Abstract: A device for providing light and sound to a surrounding area configured to output sound and light in combination of a breathing cadence to calm a subject. The device includes a light configured to emit light at varying colors and levels of intensity synchronized with varying volumes of the sound output. The intensity of light output may increase during an inhalation period of the cadence and decrease during an exhalation period of the cadence. The cadence may be adjusted, manually or automatically, or matched to a user's breathing pattern, to provide desired light and sound combination to provide a calming effect. The sound output may be white noise, pink noise, or Brown noise, or a recording of other sounds.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be a system for determining toothbrush effectiveness, the system comprising a data capture subsystem comprising at least one sensor and configured to generate brushing data during a participant brushing session directed entirely by the participant, and at least one processor configured to receive the brushing data from the data capture subsystem. A brushing simulation subsystem includes artificial teeth; and a robotic arm configured to: hold a toothbrush; and receive from the at least one processor instructions for a motion to be carried out by the robotic arm, the motion of the robotic arm causing the toothbrush to carry out an automated brushing session upon the artificial teeth, the motion of the robotic arm being based on the brushing data captured during the participant brushing session.

Abstract: An artificial thorax (1) with at least one deformable air reservoir (2) having an internal volume (3) containing air and a first orifice (4) in fluidic communication with the internal volume (3), the deformable air reservoir (2) deforming, and at least some of the air leaving the internal volume (3) via the first orifice (4), when a user exerts a manual compression action, directly or indirectly, on said deformable air reservoir (2). The artificial thorax (1) has a CO2 source (10) containing gaseous CO2, such as a gas cylinder, connected fluidically (11) to the internal volume (3) of the deformable air reservoir (2) in such a way as to supply said internal volume (3) with gaseous CO2.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for artificial kangaroo care supporting and promoting health needs in premature babies, babies in neonatal intensive care, and other newborn infants are disclosed. The artificial kangaroo care apparatus may imitate a pre-birth maternal environment and may include an odor-absorbent material imitating a mother's smell, a means for imitating a mother's heartbeat, a means for imitating a mother's breathing pattern, a means for imitating a mother's body temperature, or any combination thereof. The shape and structure of the artificial kangaroo care apparatus may support stand-alone use or use within an incubator or other structure. The shape and structure of the artificial kangaroo care apparatus may suggest a mattress, a mattress covering, or a pillow.

Abstract: An auscultatory sound identification training device includes a sounding body to convert an electric signal related to auscultatory sound information into an auscultatory sound; a vibration member provided to contact the sounding body so that the auscultatory sound generated by the sounding body is transmitted to the vibration member; a cover member made of a resin provided to contact the vibration member so that the auscultatory sound is transmitted to the cover member to output the auscultatory sound; and a case which has a bottom portion and in which the sounding body, the vibration member and the cover member are provided not to contact the bottom portion.

Abstract: A system for performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations may generally include an ultrasound simulation device having at least one processor and associated memory. The memory may store pre-recorded audio-enhanced ultrasound data for at least one internal organ. The audio-enhanced ultrasound data may include a moving ultrasound image of the at least one internal organ along with synced audio data associated with auscultatory sounds generated by the at least one internal organ depicted within the moving ultrasound image. In addition, the system may include a display and a speaker coupled to the ultrasound simulation device. The display may be configured to display the moving ultrasound image as a trainee is performing the simulated ultrasound examination. The speaker may be configured to broadcast the synced audio data simultaneously with the display of the moving ultrasound image.

Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods directed toward simulating heart sounds. The system can include an optical sensor configured to obtain data for generating a plurality of plethysmograph waveforms at a first frequency. The heart sound simulator can also include a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor can be configured to generate a heart sound signal based on at least one of the plurality of plethysmograph waveforms.

Abstract: Simulation systems and methods may enable virtual imaging. A data processing unit may receive data from a calibration unit indicating a position and/or orientation of a position and orientation sensor relative to a physical model. The data processing unit may also receive data from the position and orientation sensor indicating a position and/or orientation of the physical model. The data processing unit may generate a virtual image using the data from the position and orientation sensor and the data from the calibration unit. The data processing unit may render the virtual image to a display.

