Researchers use smart ring to detect early symptoms of COVID-19
As science races against time to discover a effective remedy against new coronavirus (VOCID-19), technology, in turn, finds ways to help in the virus detection process. researchers from University of California, in San Francisco (USA), are testing a smart ring made by the company Oura, who is capable of monitor body temperature and assess for other symptoms.
Internally, the smart ring has temperature sensors, infrared LEDs, gyroscope and accelerometer. In addition to monitoring temperature, the device is programmed to assess vital signs such as breathing and heart rate. The big difference of the Oura is the ability to monitor temperature during the day and night, and calculate an average frequently.
Just like conventional rings, the smart ring is very light, made of titanium and water resistant. All information collected is recorded in an app, which is only available for iOS system. Battery life is also another highlight. It can last up to seven days and charging can be done wirelessly. To reach 100%, the ring needs an hour.
About 2 thousand units of the smart ring from Oura were distributed for testing in the UCSF Medical Center (University of California) and for the San Francisco Zuckerberg General Hospital.
improvement of smart ring
The creators of the smart ring now want to improve the device to be more efficient. against coronavirus (COVID-19). The idea is that the ring has an algorithm that can detect the first signs of the virus, alert the user to seek treatment and isolate themselves as quickly as possible.
For this, the Oura is asking people around the world to send their symptoms and medical data. The company has already requested this information from 150 citizens. However, the breach of privacy is the biggest fear of many people.
Dr. Ashley Mason, one of the researchers responsible for the study with the ring, believes that the diagnosis can be made by other wearable devices. However, the algorithm is still one of the points to be evaluated.
"It could be that different wearables benefit from different algorithms, but we still don't know what the main variables of the algorithm are."
said Dr. Ashley Mason, principal investigator of the smart ring study.
