Abstract: A portable toothbrush holder transformable between a first, storage state and a second, erected state, the portable toothbrush holder having a base component having a spindle connection feature; a top component having a spindle connection feature; and a spindle component; the base component, top component and spindle component being separable; and when the portable toothbrush holder is in the second, erected state when the spindle connection features of the base component and top component receive opposite ends of the spindle component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towel in which a pouch is not provided and the decoupling of a towel body is possible, so that the towel can sufficiently washed and freely used in various fields. The towel is coupled to a portable terminal, a bag, a purse, a key holder, a diary, or a handbag. The towel includes a towel body, a pocket part provided on one surface of the towel body to receive the towel body, a connection member coupled to the pocket part, and a coupling member mounted in the connection member. As the towel is used, the pouch is not provided different from a conventional towel, so that the size of the towel is reduced and the fabrication cost is saved.

Abstract: A paper roll end support plug includes a first plug member non-rotatably mounted on a dispenser and a second plug member inserted in the paper roll end and rotatable relative to the first plug member, the plug members being in frictional engagement to prevent overspin of the paper roll during dispensing of paper from the roll.

Abstract: A dispensing unit and a dispenser are provided. The dispensing unit is adapted for use with continuous web material. The dispensing unit comprises a first roller arranged to rotate about a first axis and a second roller arranged to rotate about a second axis. A web path is provided through the dispensing unit and a portion of the web path includes a web passage defined between the first roller and the second roller. The first roller is displaceable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein a first distance is defined between the first roller and the second roller when the first roller is arranged in the first position, and a second distance is defined between the first roller and the second roller when the first roller is arranged in the second position.

Abstract: A device that is installed into a toilet seat coverlid that a operator can use to hygienically engage and disengage the toilet seat such that the coverlid and seat may swing together or separately into the desired positions. The device includes a knob or handle affixed to the coverlid, and connected to an engagement device that can engage or disengage the toilet seat. Due to the installation of the knob or lever on the coverlid, it is always elevated away from the urine stream and toilet water backsplash during use, and thus it maintains a cleaner contact point for the user to lift the toilet seat and/or coverlid assembly as needed for use.

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser unit for a vacuum cleaner, including an openable outer case, including a top side a bottom side and an opening, wherein at least one of the top side and the bottom side further includes perforations, a liquid fragrance source removably placeable within an interior of the outer case and a portion of the liquid fragrance source is visible to a user for determining an amount of liquid remaining in the liquid fragrance source via the opening of the outer case.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a body; a power cord that extends from the body; a cord reel rotatably installed in the body and around which the power cord is wound; and a blower assembly that generates a suction force, wherein the cord reel is formed in a hollow, cylindrical shape, and the blower assembly is disposed inside the cord reel. The size of the cord reel may be formed to be sufficiently large while the size of the body may be maintained in a compact form.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners and methods of controlling a motor driven by a battery source in a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a motor, a battery source for providing power to the motor, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage over the motor, and a current measuring unit for measuring a current flowing through the motor. Further, the vacuum cleaner comprises a control unit for controlling, based on the measured voltage and/or the measured current, the power provided to the motor from the battery source to attain a target motor power value during a specified time period running from start-up of the motor, and to gradually decrease the power provided to the motor after the time period ends.

Abstract: A cleaning robot and a control method thereof may improve power consumption efficiency by using low-voltage power for a moving or inspecting operation and performing the moving or inspecting operation while operation of the cleaning unit is stopped when the operation of the cleaning unit is not needed. The cleaning robot includes a battery, a moving unit, a cleaning unit, a power converter which converts and outputs power supplied from the battery into a first voltage driving the moving unit and a second voltage driving the cleaning unit, and a controller which supplies power having the first voltage to the moving unit so as to drive the moving unit and supplies power having the second voltage to the cleaning unit so as to perform a cleaning operation. The controller continues driving the moving unit but stops driving the cleaning unit when the cleaning robot moves on an already cleaned area.

Abstract: A cleaning robot having improved traveling performance and a method of controlling the same. The cleaning robot detects a stuck state such as a ‘jammed state, ‘lifted state’, or ‘object-caught state’ by using a motion instruction or sensor information and quickly escapes from the stuck state caused in various traveling conditions by using a wheel structure capable of changing a total height of the cleaning robot. In addition, a degree of risk and type of the stuck state is predicted before the cleaning robot is in the stuck state so that the cleaning robot may deal with the stuck state in advance. The cleaning robot may escape from the stuck state via rapidly deceleration or quick stopping in accordance with the predicted degree of risk of the stuck state, and the cleaning robot may efficiently deal with the stuck state by using information to select an escaping method suitable for the type of the stuck state.