Abstract: A system for performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations may generally include an ultrasound simulation device having at least one processor and associated memory. The memory may store pre-recorded audio-enhanced ultrasound data for at least one internal organ. The audio-enhanced ultrasound data may include a moving ultrasound image of the at least one internal organ along with synced audio data associated with auscultatory sounds generated by the at least one internal organ depicted within the moving ultrasound image. In addition, the system may include a display and a speaker coupled to the ultrasound simulation device. The display may be configured to display the moving ultrasound image as a trainee is performing the simulated ultrasound examination. The speaker may be configured to broadcast the synced audio data simultaneously with the display of the moving ultrasound image.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer simulator for live training includes an upper arm cuff for a simulated patient; a rigid walled pressure vessel within the cuff; a manual inflator and manual release valve coupled to the rigid walled vessel to selectively increase and release the pressure within the pressure vessel; a pressure sensor coupled to the pressure vessel; a cuff controller receiving the pressure sensor measurements and controlling a speaker within the cuff to emit designated simulated Korotkoff sounds associated with a simulated blood pressure and with the pressure of the pressure vessel; a visual gauge controlled by the cuff controller and displaying a pressure associated with the pressure in the pressure vessel and simulated Korotkoff gauge bumps associated with the simulated blood pressure for the simulated patient; and a user controller coupled to the cuff controller for inputting the simulated blood pressure for the simulated patient.

Abstract: A simulation system for training in endoscopic procedures includes an endoscope apparatus, which includes an operating part with at least one valve, a control device to generate a virtual image of an endoscopic operating scene depending on an actuation of the valve and a display device to display the virtual image, the endoscope apparatus includes for example a siphoning line, an insufflation line and/or a flushing line upon which the valve acts. The simulation system includes pressure-generating means to impact the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line with reduced or excess pressure, sensor means to measure pressure and/or flow in the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line and transmission means to transmit the measured values provided by the sensor means to the control device to be used in generating the virtual image.

Abstract: A method for medical skills training is provided that includes simulating a current condition of at least one simulated patient wherein the current condition comprises dynamic physiology, appearance, and behavior of the patient using one or more physiology models; outputting the simulated patient in the current condition on a visual display; receiving input from one or more users, wherein the input represents one or more medical interactions to be virtually applied to the simulated patient; processing the inputs using the physiology model in conjunction with one or more physiological variables that change over time based on the physiology model, in response to corresponding deterioration clocks and the inputs; and outputting one or more changes to the current condition of the simulated patient by applying different animations to the simulated patient based on the processed inputs. As system and computer readable media for medical skills training are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manikin comprising a chest area and a head, for training of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The manikin is distinctive in that it comprises a means for providing gasping movements of the head, and a means for simulating the sound of agonal breathing, which means are operatively connected to a device for actuating said means, for simulation of agonal breathing.

Abstract: A method of teaching patient care is provided. The method includes providing a medical simulator including a model of at least a portion of a human body. The simulator is configured to execute a simulated medical scenario. The method also includes defining a plurality of palette items, each of the plurality of palette items associated with a physiological state of the simulator, and defining at least one scenario, the at least one scenario including a series of linked palette items. The method also includes selecting a scenario for execution by the simulator, communicating the selected scenario to the simulator, and utilizing the simulator to execute the selected scenario.

Abstract: A method of teaching patient care is provided. The method includes providing a medical simulator including a model of at least a portion of a human body. The simulator is configured to execute a simulated medical scenario. The method also includes defining a plurality of palette items, each of the plurality of palette items associated with a physiological state of the simulator, and defining at least one scenario, the at least one scenario including a series of linked palette items. The method also includes selecting a scenario for execution by the simulator, communicating the selected scenario to the simulator, and utilizing the simulator to execute the selected scenario.

Abstract: The dental position tracking system includes a toothbrush (30) which has a system (20) for determining the orientation of the toothbrush in the mouth of a user relative to the earth, based on measured stored information. Information is stored in the toothbrush concerning target ranges of expected measured toothbrush orientations for each of a plurality of dental zones (22). A processor (24) compares the measured toothbrush orientation information with the target orientation ranges, following conversion of both the target orientation information and the measured toothbrush orientation information to the same coordinate system. The processor then determines which if any of the target ranges matches, within a selected tolerance thereof, with the toothbrush orientation information. Any difference between the target range and the measured toothbrush orientation information is then used to partially adjust the target information range, in order to compensate for a change of position of the user's head.

