Innovative Non-Contact Vital Sensing System Developed by Arkth and IKI Japan

Revolutionary Non-Contact Vital Sensing System

In an exciting breakthrough in health technology, Arkth Inc. has partnered with IKI Japan Co., led by Professor Yasue Mitsukura of Keio University, to develop an innovative non-contact vital sensing system. This device utilizes standard smartphone and PC cameras to estimate vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse without any special sensors.

How It Works

The system requires only a simple 15-second video capture of the user's face or skin, allowing for a quick and convenient way to visualize essential health information. By merging sensory engineering with biometric signal analysis, this approach significantly increases the accuracy of estimates compared to traditional methods.

During validation tests, over 250 data samples were collected, demonstrating remarkable efficacy. When compared to conventional cuff-based blood pressure monitors, the system showed an average error of SBP: -2.13 ± 11.39 mmHg and DBP: -2.99 ± 9.18 mmHg, proving its reliability.

Breaking Down Barriers in Blood Pressure Management

High blood pressure is a critical risk factor for heart disease and stroke, affecting an estimated 43 million people in Japan alone. While the importance of regular blood pressure management is well-known, traditional measurement methods often pose challenges:
1. Physical Burden: The cumbersome nature of cuff devices makes measurements inconvenient, especially when away from home.
2. Psychological Burden: The stress associated with measuring blood pressure can inadvertently lead to higher readings.
3. Online Limitations: During telehealth consultations, doctors often cannot monitor patients’ vital signs in real time, creating limitations in remote care.

Recognizing these issues, Arkth and Professor Mitsukura initiated their collaborative research to develop a more user-friendly solution.

Three Innovative Features of the Technology

Arkth has taken on the responsibility of translating research findings into practical applications. Their system features three groundbreaking attributes:
1. High Precision Estimation: The system employs Professor Mitsukura's unique noise reduction algorithms, effectively filtering ambient light interference and user movements to enhance accuracy.
2. Cost-Effective and Accessible: Unlike expensive sensors or wearables, this system utilizes existing cameras found in smartphones, PCs, and tablets, significantly lowering implementation costs. Future adjustments will focus on ensuring consistent performance across various devices.
3. Simultaneous Visualization of Mind and Body: Professor Mitsukura’s lab is also recognized for its ability to visualize emotions through EEG signals. The system is planned to expand beyond vital data to include stress levels and concentration, offering a holistic health management experience.

Future Implementation and Collaboration

Rather than Arkth providing this technology directly, it will be integrated in partnerships with various sectors through IKI Japan. Arkth’s role continues to be bridging the gap between research outcomes and practical application, ensuring ongoing validation and support.

Measurements and Compatibility

- Measurable Data: Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (with plans for further expansions).
- Measurement Duration: As quick as 15 seconds.
- Compatible Operating Systems: Windows and macOS.

Messages from the Co-Developers

Yasue Mitsukura, CEO of IKI Japan:
"The ability to non-invasively obtain vital information is crucial, yet measuring these metrics is often complicated by both physical and psychological barriers. Our technology offers a potential way to seamlessly integrate health management into daily life. Through our collaboration with Arkth, we achieved a substantial advancement in a short period. The ability to adapt and refine our approaches even under tight deadlines has been impressive, marking a significant step toward societal implementation."

Katsuhiro Araki, CEO of Arkth:
"We prioritize not merely creating systems but also finding practical ways to integrate advanced technology into society, ensuring continual support for our clients’ businesses. In this joint development, we focused heavily on how to stabilize Professor Mitsukura’s exceptional algorithms across general devices, enhancing user experience. The establishment of this vital sensing technology represents just one avenue among many as we pursue our philosophy of ‘Engineering that can be entrusted to us, rather than just created.’ We remain committed to turning cutting-edge technologies into everyday infrastructure that everyone can utilize.”

About Arkth

- Company Name: Arkth Inc.
- Location: 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, Japan, 8/F Shibuya Hikarie 8, Hachi Creative Lounge MOV
- CEO: Katsuhiro Araki
- Established: February 25, 2015
- Business Focus: DX consulting, R&D of IoT technologies, and generative AI system development
- Website: https://arkth.co.jp

About IKI Japan

A startup originating from Keio University, IKI Japan focuses on the social implementation of Professor Yasue Mitsukura's bio-signal analysis technology, offering unique algorithms based on sensory engineering.