Real-time data transmission and control of a Neocot over the internet

Abstract

The Mansell Neocot is a portable humicrib developed at Mansell Neonatal Transport Equipment (MNTE). When operating normally the Neocot outputs diagnostic data every two seconds. This diagnostic data can be captured by a Bluetooth module plugged into the side of the Neocot. This Bluetooth module can transmit the diagnostic data to a local, connected computer. Previously this computer logged the data and emailed the log file to the MNTE Office for diagnostic purposes. This project details the establishment of a connection over the Internet between a computer connected to the Neocot via Bluetooth and a computer at the MNTE Office. This connection allows the diagnostic data output from a remote Neocot to be streamed in real-time directly back to the MNTE Office. Two software applications were developed to allow for the real-time data transmission between the Neocot and a remote computer. 'MNTE Server' is the application developed to receive incoming data at the MNTE Office. 'Neocot Diagnostics is an extended application of the original of the same name that forwards data received from a local Neocot, over the Internet, to the MNTE Office. The development and testing of the software and resulting connection are documented in detail. The goals of this project were achieved, resulting in real-time data transmission from a remote Neocot to a local computer