Abstract: Electric stimulation method and system for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Syndrome using an external actuator on the pharyngeal-laryngeal muscles. Using this actuator, the muscles involved receive an electric stimulus, with the aim of widening the muscular opening and attaining sufficient air flow to prevent the lack of air. Said stimulus only acts in the event of an apnea episode being detected, by means of analyzing sound patterns of the upper airways. Both detection and treatment arc self-regulatory, in order to adapt to the patient's morphology and the evolution of the condition or problem.

Abstract: An IPTV can receive a user name and present a screen enabling a user by means of a remote control to select health information categories, inputting numeric parameters into the selected categories which can be uploaded to an Internet server for analysis and viewed by the user for subsequent monitoring/charting.

Abstract: Arrhythmia may impact the determination of physiological information from a physiological signal. A patient monitoring system may detect the presence of arrhythmia based on changes in the physiological signal. Derived value data sets may be extracted from the physiological signal and calculations performed to generate arrhythmia features. The arrhythmia features may be used to generate an arrhythmia indicator that may indicate the presence of arrhythmia in the physiological signal.

Abstract: An implantable monitoring device is disclosed for monitoring a patient's heart rate variability over time. The device includes a cardiac electrogram amplifier, a sensing electrode coupled to an input of the amplifier, timing circuitry, processing circuitry and a memory. The timing circuitry defines successive shorter time periods during each monitoring period. The processing circuitry relies upon electrogram activity that occurs during rest periods that extend as long as T1, all of which is stored into memory. Active periods are not considered as part of the heart rate variability calculation. The processing circuitry calculates median intervals between depolarizations of the patient's heart sensed by the amplifier during the shorter time periods and calculates a standard deviation of the median intervals during T2, a longer monitoring period.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting a motion signifying artificial feeling is provided. The apparatus includes: an feeling expression setting unit configured to set probabilities of each feeling expression behavior performed for each expression element of a robot for each predetermined feeling; a behavior combination generation unit configured to generate at least one behavior combination combined by randomly extracting the feeling expression behaviors in each expression element one by one; and a behavior combination selection unit configured to calculate an average for the probabilities of the feeling expression behaviors included in each behavior combination for each feeling of a robot and select behavior combinations in which the average of the probabilities of the feeling expression behaviors most approximates the predetermined feeling value of a robot from each behavior combination.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a system and method allows for the assessment of health and mortality based on dynamic nonlinear calculations of self-similar fluctuation patterns in a time series of QT intervals and of other physiological signals, such as RR intervals, temperature, blood pressure, respiration, saturation of peripheral oxygen, intracardiac pressures, and electroencephalogram. In order to nonlinearly determine health and mortality, time series of QT intervals and of other physiological signals (e.g.. RR intervals) are simultaneously obtained, and entropy values are calculated for each signal over the same temporal interval. “EntropyX” is calculated from relative changes between moments and entropy of QT intervals and those of other physiological signals over seconds to days. The absolute and relative entropy values at a specific time point and/or subsequent changes in entropy over future time points can be used to determine a treatment plan for the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to devices and methods for monitoring, identifying, and determining risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) hospitalization. Methods include determining physiological values of a patient by electrocardiogram (ECG), bioimpedance, and 3-axis accelerometer, filtering the physiological values, comparing physiological values to baseline parameters and determining CHF risk. Devices include a 3-axis accelerometers, bioimpedance sensors, and an electrocardiogram, each capable of measuring patient physiological values, and one or more processors to receive the measured physiological values.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting heart failure (HF) events or identifying patient at elevated risk of developing future HF events are described. A medical device can detect contextual condition associated with a patient, such as an environmental context or a physiologic context, sense a heart sound signal, and perform multiple measurements of heart sound features in response to the detected patient contextual condition meeting specified criterion. The contextual condition includes information correlating to or indicative of a change in metabolic demand of a patient. The medical device can use the physiologic signals to calculate one or more signal metrics indicative of diastolic function of the heart such as a trend of the heart sound features. The medical device can use the signal metrics to detect an HF event or to predict the likelihood of the patient later developing an HF event.

