Plethysmographic Heartbeat Pulse Generator Module Using Photonic Sensor with Auto-Correlation Electronic System

By

SHAHANA DUDEKULA

Project Requirements for the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

May 2013

Abstract

Safe driving is a major concern of societies all over the world. An amazing fact derived from a large number of traffic accidents is that about 20% of traffic accidents are due to driver’s drowsy driving. Fatigue is often the cause of serious automobile crashes. Diversion in concentration can impair steering behavior and reduce driver reaction time. Monotonous driving is particularly exhausting and can lead to loss of concentration. Driver drowsiness increases the risk of collision by factor 4 to 6.

Pulse rate of the driver is an important physiological signal which can be used to determine the condition of the driver. In this project work has been done to detect the driver’s drowsiness and to prevent the collisions by measuring the pulse rate (in bpm) and monitoring the changes in the pulse rate. The heartbeat of human being is detected using a commonly used sensor. The circuit with the sensor and few other components has been designed which can detect the pulse rate. Additionally simulations have been done using Cadence Pspice and experimental setup also demonstrates the heart pulse with a frequency range between 60-70 kHz depending on the age group of the person.

References

[1] Knipling, R., and Wang, J. (1994): Crashes and Fatalities Related to Driver Drowsiness/Fatigue. Washington, D.C. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

[2] Grote L. Zou. D., Kraiczi H. and Hedner J. (2002): Finger Plethysmography a Method for Monitoring Finger Blood Flow During Sleep Disordered Breathing. Sleep Laboratory, Pulmonary Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

[3] Hall M.,Vasko R., Buvsse D., Ombao H., Chen Q., Cashmere J.D., Kupfer D. and Thayer J.F.  (2004): Acute Stress Affects Heart Rate Variability During Sleep. University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry Pittsburgh PA, USA.

[4] Nguyen W. and Horjus R. (2011): Heart-Rate Monitoring Control System Using Photoplethysmography. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis. Obispo.

[5] Allen J. (2007): Photoplethysmography and its Application in Clinical physiological Measurement. stacks.iop.org/PM/28/R1

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