Google Introduces Innovative Heart Rate Monitoring Technique Using Wireless ANC Wearables

Google has recently released findings on a revolutionary technique that can measure a user's heart rate utilizing existing wireless ANC wearables. This groundbreaking method, known as audioplethysmography, utilizes ultrasound waves to detect the heartbeat.

So, how does audioplethysmography work? Well, Google explains that it involves transmitting a low-intensity ultrasound signal through the speakers of the ANC earphones or headphones. This signal then emits echoes that are captured by the wearable's microphone. By monitoring the subtle movement of the skin surface in the ear canal due to blood flow, this information can be processed into a heart rate measurement and heart rate variability using a unique model developed by the researchers.

Traditionally, wearables with heart rate monitor functionality rely on a plethora of sensors such as photoplethysmograms and electrocardiograms, which require processing with a microcontroller in the earphones or headphones. This results in increased cost, weight, and faster battery consumption. Google aimed to address these issues by developing a method to measure heart rate with existing wireless earphones featuring active noise cancellation, without making any hardware modifications.

According to Google, audioplethysmography offers various advantages over traditional sensor-based methods. It is reported to work seamlessly with different ear canal sizes, various skin tones, and even in the presence of background music. The technology is said to function reliably even when the earphones are not snugly fit in the ears. While audioplethysmography initially faced challenges during exercise, the researchers claim to have resolved this issue by utilizing multiple frequencies and selecting the most accurate one.

In their research conclusion, Google asserts that audioplethysmography consistently delivers accurate heart rate and heart rate variability measurements. This success demonstrates the potential of transforming any TWS-ANC wearable into a sophisticated heart rate monitor with a simple software update. The company believes that this technology opens up new avenues for affordable health monitoring.