Estimation of Respiratory Rate Using Thermography

This study explores the application of infrared thermography for non-contact monitoring of human respiratory rate. Using a passive thermography approach, the study presents a non-invasive method utilizing thermal images, enabling continuous and remote respiratory rate monitoring without radiation exposure. Thermography's ability to detect changes in respiratory rate patterns can indicate various health conditions, often capturing early signs before clinical manifestation. Additionally, in driver monitoring systems, integrating low-level bio vitals like heart rate and respiratory rate with visual cues from cameras enhances road safety by enabling early detection of drowsiness. The study highlights various respiratory rate measurement methods, and its proposed methodology involves collecting data from healthy subjects using a handheld thermal imaging camera, processing thermal images to detect the nose region, and analysing temperature variations to derive respiratory rate signals. Validation against accelerometer data demonstrates promising accuracy, offering potential clinical applications as a non-invasive and accurate respiratory rate monitoring approach.