Abstract: A medical system for monitoring a measured value of a patient characterizing blood clotting and/or for setting a medication that influences blood clotting for a patient in a home environment, has a device for acquiring measured values of the patient relating to blood clotting, a device for transmitting the measured values to a system central, a device for interrogating the measured values, and a reception device at a monitoring person. The system central has a memory for the measured values, an analysis device for the measured values by comparing the measured values to stored reference values, an alarm generator which generates an alarm signal upon a recognition of predetermined conditions, and a routing device for forwarding the alarm signal to a reception device of a person to be alerted in a process chain.

Abstract: A hand held, portable and multipurpose medical device for biological signals acquisition, display and storage. The device includes a multipurpose computerized apparatus (2) which is primarily used for computer games as well as a biological signals acquisition module (1) which uses a plurality of biological sensors (6). A cartridge (4) used in conjunction with the computerized apparatus is pre-programmed and includes a read only memory (ROM) for storage of the program and a random access memory (RAM) for storage of acquired data. The acquired data in one form is an ECG and the apparatus simultaneously acquires and displays the ECG waveform in “real time”. Multiple memories in the apparatus are used for storage of the acquired ECG and to enable output to a printer (8) for hard copy or to a PC for analysis and reporting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a learning disabilities diagnostic system in which a remote station includes a visual assessment component and an auditory assessment component. A diagnostic station is coupled by a communication interface to the remote station. The diagnostic station receives the visual assessment component and auditory assessment component and prepares an assessment based on the information received. Accordingly, the diagnostic system allows a user to complete visual assessment tests and auditory assessment tests in their own environment for prescreening of learning disabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and processing information relating to a patient's compliance with a recommended treatment protocol is provided. A portable medical device is adapted to be worn by a patient. The medical device has a control for automatically collecting and processing information relating to the patient's compliance with a recommended treatment protocol. A separate communications cradle is provided that is configured to connect to the control of the medical device. The cradle has a communications link to transmit the patient compliance information to a host.

Abstract: A system and methodology for the acquisition of medical data from multiple, at-home patient measurement devices transfers the data via telephone communications to a remotely accessed data management and display system such as a Web-based data management system. The measurement device, which supports two-way communications between the patient and the database system, is extensible to support multiple plug-in medical devices and devices for patient input or identification. Collection of data is mediated through an interface device that is connected via a digital link (serial, network, or digital RF link) to single or multiple patient measurement devices. This interface device is connected to a network via wide area network means including standard phone lines. In the preferred embodiment, data transfer is mediated through pervasive DTMF phone networks. Although DTMF is the preferred format, alternative analog or digital audio tone formats may be used.

Abstract: The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package.

Abstract: A patient is rewarded for performing a medical test or for maintaining medical test results within desired levels. Medical test data is generated and transferred for use by reward firmware in a cartridge, for example. Reward information is provided to the patient to motivate or encourage the patient to conduct medical tests and/or to maintain medical test results within certain levels. The cartridge can be inserted into an electronic controller, e.g. a handheld video-game controller, cellular telephone, or other device. Transmission of data and/or encouragement to and from a remote location provides additional advantages.

Abstract: A health kiosk provides blood pressure testing, a health and fitness evaluation, and a medication encyclopedia. The health kiosk typically interfaces to a computer or server, such as a pharmacy computer or a remote server which compares pharmaceuticals selected by a user to information in the medication encyclopedia to determine compatibility for prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. In some systems, the kiosk also supplies one item or more of an extended health information, a weight scale constructed into the seat of the kiosk, a directory of health care service and product providers, an a directory of community health, support, and service groups.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing an arterial blood pressure waveform to extract clinically useful information on the state of the cardiovascular system are disclosed herein. In order to obtain the parameters of the modified Windkessel model, the diastolic portion of a subject's blood pressure waveform is scanned over a plurality of ranges and the range that produces the best fit of data and lowest error estimates are selected. In addition, multiple empirically determined starting values of the ‘A’ parameters are used to find the best fit of the model data to the actual arterial blood pressure waveform data.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing the usefulness, sensitivity and specificity of tests that measure memory and facets of memory, including learning, retention, recall and/or recognition. Specifically, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests are enhanced by selectively weighting the value of specific items recalled by the test subject, either by weighting such items within any specific testing trial or across numerous testing trials. Also disclosed are various methods of reducing ceiling effects in memory tests. The invention also provides improved tests which employ item-specific weighting for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia characterized by memory impairment, as well as a method of screening for and evaluating the efficacy of potential therapeutics directed to the treatment of such dementia.

