Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus irradiates light from a light source to an inspection object, obtains a tomographic image of the inspection object on the basis of a combined beam obtained by combining a return beam from the inspection object due to the irradiated light and a reference beam corresponding to the light, and obtains a plane image of the inspection object on the basis of the return beam from the inspection object due to the irradiated light. The apparatus performs a first scanning process to main-scan the irradiated light when the tomographic image is obtained, performs a second scanning process to main-scan the irradiated light at a speed higher than that in the first scanning process when the plane image is obtained, and performs a third scanning process to sub-scan the irradiated light when each of the tomographic image and the plane image is obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein use near field communications to locate a set of antennas attached to, coupled with, or near the patient. A signal emitted by an antenna in the set of antennas can be received by the other antennas in the set. A second signal can be further transmitted from another antenna in the set. The differential phase and/or time shifts between the antennas from the multiple signal transmissions can contain sufficient information to find the locations of the antennas in antenna centric coordinates. The antenna locations can then be used to find a location of a pill transmitter swallowed by the patient.

Abstract: A personalized real-time automated cardiovascular monitoring system monitors abnormalities in a patient's cardiovascular activity data through the use of individually adjusted electrocardiogram Holter apparatus (Holter/ECG device) that provides an automatic medical diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities and generates abnormality alert signals representative of certain abnormalities in patient's cardiac activities. The signals are transmitted using a wireless network through a bi-directional wireless protocol. Individual parameters indicative of patient's cardio activities are personalized to allow for adjustments of chronic patients. A base Holter/ECG unit, includes the wireless/electric electrodes and their respective wireless/electric connections, and a Holter/ECG recording unit affixed to the base unit. Data is collected and subjected to statistical analysis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for pressure sore detection. A modulated optical signal based on a digital code sequence is transmitted to human tissue. A temporal transfer characteristic is derived from the modulated optical signal. Tissue characteristics is determined based on the temporal transfer characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates an optical probe (1) suitable for non-linear optics such as two-photon imaging for medical purposes. The probe has an optical guide (2) and a lens system (6) positioned rigidly at an end portion (2a) of the optical guide. Additionally, a housing (3) with a cavity for the optical guide (2) and the lens system (6), the housing having at its distal end a transparent window (4), is comprised in the probe. The optical guide (2) with the lens system (6) is displaceably mounted within the housing, preferably in a transverse direction. Also, the housing (3) has an auxiliary, peripheral optical guide (5) optically connected to the transparent window (4). The invention is advantageous for obtaining an optical probe with a significantly larger collection efficiency. The optical probe may advantageous be applied in connection with two-photon spectroscopy where both ballisitic photons and diffusing fluorescence photons can be used in the detection of an event.

Abstract: An optical scanning probe assembly for microscopic guide optic scanning and inspection of tissues includes an outer housing having a spring element for a scanning motor. The spring element is formed as a hollow tube configured to receive an optical guide, where the hollow tube has a mechanical stiffness larger than the optical guide to be received. The assembly further includes a lens system and a deflector configured to deflect the distal end of the hollow tube in directions transverse to the longitudinal extension of the hollow tube, so as to form an optical scan pattern.

Abstract: Light scattering and absorption techniques for the detection of possible abnormal living tissue. Apparatus and methods for utilizing multiple blood content detection sensors and/or contact sensors for beneficially providing data to better guide an endoscope or colonoscope to locate abnormal tissue, tumors, or tissues that precede the development of such lesions or tumors.

Abstract: An optical probe is provided. The optical probe includes a lens extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. A spacer extends along the axis between a first end and a second end. The first end of the spacer is connected to the second end of the lens. A prism is connected to the second end of the spacer such that the prism is spaced apart from the lens by the spacer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating access to the left atrium, and specifically the left atrial appendage. The apparatus may comprise a sheath with first and second curved sections that facilitate location of the fossa ovalis and left atrial appendage. The apparatus may further comprise tissue piercing and dilating structures. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography rotation catheter comprises a catheter body and a tubular member that rotates around a longitudinal axis in the catheter body. An optical fiber extends along an interior of the tubular member and has an optical fiber distal end. A light reflecting member is distal of the optical fiber distal end and rotates around the longitudinal axis with the tubular member. The light reflecting member includes a light reflecting surface which is spaced from and faces the optical fiber distal end and which is inclined to reflect the light from the optical fiber in a radial direction at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The light reflecting member has a diameter of at most about 0.25 mm. The light reflecting surface is polished and coated with a light reflecting film.

