KU and Panasonic developed a radar-based device that could instantaneously and accurately measure the body's vital signals. The new model is smaller and more accurate than its predecessor. Source: Kyoto UniversityBuilding on an earlier design of a radar capable of measuring a person’s vital signs, researchers from Kyoto University's Center of Innovation and Panasonic Corporation developed a device that can measure how the heart beats as the body moves without the burden of wires and equipment.

"Measuring respiration and heart rate—without attaching cumbersome wires to the body—will greatly benefit modern medicine and home healthcare," explains Toru Sato, lead researcher and Kyoto University professor of communications and computer engineering.

"Moreover, it will reduce stress by not subjecting the individual to a feeling of being monitored."

Improving upon the earlier design, researchers were able to reduce the size of the original prototype, which was almost the size of a standard microwave oven.

"After extensive testing we achieved great improvements," continues Sato. "The device now utilizes the 79 GHz frequency band, instead of the previous 60 GHz. We also incorporated CMOS semiconductors. As a result, range and resolution improved, and it's now only about one tenth the size—as big as a smoke detector."

Additionally, the new device can also measure the heart rates of several people in the room with as little as 3 inches of space between them.

The research team envisions using the technology in every-day household items such as lighting to help monitor the residents’ vital signs.

"This technology holds great promise for the future development of devices to monitor health remotely," concludes Sato. "We are currently considering test sites for observing the multiple applications of our sensor."