Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over networks, such as a telephone network or a computer network. The invention also includes a stand-alone embodiment that may utilize occasional connectivity to a central computer by use of a network, such as the Internet. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: Structure-based processing includes a method of diagnosing diseases that works by arranging diseases, symptoms, and questions into a set of related disease, symptom, and question structures, such as objects or lists, in such a way that the structures can be processed to generate a dialogue with a patient. A structure-based processing system organizes medical knowledge into formal structures and then executes those structures on a structure engine to automatically select the next question. Patient responses to the questions lead to more questions and ultimately to a diagnosis. An object-oriented embodiment includes software objects utilized as active, intelligent agents where each object performs its own tasks and calls upon other objects to perform their tasks at the appropriate time to arrive at a diagnosis.

Abstract: A closed loop system for monitoring drug dose, intake and effectiveness includes a pill dispenser in data communications with at least one implantable medical device. The system is preferably implemented in a web-enabled environment in which a remote data center communicates with the implantable devices (IMDs) in a patient via a programmer or the pill dispenser. Th data center includes high speed computers and databases relating to patient history and device information. A physician or clinician may access the remote data center to review and monitor the IMDs remotely. More specifically, the IMDs are adapted to chronically monitor the pill dispenser to thereby log and document drug dose, patient compliance with prescriptive regimens and as well to monitor drug efficacy in the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring sleep quality that utilizes sensors incorporated in a sheet which is laid on top of a conventional mattress on which the subject sleeps. The sensors can collect information such as the subject's position, temperature, sound/vibration/movement, and optionally other physical properties.

Abstract: The body fat percentage for a person is estimated from the BMI of the person by employing a multiple regression analysis using the reciprocal of the BMI (1/BMI) as the independent variable. In other embodiments, potentially independent and easily obtained variables such as age, sex, and ethnicity are also used in conjunction to provide precise estimates of the body fat percentage. Devices for estimating the body fat percentage can be implemented as calculators, smart scales, and Internet web sites.

Abstract: A medical system, apparatus and method for monitoring and managing one or more ambulatory patients on a computer and allowing a caregiver to review the ambulatory patients' wellness parameters to provide treatment in accordance with the wellness parameters. The system, apparatus and method provides a patient monitoring apparatus having a first communication device associated therewith for monitoring a patient's wellness parameters. A central computer located remote from the monitoring apparatus and in communication therewith, the central computer having a second communication device associated therewith for communicating wellness parameters and treatment data over a communications link established between the central computer and the monitoring apparatus, the central computer being operated for querying the patient via the patient monitoring apparatus, receiving and processing measured wellness parameters from the monitoring apparatus and calculating a score according to the wellness parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring patient variables in a wireless mode via a patient worn monitoring devices. The patient worn monitoring device connects to a variety of bio-sensors with at least one microphone for voice communications. The pertinent worn device connects to a wireless network and thence to the internet for transmitting voice and data to a health care provider. The health care provider communicates with the patient worn device via the internet and the wireless network to send instructions to the patient worn monitoring unit and to communicate via voice with the patent. The health care provider can also flexibly reconfigure the patent worn monitoring device to change collection parameters for the bio-sensors worn by the patient. When an alarm limit is exceeded an detected by the bio-sensors, it is transmitted to the health care provider over the wireless network and thence over the internet thereby allowing full mobility to the patient wearing the device.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring and identifying Functional Activities performed by a test subject, the method including the steps of (a) extracting a given type of signals from each of a predetermined set of muscles of a control subject during the performance thereby of a given Functional Activity; (b) processing the signals to provide therefor given parameters affected by the given Functional Activity; (c) storing the data obtained in step (b); and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) for a plurality of other control subjects. The stored data then is utilized to establish a normative data base indicative of the given Functional Activity and further steps include (f) extracting the given type of signals from each of at least some of the predetermined set of muscles of a test subject during a given monitoring period; and (g) comparing the data base to the signals of step (f) to identify during the monitoring period portions thereof during which the test subject was performing the given Functional Activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of collecting biomolecules via permeation through the skin of a subject, by energizing the stratum corneum in conjunction with various collection means including gels and dressing materials. Permeability enhancement or reduced electrical impedance of the skin increases the variety of substances capable of permeation, and increases the permeation rate and the effectiveness of the permeation, including permeation enhanced by iontophoresis. The method allows for the use of improved collection means that were previously unavailable.

Abstract: A vital signs monitoring system for allowing a user to easily monitor their vital signs at home with a remote control type device. The vital signs monitoring system includes a remote control for a television that has a plurality of sensors designed for monitoring the vital signs of a user. A first transceiver is positioned in the housing such that the transceiver is operationally coupled to the sensors whereby the first transceiver is for transmitting vital sign information collected by the sensors. A television has a second transceiver for receiving the information collected by the sensors, the television has a processing unit operationally coupled to the second transceiver such that the processing unit processes information received by the second transceiver. The television is for displaying the information on a screen of the television.

