Ambient and Unobtrusive Cardiorespiratory Monitoring Techniques

Abstract

Monitoring vital signs through unobtrusive means is a goal which has attracted a lot of attention in the past decade. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive review over the current state of the field of ambient and unobtrusive cardiorespiratory monitoring. To this end, nine different sensing modalities which have been in the focus of current research activities are covered: capacitive electrocardiography, seismo- and ballistocardiography, reflective photoplethysmography (PPG) and PPG imaging, thermography, methods relying on laser or radar for distance-based measurements, video motion analysis, as well as methods using high-frequency electromagnetic fields. Current trends in these subfields are reviewed. Moreover, we systematically analyze similarities and differences between these methods with respect to the physiological and physical effects they sense as well as the resulting implications. Finally, future research trends for the field as a whole are identified.

A connected chair as part of a smart home environment

“…One important aspect of a connected chair is non-obtrusive and contact-less cardiorespiratory monitoring [3]. Several approaches to integrate such technologies into items of daily life can be found in literatures.…”

Remote Monitoring of Vital Signs in Diverse Non-Clinical and Clinical Scenarios Using Computer Vision Systems: A Review

“…The monitoring of human vital signs, for example respiratory rate (RR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) plays a significant role in modern clinical care of patients in hospitals and at home [1]. Applications include medical diagnosis, training programs, fitness assessment, lie detection and stress measurement [2].…”

Non-Contact Method of Heart Rate Measurement Based on Facial Tracking

“…Long-term daily monitoring is prone to skin discomfort, movement limited and other problems, especially in burns and scalds, allergic constitution, limb mutilation, neonate and other scenarios in the use of restrictions. In view of the shortcomings of traditional heart rate detection methods for contact subjects, researchers have proposed non-contact heart rate detection methods based on microwave radar [2], thermodynamic image [3], video image processing [4] and so on in recent years. Among them, the heart rate detection method based on video image processing has the advantages of simple equipment, stable system and fast operation, which has become a research hotspot and has received extensive attention.…”