Development of a Portable Pulse Oximetry Device
using an Arduino-based SPO2 Sensor Module
Atif Manzoor
Department of Mechatronics
Engineering
College of Electrical and Mechanical
Engineering
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
amanzoor.mts42ceme@student.nust.ed
u.pk
Numan Siddique
Department of Mechatronics
Engineering
College of Electrical and Mechanical
Engineering
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
nsiddique.mts42ceme@student.nust.ed
u.pk
Ali Shahzar
Department of Mechatronics
Engineering
College of Electrical and Mechanical
Engineering
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
ashazar.mts42ceme@student.nust.edu.p
k
Abstract— This IEEE report presents a comprehensive
literature review on the development of portable pulse
oximetry devices utilizing Arduino-based SPO2 (Blood Oxygen
Saturation) sensor modules. The objective of this study is to
examine and analyze existing research, advancements, and
trends in the field of portable pulse oximetry devices,
specifically focusing on the integration of Arduino platforms
and SPO2 sensor modules.
effective and easy microcontroller to base systems on[7].
They provide a flexible and user-friendly environment for
data acquisition, processing, and interfacing with external
components.
SPO2
sensor
modules
employ
photoplethysmography (PPG) principles, which involve
measuring changes in blood volume using light absorption,
to accurately determine oxygen saturation levels and heart
rate.[8]
Keywords—SPO2, Oximetry, Pulse sensor Module, Arduinobased, wearable technologies
This literature review aims to explore the research and
advancements in portable pulse oximetry devices using
Arduino-based SPO2 sensor modules. By analyzing existing
literature, this study will identify the state-of-the-art
techniques, methodologies, and innovations in device design,
signal processing algorithms, data visualization, and
connectivity options. The review will also examine the
clinical applications and impact of these devices, considering
factors such as usability, regulatory standards, and ethical
considerations.
I.
INTRODUCTION
Pulse oximeters are vital medical devices used to monitor
oxygen saturation levels in a person's blood. They play a
critical role in healthcare settings, enabling the early
detection of respiratory disorders and assisting in patient
care. This report introduces the project's objective to develop
a pulse oximeter utilizing SpO2 technology. It highlights the
significance of this endeavor in providing accessible and
accurate oxygen saturation measurements for medical
professionals and individuals in need. Accurate monitoring
of oxygen saturation is crucial in several clinical scenarios,
including surgical procedures, intensive care units,
emergency
departments,
and respiratory therapy.
Traditionally, pulse oximeters have been large, stationary
devices found in hospitals and healthcare facilitie[1].
Nowadays noninvasive blood oxygen measurement has
become important as invasive methods cannot monitor the
patient continuously.[2] In 1974 the world's first noninvasive pulse oximeter was invented. After several decades
of development, the blood oxygen related products have
become smaller, more stable and more convenient[3].
Portable pulse oximetry devices enable continuous
monitoring of oxygen saturation and heart rate outside of
clinical settings[4], [5], providing healthcare professionals
and individuals with valuable insights into respiratory
function and overall well-being. Wireless technology has
been developed in many applications. The use of wireless
technology to monitor health continuously and log data on to
platforms for remote monitoring.[6] this set up of devices is
particularly beneficial for patients with chronic respiratory
conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), asthma, or sleep apnea, as they allow for
continuous monitoring of oxygen levels during daily
activities and sleep. The responsible person can, at all times
be aware of any changes in the patient’s health through
notifications.
The integration of Arduino microcontrollers and SPO2
sensor modules has revolutionized the development of
portable pulse oximetry devices. Arduino platform are a cost-
Understanding the current landscape of portable pulse
oximetry devices and their integration with Arduino
microcontrollers and SPO2 sensor modules will provide
valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and healthcare
professionals. By identifying the strengths, limitations[9],
and future directions in this field, this literature review aims
to contribute to the advancement of portable pulse oximetry
technology, ultimately enhancing healthcare accessibility,
patient monitoring, and overall well-being.
II.
METHODS
A. Photoplethysmography(PPG)
This is the most widely used method of pulse oximetry.
This method involves shining red or infra light through the
skin[10]. Measuring the changes in light absorption level is
caused by the pulsating blood In recent times there is an
increasing need of devices to measure heart-rate and other
important vitals of patients in a very comfortable way.
Devices employing PPG sensors are the solution to this
requirement. Since they can be placed at a single location
and still give quite accurate readings, they also have the
potential to detect many other defects such as vascular
ageing, arterial stiffness etc[11]. The analysis of the light
absorption at different wavelengths is used to determine the
Oxygen saturation level. PPG is also used in biometric
authentication of smart device such as fridges computers and
other computerized systems[12]. This is a relatively more
secure than alphanumeric passwords wich can be broken[13].
B. Reflective Pulse Oximetry
This method is a variation of PPG[14]. Here the light
source and a photodetector are placed on the same side of a
tissue. Typically, on a finger of earlobe. The oxygen
saturation is determined by measuring reflected light. This
method is widely used in wearable devices. Reluctance pulse
oximetry is also used in the assessment of infants to monitor
their health. 88 % midwives found pulse oximetry easy to
use[15]. In case of suboptimal neonatal condition or
resuscitation, 100% of midwives declared they would use PO
again.
