Philips launches an app for the iPhone 2 that measures heart rate

Philips today introduced Vital Sign , an application for iPad2 able to remotely control the heart rate and breathing of people using the camera of the second generation Apple tablet.

How it works

The heartbeat causes small changes in the color of the face. These changes are not visible to the human eye, but with advanced software applied to the iPad 2 camera can detect these small signs of redness. When the 'patient' breath, her chest moves up and down. Through this software, the camera iPad 2 follows the movement of your chest to measure breathing rate.

Any user of the iPhone 2 may simply measure your heart rate and breathing from the comfort of your home, either after a walk, a fitness session or at rest. The application offers the option to share the results immediately via Facebook , Twitter or email. It is also possible to switch to continuous measurement, which is particularly useful during a breathing exercise or during a yoga session.

Promising technology

Philips has been developing its technology to capture vital signs chamber during the last three years. Although the concept is simple, the calculation of vital signs from obtaining multiple video images in real time is a major technical challenge. Philips has used advanced algorithms based on their experience in the field of optics, imaging and medical signal processing. The Dutch company Consumer Electronics believes this revolutionary innovation has a large potential market for the company.

Future Applications

In the future, the technology could also be used to monitor non-contact heart rate in gymnasiums, in activities for relaxation and stress reduction, sleep control, monitoring the baby at home or tracking patients in the hospital. Among other possibilities, Philips is exploring how monitoring non-contact vital signs can help premature babies in neonatal wards. The removal of any sensor or cable in the body, such as those used today, it would be a step towards a more similar to the uterus.