Abstract: There are provided a biological information imaging apparatus that can measure ultrasound generated from an optical absorber in a deep part of a subject living body with high sensitivity, and a method for analyzing biological information using the biological information imaging apparatus. The biological information imaging apparatus that detects ultrasound and images biological information, includes: a light source that irradiates the subject with light for generating ultrasound from an optical absorber existing in the subject; an ultrasound transmission unit that transmits focused ultrasound to a specific region where the optical absorber exists; and an ultrasound detection unit that detects an ultrasound synthesized signal due to interaction between ultrasound generated from the optical absorber that absorbs the light and the focused ultrasound transmitted to the specific region.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system may provide photoacoustic sensing based on an indicator dilution to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The system may detect an acoustic pressure signal, which may include one or more thermo-dilution responses, one or more hemo-dilution responses, or a combination thereof. For example, a thermo-dilution indicator and/or a hemo-dilution indicator may be used to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters. In a further example, an isotonic indicator and a hypertonic indicator may be used to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of measuring a blood pressure of an examinee while detecting the body activity of the examinee uses a pressurizing unit of a blood pressure gauge having first and second driving modes for pressurizing a cuff. A central processing unit classifies signals, which represent the movement, the position, or the direction of the blood pressure gauge detected by a sensor installed in a body of the blood pressure gauge, into a plurality of groups, and selectively performs the first driving mode or the second driving mode according to signal bands classified into the groups. The central processing unit is configured to generate blood pressure data so that the variation in the blood pressure of the examine is exactly determined according to the activity degree and the posture of the examinee.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for continuous intravascular measurement of whole blood concentration, blood pressure, and pulse pressure. The intravascular catheter incorporates a sensor to measure whole blood sound velocity, attenuation, backscatter amplitude, and blood flow velocity and also incorporates existing technologies for multiple physiologic measurements of whole blood. Pulse wave velocity and wave intensity are derived mathematically for purposes of estimating degree of local vascular tone.

Abstract: A strain sensor element comprises a laminated film which has a magnetic free layer, a spacer layer, and a magnetic reference layer. The free layer has a variable magnetization direction and a out-of-plane magnetization direction. The reference layer has a variable magnetization direction which is pinned more strongly than the magnetization of the free layer. The spacer layer provided between the free layer and the reference layer. A pair of electrodes is provided with a plane of the laminated film. A substrate is provided with either of the pair electrodes and can be strained. The rotation angle of the magnetization of the free layer is different from the rotation angle of the magnetization of the reference layer when the substrate is distorted. Electrical resistance is changed depending on the magnetization angle between the free layer and the reference layer, which allows the element to operate as a strain sensor.

Abstract: A battery-free electronic blood pressure measuring apparatus comprising a cuff (40), an airbag (22) to push air into the cuff (40), a power generation unit which has a generator (42) and an operating handle (28) coupled with the wall of the airbag (22) to generate electrical power, and a display device (44) to receive electrical power from the power generation unit, detect a blood pressure signal from the cuff (40), generate and display a blood pressure measurement. A method for electronically measuring blood pressure with a battery-free sphygmomanometer comprises pressing an airbag and a generator-driving structure attached to the airbag wall, which leads to electrical power generation and cuff inflation by the airbag at the same time, and measuring the blood pressure with the generated electrical power.

Abstract: An implantable sensor module includes a housing having an inner shell and an outer layer formed to extend over and enclose the inner shell to form an outer wall of the housing, the inner shell having a thickness extending between an inner wall of the inner shell and an outer wall of the inner shell, the outer layer having an inner side engaged against the outer wall of the inner shell and having a thickness extending between the inner side and the outer wall of the housing, wherein the inner shell and the outer layer form a substantially flat portion. A flexible diaphragm is formed within the inner shell and extends between a first edge and a second edge, and a shoulder extends adjacent to the first edge to extend the outer layer laterally away from a central medial line extending between the first and second edges of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement apparatus includes a derivation control unit that performs derivation control to derive a blood pressure of a measured person. The derivation control unit includes an envelope extracting unit to extract an envelope of a volume pulse wave based on an arterial volume signal, a differential processing unit to differentiate the envelope with respect to a cuff pressure, a maximum value extracting unit to extract a maximum value of a differential value of the envelope, and a blood pressure decision unit that decides the cuff pressure used for the differential of the maximum value as a blood pressure.