Abstract: An auscultation system is disclosed herein. The auscultation system includes an auscultation device. The auscultation system also includes a proximity device operable to detect the proximity of the auscultation device. The proximity device can also emit a signal in response to detection of the auscultation device. The auscultation system also includes a first database storing a plurality of sound files. The auscultation system also includes a first controller operable to communicate with the proximity device and receive the signal. The first controller is also operable to select one of the sound files and transmit the selected sound file to the at least one speaker in response to receipt of the signal from the proximity device.

Abstract: Apparatus, including: a mockup probe, having a distal end and a proximal end adapted to be held by a human operator. The apparatus further includes a mockup patient, simulating an actual patient, the mockup patient having an aperture allowing penetration of the distal end of the mockup probe into the mockup patient. The apparatus includes a force generator, coupled to the mockup probe so as to apply a force to the proximal end that can be felt by the human operator, and a system controller. The controller is configured to: track a location of the distal end during the penetration thereof into the mockup patient, access an indication of a value of contractility of a region of an organ of the actual patient corresponding to the location, and activate the force generator so that the force applied to the proximal end corresponds to the indication.

Abstract: A manikin for practicing resuscitation, comprising an inflatable body (1). The inflatable body (1) is adapted to absorb compression force exerted during simulated chest compression. Preferably, the manikin also comprises a chest plate (4), the chest plate (4) acting as a pressure distributor on the inflatable body (1). The chest plate (4) being connected to the inflatable body (1) by elastic means (22). The manikin may also comprise a lung part (2), the lung part being connected to a face mask (3). The lung (2) being adapted for inflation through the mouth and/or the nose of the face mask (3). The lung (2) having a chest portion (13) positioned substantially parallel to the chest portion (5) of the inflatable body (1). The face mask (3) being positioned at a head portion (7) of the inflatable body (1).

Abstract: Simulator systems including a maternal simulator and a fetal simulator are provided. In some instances, the maternal simulator includes a chamber sized and shaped to receive a fetal simulator and a birthing mechanism disposed within the chamber for providing rotational and translational movement to the fetal simulator in a birthing simulation. In some instances, the fetal simulator is configured to be selectively, fixedly engaged with a locking mechanism of the maternal simulator such that the fetal simulator is not removable from the maternal simulator during the birthing simulation when fixedly engaged with the locking mechanism and the fetal simulator is removable from the maternal simulator during birthing simulation when not fixedly engaged with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An auscultation apparatus may include a sensor sheet having a flexible sheet with sensors, a processor having sound files, and an auscultation device, such as a stethoscope. The sensor sheet may be applied to a living body-like structure. When a sensor activator is positioned near one of the sensors, a sound may be transmitted from one of the sound files to provide the sound to an operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a sound signal is based on an ear model for deriving, for a number of inner hair cells, an estimate for a time-varying concentration of transmitter substance inside a cleft between an inner hair cell and an associated auditory nerve from the sound signal so that an estimated inner hair cell cleft contents map over time is obtained. This map is analyzed by means of a pitch analyzer to obtain a pitch line over time, the pitch line indicating a pitch of the sound signal for respective time instants. A rhythm analyzer is operative for analyzing envelopes of estimates for selected inner hair cells, the inner hair cells being selected in accordance with the pitch line, so that segmentation instants are obtained, wherein a segmentation instant indicates an end of the preceding note or a start of a succeeding note. Thus, a human-related and reliable sound signal analysis can be obtained.

Abstract: An auscultation system may include an auscultation device, a simulation unit, a speaker and a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of the auscultation device and emits a signal in response. The auscultation system may also include a database storing multiple sound files and a controller. The controller may receive the signal, select one of the sound files and transmit the selected sound file to the speaker in response to the signal. In one embodiment, the simulation unit is attached to a live subject. In another embodiment, the simulation unit is attached to a mannequin.

Abstract: An auscultation training system is disclosed comprising a half-body mannequin with speakers providing heart, lung, bowel and bruit sounds in the correct anatomical positions for student training of auscultation with a standard stethoscope. An integrated computer system provides the tools for training and assessing students. Synchronized phonocardiograms and a palpable carotid pulse accompany heart sounds. Sounds can be played and auscultated simultaneously to simulate a live patient, or played and auscultated separately for teaching purposes. The system may be accessed online using a virtual mannequin and stethoscope for viewing and listening to heart, lung, bowel and bruit sounds.

