Researchers at Bifrostec and the Kaiteki Institute in Japan have discovered a new processing technology that turns any cheap pair of earphones into a heart rate monitor, TechOn reports. This new technology of detecting pulse waves with earphones was demonstrated at this week’s Healthcare Device Exhibition inYokohama, Japan.
How It Works
The processing technology measures pressure change in the enclosed space of the ear canal caused by the movement of the eardrum, which is in sync with a person’s arteries. This movement of the eardrum is then dectected by the earphones functioning as a microphone. As the technology checks for ambient noise, it is enabled to detect pulse waves turning any cheap pair of earphones into a heart rate monitor while listening to music.
The low cost and ease of use makes it possible for consumers to measure their pulse waves with minimal effort.
“There are many people who listen to music while jogging. With the new technology, it becomes possible to measure their pulse waves without any special effort,” Bifrostec said.
