A video-based technique for heart rate and eye blinks rate estimation: A potential solution for telemonitoring and remote healthcare

11noopenCurrent telemedicine and remote healthcare applications foresee different interactions between the doctor and the patient relying on the use of commercial and medical wearable sensors and internet-based video conferencing platforms. Nevertheless, the existing applications necessarily require a contact between the patient and sensors for an objective evaluation of the patient’s state. The proposed study explored an innovative video-based solution for monitoring neurophysiological parameters of potential patients and assessing their mental state. In particular, we investigated the possibility to estimate the heart rate (HR) and eye blinks rate (EBR) of participants while performing laboratory tasks by mean of facial—video analysis. The objectives of the study were focused on: (i) assessing the effectiveness of the proposed technique in estimating the HR and EBR by comparing them with laboratory sensor-based measures and (ii) assessing the capability of the video—based technique in discriminating between the participant’s resting state (Nominal condition) and their active state (Non-nominal condition). The results demonstrated that the HR and EBR estimated through the facial—video technique or the laboratory equipment did not statistically differ (p > 0.1), and that these neurophysiological parameters allowed to discriminate between the Nominal and Non-nominal states (p <0.02).openRonca V.; Giorgi A.; Rossi D.; Di Florio A.; Di Flumeri G.; Aricò P.; Sciaraffa N.; Vozzi A.; Tamborra L.; Simonetti I.; Borghini G.Ronca, V.; Giorgi, A.; Rossi, D.; Di Florio, A.; Di Flumeri, G.; Aricò, P.; Sciaraffa, N.; Vozzi, A.; Tamborra, L.; Simonetti, I.; Borghini, G

Designing a system for Online Orchestra: Computer hardware and software

Online Orchestra sought in its pilot performance to enable musicians in four remote locations in Cornwall, United Kingdom, to make music together over the Internet. This article considers the processes by which computer hardware and software platforms were selected, integrated and optimized for the performance. Starting with an overview of guiding design principles, details of the computer hardware and software platforms used are provided. Audio- and video-streaming solutions are surveyed, leading to a detailed analysis of JackTrip and its deployment in the final system. The network environment in which the Online Orchestra performance took place is also considered, including specifications of each of the four venues

A wearable augmented reality platform for telemedicine

This paper describes the development of the prototype of an Augmented Reality based tele-consultation platform settled with a wearable video see through Head Mounted Display (HMD) with the aim to provide specialist consult to low specialist remote area without the need to move the patient. The platform prototype has the donning advantage that gives the user an immersive experience, moreover the video see through HMD allows for intrinsic coherence of the scenes shared between the users (the mentor and the proctored clinician). The platform has been preliminarily evaluated from a technical point of view and two different scenarios were identified for future clinical testing: ambulatorial (gynecologic) and surgical (orthopaedic)