Rapid, remote and low-cost finger vasculature mapping for heart rate monitoring

TL;DR

This paper introduces a rapid, low-cost, non-contact method for imaging finger vasculature and monitoring heart rate using off-the-shelf near-infrared equipment, suitable for remote diagnostics.

Contribution

It presents a novel, robust imaging approach that captures subsurface vasculature and heart rate remotely without physical contact, using simple equipment and ambient light.

Findings

Effective heart rate monitoring from a distance

Robust imaging in ambient light conditions

Utilizes inexpensive, off-the-shelf components

Abstract

Today's diagnostics include devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and temperature measurements. These devices provide vital information to medical personnel when making treatment decisions. Drawing inspiration from the fundamental utility of pulse oximeters, we present a methodology for a robust low-cost approach to imaging subsurface vasculature and monitoring heart rate. The approach uses off-the-shelf equipment, set up in free space without physical contact and exploits the nature of the interaction between light at near-infrared wavelengths with tissue. Image processing algorithms extract heart rate information from the snapshot and video sequence captured at a stand-off distance. The method can be applied in a room with ambient light and remains robust to scenarios comparable to medical situations. This research sets the platform for future diagnostic devices based on imaging systems and algorithms for non-contact point-of-care investigations.