Abstract: A patient interface system for collecting and transferring data from a patient to a remote monitoring system, as well as methods for its use, are provided. The subject system comprises: (a) a data collection means comprising an edema sensing means and an interrogation means; (b) a processing means for processing the collected data; and (c) a communication means for transferring said collected data from said interface means to a remote monitoring system and receiving instructional data from a remote monitoring system. The subject system finds use in the remote monitoring of a variety of conditions, particularly in the remote monitoring of cardiac associated diseases.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the health status of a patient by performing measurements such as skin temperature, blood flow, blood constituent concentration, and pulse rate at the finger of the patient. The monitoring system has an inner ring proximate to the finger as well as an outer ring, mechanically decoupled from the inner ring, that shields the inner ring from external loads. Measurements are performed in accordance with a protocol that may be preprogrammed, or may be modified on the basis of real-time data or by command from a remotely located medical professional.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring and evaluating the status of a tumor undergoing treatment includes monitoring in vivo at least one physiological parameter associated with a tumor in a subject undergoing treatment, transmitting data from an in situ located sensor to a receiver external of the subject, analyzing the transmitted data, repeating the monitoring and transmitting steps at sequential points in time and evaluating a treatment strategy. The method provides dynamic tracking of the monitored parameters over time. The method can also include identifying in a substantially real time manner when conditions are favorable for treatment and when conditions are unfavorable for treatment and can verify or quantify how much of a known drug dose or radiation dose was actually received at the tumor. The method can include remote transmission from a non-clinical site to allow oversight of the tumor's condition even during non-active treatment periods (in between active treatments).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting, storing, and retrieving information relating to an animal over a period of time is disclosed. The method includes electrically coupling an atomic resolution storage device to a detecting device within a single unit. The single unit is attached to an animal, such as a mammal or a fish. At least one monitored parameter, such as a location of the animal, a heart rate of the animal, a blood flow rate of the animal, or a temperature of the animal, is stored in the storage device over a period of time. The information stored within the storage device is retrieved from the single device after a period of time.

Abstract: An automated system and method for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory insufficiency and outcomes thereof is described. A plurality of monitoring sets is retrieved from a database. Each of the monitoring sets include recorded measures relating to patient information recorded on a substantially continuous basis. A patient status change is determined by comparing at least one recorded measure from each of the monitoring sets to at least one other recorded measure. Both recorded measures relate to the same type of patient information. Each patient status change is tested against an indicator threshold corresponding to the same type of patient information as the recorded measures which were compared. The indicator threshold corresponds to a quantifiable physiological measure of a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency.

Abstract: A medical self-screening system and method that allows rapid triage of patient medical problems. An exemplary system includes a computer having a selection device, a display, and an optional printer. A storage device containing one or more databases is coupled to the computer. Triage software runs on the computer that generates and displays a symptom screen display comprising a pictorial image of the body containing selectable regions that may be affected by patient symptoms. The patient selects a generally affected area or region on the displayed anatomical picture of the body using the selection device. Then the triage software displays a subsequent anatomical picture which is an enlarged more detailed view of the affected area. The patient selects a more specific region of the affected area shown in the enlarged view. The triage software then displays symptom selection screens that permit comparison of groups of symptoms experienced by the patient.

Abstract: Tracking the health status of a patient includes entering a plurality of health record signals. Each signal comprises a record of measurement of a predetermined health indicative parameter considered to be in a normal range related to the health status of the patient taken at different times. The health record signals are stored. The stored health record signals are processed to project a possible trend for the predetermined health parameter to assume a value in the abnormal range. A future abnormal indication signal is provided when the trend forecasts the predetermined parameter will assume a value in the abnormal range.

Abstract: A diabetes management system for predicting a future blood glucose value of a patient and for recommending a corrective action to the patient when the future blood glucose value lies outside of a target range. The system includes a patient-operated apparatus for measuring blood glucose values and for storing data relating to insulin doses administered to the patient. The apparatus predicts the patient's future blood glucose value based upon the patient's current blood glucose value, the fraction of insulin action remaining from the insulin doses, and the patient's insulin sensitivity. The apparatus also determines the corrective action for the patient when the predicted blood glucose value lies outside of a target range. The system also includes a physician computer in communication with the apparatus for receiving the blood glucose values and insulin dose data and for calculating an adjusted insulin sensitivity for use in subsequent predictions.

Abstract: A general-purpose, low-cost system provides comprehensive physiological data collection, with extensive data object oriented programmability and configurability for a variety of medical as well as other analog data collection applications. In a preferred embodiment, programmable input signal acquisition and processing circuits are used so that virtually any analog and/or medical signal can be digitized from a common point of contact to a plurality of sensors. A general-purpose data routing and encapsulation architecture supports input tagging and standardized routing through modern packet switch networks, including the Internet; from one of multiple points of origin or patients, to one or multiple points of data analysis for physician review. The preferred architecture further supports multiple-site data buffering for redundancy and reliability, and real-time data collection routing, and viewing (or slower than real-time processes when communications infrastructure is slower than the data collection rate).

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 then be communicated in real time, enabling confirmation of good control status, need for corrective action, planning future actions, or even outside intervention in case of emergency. Also addresses by the invention is a family of diagnostic hardware based 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.