Spectral analysis of respiratory and cardiac signals using Doppler Radar

Inmate injuries and deaths remain a significant problem for correctional institutions, increasing the need for continuous monitoring of inmates. A Doppler radar device is investigated for use as a contactless method of vital sign monitoring (e.g., breathing and heart rate) in a single cell setting. The recorded radar signal is analysed in both the time domain, and in the frequency domain. The radar signal and its frequency spectrum is compared against the signals and frequency spectrums obtained from an electrocardiogram and a respiratory inductance plethysmography band. The breathing and heart rate estimates obtained from the radar match up with the estimates provided by the respiratory band and electrocardiogram. Results show that the radar device demonstrates good potential for contactless vital sign monitoring