Monitoring physiological signals using nonintrusive sensors installed in daily life equipment

PurposeWith increasing concern for well-being and recent advances in biomedical technology, healthcare is extending beyond the realm of hospitals. Nonintrusive home healthcare monitoring is essential for ensuring long-term use and preservation of an uninterrupted daily life. Herein, we describe recent progress in nonintrusive measurements of ECG, PPG, respiration and blood pressure using sensors installed in everyday household equipment.MethodsBallistocardiograms (BCG) were measured nonintrusively using air mattresses in a loadcell-based system. Electrocardiograms (ECG) were measured using capacitively coupled electrodes without direct contact to exposed bare skin, and these electrodes were installed in chairs, beds, belts and toilet seats. Photoplethysmograms (PPG) were measured over clothes by optimally controlling the input intensity of light and the associated electrodes were installed on chairs. To estimate blood pressure, pulse arrival time (PAT) was calculated from nonintrusively measured ECG and PPG. Blood pressure was estimated using a linear estimating equation with parameters fitted for each subject.ResultsHeart rate, heart rate variability, and respiration were all derived accurately with high correlation, and blood pressure was estimated from these nonintrusively measured signals.ConclusionsBy applying nonintrusive methods for measuring biological signals, we can monitor our health status without interrupting ordinary daily activities. This concept can be applied for ubiquitous healthcare, thus extending healthcare beyond hospitals.

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