Comparison of UWB Doppler radar and camera based photoplethysmography in non-contact multiple heartbeats detection

Abstract

RF and optical based photoplethysmography (PPG) have been recently developed for non-contact vital sign detection, due to their numerous advantages. In this paper, UWB radar, and camera-based monitoring are applied in vital sign detection and compared. In this paper, a mathematical signal model for the UWB Doppler radar, and another one for the camera-based photoplethysmography PPG are introduced. Vital signals have been recorded using both methods and compared. Capabilities and limitations of multiple subjects tracking have been demonstrated for multiple heartbeat detection. For validation, experimental results were compared to commercial contact sensors as well. Furthermore, the pros and cons of the Doppler radar and remote PPG in vital signs detection is discussed and summarized.