Camera-based Photoplethysmography (cbPPG) using smartphone rear and frontal cameras: an experimental study

Abstract #

Non-expensive methods for measuring heart rate and oxygen saturation are of great importance in the scope of the COVID-19 outbreak to follow up on the symptoms and help to control the disease. Smartphones are widely available and their cameras can be used to acquire relevant physiological data, such as Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. Covering a light source and the camera sensor with a finger, it is possible to acquire the camera-based photoplethysmography (cbPPG) signal. Two methods were analyzed in this work, namely using the rear smartphone camera and the flash LED, and using the front camera and device display as a light source. The latter presents more advantages overall - in particular, greater control over the emitted light and finger detection - and better results were found when compared to a reference device. Clinical relevance — This technology allows the pervasive monitoring of the PPG signal using a standard smartphone, providing a tool to evaluate the subject’s heart rate and its variability, respiration, blood oxygenation, etc.

PDF #

Bibtex #

@conference{2021_embc_raposo,
    abbr            = {EMBC},
    author          = {Afonso Raposo and Hugo Plácido da Silva and João Sanches},
    title           = {Camera-based Photoplethysmography (cbPPG) using smartphone rear and frontal cameras: an experimental study},
    booktitle       = {43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society (EMBC)},
    year            = {2021},
    month           = {11},
    organization    = {EMBC},
    address         = {Virtual conference},
    pages           = {7091-7094},
}