Abstract: A BCG analysis system includes a vehicle behavior sensor, a posture measurement sensor, a pattern database, a BCG measurement unit, a signal processing unit, and a biostate recognition unit. The vehicle behavior sensor measures the physical momentum of a vehicle. The posture measurement sensor measures the posture of a testee. The pattern database stores standardized representative patterns. The BCG measurement unit measures the BCG signal of the testee. The signal processing unit obtains desired data by matching the BCG signal with a pattern of the pattern database, searching the pattern database for a new pattern when the posture of the testee and the physical momentum of the vehicle may be changed, and matching the BCG signal of the BCG measurement unit with the new pattern. The biostate recognition unit recognizes the biostate of the testee.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include monitoring a physiological characteristic of a patient with a sensor that is mounted to an inner wall of a thoracic cavity of the patient, and sending a signal based on the monitored physiological characteristic from the sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: A bio-measurement data recording device has a seat which has a back surface made of a foam material, a seat surface, and a plurality of back surface sensors embedded in the back surface such that a plurality of leads for an electrocardiogram of a the person can be received. At least two seat surface sensors are embedded in the seat surface. A left hand grip is arranged such that it can be gripped by the person with the left hand and which has a left hand grip sensor or conducting a channel for the electrocardiogram, and a right hand grip is arranged such that it can be gripped by said person with the right hand and which has a right hand grip sensor for conducting a channel for the electrocardiogram. An evaluation unit is connected to the sensors and is configured to ascertain the electrocardiogram.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, included a method for detecting uterine contractions in a pregnant woman. The method includes sensing motion of the woman without contacting the woman, generating a signal corresponding to the sensed motion, and analyzing the signal to detect presence of labor contractions. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for reducing a vehicle driver's core temperature to offset drowsiness. In one embodiment, a temperature sensor records data describing a vehicle driver core temperature and communicates the data describing the vehicle driver core temperature to a temperature regulator. The temperature regulator determines whether the vehicle driver core temperature is similar to one or more circadian temperatures associated with wakefulness. If the vehicle driver core temperature is similar to a circadian temperature associated with sleep, the temperature regulator reduces the vehicle driver core temperature. In an embodiment the temperature regulator cools a material physically contacting the venous plexuses or arteriovenous anastomoses to cool the portions of the vehicle driver's anatomy which most efficiently cool the vehicle driver.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a sensor, an acquisition module, an estimation module, and a transmission controller. The sensor is configured to detect biomedical data of a user. The acquisition module is configured to acquire first and second biomedical data detected by the sensor. The estimation module is configured to estimate the user's status based on the first biomedical data. The transmission controller is configured to transmit the second biomedical data to an external apparatus at a timing in accordance with the user's estimated status.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and processor-readable storage media are provided for the diagnosis of heart failure. One method includes collecting, using an implantable device, reference episodes; generating an in-suspicion model-cycle and an off-suspicion model-cycle based on the reference episodes; and determining whether to generate a heart failure alert, based on a difference between the in-suspicion model-cycle and the off-suspicion model-cycle.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for monitoring and evaluating exercise-related activities performed by a subject. A health monitor comprising an accelerometer, at least one physiological sensor, and digital processor is configured to be supported by a subject and identify an activity type (e.g., running, biking, swimming) from among a plurality of different activities. The health monitor is further configured to determine from motion data and/or cardiac data levels of health benefits received from the exercise. The health benefits may be based on standards established by recognizable health entities, so that the reported health benefits are less susceptible to errors associated with conventional step counting.

Abstract: The technology described in this document is embodied in a method that includes processing data in a first dataset that represents time-varying information about at least one pulse pressure wave propagating through blood in a subject acquired at a location of the subject. The data is acquired while the subject is in a situation associated with risk indicated by the data.

Abstract: The technology described in this document is embodied in a method that includes processing data in a first dataset that represents time-varying information about at least one pulse pressure wave propagating through blood in a subject acquired at a location of the subject. The method also includes processing data in a second dataset that represents time-varying information about motion of the subject acquired at the location of the subject. The method also includes detecting arrhythmia of the subject based on the data.

Abstract: The technology described in this document is embodied in a method that includes processing data in a first dataset that represents time-varying information about at least one pulse pressure wave propagating through blood in a subject acquired at a location of the subject. The method also includes predicting a medical event of the subject based on the processed data.

