Non-Invasive Pulse Detection via Skin Motion Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual pulse detection during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is time-consuming, unreliable, and subjective, often requiring interruptions in chest compressions and is not suitable for lay rescuers, as it lacks a convenient and objective method for assessing pulse presence and breathing.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system using image processing to detect pulse-related motion from video images, generating a motion map for comparison with expected patterns to determine pulse presence, which can be implemented in devices like smartphones or smartwatches, allowing for quick and reliable assessment of pulse and breathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual palpation is used for pulse detection, then pulse presence can be assessed, but the detection process takes too long (often 25 s or more) and requires interruption of chest compressions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation with an optical imaging system that captures video images of the skin region. The system uses image processing algorithms to detect pulse-related motion automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing detection time while maintaining assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic pulse detection without requiring rescuer intervention. The imaging unit continuously captures images, and the processing unit automatically analyzes motion patterns to detect pulse presence, allowing the system to serve itself and providing continuous monitoring without interrupting CPR.
2Ease of operation
If manual palpation is used for pulse detection, then pulse assessment can be performed, but the method is very unreliable and highly subjective with low specificity (55%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual palpation with an objective optical imaging system. The processing unit applies automated image processing algorithms to detect pulse-related motion patterns, eliminating human subjectivity and significantly improving detection reliability and consistency across different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback through motion maps that display detected pulse-related motion patterns. This objective visual representation allows for reliable and repeatable assessments, reducing the variability inherent in manual palpation and improving overall detection reliability.
3Reliability
If invasive methods such as arterial blood pressure measurement or end-tidal CO2 are used for pulse detection, then reliable pulse assessment can be achieved, but these methods require placement of catheters or intubation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures with non-invasive optical imaging. The system uses a camera to capture video images of the skin surface and processes these images to detect pulse-related motion, achieving reliable pulse assessment without requiring catheter placement or intubation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (motion map) of the pulse-related motion patterns from the video images. This optical copy provides reliable pulse detection information without requiring physical invasion of the body, substituting invasive measurement with non-invasive visual representation.
4Measurement precision
If manual palpation is used for pulse detection, then pulse assessment can be performed, but it requires interruption of chest compressions which is bad for CPR outcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous pulse detection during CPR without requiring interruptions. The imaging unit operates continuously, and the processing unit automatically analyzes motion patterns in real-time, allowing chest compressions to proceed without interruption while maintaining continuous monitoring of pulse presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic continuous monitoring that serves itself without requiring rescuer intervention or CPR interruption. The automated image processing and motion analysis enable the system to continuously assess pulse presence while CPR proceeds uninterrupted, maintaining both detection capability and CPR continuity.
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 rapid, objective, and reliable detection of pulse and breathing, reducing unnecessary interruptions in CPR and improving the accuracy of pulse assessment, making it suitable for both emergency and general healthcare applications.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit configured to acquire a series of images of a skin region of the subject
Implementation Method 2
The images may represent transmitted light or colored light having a frequency corresponding to an absorption frequency of blood
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for improved non-invasive and objective detection of pulse of a subject. The device comprises an input unit (2a) configured to obtain a series of images of a skin region of the subject and a processing unit (2b) for processing said series of images by detecting pulse-related motion of the skin within the skin region from the series of images, generating a motion map of the skin region from the detected pulse-related motion, comparing the generated motion map with an expected motion map of the skin region, and determining the presence of pulse within the skin region based on the comparison.