Taiwan-based Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) made a big splash at the first all-digital CES 2021 this year. ITRI showed a variety of biosensing devices in CES virtual showrooms including iCardioGuard. iCardioGuard uses multi-sensing microwave and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors to monitor vital signs. ITRI designed the device for long-term, continuous use at home and in care centers. ITRI crunches the e-health wearable’s data with analysis software to monitor cardiovascular health and emotional status.
According to ITRI, iCardioGuard is suitable for a variety of applications and can be placed on the chest using smart clothing or heartbeat belts. The device measures 5 cm by 3 cm (about 2-inches x 1.2-inches) and does not have to be in direct contact with the body. It operates at a distance up to 15 cm from the body (just under 6-inches). The sensors detect heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow. In addition to monitoring heart health, the psycho-cardiac software evaluates mood, stress, and fatigue. The device can measure heart rate and respiration in three seconds, ITRI reports. The device transmits the data via Bluetooth to an accompanying mobile app that displays physical and psychological status. If the software detects problems, it transmits alerts.
iCardioGuard uses ITRI’s own Low Power Microwave Sensor (LPMS) technology. According to the ITRI, the LPMS radiation is more than 1,000 times less powerful than the radiation from smartphones and therefore no danger for even long term use. ITRI suggests the primary applications for iCardioGuard are home care, eldercare, and exercise and fitness evaluation. It also has implications for use with remote patient monitoring, particularly because of the algorithm’s ability to detect and report stress and fatigue.
