Background and description
Currently, smartphones can be used for photoplethysmography using its camera (cbPPG), and recent works explore the use of the camera and display to estimate blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2). On the other hand, the acquisition of electrogradiography (ECG) is becoming more accessible, being integrated into wearable gadgets, like smart watches and activity tracking wristbands (e.g., Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Fit). However, these technologies still rely on user collaboration to perform the measurement function.
The present invention uses technology already available on smartphones and other common electronic devices, not requiring add-on of external devices or sensors, enabling an “invisible” measurement approach. This new technique can be implemented in any devices that incorporate a transparent and conductive screen, enabling the acquisition of cbPPG and ECG. Combining these two biosignals, it’s possible to estimate parameters such as SpO2 and blood pressure, using features such as pulse transit time.
This technology enhances the mHealth features of current smart devices and wearables by taking advantage of already built-in components and extracting valuable physiological signals from them.
