> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Full corpus: [llms-full.txt](/llms-full.txt).

# Frequently Asked Questions

## About SmartSpectra

### What is SmartSpectra and how does it work?

SmartSpectra is a contactless vital signs SDK that turns an ordinary camera into a real-time biometric sensor. It reads subtle facial and chest movements in the video to measure pulse rate, breathing rate, HRV, and more, with no wearables or physical contact. All metric computation runs on-device, inside the SDK.

### What physiological signals and features can SmartSpectra measure?

SmartSpectra can measure:
- Pulse rate
- Breathing rate
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Inhale/exhale ratio
- Upper and lower breathing waveforms
- Relative (uncalibrated) arterial pressure waveform
- Facial landmarks
- Blink and talk detection
- Facial expression analytics

Pulse rate and respiratory rate are FDA cleared as part of SmartSpectra Vital Signs Monitor 1.0 (see below). The other metrics are intended for wellness and research use.

### How accurate is the SmartSpectra SDK?

In a peer-reviewed study of 111 participants at Baylor College of Medicine (Frontiers in Medical Technology, 2026), SmartSpectra measured heart rate with an RMSE of 1.32 BPM and breathing rate with an RMSE of 1.75 BrPM using a webcam, versus reference-standard equipment.

Accuracy depends on good lighting and minimal motion during measurement. Operating ranges and known limitations for each metric are in the [model cards](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs/model-cards-and-limitations.md).

---

## Integration & Technical

### Which platforms and programming languages does SmartSpectra support?

SmartSpectra supports:
- **iOS** (Swift)
- **Android** (Kotlin)
- **C++** on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- **Node.js and Electron** on Linux, macOS, and Windows (npm: `@smartspectra/node-sdk`)

Every platform shares one metrics payload and one start/stop lifecycle. Guides for each are in the [SDK documentation](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs.md).

### How do I integrate SmartSpectra into my app?

1. Sign up for a free API key at [the developer portal](https://physiology.presagetech.com/auth/register)
2. Install the SDK for your platform
3. Choose which metrics you want to measure
4. Start a measurement and receive metrics in real time

See [Getting Started](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs.md) for step-by-step guides. Coding agents can use the [SmartSpectra agent skill](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/skill.md).

### What environmental conditions are needed for accurate measurements?

For best results:
- **Distance**: Hold the phone 1 to 2 ft away, or mount the camera 3 to 5 ft away
- **Lighting**: At least 60 lux (moderate indoor lighting)
- **Motion**: Moderate motion is tolerated, but stillness improves accuracy
- **Duration**: 30 to 60 seconds for a complete measurement

See [Measurement Quality](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs/measurement-quality.md) for more.

### I want the tech, but I don't have a developer

No problem. We can host your activities for your users in the [Coherence by Presage Tech](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coherence-by-presage-tech/id6758461062) app, with no coding required. [Contact us](mailto:support@presagetech.com) for details.

---

## Privacy & Data

### How does Presage protect privacy and handle user data?

Privacy is built into SmartSpectra by design:
- The SDK does **not** access or require any personal data to operate
- Video is processed on-device; no facial images or video are stored or transmitted
- The SDK contacts Presage only to authenticate your API key and validate your subscription
- Results are delivered to your app on an anonymized basis

See our [Privacy Policy](https://physiology.presagetech.com/privacy-policy) and [Telemetry and Privacy](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs/telemetry-and-privacy.md) for complete details.

---

## Regulatory & Clinical

### Is SmartSpectra FDA cleared?

SmartSpectra Vital Signs Monitor 1.0 is FDA 510(k) cleared (K254169) for contactless measurement of pulse rate and respiratory rate on iOS and Android. Other metrics, such as HRV, breathing waveforms, and facial expression analytics, are intended for wellness and research use.

### How are your models validated?

SmartSpectra has been evaluated in peer-reviewed clinical research, including a 111-participant study at Baylor College of Medicine comparing camera measurements with ECG and capnography. See our [Studies](/studies) page for published results.

---

## Pricing & Plans

### Is there a free tier?

Yes. The **Free Trial** requires no credit card and includes the full platform:
- Every SDK feature on iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Vitals, AI insights, storage, and reference data
- Community support via Discord

### What does production cost?

**Production** includes everything in the trial, scaled for production: measurements priced for your volume, bring your own LLM, SSO, audit logs, FHIR, an uptime SLA, and FedRAMP, government, and on-premise deployments. [Contact us](mailto:support@presagetech.com) for pricing.

See [pricing](https://presagetech.com/#pricing) for details.

---

## Getting Involved

### How do I get involved?

We welcome participation from:

**Students**:
- Use the free trial for projects
- Try the Coherence by Presage Tech app for personal use

**Researchers**:
- We offer lab support for diagnostic development
- Academic partnerships available

**Developers**:
- Join our [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/K7KNmuX7KT) community
- Contribute to our [GitHub](https://github.com/Presage-Security/SmartSpectra) projects

[Contact us](mailto:support@presagetech.com) to discuss your needs.

---

## Support

### How do I get help?

- **Documentation**: [smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs](https://smartspectra.presagetech.com/docs.md)
- **Community**: [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/K7KNmuX7KT)
- **Technical issues**: support@presagetech.com

### How do I report a bug?

- **SDK bugs**: [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/Presage-Security/SmartSpectra/issues)
- **Account and API key issues**: support@presagetech.com
- **Security vulnerabilities**: security@presagetech.com

---

## Still have questions?

- **Sales and support**: support@presagetech.com
- **Book a meeting**: [email us](mailto:support@presagetech.com)
- **Discord**: [discord.gg/presage](https://discord.com/invite/K7KNmuX7KT)
