In an article published on Google Research, the company presented a technology intended to enable precise heart rate measurement using conventional ANC headphones – without any additional hardware. A simple software update can enable this function on in-ear headphones like the Pixel Buds Pro, for example. What exactly is behind it?
Modern wearables, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, use optical sensors to measure heart rate. These sensors are now so advanced that they can measure not only pulse but also blood oxygen saturation. However, Google takes a slightly different approach and focus Acoustic methodwhich is called Audioplethysmography Familiar.
You can measure your pulse while exercising
Everyone has probably noticed it themselves: under extreme physical stress it can happen that you… Listen to your own pulse. This is caused by “noise”. Distortion of blood vessels. However, rather than just relying on it, the headphones transmit Low intensity ultrasonic sound reflected from the ear. Changes in this reflected signal caused by the pulsation of blood vessels can be detected by headphones.
Using special algorithms, Google can analyze these signals and extract heartbeats from them. According to the company, this method not only measures heart rate, but Variable heart rate (HRV) must be measured accurately. In addition, the Also measure time listening to music and physical activity How it works in sports.
Available on all ANC headphones
What is particularly exciting is that this function With a simple software update for any ANC headphone can be made available. Of course, it will still take some time until this feature is adopted by all companies.
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