealth market entry, while cutting development cost and time by 80%.

Get in Contact to Arrange a Meeting or to Receive Updates:

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Register as an attendee for the Mobile World Congress 2012 by clicking the icon … Look forward to meeting you there!!!

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mHealth Delivered! Telefónica Launches Tele-Rehabilitation Solution on Shimmer Technology

Telefónica, the third largest telecommunications provider in the world, and the leading provider in Spain and Latin America, has launched its much anticipated ‘Rehabitic’ product, using wearable wireless sensing technology from Shimmer Research.

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• Read the full Story of how wearable wireless sensing enables recovery at home, improves care and convenience [link]
• See the BBC News Feature and Video [link]
• Visit the Rehabitic Webpage [link]
• Download the Information Sheet [link]

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Sense the Opportunity: iDi Improve Data Quality, Form Factor, Portability, and Reduce Costs and Field Maintenance with Wireless Sensing Solution

iDi, a Nevada based diagnostics company, was measuring patients with a wired unit tethered to a signal acquisition system using a complex wire harness. With Shimmer, iDi create a wireless Electro-diagnostic Functional Assessment (EFA) to become ‘the market leaders in soft tissue diagnostics’.

• Read the full Story and Press Release [link]
• See the IEEE Pulse Journal Article (Pages 20-26) [link]

Contact us to Arrange a Meeting or to Receive Updates

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Shimmer Research, a leader in wearable wireless sensing is launching a Strain Gauge module to add to its extensive range of wireless sensing capabilities for the Shimmer platform.

The Shimmer Strain Gauge is ideal for all load, weight, force, torque, and pressure measurements through the connection of a user-supplied strain gauge load cell. The Strain Gauge module detects variance in resistance values when force is applied to the load cell. The Strain Gauge expansion module contains a bridge amplifier, excitation source, and connector or wire soldering points enabling force measurement with Shimmer.

Keeping with Shimmer’s focus on wearable sensing, the unit is small (53mmx32mmx23mm), and lightweight (29 grams), allowing for measurements free from wired constraints and enabling the wearer to perform their natural range of motion. With the ability to stream direct to a host device without the need for an intermediate receiving unit, and the option to act as an autonomous data logger, the Shimmer Strain Gauge allows for measurement outside of a dedicated lab setting.

Image illustrates the Shimmer Strain Gauge connected to a Futek Grip and Pinch Load Cell

The Strain Gauge will be particularly useful to customers focusing on Strength Capacity, Rehabilitation, Muscular-skeletal Clinical Research, and Sports Training. Keeping in line with our open source philosophy the Strain Gauge provides raw data, with no proprietary software or predefined analysis parameters to allow the user to interpret and analyse data specific to their application requirements.

The Strain Gauge module is supported in the Shimmer LabVIEW Library and the ShimmerConnect applications. Driver and test application code are available in the TinyOS Sourceforge/Googlecode repositories, with a user manual available to new and existing customers via the download section of the website.

There is a limited number of Strain Gauge modules presently available – and the module can be purchased via our online store. For further information contact us via info@shimmer-research.com

Watch the Strain Gauge Tutorial – or skip to the 4.25 mark to see the Strain Gauge Streaming data in real-time.

Visit the product page:

• Wireless Strain Gauge Module
• Strain Gauge Development Kit