Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods and systems for monitoring and detection of pressure on a part of a body of a user. In an embodiment, a device includes a substrate having a contact surface for contacting a user, one or more sacs associated with the contact surface of the substrate, and one or more sensors in communication with the one or more sacs, the one or more sensors adapted to measure changes in pressure in the one or more sacs. The sacs contain a fluidic material configured to transmit pressure. The fluidic material is further configured to be shock-absorbing and pressure-relieving such that the fluidic material is displaceable by an action of the user contacting the contact surface causing the pressure in the fluidic material to be redistributed.

Abstract: A patient monitor is disclosed for detecting patient movement or abnormal breathing. Images of a patient are obtained by a stereoscopic camera. These images are then processed by a 3D position determination module which determines measurements indicative of positions of at least part of a patient. The obtained measurements are then passed to a model generation module which generates a breathing model of the variation in position of the at least part of a patient during a breathing cycle. Subsequently abnormal breathing or patient movement can be detected by processing further images obtained by the stereoscopic camera to determine more measurements indicative of positions of at least part of a patient. These measurements are then compared with a stored breathing model by a comparison module.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an audiologic test includes a probe extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end configured for insertion into an ear-canal of a person, the second end being opposite to the first end; wherein the probe comprises a probe part between the first end and the second end, the probe part having a first port; and wherein the probe further comprises a holder fixed to the probe part, the holder being configured to be held by an operator of the probe.

Abstract: An optical rotation measurement method includes causing measurement light of a predetermined polarization to be incident on a subject from an incident direction that is a non-right angle to the subject, discriminating an optical rotation reflecting component of the predetermined polarization from reflected light that is reflected in a different direction to the incident direction of the subject, and measuring the optical rotation based on the discrimination result.

Abstract: A blood glucose level measurement apparatus is a non-invasive measurement apparatus which is mounted on the wrist or the like of a user and performs a measurement by using light. When a biological image is captured in order to acquire a blood vessel pattern, not all light emitting elements emit light (entire surface emission is not performed) but some of the light emitting elements within a light emission range emit light. The light emission range is set to a range centering on an irradiation position (measurement light emitting element) in the previous measurement.

Abstract: Analyte sensor connectors that connect analyte sensors, e.g., conductive members of analyte sensors, to other devices such as sensor electronics units, e.g., sensor control units, are provided. Also provided are systems that include analyte sensors, analyte sensor connectors, and analyte sensor electronics units, as well as methods of establishing and maintaining connections between analyte sensors and analyte sensor electronics units, and methods of analyte monitoring/detection. Also provided are methods of making analyte sensor connectors and systems that include analyte sensor connectors.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for correcting lag in measurements of analyte concentration level in interstitial fluid. The invention includes receiving a signal representative of sensor data from an analyte monitoring system related to an analyte level measured over time, computing rates of change of the sensor data for a time period of the sensor data, computing a rate distribution of the rates of change, transforming the rate distribution into a linear arrangement, determining a best-fit line for the transformed rate distribution, computing a slope of the best-fit line; and using the slope of the best-fit line as a representation of a variability of the analyte level to adjust an amount of lag correction applied to the sensor data. Numerous additional features are disclosed.

Abstract: A blood glucose level measurement apparatus is a non-invasive measurement apparatus mounted on a wrist or the like of a user and using light, and intermittently measures a blood glucose level of the user. A measurement interval is set according to a measured blood glucose level. For example, in a case where the measured blood glucose level is low, the measurement interval is set to be short.

Abstract: In a biological information processing apparatus, a variation index value calculation section calculates a variation index value on the basis of a plurality of measured values obtained by measuring biological information of a subject. A display data generation section generates display data which is used to display a measurement result and undergoes identification display corresponding to the variation index value.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is advantageously properly positioned.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a phosphor and first and second blue laser light sources that emit first white light and second white light having different emission spectrums; a sensor that images an observation target under illumination with the first white light and outputs a first image signal and images the observation target under illumination with the second white light and outputs a second image signal; a movement amount calculation unit that calculates the movement amount of the observation target based on the first or second image signal; and an oxygen saturation calculation unit that calculates the oxygen saturation based on the movement amount in at least one of a first mode, in which the oxygen saturation is calculated using the first and second image signals, and a second mode, in which the oxygen saturation is calculated using the first image signal.

