Fraunhofer: “Access checker” remotely measures body temperature in addition to heart and breathing rate

Infrared camera and radar measure vital parameters

The test measures not only body temperature using an infrared camera but also heart and breathing rates by way of microwaves. To this end, a radar module featuring a micro-Doppler method is used.

 © Robert Bosch Hospital/Christoph Schmidt
Detail of test evaluation with infrared image of the face and breath.

The research team is now examining on site whether and how precisely the testing procedure correlates with the data collected from hospital staff in the entrance area and whether the procedure is practical. The test was developed within a matter of weeks and should play a part in curbing the coronavirus pandemic as quickly as possible: A team headed up by Dr. Urs Schneider, a medical professional who works at Fraunhofer IPA, has many years of experience in areas such as occupational health and safety, medical technology, image processing and object recognition. As a result, it has an excellent grasp of all the necessary testing procedures.

© Robert Bosch Hospital/Christoph Schmidt
Dr. med. Urs Schneider from Fraunhofer IPA explains the test procedure.

The staff at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO are responsible for ensuring the ideal process integration of Fraunhofer IPA’s technological innovation. In this context, the scientists are analyzing its usability for hospital staff and patients as well as, above all, movement patterns of patients and treatment chains using a contactless movement sensor. The aim is to soon integrate this technology into the hospital’s admission process.

The medics, engineers and labor organization experts have now applied their expertise to help in the efforts to deal with the coronavirus crisis. They have put together a prototype at an astonishing speed. They have even considered data protection: The patients’ data is not stored but rather anonymously documented on a paper spreadsheet.