Abstract: An exemplary cardio-postural assessment system (CAS) may desirably provide for continuous cardiovascular and postural data monitoring and assessment of a subject during standing. One such CAS may provide continuous cardiovascular and postural data monitoring using a non-invasive weight-scale platform. Another such CAS device may allow for an assessment of balance/posture control, posture muscle activation, and cardiovascular function components simultaneously and provide detailed output as to the proportion each area contributes to the cardio-postural stability of an individual.

Abstract: According to an example, a blood viscosity value of blood flowing through a blood vessel may be calculated by detecting a deformation of a blood vessel due to a pulsatile wave of blood flowing through the blood vessel, determining a pulsatile wave velocity of the pulsatile wave based upon the detected deformation, and calculating the blood viscosity value of the blood flowing through the blood vessel based on a predetermined relationship between blood viscosity and the determined pulsatile wave velocity.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dietary guidance is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of a health program for an individual, the health program including a dietary regimen, measuring the individual's caloric expenditure and change in body composition or body mass during the individual's participation in the health program, determining adherence to the health program based on the measured caloric expenditure or the measured change in body composition or body mass, identifying a modification to the health program, and informing the individual of the modification. The modification can include nutritional supplements, meals or recipes having a nutritional and/or caloric content tailored to assist the individual in meeting his or her health goals. The method can further include predicting an expected change in body composition or body mass based on the health program and based on the individual's gender, age, height, weight, and other factors.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards authenticating users using biometric devices. The biometric device may be arranged to capture one or more biometric feature of a user that may be wearing the biometric device such as biometric features that correspond to an electrocardiogram of the user. The user of the biometric device may be authenticated based on one or more biometric features, or a combination thereof. Authenticating the user of the biometric device, may include communicating information that includes biometric features to an authorized authentication device (AAD). When the user is authenticated, the biometric device may be preauthorized for the user. When the preauthorized biometric device senses at least one access point, an authorization signal may be provided to the access point. If the preauthorized biometric device is removed from the user, the biometric device is deauthorized, disabling access to access points by the user.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline (or immediately to either side of the sternum) benefits extended wear by removing the requirement that ECG electrodes be continually placed in the same spots on the skin throughout the monitoring period. The wearable monitor can interoperate wirelessly with other physiology and activity sensors and mobile devices. An application executed by the sensor or device can trigger the dispatch of a wearable monitor to the patient upon detecting potentially medically-significant events. The dispatched wearable monitor would then be capable of providing precise medically-actionable data, not merely an alert that some abnormality may be present.

Abstract: An apparatus for outputting heart sounds includes an implantable system and an external system. The implantable system includes a sensor for generating sensed signals representing detected heart sounds, an interface circuit and a control circuit for receiving the sensed signals, generating data representing the heart sounds therefrom, and transmitting the data to the external system via the interface circuit. The external system includes an interface circuit for communicating with the implantable system, and a control circuit for receiving the data representing the heart sounds and for generating control signals that cause an output device to generate outputs representing the sounds. The implantable system may also include a sensor(s) for detecting cardiac electrical signals. in this case, outputs representing the cardiac electrical signals are also output.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, included a method for detecting uterine contractions in a pregnant woman. The method includes sensing motion of the woman without contacting the woman, generating a signal corresponding to the sensed motion, and analyzing the signal to detect presence of labor contractions. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein provide a monitoring technology. In one implementation, a monitoring system measures whole body biometric levels by analysis of changes in vascular volume caused by pulsatile pressure waves and in tissue volume in response to the pulsatile pressure. The monitoring system includes a monitoring device, which uses a light-based measurement technique to measure biometric levels during different activities and at rest. A light source operatively connected to a light sensor, transmits light, reflectively or transmissively, through tissue. The light sensor detects absorption of the light. Based on wavelength measurements of the detected light, the monitoring device produces a PPG waveform representing characteristic effects of certain physiological parameters. In one implementation, operating contexts are sensed in a monitoring device. A monitoring profile is selected based on the sensed operating contexts.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a more accurate heart rate of a human or an animal, wherein at least one heart rate or electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and at least one activity signal is measured and wherein, when said measured heart rate or ECG signal is of low quality, the heart rate or ECG signal is at least partially rejected and replaced by a simulated heart rate or ECG signal, which is calculated from a predetermined relationship between the activity signal and the heart rate or ECG signal. By applying this method in real time using on-line modelling a predetermined relationship is continuously updated to have an accurate modelled heart rate.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein provide a hydration monitoring technology. In one implementation, a hydration monitoring system measures whole body hydration levels by analysis of changes in vascular volume caused by pulsatile pressure waves and in tissue volume in response to the pulsatile pressure. The hydration monitoring system includes a hydration monitoring device, which uses a light-based measurement technique to measure hydration levels and heart rate during different activities and at rest. In one implementation, a light source operatively connected to a light sensor, transmits light, reflectively or transmissively, through tissue. The light sensor detects absorption of the light. Based on wavelength measurements of the detected light, the hydration monitoring device produces a PPG waveform representing characteristic effects of hydration. Based on analysis of the PPG waveform, the hydration monitoring device determines a hydration metric representative of hydration levels in the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining physiological parameters of a subject using a sensor array. In an embodiment, a sensor array may contain sensor elements for determining multiple physiological parameters. A combination of sensor elements and the physiological parameters determined may be selected based on signals obtained from the sensor elements of the sensor array. A sensor array may be connected to a monitoring device that may select an optimal sensor element or combination of sensor elements and one or more physiological parameters to be determined. The monitoring device may then determine physiological parameters using the selected combination of sensor elements and display information associated with the parameters on a monitor for use, for example, in monitoring a medical patient.