Abstract: A sensor used to measure physiological characteristics of body tissues is provided. The physiological sensor includes a first light source assembly having a first light source in parallel with a second light source. Each of the first light source and the second light source have an anode and a cathode. A second light source assembly includes a third light source in parallel with a fourth light source. Each of the third light source and the fourth light source have an anode and a cathode. The anode of the first light source is electrically connected to the cathode of the second light source, the anode of said third light source, and the cathode of said fourth light source. The anode of the third light source is electrically connected to the cathode of the fourth light source.

Abstract: An analyte sensor configured to be implanted in the body of the user unassisted by an introducer sharp.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.

Abstract: A sampling device including a body (101) having a sampling chamber (102) adapted to receive a liquid (103) to be sampled. An inlet (104) on the body (101) allows liquid (103) to flow into the sampling chamber (102). A sampling port (105) on the body is adapted to receive a sampling pot or sample receiving container (106) for collecting liquid (103) from the sampling chamber (102) wherein the sampling port includes a safety shield (107) slidaby mounted to the inside (108) of the sampling port, the safety shield slidable between a blocking position in which access to the sampling chamber is restricted and an accessible position in which access to the sampling chamber is allowed.

Abstract: A blood sampling device (10) configuring a blood bag system (12) includes: a hollow needle (80) that can penetrate through a rubber plug (202) of a blood sampling tube (200) inserted into a blood sampling holder (78); a hub (76) that includes a needle supporting unit (90) for supporting a base end side of the hollow needle (80) and to which the blood sampling holder (78) is rotatably attached; a needle cover (82) made of rubber that is externally fitted to the needle supporting unit (90) while covering a tip side of the hollow needle (80); and a cap (84) arranged on the needle supporting unit (90) in such a manner that the cap (84) can come into contact with the needle cover (82) and is independent of the blood sampling holder (78).

Abstract: A method for determining an operational state of a driver of a vehicle uses an awareness detection arrangement. The awareness detection arrangement includes at least a first and a second source for generating data relating to the behavior of the driver. The method includes receiving, from the first and the second source, data relating to at least one of physiological data of the driver, the operation of the vehicle, and a model of the driver operating the vehicle, comparing the data from the first and the second source with a driver state model defining a plurality of predefined driver states for each of the first and the second source, respectively, determining based on the comparison, for each of the first and the second source, a state probability for each of the plurality of predefined driver states, and weighing the determined driver states for the first and the second source with each other for determining an overall operational state probability for the driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the pinch force between a person's thumb and index finger, comprising: first and second parallel blades, said blades being disposed at a distance from one another and embedded at a first longitudinal end thereof; a sensor for measuring the pinch force exerted between the two blades at the second longitudinal end thereof, perpendicularly to the respective main planes thereof; a means for displaying the pinch force; and a means for storing and/or processing the pinch force. According to the invention, the first blade forms part of a rigid parallelepiped frame and the second blade is disposed in the space inside the parallelogram.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for detecting creativity in real-time are disclosed. The method includes sensing electrical activity along a scalp of a subject during a learning phase, the learning phase including presenting to the subject one or more tasks configured to generate electrical activity corresponding to cortical events that are likely to correspond to a creative type experience and cortical events that are likely to correspond to a non-creative type experience. Features from the electrical activity obtained during the learning phase are extracted to create a brainwave profile for the subject. Real-time electrical activity along the scalp of the subject is sensed during a performance of one or more real-time tasks, and the electrical activity of the subject is compared to previously recorded electrical activity using the brainwave profile for the subject to classify the electrical activity obtained during the performance of the one or more real-time.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for managing epilepsy. In one embodiment, a method of the present invention characterize a patient's propensity for a future epileptic seizure and communicates to the patient and/or a health care provider a therapy recommendation. The therapy recommendation is typically a function of the patient's propensity for the future epileptic seizure.

Abstract: An allergy testing system comprises a skin test device having a grip portion for holding the device. One or more legs extend from the grip, and each leg is oriented to interact with a well containing a potential allergen. Each leg has a test head, and each test head has a plurality of elongated spike members. The elongated spike members have a sharp end configured to receive the potential allergen from a well and to puncture a patient's skin. In addition, each test head has at least one touch activator. The touch activator is longer than the plurality of elongated spike members, such that during an allergy test, the touch activator comes into contact with the skin prior to the elongated spike members, causing the touch activators to activate nerve tissue that blocks transmission of pain, resulting in a reduction of pain and/or discomfort during testing.

