Russian Researchers Develop Webcam-Based Blood Pressure Algorithm
The algorithm has already completed the first stage of clinical testing.
An algorithm that measures blood pressure using a webcam has completed the first stage of clinical testing. It is being developed by the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of Russia’s Ministry of Health.
The technology works by analyzing changes in the spectrum of light reflected from facial skin. A webcam captures minute changes in pixel contrast caused by blood pulsing through capillaries. A neural network analyzes the resulting video feed and uses it to estimate blood pressure.
The first stage of the study, involving more than 2,800 patients, has been completed, and the data was used to build an initial algorithm. The second stage involves a group of 300 people. Researchers are testing three AI models simultaneously and refining them as the study progresses.
The researchers stress that the technology cannot yet be considered a complete replacement for conventional blood pressure monitors. It could, however, be used for initial rapid screening.
