Kyoto University and Panasonic Corporation announced that they developed a new remote sensing technology for vital signs such as heart rate, heartbeat interval and others. This technology consists of high sensitive spread-spectrum radar and feature-based heartbeat interval estimation algorithm, and enables to measure heart rate and its intervals in real time without placing sensors on the body with as high accuracy as electrocardiographs. This technology allows for the development of 'casual sensing' - taking measurements as people go about their daily activities, for instance, when they are going to bed or getting ready to start the day.

The added convenience of remote sensing, the team believes, will be an incentive for people to monitor their health status for their own benefit.