Abstract: Detection of one or more fronts of saliva advancing simultaneously in multiple directions may be used to determine salivary secretion rate, as may be indicative of state of euhydration or dehydration. An array of electrical contacts may be arranged between a substrate and a liquid collection element, and used to detect saliva migrating through the liquid collection element. A substrate may include a leading edge defining a notch or recess to receive a sublingual frenulum for positioning a liquid collection element proximate to a sublingual salivary duct, or may include a flexible substrate for positioning a liquid collection element in an oral cavity proximate to at least one parotid or minor salivary duct. Sensing of salivary flow rate may be augmented by measuring concentration of at least one analyte in saliva and/or sensing various environmental factors. Groups of electrical contacts may be arranged proximate to different salivary glands or ducts.

Abstract: Methods for detecting uterine and/or cervical activity in a subject are disclosed which comprise positioning a “uterine/cervical activity monitor” or “UCAM” within the subject, wherein at least one structural component of the UCAM is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and/or a vaginal surface of the subject and which receives an electrical activity of said cervical surface and/or which receives electrical activity of the uterus through said vaginal surface and processing the electrical activity of said cervical and/or vaginal surfaces using a data processor in communication with the UCAM to detect uterine and/or cervical activity of the subject. The methods and UCAM device disclosed herein can be used to detect pre-term labor, differentiate non-labor contractions from “true” labor, as well as other indications.

Abstract: A portable quantification apparatus for assessing joint accessory movement is disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes a reference module, a movement module, a sliding module and a displacement sensor module. The reference module has a first probe and a first force sensor. The movement module has a second probe and a second force sensor. The sliding module is disposed between the reference module and the movement module which allows the movement module to slide alongside with the reference module. When a patient is under a test, the first probe is against one of two adjacent bones of a joint, while the second probe is against the other adjacent bone. The first force sensor and the second force sensor sense a first force and a second force applying to the reference module and the movement module respectively. The displacement sensor module measures the displacement of the movement module over the reference module.

Abstract: A person monitoring system is operable to predict the onset of an adverse condition of a person. The system receives first information corresponding to a feature of a person support apparatus and second information corresponding to a physiological characteristic of the person. The system calculates a condition score as a function of the first and second information. In some instances, the system alerts a caregiver if the condition score exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the person monitoring system alerts a caregiver when a person supported on a person support apparatus is regaining consciousness by monitoring one or more of a change in position, a heart rate, and a respiration rate. A person monitoring system that monitors a person's quality of sleep and presents information concerning the quality of sleep to one or more interested parties is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing devices for facilitating health and wellness-related information. More specifically, disclosed are electrodes and methods to determine physiological states using a wearable device (or carried device) and one or more sensors that can be subject to motion. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a sensor signal including data representing physiological characteristics in a wearable device from a distal end of a limb and a motion sensor signal. The method includes decomposing at a processor the sensor signal to determine physiological signal components. A physiological characteristic signal is generated that includes data representing a physiological characteristic, which can form a basis to determine a physiological state based on, for example, bioimpedance signals originating from the distal end of the limb.

Abstract: A strain sensor device having a biological substrate composed of a standalone bone graft or an isolated piece of bone that can be incorporated directly into, or attached to another piece of bone that is then implantable, in a biological subject, and a method thereof. The strain sensor device can includes a strain sensing circuit, which is composed of at least a first dielectric layer and a first conductive layer, that functions as a strain gauge. The first dielectric layer can be composed of dielectric material disposed over the biological substrate. The first conductive layer, which has a pattern, can be disposed over the first dielectric material. A bonding interface is disposed between the biological substrate and the first dielectric layer. The bonding interface can be composed of an underlayer of polydimethylsiloxane and a first interface layer. The underlayer can be disposed on the bone graft substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting lymphedema and methods for managing lymphedema in an individual. The methods of the invention involves utilizing a light sensing device having a video camera, depth sensor and software effective to perform a 3-dimensional scan and generate a three-dimensional digital model of at least a portion of the body from data obtained by the camera and depth sensor, thereby obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of at least a portion of the body from which the size of a select region of the body can be assessed to detect, monitor and/or manage lymphedema. The invention also provides methods to detect and manage lymphedema that involve assessing any combination of size, amount of extracellular fluids, and thickness of the skin at a select region of the body of an individual.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses.

