Non-Contact Assessment of Cardiovascular Function using a Multi-Camera Array

Abstract

A system and method are provided for non-contact cardiac assessment of a subject. Images of the subject are captured from at least two synchronized independent imaging devices spaced equidistant from the subject and positioned such that each imaging device captures an image of the subject different from other imaging devices. Spectral components of the captured images are extracted. The extracted spectral components are analyzed. A signal corresponding to cardiac information is identified in the extracted spectral components. The identified signal corresponding to the cardiac information is extracted from the extracted spectral components.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 059,870, entitled “Multi-Camera Array for Noncontact Assessment of Cardiovascular Function,” filed on Oct. 4, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.RIGHTS OF THE GOVERNMENT[0002]The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the government of the United States for all governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention generally relates to non-contact sensing of physiological functions and, more particularly, non-contact sensing of cardiovascular functions.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Cardiac monitoring has been sufficiently demonstrated as a method for assessing wellness, performance, cognitive, and stress states in everyday, clinical, and mission environments. This monitoring is traditiona...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a system that uses two imaging devices to capture images of a person's heart. These devices are positioned at a distance from the person and capture images from different angles. The system also includes a computer that analyzes the images and identifies signals that indicate cardiac information. The system can trigger the imaging devices to capture images simultaneously. The technical effect of this invention is a non-contact, cardiac assessment system that can provide accurate and early detection of potential heart disease.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, ECG requires electrodes to be affixed to the skin surface, costing time and resources, as well as a potential discomfort to the subject.

It also may not be suitable for long term / repeated monitoring or with individuals with high skin sensitivities.

Additionally, ECG may be susceptible to artifact under conditions of motion, which shake the ECG leads or disturb the electrode-skin interface.

Moreover, these problems are also present in more modern “wearable” sensors that are popular in fitness, mobile health and wellness, and consumer electronics arenas.

Unfortunately, traditional PPG sensors require a mounted sensor which may obstruct physical activity or may be uncomfortable for prolonged monitoring.

Furthermore, contact PPG sensors experience a high degree of motion sensitivity which may corrupt the collected signal when the sensor-skin interface is disturbed.

However, one practical issue that has not yet been addressed is that of head motion artifact and its effect on pulse rate component recovery from the ICA (or other blind source separation approach) decomposition of the imager channel space.

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