Abstract: A device is presented including a processor. A memory is connected to the processor. The processor calculates calorie burn. The memory has a many data objects for storing data accessed by an application program that is executed on the processor. The data objects include a first data structure that is stored in one of the many data objects. The data structure includes a formatted exercise data block used by the application program. The formatted exercise data block includes many formatted exercise intensity data blocks that have polynomial parameters. Also, a second data structure is stored in another one of the many data objects. This data structure includes a formatted calorie calculation block used by the application program.

Abstract: A prompting device that can be utilized to remind a user to periodically and regularly perform a breast self-examination is described. The device includes a controller to measure a predetermined interval of time. A proximity sensor is provided to detect a person within proximity of the device after the predetermined time interval has expired. If a person is detected, the controller triggers an alarm alerting the person to perform a task such as examining her breasts. If someone other than the intended user activates the proximity sensor, a means for indicating the person is not the intended user is provided so that the alarm can be disenabled for a delay time period before being re-enabled to subsequently notify the intended user. In at least one operational mode of the device, the predetermined time interval is measured cyclically so that the user is periodically reminded to perform the breast self-examination.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a data structure containing at least one field corresponding to a setting of a product includes a memory storing a plurality of queries corresponding to various configuration settings of the product. The memory includes a plurality of queries that are presented to a user of the product and/or a user of a training device associated with the product. The apparatus also includes a display for displaying the queries to a user and an input device for providing responses to the queries by the user. The apparatus may also include a training device having a plurality of lessons for training the user on the product. The training device may also include an exam having a plurality of questions that may be presented to the user to test the user's understanding of the product.

Abstract: A neurocognitive assessment device is provided including a library of computer implemented neurocognitive tests. Each neurocognitive test is provided with a performance module, an instruction module and a correction module. The performance module generates a plurality of stimuli on a computer screen to which a test subject is prompted to respond. If the test subject produces N consecutive incorrect responses, the correction module automatically interrupts the test operation and displays test instructions on screen.

Abstract: A breast self-examination prompter device having the purpose of prompting a user to perform a routine breast self-examination is described. The device includes a “Start” for activating the device and selecting a time cycle. A motion sensor is used to detect if a person is located near the device and cause the device to alert the person that the selected time cycle has been completed. The device also includes a micro-controller that provides control logic, timer and power control circuitry. An audio/visual component comprising one or both of an indicator light and an audible alarm is provided to alert the person. When the timing interval has expired and the motion sensor detects a person's presence, the micro-controller activates the audio/visual component. Also, the device includes a “Exam Complete” button for stopping the device.

Abstract: A method and system allow a physician or other clinical care provider to consistently and logically place and correlate the various interdependent facts or assumptions made during the examination and testing of a patient in a fashion that provides a numerical estimate of treatment effectiveness. The primary and secondary factors are gathered and input to the system, and each factor may have a numerical effect on another factor in the calculation. The system guides the clinician in the selection of a treatment protocol from the available treatment regimes.

Abstract: A wireless local area network (WLAN) system comprises multiple access points that are distributed throughout a medical facility to provide wireless access to a hardwired network. The access points implement multiple WLAN protocols, including a realtime protocol for realtime patient monitoring (telemetry) and a standard WLAN protocol (such as IEEE 802.11 within an ISM band) for providing general-purpose wireless access. Some or all of the access points preferably implement both WLAN protocols such that the different WLANs and wireless device types share network access resources. Some or all of the access points may also include RF location-tracking modules which may be used to track locations of patients, hospital personnel, capital equipment, and/or disposable medical supplies.

Abstract: A physical fitness system includes a physical fitness director unit, a training card, an exercise unit, and a shopping unit. The physical fitness director unit generates training information for an individual and stores the information on the training card. The training information includes exercise information and diet information. The training card identifies the individual to the exercise unit and provides information that personalizes the exercise unit to the individual. The training card also identifies the individual to the shopping unit which assists the individual in acquiring groceries that support meal plans prepared by the physical fitness director unit.

Abstract: A method of self treating a disease, such as diabetes, includes collecting in one or more databases data representing values of parameters that related to the self treatment. The data is processed to provide a plurality of alternate choices between two or more actions that may be taken and a corresponding value for each action is calculated. A computerized system may be employed to perform the above method and the system may include a computer readable medium for executing the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording foods and medicines by scanning and relating scanned data to a stored medical profile specific to an individual. In a preferred embodiment, quantities of foods or medicines are sensed by scanning to relate consumption data or interaction data when a user should be aware of possible adverse interactions. Various types of databases are disclosed. Wireless transfer of data is contemplated, with location of consumption recorded and transferred as well in a particular embodiment.