Abstract: An auscultation training device that utilizes a medical training mannequin, a controller, and a database of auscultation training sound data to simulate and communicate the sounds of the human body to users; the invention is able to initiate the playback of prerecorded sounds via a variety of trigger mechanisms, and transmit live sounds, or combinations of sounds, to remote examiners.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system includes a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method includes the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs.

Abstract: Many people do not have a physical feeling for what normal and abnormal blood pressure levels mean in relation to the forces exerted on the heart and blood vessels. A blood pressure simulation apparatus provides human subjects a means to physically feel simulated blood pressure levels through tactile feedback. Both normal and abnormal blood pressure cycles are simulated. Interfacing of the apparatus to an electronic blood pressure monitor is provided.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

Abstract: An auscultation training device that utilizes a medical training mannequin, a controller, and a database of auscultation training sound data to simulate and communicate the sounds of the human body to users; the invention is able to initiate the playback of prerecorded sounds via a variety of trigger mechanisms, and transmit live sounds, or combinations of sounds, to remote examiners.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for auscultation training is provided including a transmitter associated with an audio device for transmitting an audio signal to an auscultation device. The auscultation device may include a receiver for receiving the audio signal from the transmitter and a speaker for relaying the sound to the end user. The arrangement may allow for the broadcast of simulated medical sounds to a generally, normal appearing auscultation device for the purposes of teaching or testing using simulated patient scenarios, while allowing for normal person-to-person interaction between the simulated patient and physician.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and medium for simulating medical conditions to facilitate medical training, that utilizes a roaming device configured to be mobile; a positioning device configured to determine location information of the roaming device; and a computing device configured to receive the location information, compare the location information with a predetermined set of regions, and transmit information indicative of a medical condition when the location information coincides with the predetermined set of regions.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: A simulated part of the human vocal tract above the glottis is formed as a resiliently flexible, cylindrical tube with a wall of sponge/foam saturated with water and covered by a thin, flexible water retaining skin. The wall can also be a gel or skin balloon filled with water or oil. A speech simulator has a buzz generator formed by an air compressor, accumulator and regulator supplying air to an chamber filled with sound absorbing batting and having a tubular outlet connected to an inlet end of the tube and covered by a valve simulating a glottis and vocal chords and formed by a rubber membrane slit to provide two flaps controlled by respective pen motors. the tube can be constricted manually to provide various animal and human vocal sounds.

Abstract: A patient simulator system for teaching patient care is provided. The system includes a patient simulator. The patient simulator includes a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. A respiratory system is positioned within the patient body. The respiratory system includes a pair of lungs and is configured to simulate a respiratory pattern of a patient. A circulatory system is also positioned within the patient body. The circulatory system is configured to simulate at least one circulatory parameter of the patient. The system also includes a control system in communication with the patient simulator. The control system includes a respiratory physiological model for controlling the simulated respiratory pattern of the respiratory system and a circulatory physiological model for controlling the at least one circulatory parameter of the circulatory system.

Abstract: A newborn simulator for teaching patient care is provided. The newborn simulator includes a body comprising one or more simulated body portions sized to simulate a newborn baby and a head portion movably connected to a portion of the body. A simulated heart is positioned at least partially within the body along with a pair of simulated lungs. The simulator is operable without physical connection to an external device to provide a simulated heart beat and respiratory pattern.

Abstract: A patient simulator for teaching patient care is provided. The simulator includes a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions and a pair of bladders positioned within the patient body for simulating a patient's lungs. A compressor is positioned within the patient body in communication with the bladders for selectively providing an air supply to the bladders to simulate a respiratory pattern. A master module is also positioned within the patient body and configured for communication with an external control system. A respiratory module system is positioned within the patient body and spaced from the master module. The respiratory module system controls the respiratory pattern of the patient simulator by controlling the air supply to and from the bladders. The patient simulator is operable without physical connection to an external device.

