Noncontact Physiological Monitoring via Optical Pulse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact technologies for measuring human physiological parameters are inefficient, requiring multiple images and extensive data processing, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and often provide limited information while being inconvenient for both operators and subjects.
Innovation Solution
A system that captures digital images to indirectly measure arterial pulse by analyzing light reflection changes, using pre-processing components to identify relevant regions of interest and separate light data into color components, allowing for real-time measurement of physiological parameters like heart rate and respiration without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and extensively processed to estimate heart rate non-contactly, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential pulse-related information from video data by focusing on specific color channels (red and green) and using differential processing to isolate pulse signals from other variations. This selective extraction maintains measurement accuracy while significantly reducing processing requirements compared to analyzing all image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing by converting video frames to specific color spaces and pre-calculating differential values between frames before full analysis. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, enabling faster real-time processing without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If gel is applied to the body for ECG device contact, then electrical signal detection is improved, but skin irritation and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based ECG system with an optical measurement system using video cameras. This substitution eliminates the need for gel application and skin contact while maintaining the ability to detect physiological signals, thereby removing the harmful effect of skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses light reflection as an intermediary to detect physiological signals without direct contact. Instead of electrodes contacting the skin, the patent measures changes in light reflected from the skin surface that correspond to pulse activity, providing an indirect but effective measurement method.
3Reliability
If direct contact devices are used for physiological measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation and subject convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system universal by using a standard video camera that can capture physiological data without requiring specialized contact devices. This multi-functional approach allows the same device to perform both regular video recording and physiological monitoring, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through proven optical measurement techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, accurate, and convenient measurement of physiological parameters in real-time, reducing data processing needs and avoiding skin contact, thus improving efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes the captured images in order to indirectly measure the volumetric changes of the arterial tree in the subcutaneous layer of human skin, via changes of the light reflected by the skin.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for measuring physiological parameters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a noncontact technology by which one or more physiological parameters of a subject may be efficiently and quickly detected. Among other advantages, the present invention can be used to assess and monitor vital signs of one or more subjects in a variety of contexts including for medical or security triage purposes, for use in healthcare waiting rooms, as part of human imaging systems, or during surgery.