Abstract: Mass medical, e.g., cervical cancer, screening is provided to areas of the world where a lack of sufficient laboratory infrastructure and technical skills presently compromises the effectiveness of screening or even makes mass screening impossible. These methods are cost-effective and provide excellent sensitivity and specificity in cervical cancer screening.

Abstract: This invention discloses a medical condition sensing system including a multiplicity of general purpose computers disposed in user locations and being connected via a computer network to at least one controller computer remote from at least one of the user locations, personal parameter measuring software resident on at least one of the multiplicity of general purpose computers and the at least one controller computer for measuring at least one personal parameter of at least one user, personal parameter reference generating software resident on at least one of the multiplicity of general purpose computers and the at least one controller computer for establishing a reference for the at least one personal parameter, and personal parameter comparison software resident on at least one of said multiplicity of general purpose computers and the at least one controller computer for comparing at least one currently measured personal parameter with a corresponding reference and providing a comparison output.

Abstract: A medical device module for use in a system with a remote programmer and/or a personal data assistant (PDA) with at least one medical device includes a housing, at least one medical device and a processor. The housing is adapted to couple with the PDA. The at least one medical device interface is coupled to the housing for interfacing with the at least one medical device. The processor is coupled to the at least one medical device interface to process data from the at least one medical device. The processor is also capable of interfacing with the PDA.

Abstract: A method for detecting emotional status of an individual, the method including receiving a speech specimen generated by the individual and deriving therefrom intonation information, and generating an output indication of the individual's emotional status based on the intonation information, wherein the intonation information includes information relating to thorns and wherein the generating step includes computing the individual's excitement level based on the information relating to thorns and generating an output indication of the excitement level, wherein the intonation information also includes information relating to length of plateaus, and wherein the excitement level includes a decreasing function of (a) the number of thorns in at least a portion of the speech specimen and of (b) the diversity of plateau length within the portion.

Abstract: A method for testing and/or training cognitive ability, including the steps of testing a preliminary cognitive level of a user and receiving results representative therefrom. According to the results, the cognitive level may then be broken up into separate discrete cognitive skills, and one or more tasks may be created, each task related to each of the separate discrete cognitive skills. The one or more tasks may then be presented to the user and so that a current cognitive level of the user is re-tested, and results representative therefrom are received. This process may be repeated at least one time.

Abstract: The method for the quantification of EEG waveforms along the alertness continuum involves collecting and transforming EEG signal data, identifying and rejecting or decontaminating epochs containing various artifacts, and classifying individual EEG patterns along an alertness-drowsiness continuum. The results of the multi-level classification system are applied in real-time to provide feedback to the user via an audio or visual alarm, or are recorded for subsequent off-line analysis.

Abstract: A dispersed-type testing/measuring system provides for example a simplified terminal unit to be installed at a patient's home. The dispersed-type testing/measuring system has a central controlling unit 20 and a plurality of terminal units 30 each accessible to the central controlling unit via a communication line 15. Each terminal unit 30 includes a crude data collecting portion 40, and a data transmitting means 45 for sending the data collected by the crude data collecting portion 40 to the central controlling unit 20. The central controlling unit 20 includes a measurement data calculating means 210 for generating measurement data by making calculation on the crude data sent from each terminal unit 30.

Abstract: A portable telemedicine device used in prehospital, preliminary diagnostic procedures and treatments includes a data processing unit for receiving and processing data. Measurement devices for determining patient data relative to a predetermined patient. Presentation device for displaying patient data received from the measurement devices. Entry device for manually inputting manual data into the data processing unit. Communication equipment for permitting bidirectional communication with at least one central unit for transmitting manually entered manual data and patient data to the central unit and to receive information data from the central unit representing results from diagnoses, suggested care and previously stored data on the predetermined patient. A predetermined number of the data processing unit, measurement devices, presentation device, entry device and communication equipment being integrated into a portable unit.

Abstract: A fitness monitoring system and method for accepting, assessing, maintaining, training, monitoring, and providing direct feedback for individuals in a fitness program for improved results. The method provides feedback on a member of a fitness program utilizing a computer system database and includes performing an initial assessment of the fitness characteristics of a member to gather initial assessment information, recording the initial assessment information in the computer system database, performing a final assessment of the fitness characteristics of a member to gather initial assessment information, recording the final assessment information in the computer system database, and calculating the changes in the health characteristics of the member stored in the database between the initial and final assessments.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium containing code for automated collection and analysis of patient information retrieved from a medical device adapted to be implanted in a patient for remote patient care is described. A set of collected measures is periodically received from the medical device over a communications link, which is interfaced to a network server. The collected measures set includes individual measures which each relate to patient information recorded by the medical device. The collected measures set is stored into a patient care record for the individual patient within a database server organized to store one or more patient care records. Each patient care record includes a plurality of the collected measures sets. One or more of the collected measures sets for the individual patient is analyzed relative to one or more other collected measures sets stored in the database server to determine a patient status indicator.

Abstract: An improved method and system for receiving, processing and responding to emergency medical calls by emergency dispatchers is described. A consistent, standard and systematic process is provided which in combination with adequate training, supervision and quality assurance serves to provide a method for gathering emergency medical information, categorizing such information into various determinant levels for appropriate response, and for giving qualified emergency medical information to callers thereby permitting “zero-time” response by those at the scene. By using this invention properly a dispatcher is guided through the interrogation of callers, gathering the critical information, dispatching the appropriate mobile care rapidly when needed and giving the appropriate guidance to the caller. This invention specifically guides the dispatcher through the universal entry protocol, paying particular attention to medical complaints related to respiratory arrest.

