July 29, 2020
Macnica Networks Corp.

- Supporting employee health management, stress-checking, and healthy and productive business management during the COVID-19 pandemic -

Macnica Networks Corp., provider of security, network, AI, and DX solutions (headquarters: 1-5-5 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan; President: Jun Ikeda; hereinafter "Macnica Networks") is pleased to announce it has concluded a distributorship agreement with Binah.ai LTD. (Headquarters: Israel; CEO/CTO: David Maman; hereinafter "Binah"), whose independently-developed technology, integrating signal processing and AI, enables non-contact, highly accurate readings of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate variability (HRV), and mental stress level), and has commenced the sale of Binah’s Software Development Kit and Cloud Service.

With the declaration of the state of emergency lifted, businesses need to implement measures to manage both the prevention of further outbreaks of infection and the conducting of economic activities under the “new normal.” There is a demand for diversification of work styles, such as telework, web conferences, and staggered commuting hours, to reduce person-to-person contact. However, there are some industries and businesses that cannot eliminate person-to-person contact, such as public transportation, service industries, and specific work operations within companies. Health management of a large number of employees in face-to-face environments is a major issue.

Binah's vital sign measurement solution

Using smartphones, Binah provides functions for non-contact, non-invasive, and highly accurate measurement of vital signs. As of July 1, 2020, this technology is capable of measuring the following five vital signs.

Conventionally, companies have distributed devices such as wearable computers and pulse oximeters to their employees, and measurements of various vital signs come from each device. With Binah’s solution, it is possible to measure all of the vital signs listed above in a single measurement using just one general-purpose smartphone. By measuring and aggregating various vital signs with the measurement of body temperature, businesses can move from a conventional report-based system of employee health monitoring to a method of health monitoring that is more closely in line with actual circumstances. To properly practice measurement of vital signs before commuting to work, as part of the “new normal,” a combination of employee reporting (of fever or cold symptoms) and vital sign measurements can be implemented. This system will also help prevent cluster outbreaks in workplaces by enabling businesses to take appropriate measures, such as urging employees to work from home or visit a hospital.

Measurement methods

rPPG (remote photoplethysmography) method:

Using video data of the face of the measurement subject (upper cheek area) taken through the front camera of the smartphone, a highly accurate measurement of vital signs can be performed.

PPG (photoplethysmography) method:

In dark places or places with a lot of movement, a highly accurate measurement of vital signs is performed by having the subject’s finger placed on the rear camera of the smartphone.

1 Takes image of face (upper cheek area) with camera.

2 Measures heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in approximately 30 sec.

3 Measures respiratory rate in approximately 40 sec.

4 Measures heart rate variability and stress level in 2 to 3 min.

5 Displays summary report.

Form of Binah solution provision

SDK (Software Development Kit):

Macnica Networks is selling an SDK (iOS version and Android version) that enables customers to incorporate a vital sign measurement function based on video data into their mobile devices and use it as a mobile application.

Incorporating the measurement function into customers’ mobile applications usually takes a few days to a few weeks.

White-label platform:

Macnica Networks sells a mobile application for measuring vital signs and a cloud service for use by administrators. Customers can customize logos and other elements.

Through collaboration with partner companies, Macnica Networks will provide Binah’s solution to customers throughout Japan, and thereby contribute to achieving both the prevention of further outbreaks of infection and the conducting of economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Examples of partner companies:

Binah: Company Outline

Binah, headquartered in Israel, provides a solution that enables non-contact, highly accurate measurement of vital signs using independently-developed technology that integrates signal processing and AI. This solution won the CES 2020 Innovation Award in the field of Health and Wellness, and has become widely adopted around the world in areas such as healthcare, insurance, and the wellness industry.

*The company names and product names used herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective company.