Researchers have developed a new technology that provides a contactless method to add respiratory rate and heart rate to temperature readings, making it particularly relevant to detecting illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19.

The team of researchers led by the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) has developed a new way to measure respiratory rate, heart rate and heart rate variability. Together with body temperature, these important indicators could identify a respiratory infection early - before a worker or student feels ill. The technology, which was recently issued a US patent, can aid in detecting illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19, but can also be used to detect stress and other physiological conditions. In keeping with social distancing, the system can perform the health screening on masked participants from beyond six feet away. The new software can be deployed in a stand-alone device or in systems that include a time-of-flight camera, such as the latest flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung and LG.

The technology uses a near-infrared sensor, which is part of the time-of-flight camera in a smartphone, to detect blood flow on the upper portion of the face for heart rate and heart rate variability. In addition to the sensor, the time-of-flight camera contains a laser that bounces infrared light off the subject. This enables the camera to detect the motion of the upper part of the chest for the respiratory rate while compensating for fidgeting and swaying. Experimental results in a lab setting showed that readings were nearly identical to those of a high-end, FDA-approved oximeter placed on the finger as a reference point. The device takes a 24-second video of the face and upper chest of a participant, and then uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to process the data to derive the physiological parameters.

Because each individual has a unique heart rate and respiratory rate that is typical for them, this technology works best if a baseline has been established. This baseline information can be easily captured on the newer smart phones and wearable devices, according to the scientists. The contactless, physiological measurement system could be used in advanced driver assistance systems in vehicles to monitor the health of the driver, as well as potentially providing cost-effective health screening at the entrances to buildings, ships or other facilities. The technology also has applications to virtual reality and contactless authentication. If approved by the FDA as a medical device, it could provide continuous, contactless monitoring of hospital patients.

“Respiratory rate is not typically monitored due to lack of easy technology, but it is often the first sign of deterioration as the body attempts to maintain oxygen delivery to the tissues,” said Mohammed Islam, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science who is leading the research. “We’re using the very latest technology that is becoming available on smart phones to provide more accurate monitoring of overall health, while protecting caregivers and others tasked with taking health readings from highly infectious diseases.”

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