< Back to previous page
Project
Robustified multi-functional photoplethysmography (PPG) monitoring system for continuous vital signs detection: A Global Health challenge (FWOSB106)
This PhD research proposal aims to provide a monitoring system that by using photoplethysmography (PPG), enables automated, noninvasive and continuous vital signs detection of patients.
PPG is a low-cost technique that by means of light interaction with the skin, allows extracting physiological parameters such as heart rate or blood oxygen saturation, among others. In its simplest form, it is composed of a LED and a photodetector and due to factors, such as body location, movement artifacts, contact pressure or temperature, the PPG signal gets easily distorted. This distortion limits the use of this technique for continuous monitoring, since the available sensors cannot cope with the mentioned artifacts.
Nevertheless, PPG is currently employed in pulse-oximeters and smart-watches, used to calculate blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
By using innovative solutions we not only compensate for temperature, movement, skin type, artifacts,... but we can also enhance the signal acquisition and processing, fundamentally enlarging the scope of PPG applications.
From the breadboard to the embedded system, this research proposal aims to develop this medical technology also with a Global Health perspective, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable healthcare in developed countries and to improve medical technology in low and medium- income countries
PPG is a low-cost technique that by means of light interaction with the skin, allows extracting physiological parameters such as heart rate or blood oxygen saturation, among others. In its simplest form, it is composed of a LED and a photodetector and due to factors, such as body location, movement artifacts, contact pressure or temperature, the PPG signal gets easily distorted. This distortion limits the use of this technique for continuous monitoring, since the available sensors cannot cope with the mentioned artifacts.
Nevertheless, PPG is currently employed in pulse-oximeters and smart-watches, used to calculate blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
By using innovative solutions we not only compensate for temperature, movement, skin type, artifacts,... but we can also enhance the signal acquisition and processing, fundamentally enlarging the scope of PPG applications.
From the breadboard to the embedded system, this research proposal aims to develop this medical technology also with a Global Health perspective, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable healthcare in developed countries and to improve medical technology in low and medium- income countries
Date:1 Nov 2020 → Today
Keywords:Opto-electronics, Bioelectronics, Embedded systems, Physiological monitoring, Signal processing, Global Health, Flanders in transition 2025, Sustainable Development Goals 2030
Disciplines:Embedded systems, Photodetectors, optical sensors and solar cells, Biomedical instrumentation, Biomedical signal processing