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: The present invention provides a garment for measuring biological information, a biological information measurement system, a biological information measurement device and a method of controlling thereof capable of measuring biological information with accuracy regardless of variations of the constitution of each examinee. When an examinee wears a biological information measurement shirt 301, four limb electrodes 351 and 352 are arranged at positions so that the electrodes cover the body surface other than around the clavicle of the examinee. At that time, four limb electrodes 362 and 363 are assigned to positions so that they cover about the pelvis of the examinee.

Abstract: A biopotential signal acquisition system comprising an analogue readout unit configured to receive an analogue biopotential signal and to extract an analogue measured biopotential signal and an analogue reference signal, and an ADC unit configured to provide a digital version of the analogue measured biopotential signal and the analogue reference signal. The system also includes a first digital filter unit comprising a cascaded integrator-comb filter configured to provide a first digital filtered version of the digital measured biopotential signal and the reference signal, and a second digital filter unit configured to calculate a digital motion artifact estimate based on the first digital filtered version signals.

Abstract: In a blood sugar level measuring device, a blood-sugar-level predicting unit predicts a blood sugar level of a user. A light emitting unit irradiates measurement light to the inside of a living organism of the user. A light-emission control unit, a measurement-point-candidate setting unit, a light-amount-control-method determining unit, and a measurement-point selecting unit control a light amount of measurement light per one measurement on the basis of the predicted blood sugar level. A light-reception control unit, a light-absorption-spectrum generating unit, and a blood-sugar-value calculating unit receive reflected light from the user and measure a blood sugar level.

Abstract: A device and a method for analyzing an input signal (1) representing a neural activity of a nerve containing nerve fibers originating from baroreceptors from a patient. E.g. neural activity recorded with an electrode implanted to detect Vagus nerve activity. The invention is based on the insight that this neural activity can be used to determine a value indicative of the patient's blood pressure (BP). An ECG signal (2) can be used for deriving a trigger feature for processing of the nerve activity data, e.g. to arrive at a profile of the patient's Blood Pressure Pulse. E.g. the device can include a Vagus nerve stimulation unit which is controlled in response to an output from the calculation of blood pressure (BP), and/or features related to the Blood Pressure Pulse.

Abstract: In a biological information processing apparatus, a body motion detection unit detects a body motion of a subject. A measurement method selection unit selects one measurement method on the basis of a detection result from the body motion detection unit, from among a plurality of measurement methods of measuring a blood glucose level by applying irradiation waves toward a living body of the subject. A measurement result display control unit performs control for displaying a measurement result which is obtained by performing a measurement according to the one measurement method.

Abstract: A direct conversion X-ray detector for the detection of X-rays includes at least a semiconductor used for detecting X-rays, which has areas that are shaded against X-rays and unshaded areas, a pixelated electrode attached to the semiconductor and an all-over electrode attached to the semiconductor opposite the pixelated electrode, and at least one light source to illuminate the all-over electrode with additional light radiation for the purpose of generating additional charge carriers. In an embodiment, the at least one light source is designed such that the shaded areas are irradiated with a different intensity of the additional light radiation than are the unshaded areas. A CT system including the direct conversion X-ray detector is also disclosed, together with a method for the detection of incident X-rays via direct conversion X-ray detector, wherein the shaded areas are irradiated with a different intensity of the additional light radiation than the unshaded areas.

Abstract: A nuclear medical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a driving unit and a controlling unit. The driving unit moves each of a plurality of image taking sites of a subject into an image taking region. When an image taking process for the subject is performed at each of the plurality of image taking sites, if data that has already been acquired from one of the image taking sites currently being imaged is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition, the controlling unit changes an image taking condition of the image taking process that is performed after the determination.

Abstract: To enable simplified movement and/or control of a medical apparatus, the medical apparatus includes a traversing mechanism and at least one motor. The at least one motor is embodied to drive the traversing mechanism. The medical apparatus is characterized by at least one force sensor and a control apparatus. The at least one force sensor detects a force acting from the outside on the medical apparatus, and the control apparatus activates the at least one motor in dependence on the force detected by the at least one force sensor.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emergency activation of a medical X-ray imaging system. In order to provide a facilitated way of visualizing a lost item inside a patient, a medical X-ray imaging system (10) is provided that comprises an X-ray image acquisition device (12) with an X-ray source (14) and an X-ray detector (16), a control device (18), an emergency activation interface device (22), and a display device (24). The X-ray source is configured to generate X-ray radiation of various characteristics, and the X-ray detector is configured to detect the X-ray radiation after being at least partly attenuated by an object of interest. The control device is configured to control the generation of the X-ray radiation by the X-ray source, and to generate image data from the detected X-ray radiation. The display device is configured to display an image representing the detected X-ray radiation.