Abstract: A dish washer including a sump unit disposed below a wash tub and configured to collect water, and an upper nozzle, a lower nozzle, and a subsidiary nozzle configured to spray water received from the sump unit onto dishes/cutlery contained in at least one rack. The sump unit includes a circulating pump configured to pump water collected in the sump unit, and a distributing element configured to allow water pumped by the circulating pump to be sprayed through any one of the lower nozzle and the subsidiary nozzle, and to be sprayed selectively through the upper nozzle. Accordingly, it is possible to independently perform an intensive wash mode of spraying water only through the subsidiary nozzle.

Abstract: Herein a method of operating a water-circulating household appliance 2 is disclosed. The water-circulating household appliance 2 comprises an electric motor 4 and a washing liquid circuit 6, the washing liquid circuit comprising a pump 8 for circulating washing liquid through the washing liquid circuit. A portion of the washing liquid circuit is arranged in thermal communication with the electric motor. For heating the washing liquid, the method comprises a step of driving the electric motor, over a time period longer than 1 minute, with a higher electrical power input than required for circulating the washing liquid through the washing liquid circuit with the pump rotating in the primary direction of rotation. Also disclosed is a water-circulating household appliance 2.

Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a door configured to pivot about a horizontal axis of rotation so as to assume a substantially vertical position when closed to thereby close a treatment chamber. The axis of rotation is arranged behind a center of gravity of the door in a depthwise direction of the domestic appliance. When closed, the door is locked by a locking arrangement. A door weight compensation system damps an opening movement and/or assists a closing movement of the door and is configured to enable the door in an unlocked state to assume a partially open position, in which the door is open to some degree, substantially as a result of a weight-induced force exerted by the door.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor and processor with associate storage device(s). In one variant, the apparatus includes data relating to one or more templates associated with various physiological artifacts. The apparatus is configured in this variant to utilize the data to evaluate data collected by the sensor to enable, for example, filtering of data for transmission over a wireless interface of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing and treating infection or disease, in which an individual takes a photograph of an infected or diseased area of a body using a camera connected to a microprocessor. The photograph is sent to a diagnosing center having a server with a second microprocessor and a database of photographs correlated with different diseases and infections. The second microprocessor scans the image received from the camera and compares it to the photographs in the database. If a match is found, the second microprocessor then notes the disease or bacteria corresponding to the matching photograph. The second microprocessor then searches an additional database correlated to the match, to further refine the diagnosis. The second microprocessor then searches the second database for a treatment corresponding to the identified disease or bacteria. Once a treatment is identified, information regarding this treatment is automatically sent to the individual's microprocessor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration target devices, assemblies and methods for use with imaging systems, such as a stereoscopic endoscope. A calibration assembly includes: a target surface extends in three dimensions with calibration markers and a body with an interface that engages an endoscope so the markers are within the field of view. A first calibration marker extends along a first plane of the target surface and a second marker extends along a second plane of the target surface. The planes are different and asymmetric relative to the field of view as seen through the endoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, enable endoscopic calibration using a single image (or pair of images for a stereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity, calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficient calibration of cameras at different focus positions.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; a proximal balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the proximal balloon; a push tube slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a distal balloon secured to the distal end of the push tube, the interior of the distal balloon being in fluid communication with the push tube, wherein the distal balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein when the distal balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and when the distal balloon is in its inflated condition, the axial opening is closed down.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope including a first and a second imaging units; an image display that displays images captured by the first and second imaging units; a control unit that determines a moving direction of the capsule endoscope during imaging, specifies one of the imaging units which faces the moving direction of the capsule endoscope during imaging, and determines the posture of the capsule endoscope; and a display control unit that generates a display screen, arranges the image captured by the imaging unit facing the moving direction in a first display region in the display screen, arranges the image captured by the other imaging unit in a second display region in the display screen, and changes the positions of the first and second display regions according to the determination result of the position of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a distal tip of an endoscope includes a driver configured to be mounted over a shaft of the endoscope, the driver adapted for generating transverse waves along a length of the shaft. The apparatus may be provided as a retrofit to existing equipment, or as a feature of new equipment. Methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device, sheath and endotracheal intubation system relating to an articulated and reusable optical device, as well as a rigid sheath in which said device is introduced to form the endotracheal intubation system.

