A large-scale pseudo real time Biofeedback framework for interactive data collection, analysis, and visualization using smart devices

Abstract

Biofeedback is a state of the art technique which unites the mind and the body. It empowers the conscious mind to be aware of its body, grasping control over what was thought to be involuntary. The use of biofeedback has recently spread to a wide variety of medical and clinical applications. Applications ranging from the treatment of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and stress, to the treatment of physical illnesses such as asthma and high blood pressure. After analyzing the latest real world biofeedback technology, numerous shortcomings were found, especially related to the technology not being remote, portable and commercially viable for end consumers.

To overcome this bottleneck, a pseudo real time Biofeedback framework for interactive data collection, analysis, and visualization is implemented, ready for use with the latest IoT wearables and smart mobile devices. At its core, this framework is composed of a server system to store and analyze the data and a web application to visualize the data. Furthermore, the Huawei 2 smartwatch is used alongside the Polar H7 chest strap to collect multiple Biofeedback signals including the heart rate and the heart rate variability. The end point devices transfer the collected data to the server system in pseudo real time via secure connections, specifically set up for this purpose. The server system then stores and analyzes the data before visualizing it on the web application, which in return provides the ability to perform live Biofeedback sessions.

The system was stress tested against real-life scenarios, proving its reliability and resilience. Contrary to the existing stationary technology, this system is completely portable and viable for end users, no matter where they are located.