Assessing an Automatic Procedure of Extraction of Physiological Parameters from Skin using Video Photoplethysmography

Riccardo Barbieri, Riccardo Levi, Maximiliano Mollura, I. Marsella, Luca Ficarelli, Matteo Negro, Luca Cerina, Luca T. Mainardi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Video Photoplethysmography (vPPG) allows for estimation of blood volume pulse (BVP) from the skin by means of a video camera recording at high frequency rate. The estimation procedure presents several drawbacks in its application to real world conditions, such as light changes or movements that often generate artifacts in the extracted BVP waveform. In addition, the process requires a skin segmentation algorithm to distinguish skin pixels from the background. To date, even the most refined skin segmentation algorithms still need a manual definition that could lead to incorrect pixel classification, and consequently to a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We here propose a fully autonomic procedure able to extract BVP from video recordings of the skin in real world conditions.The experimental protocol is designed to record the signals of interest and to evaluate changes in the Autonomic Nervous System modulation of the heart during a baseline condition and a controlled breathing phase. Video recordings are gathered from 4 young healthy subjects (age: 21±1 years). vPPG signals are processed in order to extract the BVP waveform, and a peak detection algorithm detects pulse wave peaks that are then used to compute specific measures of heart rate variability (HRV).The procedure is successfully validated by comparing the extracted HRV measures against those extracted using a finger photoplethysmograph (fPPG) using three different skin segmentation algorithms from BVP signals.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication42nd Annual International Conferences of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
Subtitle of host publicationEnabling Innovative Technologies for Global Healthcare, EMBC 2020
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages4349-4352
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-7281-1990-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event42nd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2020 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 20 Jul 202024 Jul 2020
Conference number: 42

Publication series

NameAnnual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
ISSN (Print)2375-7477

Conference

Conference42nd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2020
Abbreviated titleEMBC 2020
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period20/07/2024/07/20

Keywords

  • Algorithms
  • Autonomic Nervous System
  • Blood Volume
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Photoplethysmography
  • Young Adult

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assessing an Automatic Procedure of Extraction of Physiological Parameters from Skin using Video Photoplethysmography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this