Abstract: Interaction between a portable apparatus and a personal exercise area is disclosed. A method comprises: transferring wirelessly information between a personal exercise area and a portable apparatus; detecting proximity of the portable apparatus to the personal exercise area by utilizing the transferred information; and configuring the portable apparatus in relation to an exercise performed within the personal exercise area by a user of the portable apparatus.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving cardiac data and determining a cardiac index based upon the cardiac data; determining an increased risk of death associated with epilepsy if the indices are extreme, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. A second method comprises receiving at least one of arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data and determining an arousal index, a responsiveness index or an awareness index, where the indices are based on arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data respectively; determining an increased risk of death related to epilepsy if indices are extreme values, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. A non-transitory computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining a target musculoskeletal activity cycle (MSKC) to cardiac cycle (CC) timing relationship. The method may include detecting a first characteristic of a signal responsive to a CC timing of a user that repeats at a frequency that corresponds to a heart rate of the user; detecting a second characteristic of a signal responsive to a rhythmic musculoskeletal cycle activity (MSKC) timing of the user that repeats at a frequency that corresponds to the MSKC rate of the user; determining a value representative of an actual timing relationship between the first characteristic and the second characteristic; detecting a third characteristic of a signal corresponding to a physiological metric that varies with the actual timing relationship between the first and second characteristics; and determining a target value representative of a preferred timing relationship between the first and second characteristics.

Abstract: Characteristics of a user's heart are detected. In accordance with an example embodiment, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected heart characteristics. The BCG output is further processed using data from one or more additional sensors, such as to reduce noise and/or otherwise process the BCG signal to characterize the user's heart function.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting an epileptic event, for example, a seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by providing an autonomic signal indicative of the patient's autonomic activity; providing a neurologic signal indicative of the patient's neurological activity; and detecting an epileptic event based upon the autonomic signal and the neurologic signal.