Abstract: Among other things, a device for use in a magnetic position measurement system includes a transmitter. The transmitter includes field generating elements having a low X-ray cross section. The field generating elements include at least one conductive spiral arranged in a sheet or a plate. The at least one spiral is planar. The transmitter also includes non-field generating regions surrounding the field generating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in vivo and ex vivo control, detection and measurement of radiation in therapy, diagnostcs, and related applications accomplished through scintillating fiber detection. One example includes scintillating fibers placed along a delivery guide such as a catheter for measuring applied radiation levels during radiotherapy treatments, sensing locations of a radiation source, or providing feedback of sensed radiation. Another option is to place the fibers into a positioning device such as a balloon, or otherwise in the field of the radiation delivery. The scintillating fibers provide light output levels correlating to the levels of radiation striking the fibers and comparative measurement between fibers can be used for more extensive dose mapping. Adjustments to a radiation treatment may be made as needed based on actual and measured applied dosages as determined by the fiber detectors. Characteristics of a radiation source may also be measured using scintillating materials.

Abstract: A gantry of a tomography apparatus has a rotary member that is rotatable around an axis. The rotary member carries at least one component attached thereto. The component is attached by primary and secondary attachment mechanisms, with only the primary attachment mechanism engaged during normal operation. The secondary attachment mechanism, a T-slot interface in one embodiment, engages for safety and other reasons when the primary attachment mechanism is not functioning properly.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray image photographing device, and more particularly, a portable X-ray image system available for multiple uses. In addition, disclosed is an X-ray image photographing device, and more particularly, an operating table which may be coupled to a portable X-ray image device.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a C-bracket having a radiation detector rotatably mounted on the C-bracket. The radiation detector may be rotated by a motor drive. The axis of rotation is perpendicular to the detector surface. The motor drive is a torque motor that includes a stator and a rotor. The radiation detector is coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A robotically assisted self-aligning portable x-ray machine is disclosed. The machine includes an accelerometer in a digital cassette and an accelerometer in the collimator box. Both accelerators are connected to a micro control unit (MCU), which receives the inclination along at least two axes from both accelerometers. The MCU controls a first stepper motor and a second stepper motor to align the collimator box with the cassette according to an x-ray exam protocol. Inclination of the components is based on the exam protocol. Inclination data is recorded on an x-ray image exposed after alignment. The inclination data may be used by a radiologist or a physician in making a diagnosis based on the x-ray image.

Abstract: Simulation-based estimation of elasticity parameters and use of same for non-invasive cancer detection and cancer staging are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for simulation-based estimation of elasticity parameters includes constructing a 3D model of an object comprising biological tissue, the model having a first shape and an elasticity value. A simulation iteration is then performed, which includes simulating the application of an external force to the model, causing the model to have a second shape, measuring the difference between the second shape and a target shape, and determining whether the measured difference between the second shape and the target shape is within a threshold of error. If the measured difference is not within the threshold of error, the process performs additional iterations using adjusted elasticity or force values until the measured difference is within the threshold of error, at which time the final elasticity and force values are reported.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a radiation source configured to irradiate a subject with radiation, multiple radiographic imaging apparatuses each including multiple radiation detecting elements arranged two-dimensionally, and configured to read charges generated in the radiation detecting elements as a result of irradiation with radiation as image data and transmit a signal in response to user's operation, and a console configured to register multiple radiographing order information items each including information indicating which radiographic imaging apparatus is to be used for conducting radiographing, or acquire the registered radiographing order information items, wherein upon receiving the signal from one radiographic imaging apparatus, the console changes specification of information on the radiographic imaging apparatus in radiographing order information item determined for radiographing to be conducted next to information on the radiographic imaging apparatus without switching the radiograph

Abstract: It is described a method for determining values of geometry parameters of a cone beam computer tomography apparatus, the method comprising: (a) obtaining x-ray projection data captured by the detector from at least three calibration objects arranged at mutually different positions, the x-ray projection data comprising for each calibration object plural projections at different rotation angles; (b) determining for each calibration object a respective ellipse representation from the respective plural projections; (c) performing a random search across candidate values of the geometry parameters for determining the values of the geometry parameters, wherein a cost function depending on the ellipse representations and the geometry parameters is optimized.