Paediatric Pulse Rate Measurements: a Comparison of Methods using Remote Photoplethysmography

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) is a non-invasive technique used to measure vital signs such as pulse rate. As the heart beats, blood volume changes in the microvasculature of the skin cause alterations in the light absorption pattern. As rPPG signals can be captured using most smartphone and tablet cameras, the integration of rPPG technology has the potential to streamline the triaging process within emergency department settings but also to be an invaluable tool for continuous monitoring within the home environment. This paper describes an approach for deriving pulse rate from rPPG tailored specifically towards paediatric cases with higher pulse rates than adults, demonstrating a root mean square error of 8.2 beats per minute using frequency domain analysis. Further, this work details the data collection methodology employed in a paediatric emergency department, discussing the unique challenges of the data collections process.