A novel method to detect Heart Beat Rate using a mobile phone

Abstract

Heart Beat Rate calculation has traditionally been conducted using specialized hardware most commonly in the form of pulse oximeters or Electrocardiogram devices. Even though these methods offer high reliability, they require the users to have special sensor to measure their heart rate. In this paper we propose a system capable of estimating the heart beat rate using just a camera from a commercially available mobile phone. The advantage of this method is that the user does not need specialized hardware and s/he can take a measurement in virtually any place under almost any circumstances. Moreover the measurement provided can be used as a tool for health coaching applications or effective telecare services aimed in enhancing the user's well being.