Research
Blood Pressure
The validation reports for this parameter are available on request:
BLOOD PRESSURE
The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels to all parts of the body. Blood Pressure (BP) is generated by the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers: systolic BP, the highest pressure (normal range 90-130 mmHg) in blood vessels when the heart contracts, and diastolic BP, the lowest pressure (normal range 60-90 mmHg) in blood vessels when the heart muscle relaxes.
Hypertension, also known as high or raised BP, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. Elevated BP is the most important risk factor for death and disability worldwide, affecting more than one billion individuals and causing an estimated 9.4 million deaths every year. Given the importance of ambulatory BP as highlighted in many recent studies, continuous monitoring in daily life is essential for accurate BP and cardiovascular health diagnosis. However, the conventional cuff-based method is impractical due to its inconvenient and cumbersome nature.
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive, simple, and low-cost tool that can reflect blood flow in blood vessels and blood volume changes. The PPG waveform comprises a pulsatile ('AC') physiological waveform attributed to blood volume changes with each heartbeat, superimposed on a slowly varying ('DC') baseline with various lower frequency components attributed to respiration, sympathetic nervous system activity, and thermoregulation. PPG technology has been used in a wide range of commercially available medical devices to measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, cardiac output, and to assess autonomic function.
Camera-based approaches enable the derivation of remote PPG (rPPG) signals, allowing for non-invasive BP measurement. Various methods relying on machine learning techniques have recently been published. Our BP algorithm uses the PPG signal recorded from facial skin tissue (rPPG). The algorithm extracts face video images, produces an rPPG signal, analyzes the data using AI, and provides the end user with real-time BP measurements.
Heart Rate & Pulse Rate
The validation reports for this parameter are available on request:
HEART RATE
Explore the Intricate Design of the Human Heart
Pulse Rate (PR) is a term used to describe the number of times the heart beats per minute (the frequency of the cardiac cycle) as measured by palpation or photoplethysmography (e.g., finger, wrist).
Heart Rate (HR) is defined as the average number of heartbeats per minute (bpm) as measured directly from the heart, like in an electrocardiogram (ECG), and can also be measured using the PPG Sensor which detects the Pulse Rate. PR also serves as an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity and metabolic rate.
Understand Your Pulse and Heart Rate with Precision Technology.
The normal resting PR is 60 to 100 beats for healthy adults. Tachycardia, a high HR, is defined as above 100 bpm at rest. Bradycardia, a low HR, is defined as below 60 bpm at rest3 . The relationship between elevated resting PR and cardiovascular risk has been demonstrated in several large-scale epidemiological studies. Those studies provide strong confirmation that increased PR is an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities.
Heart Rate Variability
The validation reports for this parameter are available on request:
HEART RATE VARIABILITY
Heart rate (HR) refers to the number of heartbeats per minute. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variation in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats (RR intervals – RRi). HRV is generated by the interactions between the heart and brain and autonomic nervous system processes. HRV helps the body adapt to environmental and psychological challenges, reflecting the regulation of autonomic balance, blood pressure, blood vessel diameter, gas exchange, gut, and heart functions.
A healthy heart does not beat at constant intervals but exhibits small variances between beats. This variability allows the heart to adapt rapidly to an uncertain and changing environment. Physical or emotional stress results in faster, more monotonic heartbeats, reducing HRV. Conversely, relaxation leads to slower, less regular heartbeats and higher HRV. Normal HRV is associated with a lower risk of developing depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, decreased HRV has been identified as an independent predictor of cardiovascular and overall mortality. Thus, HRV is a noninvasive method for evaluating autonomic nervous system activity and physical and emotional status in various clinical situations.
Our HRV algorithm uses the photoplethysmography (PPG) signal recorded from facial skin tissue (remote PPG - rPPG). The algorithm identifies the heartbeat peaks, representing the contraction of heart ventricles (R peaks of the QRS complex of the ECG wave). RR intervals (RRi) are defined as the difference between successive R peaks, calculated as: RR(n) = R(n) − R(n−1), where n is the beat index number. The variability of RRi is known as Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Our HRV measurements are based on various parameters calculated from RRi values, such as SDNN (msec), which represents the standard deviation of RRi. Accuracy is determined according to the mean RRi.
