Method for measuring the heart rate through fingertip using a low-end video camera and its application in self care

This article presents a method for monitoring the heart rate using a low-end video camera. The user places the fingertip on the camera lens and the software detects the periodic variations in light intensity caused by the pulsation of blood in the capillary tissue. The measurement technique is based on extracting beat-to-beat intervals by passing the color intensity average through a processing pipeline comprised of six stages. Our tests indicate a measurement error below 3 bpm, when compared to commonly available home care devices. We present a possible application of our method in the area of stress diagnosis and treatment. The application can be used at home to monitor personal health and enable individuals to perform enhanced self care.