Abstract: An example system to capture digital images includes: a colposcope device configured to capture a digital image during a colposcopy procedure; and an image processing module programmed to digitally process the digital image, including: a filter module programmed to filter certain aspects of the digital image; and an overlay module programmed to allow the digital image to be annotated. In other examples, colposcope devices include: a cradle, the cradle being configured to hold a portable computing device, the cradle including an aperture; and an optical capture device, the optical capture device including a constant magnification lens system, the constant magnification lens system being configured to direct light through the aperture.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are described for performing hysteroscopy and/or combined hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. According to some embodiments, the handle, electronics and integrated display screen form a re-usable portion of the instrument while the fluid hub and cannula which includes a CMOS imaging module and LED lighting, form a single use portion of the instrument. The cannula is semi-flexible such that the operator can easily grasp the cannula at some intermediate point along the shaft (e.g. 5 inches from the distal tip) to bend and/or steer the cannula during use. According to some embodiments, the distal tip has a larger diameter than the shaft which has been found to improve fluid management during use in some applications.

Abstract: An embodiment of an endovascular probe includes a probe body, an inflatable mechanism surrounding a portion of the probe body and configured to create a reversible occlusion within a vascular system, multiple channels extending through the probe body, and an imaging device positioned within one of the channels. Another embodiment of an endovascular probe includes a probe body with a first channel configured to accommodate an instrument, a second channel configured to accommodate an imaging device, and a third channel configured to accommodate an irrigation device, along with an inflatable device at an external periphery of the probe body. Another embodiment of an endovascular probe includes an image recording device, a bi-modal mechanism that selectively provides one of irrigation and suction, and a laser fiber.

Abstract: A method for adaptively determining a model of visual performance of a test subject comprising the step of exposing a test subject to a plurality of trials. Each trial comprises the steps of identifying the stimulus pattern to test, generating a stimulus pattern on a display, determining whether the stimulus pattern generated an OKR, updating the model to incorporate the OKR results, and determining whether the updated model is acceptable. The trials can be iteratively repeated until the model for visual performance is acceptable.

Abstract: Data is received characterizing a result of a first visual sensitivity test assessing capacity to detect spatial form across one or more different target sizes, and different contrasts. Using the received data, one or more first parameters defining a first estimated visual sensitivity for a first range of contrasts and a second range of spatial frequencies is determined. One or more second parameters defining a second estimated visual sensitivity for a third range of contrasts and a fourth range of spatial frequencies is determined using the one or more first parameters and a statistical inference by at least presenting a first visual stimulus, receiving a response, and determining a second visual stimulus based at least on the response and at least a rule. The one or more second parameters is provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Novel vision monitoring and screening testing tools and help-seeking enablers that may be used individually as or in combination with vision monitoring and screening testing systems that improves patients' ability to recognize onset and progression of visual changes over time. Patients' ability to identify acute or chronic visual conditions on their own may drive earlier help-seeking behavior by the patient, enable earlier clinical diagnosis by an eye care specialist, and therefore resulting in earlier treatment and reduced likelihood of severe vision loss.

Abstract: A method for wireless control of an auto chart instrument and an auto phoropter by using a smart pad, comprising: control data inputting step for being inputted with control data for wireless control of one of the auto chart instrument and the auto phoropter; and controlling step for controlling one of the auto chart instrument and the auto phoropter according to the control data inputted during the control data inputting step, is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of OCT measurement and analysis techniques described herein enable precise 3D anterior chamber angle measurement from major, pertinent landmarks in the eye. Such techniques result in a more reliable, quantifiable angle measurement technique that is both non-invasive and non-contact in nature, thereby improving clinical practicality, while improving patient comfort and care. For example, a method is provided for in vivo imaging of an eye, including taking a plurality of optical coherence tomography (OCT) line scans of an eye to obtain a 3-dimensional (3D) radial scan pattern, the individual line scans including a plurality of axial scans, and obtaining a three-dimensional image of an anterior chamber angle of the eye from the radial scan pattern.

Abstract: There is provided an ophthalmic measurement apparatus 1 including: a keratoscopic projection optical system 10 that projects a pattern target toward a cornea Ec of a subject eye E; and an imaging optical system 20, the imaging device 27 of which captures second Purkinje images Rp1 and Rp2 that are target images formed due to the pattern target being reflected from a posterior corneal surface of the subject eye E. In the ophthalmic apparatus 1, a controller 100 executes a process (S9) of detecting the second Purkinje images Rp1 and Rp2 based on an imaging signal output from the imaging device 27, and an anterior chamber information acquisition process (S10) of acquiring information of the posterior corneal surface of the subject eye E based on the detected result of the detecting process.

Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus including: a scanning unit for scanning a measuring beam on a fundus of an eye to be inspected; an adjustment unit for performing focus adjustment for a plurality of image acquiring planes provided along an optical axis of the measuring beam projected on the fundus; a correction unit for correcting an aberration generated in the eye; an image acquiring unit for acquiring images for the plurality of image acquiring planes; and a calculation unit for calculating, in correspondence to a diopter of the eye, a focus displacement amount when an image of a first image acquiring plane is obtained and when an image of a second image acquiring plane at a predetermined distance away from the first image acquiring plane in the optical axis direction is obtained. The adjustment unit performs the focus adjustment in accordance with a calculation result in the calculation unit.

Abstract: An optical imaging system, method, and medium for imaging a subject. Measure an aberration state of light from the subject is measured. Determine a condition of the subject based on the aberration state of the light, and if the subject is in a first condition or a second condition. An aberration correction device that adjusts a state of the light. In a first case if the subject is in the first condition than the light is adjusted based on the aberration state of the light used to determine that the subject is in the first condition. In a second case if the subject is in the second condition than the light is adjusted based on based on a most recent aberration state of the light that was used to determine that the subject was in the first condition prior to detecting that the subject is in the second condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for visual threshold measurement, which belongs to the field of optical precision measurement technology. The device comprises a first uniform plane light source system, a second uniform plane light source system, a first primary color adjusting system, a second primary color adjusting system, a first complementary color adjusting system, a second complementary color adjusting system, a first color mixture system, a second color mixture system, and a beam splitting system. The device can generate four observation targets with variable brightness (illumination), contrast, color difference, and periodic pattern frequency, by using a four-integrating sphere light source system and by multiplexing the color adjusting systems, the color mixture systems, and subsequent light paths, so as to implement multi-parameter measurement for a set of visual thresholds.

Abstract: Provided herein are dual modality imaging systems and methods within displayed anatomical structures of placenta in real time. The imaging system comprises a dual modality laser optoacoustic and ultrasonic platform with a plurality of subsystems for delivering near infrared light, optoacoustic and ultrasonic pulses to the placenta and/or associated tissue and deep anatomic structures, for detecting ultrasonic pulses generated or reflected within the tissue using a multi-channel optoacoustic-ultrasound probe and associated transducers. The dual modality imaging system displays the results obtained as quantitative functional images of the parameters coregistered with anatomic tissue images.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus acquires first imaging data of a three-dimensional image including a heart, having a plurality of two-dimensional first imaging area data superimposed one on top of another in parallel, and having a resolution at least in one direction different from a resolution in two other directions. A first axis is detected expressed in three dimensions relating to the heart from the three-dimensional first imaging data. A first vector is calculated passing through the first axis and having at least a predetermined resolution. First image data is generated on a plane passing through the first axis and the first vector from the first imaging data and a second axis is detected relating to the heart from the first image data, the second axis being a higher precision axis.

Abstract: The invented apparatus for testing a subject's vestibular response to ear pressure or sound stimuli includes a headset including one or more and preferably (two) bilateral ear-worn devices such as headphones or probes, whereby each probe is configured to be inserted into a subject's ear in an operational alignment with the subject's ear canal and sealing engagement with the wall of the subject's ear canal, and a stimulus-producing mechanism operatively coupled with the headset configured to deliver defined pressure or sound stimuli to the one or more probes. The apparatus further includes one or both of 1) an ocular response analyzer operatively coupled to the headset, the ocular response analyzer measuring the subject's nystagmatic response to the stimuli by electronic, e.g.

Abstract: An imaging method includes providing a handpiece having a probe tip insertable into human or animal tissue disposed at an end thereof, and, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe connected to the handpiece such that a functionality of the OCT probe is provided at the probe tip. The probe tip is disposed adjacent to or into human or animal tissue. Imaging of the tissue, measuring at least one of a feature size or a quantifiable characteristic of a structure in the tissue for biometry analysis, and/or performing a diagnostic procedure on the tissue or a device implanted in the tissue is performed with the OCT probe.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for determining characteristics of a wound. The system includes a first imaging sensor that obtains imaging information of a wound area and a second imaging sensor that obtains topology information of the wound area.

Abstract: Joint imaging devices methods and systems provide multiple sources and detectors around small accessible joints, such as fingers, to permit optical tomographic image acquisition and diagnosis of medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In embodiments, transducers permit convenient arrangement of sources and detectors and the rapid acquisition of anatomical surface geometry.