Abstract: A method of teaching patient care is provided. The method includes providing a medical simulator including a model of at least a portion of a human body. The simulator is configured to execute a simulated medical scenario. The method also includes defining a plurality of palette items, each of the plurality of palette items associated with a physiological state of the simulator, and defining at least one scenario, the at least one scenario including a series of linked palette items. The method also includes selecting a scenario for execution by the simulator, communicating the selected scenario to the simulator, and utilizing the simulator to execute the selected scenario.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the response of an electronic stethoscope. The sensor of the electronic stethoscope is held in contact with a test surface of a phantom. A shaker, which is coupled to a stinger rod that extends inside the phantom, is driven to produce internal vibrations in the phantom. Surface motion of the test surface of the phantom is measured using a surface accelerometer coupled to the test surface. Vibrations from the phantom are detected and an electric signal based on the detected vibrations is generated with the electronic stethoscope. A surface transfer function is calculated based on the measured surface motion and the electric signal to characterize the response of the electronic stethoscope.

Abstract: Computer-based system adapted to create a representation of mechanical and flow-mechanical function of a ?V-pump. A mathematical modeling algorithm is used based upon a transforming element adapted to connect different physical domains via a transforming value. The system comprises an upper transforming element (TF1) and a lower transforming element (TF2) each having a flow domain (fd1, fd2) and a mechanical domain (md1, md2), the upper transforming element is provided with a transforming value A1 and the lower transforming element is provided with a transforming value A1+A2, wherein A1 and A2>0. The upper and lower transforming elements are interconnected such that their mechanical domains are connected, said mechanical domains are provided with a control value representing a directional measure (F) arranged to intermittently and simultaneously activate said mechanical domains of the transforming elements. By interconnecting two ?V-pump representations the pumping action of a heart may be simulated.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment, an auscultatory training apparatus includes a database of pre-recorded physiological sounds stored on a computer for playing on a playback system. A user-friendly, graphical user interface software program is stored on the computer for use with a conventional computer mouse. The program allows a user to select one of the pre-recorded sounds for playback. In addition, the program is operable to generate an inverse model of the playback system in the form of a digital filter. If employed by the user, the inverse model processes the selected sound to cancel the distortions of the playback system so that the sound is accurately reproduced in the playback system. The program also permits the extraction of a specific sound component from a pre-recorded sound so that only the extracted sound component is audible during playback.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator.

Abstract: An Infant Nurturing Device for performing parent-infant attachment comprising a pouch area (25), a proportional external pouch covering (21), means for producing simulated parental body temperature (770), means for producing simulated parental heartbeat (750), means for producing simulated parental voice (780), means for producing simulated parental breathing (760) and a controller (740). The Infant Nurturing Device of the present invention is capable of performing adequate “Kangaroo Care” parent-infant attachment in the absence of biological parents.

Abstract: A portable, interactive electronic training device for prompting a trainee on the proper sequence of steps for performing CPR, using a defibrillator and performing CPR in conjunction with the use of a defibrillator. The device simulates the obtaining of direct information about a patient's condition, such as ECG data collected directly from the patient. The device receives information pertinent to the treatment of the patient indirectly through an operator of the device. The device prompts a trainee on the medically appropriate action such as a defibrillation shock in response to the indirect and direct information. Indirect information is obtained through information processing means that includes means for prompting the operator of the device and means for receiving the operator's responses thereto. Prompts may include both questions and instructions, and in one embodiment the information processing means obtains the assent of the operator before causing the defibrillation shock.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator.

Abstract: An infant simulator (5) is capable of emulating the care requirements of an infant, recording the quality of care, responsiveness of a person caring for the infant simulator (5), and/or signaling the person caring for the infant simulator (5) when care is required. The infant simulator (5) is capable of sensing the unacceptable environmental conditions of abusive impact, abusive compression, improper positioning, exposure to loud noises, over-stimulation, exposure to smoke, exposure to direct sunlight, exposure to temperature extremes to which the infant simulator (5) is subjected, and periodically demanding that the student change the diaper, feed, burp the infant, rest the infant, and rock the infant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a demonstration device (401) which is a model of a living organism enlarged at least 50 times. Demonstration devices of this type, for example, a model of a person lying down, help explain and show how the biological processes which take place in the living organism are related. The inventive demonstration device (401) has an outer skin. Inside are functional elements representing the organism's organs, vascular system, joints, etc. According to the invention, it is possible to both walk and travel in the demonstration device and its functional elements.

Abstract: An interactive education system is described for teaching patient care to a user. The system comprises a patient simulator, as well as a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities. The systems also includes means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In a first embodiment, the simulator and virtual instrument are tangible objects, and in a second embodiment, the simulator and virtual instrument are software-generated objects.