A digital signal processor for Doppler radar sensing of vital signs

• Published in: IEEE engineering in medicine and biology magazine Vol. 21; no. 5; pp. 161 - 164
• Main Authors: Lohman, B., Boric-Lubecke, O., Lubecke, V.M., Ong, P.W., Sondhi, M.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01.09.2002; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Autocorrelation; Biology; Costs; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted - methods; Digital signal processing chips; Digital signal processors; Doppler radar; Frequency; Heart rate; Heart Rate - physiology; Humans; Mathematical analysis; Medical services; Microprocessors; Microwave devices; Microwaves; Monitoring, Physiologic - methods; Movement - physiology; Patient monitoring; Radar; Remote monitoring; Respiration; Respiratory Mechanics - physiology; Sensitivity and Specificity; Signal processing; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
• ISSN: 0739-5175; 1937-4186
• DOI: 10.1109/MEMB.2002.1044188

A signal processor for the determination of respiration and heart rates in Doppler radar measurements is described. The processor can reliably calculate both rates for a subject at distances as large as 2 m. The rate determination is based on autocorrelation and uses several enhancement techniques, including a center clipper. Several representative results are included to show the future potential of using the processor for this purpose. Calculated heart rates agree for over 88% of the time with the reference rate, within a 2% margin, for all datasets. These results indicate excellent prospects for remote monitoring of vital signs through noncontact radar techniques.