Abstract: A system, method, and storage device storing computer executable instructions for use in tissue analysis and therapy. An optical probe array has at least two or more optical probes for illuminating tissue and generates light fluorescence and/or diffuse reflectance signals corresponding to the illuminated tissue. One or more ultrasound, CT and MRI imaging guidance systems identify the position of the optical probes relative to the tissue. The imaging guidance system can also be a fusion of an MRI or CT image provided by the MRI or CT imaging guidance system and an ultrasound image provided by the ultrasound imaging guidance system. An imaging system generates a three-dimensional image of the tissue based on the generated light signals and the identified position of the optical probes.

Abstract: A tissue classifying system uses central illumination while detecting scattered light received from one or more rings surrounding the central illumination. A broadband illuminator is used. Received light couples to a spectrographic detection system that provides data to a processor with machine readable instructions for determining a classification of a type of tissue illuminated by the system. A scanner is used to generate a map of tissue classification for use by a surgeon who may remove additional tissue from a surgical wound to ensure complete treatment. Embodiments include a scanner that maps tissue classification across tissue, and a scanner coupled to a coherent optical bundle that may be placed in contact with tissue along boundaries of an operative wound. Other embodiments are adapted to scan tissue for fluorescent emissions and/or polarization shifts between incident and scattered light.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for examining a blood vessel wall. The blood vessel wall is illuminated with near-infrared light. Reflected near-infrared light from the blood vessel wall is received. A reflectance spectrum based on the reflected near-infrared light from the blood vessel wall is determined. Whether the reflectance spectrum is indicative of a presence of a lipid core plaque (LCP) by applying an LCP classifier to the reflectance spectrum is determined. A thickness of an LCP cap is determined by applying an LCP cap thickness classifier to the reflectance spectrum if the reflectance spectrum is indicative of the presence of the LCP. Indicia of the thickness of the LCP cap are displayed.

Abstract: A photoacoustic transducer assembly for imaging a subject of interest is presented. Furthermore, the photoacoustic transducer assembly includes a substrate. In addition, the photoacoustic transducer assembly includes a first plurality of source elements disposed on one or more sides of the substrate, wherein the first plurality of source elements is arranged along a periphery of the one or more sides of the substrate and configured to irradiate a region of interest in the subject of interest. Moreover, the photoacoustic transducer assembly also includes a plurality of detector elements disposed on the one or more sides of the substrate, wherein the plurality of detector elements is surrounded by the first plurality of source elements and configured to detect one or more signals generated by the region of interest in response to the irradiation.

Abstract: A device and methods for the non-invasive manipulation and detection of target objects such as cells, pathogens, microparticles, and nanoparticles in vivo using an external magnetic field are described. In one aspect, a device and method for capturing and detecting intrinsically magnetic target objects or target objects labeled with at least one magnetic particle within the area of interest using an in vivo flow cytometer are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time tracking of photoacoustic sensing are provided. In one aspect, a method for performing in vivo analysis of a subject is provided. The method includes directing an electromagnetic excitation toward a subject to be analyzed, and acquiring, with an ultrasound probe, data about resultant waves caused by the electromagnetic excitation. The method also includes processing the acquired data to extract information related to properties of tissues in the subject, and comparing the information related to the properties of tissues in the subject using a set of criteria. The method also includes generating a report about a condition of the subject based on the comparison of the information related to properties of the tissues in the subject.

Abstract: After light has been output to a subject to be examined, a photoacoustic wave induced in the subject by the output light is detected. It is assumed that at least one virtual detector element is present outside of a real detector, and dummy data corresponding to the at least one virtual detector element are added to photoacoustic data in which pieces of data of the photoacoustic wave detected by the detector are arranged in accordance with the positions of detector elements. A photoacoustic image is generated by reconstructing the photoacoustic data to which the dummy data have been added by using a Fourier transform method.

Abstract: A computing device includes a thermal map generator (142)that generates a thermal map for image data voxels or pixels representing a volume or region of interest of a subject based on thermometry image data, which includes voxels or pixels indicating a change in a temperature in the volume or region of interest, and a predetermined change in value to temperature lookup table (144) and a display (146) that visually presents the thermal map in connection with image data of the volume of interest. A method includes generating a thermal map for image data voxels or pixels representing a volume or region of interest of a subject based on thermometry image data, which includes voxels or pixels indicating a change in a temperature in the volume or region of interest, and a predetermined change in voxel or pixel value to temperature lookup table.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.

Abstract: Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.