Abstract: Cellular telephone set having a wearable electronic device and a display device is disclosed. Wearable electronic device includes a first processor, a first storage memory, a small display, a small battery pack, a cellular communication module, a first local communication module, a character receiving unit, a first charging circuitry, a motion sensor, and a biosensor configured for generating physiological signals indicating health conditions of user. Display device includes second processor, second storage memory, large display, large battery pack, a second local communication module, a character input unit, video processing unit; and second charging circuitry. Wearable electronic device is worn on a wrist of user and capable to perform cellular phone functions by itself without display device. Display device is configured to provide a full QWERTY keyboard to facilitate data entry into wearable electronic device.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for assessing a physiological condition of a subject. At least two types of physiological information are detected from a subject via a portable monitoring device associated with the subject, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject is made using the at least two types of physiological information, wherein each type of physiological information is individually insufficient to make the physiological condition assessment. Environmental information from a vicinity of a subject also may be detected, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject may be made using the environmental information in combination with the physiological information. Exemplary physiological information may include subject heart rate, subject activity level, subject tympanic membrane temperature, and subject breathing rate. Exemplary environmental information may include humidity level information in the vicinity of the subject.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillator and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable defibrillator includes at least one therapy pad, at least one sensor and at least one processing unit operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and the one or more sensors. The wearable defibrillator also includes at least one audio device operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system is provided that includes (1) a wrist band having one or more sensors that measure biometric data of a user wearing the band; and (2) a display on the band that displays a message based on biometric data measured by the band. The message indicates a heart rate zone of the user. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sleep detection involve the use of an adjustable threshold for detecting sleep onset and termination. A method for detecting sleep includes adjusting a sleep threshold associated with a first sleep-related signal using a second sleep-related signal. The first sleep-related signal is compared to the adjusted threshold and sleep is detected based on the comparison. The sleep-related signals may be derived from implantable or external sensors. Additional sleep-related signals may be used to confirm the sleep condition. A sleep detector device implementing a sleep detection method may be a component of an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Abstract: A pressure wound prevention system operable to prompt at least one caregiver to reposition a subject at risk of developing pressure wounds. A pressure detection apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors monitors pressure exerted upon the subject by a surface. A processor is operable to interpret and analyze data from the sensors and a notification mechanism such as a display, an alert, alarm or the like is provided to notify a caregiver when the subject requires repositioning.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient includes a sensor configured to determine a first characteristic and a second characteristic of an at least partially occluded artery. The system also includes a control module in communication with the sensor and configured to determine a hemodynamic parameter of the patient based on the first and second characteristics. The control module is operable in an automatic operating mode and a manual operating mode. The automatic operating mode is characterized by the sensor determining, in response to one or more sensor control signals automatically generated by the control module, the first and second characteristics during at least one of automatic inflation and automatic deflation of a cuff associated with the control module. The manual operating mode is characterized by the sensor determining, in response to manual actuation of a trigger associated with the sensor, the first and second characteristics during at least one of inflation and deflation of the cuff.

Abstract: Systems and methods include obtaining a measure of cardiac contractility. A cardiac contractility variability is determined from the measure of cardiac contractility. Analyzing the cardiac contractility variability, an indication of cardio-vasculature health is provided.

Abstract: A method for recognizing awareness in a subject includes performing optical imaging on at least one cortical region of the brain of the subject. Optical imaging data are obtained over time measuring one or more hemodynamic parameters in the at least one cortical region of the subject's brain. An observed variation pattern is determined in the measured hemodynamic parameters, and the observed variation pattern is compared to one or more known variation patterns characteristic of awareness. Substantial similarity between the observed and known variation patterns signals awareness in the subject.

Abstract: A method and device for detection of drowsiness of a person, based on a relationship between distal temperature and heart rate and on a balance between body heat loss and body heat production, wherein the distal temperature in a predetermined distal region of the person is monitored as a measure for body heat loss, and the heart rate of the person is monitored as a measure for body heat production, wherein drowsiness in the immediate future is concluded when a change of distal temperature passes a first threshold and, subsequently, a change of the heart rate passes a second threshold or, subsequently, the change of the distal temperature is larger than the change of the heart rate.

Abstract: System for indicating a possibility a cardiac tamponade occurring in a patient, comprising: —a right atrium pressure sensor, configured for measuring a right atrium pressure in a right atrium of the patient; —an intra pericardial pressure sensor, configured for measuring an intra pericardial pressure in a portion of an intra-pericardial space of the patient; —a processing device that is operatively connected to the pressure sensors, is provided with a predetermined statistical distribution of pressure versus tamponade probabilities, and is configured for: —determining a trans-mural pressure difference between the right atrium pressure and the intra pericardial pressure; —comparing the trans-mural pressure difference with the statistical distribution, and —indicating the possibility of cardiac tamponade occurrence, based on the trans-mural pressure difference comparison.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a physiological (e.g., an ECG) signal during application of chest compressions. The method includes acquiring a physiological signal during application of chest compressions; acquiring the output of a sensor from which information on the velocity of chest compressions can be determined; and using the information on the velocity to reduce at least one signal artifact in the physiological signal resulting from the chest compressions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for stimulating and monitoring intensity of pain experienced by one or more users. The method includes measuring the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users on a pre-determined scale and augmented chart or physician's personal assessment using a plurality of one or more bio-markers, determining co-relation between the plurality of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users, refining the co-relation between the plurality of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users by learning from responses of one or more similar users, generating a pain profile for each of the one or more users and utilizing the learned information and the generated profile for monitoring, evaluating and treating the one or more users.