This report describes the results of a validation experiment comparing our HRV measurements with those of an accurate reference device. The advantage of a non-intrusive, automatic, and accessible method for monitoring these vital signs is clear. Our algorithm uses the PPG signal recorded from facial skin tissue (remote PPG - rPPG). It extracts face video images, produces an rPPG signal, analyzes the data, and provides the end user with real-time vital signs measurements.
Respiration Rate
The validation reports for this parameter are available on request:
RESPIRATION RATE
The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange. Oxygen is transferred from the environment into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is expelled. When inhaling, air passes into the lungs, where gas exchange occurs as oxygen diffuses into the lung capillaries in exchange for carbon dioxide. After gas exchange, exhalation begins, and the air containing carbon dioxide is expelled through the nose or mouth. Additionally, the respiratory system has secondary functions, including filtering, warming, and humidifying inhaled air.
There is a close relationship between respiration and heart activity. Heart rate is regulated by respiration, increasing during inhalation and decreasing during exhalation. Respiration Rate (RR), defined as the number of respirations per minute (rpm), is a clinical parameter representing ventilation, i.e., the movement of air in and out of the lungs. The normal RR varies from person to person but generally lies between 12-20 respirations per minute at rest. RR is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic health marker used in various clinical settings to identify abnormalities.
In hospital healthcare, RR is a highly sensitive marker of acute deterioration. For instance, elevated RR can predict cardiac arrest and in-hospital mortality and indicate respiratory dysfunction. RR is usually measured manually by counting chest wall movements, which is time-consuming, inaccurate, and often poorly executed. Therefore, there is a great need for a non-intrusive, automatic method of measuring RR. The advantage of such a method for monitoring vital signs is clear. Our algorithm uses the photoplethysmography (PPG) signal recorded from facial skin tissue (remote PPG - rPPG). The algorithm extracts face video images, produces an rPPG signal, analyzes the data, and provides the end user with real-time vital signs measurements.
Hemoglobin
The validation reports for this parameter are available on request:
HEMOGLOBIN
Hemoglobin (Hb) molecules are a set of closely related proteins. Each Hb protein contains four iron atoms, allowing it to carry four molecules of oxygen (O2). Hb attaches to red blood cells and delivers oxygen throughout the body via blood flow. The primary function of Hb in mammals is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the organs and tissues. Additionally, it interacts with three other gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitric oxide (NO) - that have important biological roles. Hb also helps red blood cells maintain their disc-like shape, facilitating their movement through blood vessels.
Hb levels are typically assessed through a Hb blood test. A low Hb level in the blood indicates a low oxygen level, which can lead to anemia. Patients with anemia often present with vague symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and tiredness. Severe anemia may cause syncope, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance. Hb is usually measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood. Normal Hb levels are generally 13-18 g/dL in males and 12-15 g/dL in nonpregnant females.
To evaluate Hb levels, an invasive blood test is traditionally required. Replacing this method with a non-invasive, cost-effective, and remote technique would be highly advantageous for availability, affordability, and usability. Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive, simple, and low-cost tool that reflects blood flow and blood volume changes in blood vessels. The PPG waveform consists of a pulsatile ('AC') physiological waveform attributed to blood volume changes with each heartbeat, superimposed on a slowly varying ('DC') baseline with various lower frequency components attributed to respiration, sympathetic nervous system activity, and thermoregulation.
PPG technology has been used in a wide range of commercially available medical devices to measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, cardiac output, and to assess autonomic function. Hb can also be evaluated using PPG technology. The FDA has approved such a device for Hb measurement within a range of 8-17 g/dL with a measurement error of ±1 g/dL. Camera-based approaches enable the derivation of remote PPG (rPPG) signals, potentially allowing for remote and non-invasive measurement of blood parameters. Our Hb algorithm uses the rPPG signal recorded from facial skin tissue. The algorithm extracts face video images, produces an rPPG signal, analyzes the data using AI, and provides the end user with a real-time Hb measurement.
