Pharma LPII- Exploring Earlobe-Cuff Sensing for Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring
This project explores a new approach to continuous blood pressure monitoring using a miniature “earlobe cuff.” Unlike traditional arm-cuff measurements, which compress the upper arm to estimate blood pressure, we investigate whether the thin, highly vascularized earlobe could enable a more compact and comfortable approach suitable for continuous blood pressure monitoring.
Faculty Advisor:
- Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, Computer Science
Description:
This project explores a new approach to continuous blood pressure monitoring using a miniature “earlobe cuff.” Unlike traditional arm-cuff measurements, which compress the upper arm to estimate blood pressure, we investigate whether the thin, highly vascularized earlobe could enable a more compact and comfortable approach suitable for continuous blood pressure monitoring. We envision integrating this capability into a smart earring that combines photoplethysmography (PPG) with controlled mechanical pressure to measure how earlobe PPG signals change under different levels of compression and whether these changes can be used to track relative blood pressure changes. Students will design a system for controlling pressure, integrate PPG sensing, collect and analyze the sensing data, and develop signal-processing and machine-learning methods for estimating blood pressure trends.
Prerequisites:
- Required: Basic programming experience, hardware prototyping.
- Good to have: Embedded programming (C/C++, Arduino, etc.), signal processing, physiological sensing, mechanical design, human-computer interaction, machine learning/AI.
- Students from Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, and related disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. A multidisciplinary team with complementary software, electronics, and mechanical-design skills is especially welcome.