Candidate: Serene Abu-Sardanah
Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 4:00pm
Location: EIT 3142
Supervisors: Omar Ramahi, George Shaker
Abstract:
Cardiac and pulmonary health play a crucial role in overall well-being, as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases continue to pose significant global health challenges. However, traditional monitoring methods like ECG and spirometry have limitations, driving the need for alternative approaches. We introduce a wearable chest-worn radar system operating at 60 GHz, enabling contactless and near-field monitoring of cardio-respiratory activity. By capturing detailed displacement waveforms associated with chest movement during respiration and the cardiac cycle, the radar system provides continuous and accurate extraction of vital signs including respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). To ensure effective performance in close proximity to the skin, electromagnetic simulations were conducted to assess the radar system's capabilities. Subsequently, experiments using the chest-worn radar prototype successfully extracted detailed cardiac and respiratory waveforms. The system effectively differentiated between different breathing types (labored, shallow) and detected apnea. Furthermore, functional waveforms for cardiac activity were mapped against a reference electrocardiogram (ECG), establishing a physiological basis for radar signal measurements during the cardiac cycle. This radar-based monitoring approach exhibits promising potential for accurate and continuous assessment of cardio-respiratory health. It offers advantages over traditional methods, including simplicity, continuous monitoring, and improved patient comfort.