System and method for extracting physiological information from remotely detected electromagnetic radiation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for extracting physiological information indicative of at least one health symptom from remotely detected electromagnetic radiation. The device comprises an interface (20) for receiving a data stream comprising remotely detected image data representing an observed region comprising at least one subject of interest (12), wherein the image data comprises wavelength-dependent image information, wherein the wavelength-dependent image information is composed of at least two color channels (96, 98, 100) representative of respective wavelength portions; an image processor (22) for detecting channel signal strength information for at least two of the at least two color channels (96, 98, 100); and a data comparison unit (24) for comparing detected channel signal strengths with respective reference values.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a system and a method for extracting physiological information indicative of at least one health symptom from remotely detected electromagnetic radiation. More particularly, the present invention may contribute in analyzing vital signs information indicative of vital parameters, physiological parameters or, more generally, health parameters. The electromagnetic radiation may be considered as radiation in the visible wavelength band re-emitted by a subject of interest. As used herein, visible radiation may relate to radiation in a particular wavelength range which is visible to a human eye, or, at least to a sensing device. Even more specifically, the present invention may relate to (visible) image capturing and processing systems and corresponding methods for detecting and monitoring vital parameters and / or symptom-indicative information which may be applied, for instance, in the field of remote monitoring, such as remote ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device and method for extracting physiological information from remote PPG (photoplethysmography) data. The device is designed to process the data without multiple signal transformation steps and is particularly adapted to handle disturbances and noise-affected portions of the data. The color model used in the device assigns wavelength portions to the color channels, making it easier to handle and process the data. The device can detect health symptoms, such as increased levels of serum bilirubin, through analysis of the color channels. The system also includes an image sensor that captures video data in at least two wavelength portions corresponding to the color channels, ensuring consistent image data encoding and processing.

Problems solved by technology

This may be experienced as being considerably unpleasant.

Since reflection mechanisms in the subject's skin are rather complex and multi-dependent on factors such as wavelengths, penetration, depth, skin composition, vascular system structure, and further influencing parameters, terms such as “emitted”, “transmitted” and “reflected” shall not be understood in a limited way.

In many cases, this is considered unpleasant, particularly for long-term monitoring.

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