TF-RHYTHMM: Time–Frequency Ridge-Based Heart Rate Estimation Yielded Through Mode Matching for MIMO Radar

Abstract

In noncontact heart rate estimation using microwaves, the accuracy of heart rate estimation decreases due to interference from respiratory harmonics. Various methods have been proposed to mitigate the influence of respiration; however, most of these methods evaluate the average heart rate over an observation period of 10 s or longer, making it impossible to observe heart rate fluctuations within that interval. In this letter, we propose a technique called time–frequency ridge-based heart-rate estimation yielded through mode matching, which is suitable for radar-based systems. Experimental results from 14 participants demonstrated that a heart rate estimation accuracy of 0.8 bpm (50th percentile) was achieved with an observation time of 6 s.