Google researchers use headphones to measure users’ heart rate

A group researchers of Google It created an additional function for hearing aids that could eventually be incorporated as part of the company’s new product features: the possibility of measuring the user’s pulse, just as a device could. Smart watch Through special sensors located on the device’s wrist.

According to a scientific article published by the company on its special website, headphones with noise canceling function were used. OS Add a special feature called “audio plethysmography” which uses ultrasound to measure rhythm. the heart of users.

According to the written document Xiaoran fanScientist Google; And Trustee ThormondsonThe company’s hardware engineer points out that the pulse recording system works by “sending low-intensity ultrasound.”

Researchers say these sounds create echoes inside Channel auditory They are then picked up by tiny microphones built into the device, which is then translated into a metric where the user’s pulse can be seen.

The research also indicated that the system could function properly even with other variables that could affect information acquisition. Music Active, bad place earphones And different sizes too Ear canals They do not have a relevant effect on the performance of the new hearing aid function.

Despite this, one of the scenarios affected the use of these devices application These measurements are taken in very noisy situations (even with noise cancellation), in addition to excessive physical movement.

However, the scientists pointed out that this could be easily solved by using different frequencies UltrasoundOnly those that work well in each situation are used.

The study carried out by the researchers included the testing of different models where the effectiveness of the location of the microphones responsible for receiving the echo generated by the ultrasound in the ear canal was tested. Further 153 participants It was concluded that there was an average error rate in these experiments with collaborators and measurement 3.21%

Yes right Google The company has been responsible for carrying out these studies This does not mean that inventions are made that will allow for the creation of new systems in the future Company It is currently actively working on developing new versions of these devices.

What can be inferred from this study is that Google is planning to develop a version of hearing aids. Pixel Buds Pro (Or an update for you Software) which will combine these functions in the future.

According to GoogleNew audio system Plethysmography Yes, he can change earphones “An update on responsive and smart headphones Software (…) The most important thing is that this activity represents new knowledge Biomedical research And cell phones.”

The company also highlighted the potential for this feature to allow for the creation of new detection capabilities. Hearing problems At low cost.

This isn’t the first time a company has used one earphones As a means of providing health services. Manjana currently has a patent describing a sensor system AirPods Pro Among other things, it will allow users to measure their temperature.