Drone “reads” from a distance the heartbeat and the rate of breath

© naftemporiki.gr Drone “reads” from a distance the heartbeat and the rate of breath

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed drones that are capable of measuring heart rate and rhythm of breathing remotely. As the BBC says, image processing / analysis systems, coupled with specialized algorithms, allow these drones to detect the vital signs of many people at the same time while they are on the move. Such drones could be used in hospitals, nursing homes and war zones.

What the system does is to detect movements on people’s faces and throats. In tests that have been done, the drones have taken measurements from a distance of three meters, but it is estimated that it is possible for further development to make it possible for much longer distances.

“The drone distinguishes each person automatically and provides a trace for each individual, such as where the heartbeat is and the rate of breath”,

said Professor Jawan Tsal, supervisor of the program.

“Many environments are hostile, so a drone is the safest choice”,

he added.

“There are also cases in clinical environments where you would not find it a good idea to have electrodes and instruments to monitor patients, but if you just have a camera to do it, you might be able to use equipment where you would not normally have.”

As the BBC notes, the investigation was originally due to the desire for an intact sensor to replace the electrodes used in developing countries to monitor vital signs in newborns – which (electrodes) can cause infections.

Source: www.naftemporiki.gr