New technology turns headphones into heart rate monitor

At the 2013 Yokohama Health Equipment Fair in Japan, held October 23 and 25th, Kaiteki and Bifrostec companies exhibited a technique for measuring pulse fluctuations using headphones. The new technology does not require any modification of the headset. So if you need to be able to install signal detection software on your mobile or playback device, you can measure your pulse while listening to music or doing something else. The headphones sold at this show cost 809 yen (about 8.3 US dollars). The new technique uses headphones to detect changes in the pressure around the ear canal. Birfrostec Company Introduction: According to the arterial vibration, eardrum vibration frequency of about 1HZ. The change in the ear canal pressure is due to the vibration of the eardrum, which can be detected by the microphone on the headset. However, headphones do not occupy the entire ear canal, and the external ambient noise will affect the detection results. Kaiteki and Bifrostec companies use their own signal detection technology to detect the signals detected by headphones. "A lot of people are listening to music while jogging," Bifrostec said. Using this new technology, you can monitor your pulse without needing any special equipment. "Kaiteki and Bifrostec also exhibit a pulse monitor that uses the same principle to make ring shapes. It is equipped with a MEMS microphone, and pressure changes can be monitored by the microphone on the ring. In addition, they show a software that can test the pressure signals collected by headphones or rings for autonomic nerves. The principle of autonomic nerve detection utilizes fluctuations in the pulse. The technology on display at the exhibition is still rudimentary and immature. Kaiteki is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Ltd. Bifrostec is a VC whose employees come from several big electronics companies, including Sony.