C. Transmission Pulse Oximetry
This is also a noninvasive method. This is mostly used in
large scale clinical set ups. Transmission pulse oximetry
involves the photodetector and light source on the opposite
sides of a tissue such as a finger or a earlobe. Some light is
transmitted through the tissue. It is measured to determine
the oxygen saturation level. In commercial pulse oximeters,
the two wavelengths are chosen in the red and infrared
regions, where the difference in light absorption between the
two wavelengths is relatively large. However, the scattering
constant and the optical path length differ significantly
between the red and infrared wavelengths, and consequently
the relationship between the physiological parameter
SaO2 and the measured parameter R cannot be derived
directly from physical and physiological considerations of
light absorption in HbO2 and Hb, based on the Beer–Lambert
law[11]. This method is mostly used in clinical settings for
accurate measurements[17].
III.
WEARABLE OXIMETRY DEVICES
A wearable oximetry device is a portable and compact
device designed to monitor blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)
and heart rate continuously[18]. Unlike traditional stationary
pulse oximeters, which are typically used in clinical settings,
wearable oximetry devices are designed for convenient and
long-term monitoring outside of the hospital environment.
They offer several advantages, including mobility, comfort,
and the ability to gather data during various activities.
IV.
PAPER TITLE
Here are some key features and aspects of wearable
oximetry devices:
Form Factor: Wearable oximetry devices come in various
forms, such as wristbands, smartwatches, finger rings, or
patches. They are designed to be lightweight, unobtrusive,
and comfortable for the user to wear continuously for
extended periods. 3D printing is a good way of fabricating
custom designs of wearable devices[19].
Sensor Technology: These devices utilize optical sensors,
typically
employing
photoplethysmography
(PPG)
technology, to measure blood oxygen saturation and heart
rate. The chips and controller technology needs to be
compact and safe for the user wearing the device. SMDs are
low power and compact so they are suitable for these
applications[20].
Wireless Connectivity: Many wearable oximetry devices
offer wireless connectivity[21], such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi,
allowing users to sync the data with smartphones, tablets, or
cloud platforms[22]. This enables users to track their health
trends, store data over time, and share the information with
healthcare professionals if desired[6].
Wearable oximetry devices provide individuals with
convenient access to their oxygen saturation and heart rate
data, allowing them to monitor their health, detect potential
anomalies, and make informed decisions regarding their
well-being. As technology continues to advance, wearable
oximetry devices are becoming more sophisticated,
integrating additional features, and supporting advanced
analytics for personalized health insights
. SUMMAY OF LITERATURE REVIEW
AUTHORS
The Use of the Pulse
Joanna skillman,pratap
Oximeter in Limb Ischaemia: dutta,peter.k.kimani
the PULSE study
PUBLISHED
IN
(2021)
METHODS
PPG Noninvasive pulse
oximeter.
Accuracy and reliability of
wearable devices for
measuring heart rate
variability
Design and Development of
a Low Cost Pulse Oximeter
Preece, S. et al.
(2019)
Assesses the accuracy and
reliability of wearable devices
for measuring heart rate
variability.
Zain Hassan Naeem,
Mansour Youseffi,
Farshid Sefat.
(2021)
Use of 'Reflectance PhotoPlethysmo-Graphy' (RPPG)
Smart wearable systems:
Current status and future
challenges
Marie Chan a b, Daniel Estève a
b, Jean-Yves Fourniols a b,
Christophe Escriba a b, Eric
Campo a b
(2012)
Provides an overview of smart
wearable systems, including
pulse oximetry, and discusses
future challenges in the field.
Development of a wearable
pulse oximeter with
Bluetooth connectivity for
remote monitoring
Nguyen, T. et al.
(2018)
Describes the development of
a wearable pulse oximeter with
Bluetooth connectivity for
remote monitoring
applications.
(2017)
Measurement based on near
infrared spectroscopy to
measure blood pressure
Sensor Based on Advanced
Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter
system
Jaspinder kaur,Ajay kumar
sharma,Divya Punia
Wireless pulse oximetry
monitoring using a
smartphone-based platform
Zhang, Z. et al.
(2015)
Presents a wireless pulse PPG
oximetry monitoring system
using a smartphone-based
platform.
Evaluation of a wearable
wireless pulse oximeter for
the detection of sleep
apnea
Lee, S. et al.
(2019)
Evaluates a wearable wireless
PPG pulse oximeter for the
detection of sleep apnea.
A wearable wireless pulse
oximeter for continuous
monitoring during exercise
Kim, Y. et al.
(2016)
Introduces a wearable wireless
pulse oximeter for continuous
monitoring during exercise.
Wireless transmission of
real-time pulse oximetry
signals using ZigBee
technology
Raza, A. et al.
(2013)
Investigates the wireless
transmission of real-time pulse
oximetry signals using ZigBee
technology.
Development of a wearable
pulse oximeter for remote
monitoring of neonates
Gupta, P. et al.
(2017)
Presents the development of a
wearable pulse oximeter for
remote monitoring of
neonates.
Wireless pulse oximetry
system with cloud-based
data storage and analysis
Chen, Y. et al.
(2015)
Describes a wireless pulse
oximetry system with cloudbased data storage and
analysis capabilities.
Evaluation of a wearable
wireless pulse oximeter for
monitoring patients with
cardiovascular diseases
Patel, R. et al.
(2018)
Evaluates a wearable wireless
pulse oximeter for monitoring
patients with cardiovascular
diseases.
A novel wearable pulse
oximeter for monitoring
oxygen saturation during
physical activity
Yang, L. et al.
(2020)
Introduces a novel wearable
pulse oximeter for monitoring
oxygen saturation during
physical activity.
Wireless wearable pulse
oximeter for continuous
monitoring of patients in
the intensive care unit
Wu, S. et al.
(2014)
Presents a wireless wearable
pulse oximeter for continuous
monitoring of patients in the
intensive
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