Abstract: Medical sensors (1 to 4) are connected to a processor (6) comprising a PC and modems (14 and 16). The modems are connected to respective low power transmitter/receivers (18 and 20). The transmitter/receivers (18, 20) communicate with corresponding receiver/transmitters (18′, 20′) connected to a long range transmitter/receiver such as a satellite communications link (26). The communications links have a narrow bandwidth. An operator of the apparatus has a hands free headset comprising a microphone (7) and earpieces (8), and has a head-up display (10). An electronic camera (9) is provided. Medical data from the sensors (1-4) and images from the camera (9) and voice signals from the microphone (7) are processed by the processor (6), and transmitted to a remote location (B), for use by a medical practitioner having a corresponding processor and display to diagnose the condition of a patient. The medical practitioner can talk to the operator to advise on the condition and treatment of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a variation in a circumference of a body part comprising an elongated force transmission element, an elongated support element, a casing, and a displacement measuring device, said force transmission element having a first end and a second end and not being expandable longitudinally, said support element having a first end and a second end and being expandable longitudinally, said force transmission element being slidingly arranged on said support element, said displacement measuring device having force connecting means being connectable or connected to said first end of said force transmission element and being moveable relative to said casing, and comprising support connecting means being connectable or connected to said first end and to said second end of said support element, and further comprising fixing means being connectable or connected to said second end of said force transmission element and being fixed relative to said casing, said displacement measuring device having mea

Abstract: The present invention relates to telemetry-based sensing systems that continuously measures physical, chemical and biological parameters. More specifically, these sensing systems comprise a small, modular, low-power implantable biotelemetry system capable of continuously sensing physiological characteristics using implantable transmitters, a receiver, and a data acquisition system to analyze and record the transmitted signal over several months. The preferred embodiment is a preterm labor and fetal monitoring system. Key features of the invention include Pulse Interval Modulation (PIM) that is used to send temperature and pressure information out of the biological environment. The RF carrier frequency is 174-216 MHz and a pair of RF bursts (pulses) is transmitted at a frequency of about 1-2 Hz. The transmission range is 3 to 10 feet, depending on the position of the transmitter in the body and its biological environment. The entire transmitter is encapsulated in biocompatible silicone rubber.

Abstract: The invention addresses hardware and software products capable to make contemporaneous accurate predictions regarding how a person's biological system will respond to a series of stimuli. The predictions can be communicated in real time, enabling confirmation if good control status, need for corrective action, planning future actions, or even outside intervention in case of emergency. Also addressed by the invention is a family of diagnostic hardware base on intelligent optoelectronic sensors that incorporate one or more Wedge-and-Strip Position-Sensitive Photo-Detectors optimized for probabilistic real time evaluation of spectroscopy data from living subjects.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the effectiveness of a person to perform a task based on his/her previous or predicted sleep activity is provided. The method can be used to predict changes in task effectiveness at any time of day, based upon numerous patterns of sleep and activity, either experienced or planned for the future. The method take into account progressive increases in sleep deprivation, the effects of the time of day on performance, and changes in the time when a person sleeps and works. The method also accounts for the quality of a sleep interval and a person's sleep inertia, the temporary slowing of performance immediately after awakening. The method is homeostatic. Gradual decreases in sleep debt decrease sleep intensity. Progressive increases in sleep debt produced by extended periods of less than optimal levels of sleep lead to increased sleep intensity.

Abstract: A portable unit worn by a subject, comprising a medical monitoring device, a data processing module with memory and transmitter for collecting, monitoring, and storing the subject's physiological data and also issuing the subject's medical alarm conditions via wireless communications network to the appropriate location for expeditious dispatch of assistance. The unit also works in conjunction with a central reporting system for long term collection and storage of the subject's physiological data. The unit may have the capability to automatically dispense chemicals that may alleviate or assist in recovery from an illness.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for diagnostic data collection and transmission are described.

Abstract: An alarm and data logging apparatus for reminding, encouraging, and electronically recording results of regularly scheduled preferably monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs). The apparatus includes a computer with a calendar/clock circuit or equivalent software functions, along with a human-interface. The computer is configured for determining via the calendar/clock when a pre-defined alarm time and date has been reached. An alarm is issued in a repeating yet reasonable fashion until the woman to which the alarms are issued conducts a BSE and records the results of the BSE into the apparatus. The apparatus supports the archiving of results in a database of the computer or a database of a remote computer located at a remote location.

Abstract: Information derived from ECG signals and EEG signals may be employed in combination to reliably predict the onset, or to indicate the presence of, hypoglycemia in a human patient. In one embodiment, ECG and EEG signals are processed and the information derived from them is combined to determine whether a patient suffering from diabetes is undergoing a hypoglycemic event, or whether such an event is imminent. Input data from the patient or a health care provider may also be used to increase the accuracy and reliability of the system. Detection of a hypoglycemic event by the system can result in the output of an alarm signal and/or the delivery or administration of a beneficial agent such as insulin, glucagon or diazoxide to the patient. The system may be implantable, external, or a combination of external and implantable components. The control strategy of the present system is preferably microprocessor based and/or implemented using dedicated electronics.