Abstract: A method for identifying the level of fetal risk during labor comprises monitoring at least each of the concurrent clinical parameters of (a) FHR, (b) baseline FHR variability, (c) FHR accelerations, (d) FHR decelerations, and (e) maternal uterine activity, to determine whether each parameter independently exhibits at least one non-reassuring characteristic, and indicating a present level of risk to the fetus corresponding to the number of the concurrent clinical parameters (a) through (e) that are simultaneously, independently non-reassuring. An apparatus for implementing the method comprises at least one computer operative to receive input signals indicative of at least FHR and maternal uterine activity in a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring patients utilizing reflectance avoidance as well as other imaging modalities. Information regarding perfusion, oxygen saturation and oxygen availability, as well as others may be obtained. System embodiments may include a light source, a light transport body configured to project light from the light source to an examination substrate and transmit light reflected by the examination substrate, and an analysis section in optical communication with the light transport body. The light source may be pulsed in order to improve the quality of video images produced by the systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for extracting AIF and an application thereof to DCE-MRI. The method comprises steps: contacting a target tissue with a contrast agent to obtain a plurality of images; using the plurality of images to work out the tissue concentration curve of the contrast agent in each voxel; calculating the purity of the tissue concentration curve of each voxel according to the tissue concentration curves; and extracting the voxel having the highest purity as the optimized arterial location; and extracting the tissue concentration curve of the voxel having the highest purity as the arterial input function. The extracted AIF is applied to a pharmacokinetic model to obtain associated pharmacokinetic parameters. The present invention not only improves the accuracy and reliability of the derived quantitative indexes but also promotes the efficiency of the quantitative analysis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implantable insulated electrical circuit that utilizes polyparaxylylene, preferably as Parylene, a known polymer that has excellent living tissue implant characteristics, to provide for chronic implantation of conductive electrical devices, such as stimulators and sensors. The device is thin, flexible, electrically insulated, and stable after long exposure to living tissue. Layers of Parylene may be combined with layers of a polymer, such as polyimide, to yield greater design flexibility in the circuit. Multiple electrical conduction layers may be stacked in the circuit to increase packing density.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an electrophysical signal. The method utilizes a model-derived reconstruction over at least one cycle of the electrophysical signal to identify a pathological event, whereby at least one term in the model is differentiable. The invention is also directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for identifying a pathological event from a model-derived reconstruction of an electrophysical signal. The invention is further directed to a system for evaluating an electrophysical signal. The system includes a processor configured to identify a pathological event from a model-derived reconstruction of the electrophysical signal, a data input coupled to the processor for providing the processor with the electrophysical signal, and a user interface.

Abstract: A method and medical device for monitoring cardiac function in a patient that includes a plurality of electrodes to deliver cardiac pacing therapy, and a processor configured to determine a pacing threshold in response to initial delivery of the pacing therapy, determine whether there is a change in the pacing threshold during initial delivery of the pacing therapy, adjust a delivery parameter of the pacing therapy in response to determining whether there is a change in the pacing threshold during initial delivery of the pacing therapy, determine whether there is a decrease in the pacing threshold during delivery of the adjusted pacing therapy, and determine hyperkalemia in response to the decrease in the pacing threshold during delivery of the adjusted pacing therapy being present.

Abstract: Electrical activity propagation along an electrode array within a cardiac chamber is reconstructed. Signals are sampled from the electrode array including signals from a channel of interest. An N-dimensional signal vector is then constructed using signals from N neighboring channels referenced to the channel of interest. A change in the N-dimensional signal vector over time is then determined and compared to a predetermined threshold to establish whether local activation has occurred on the channel of interest.

Abstract: A method of detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) includes receiving electrical signals representative of a beating heart and measuring atrial activity over a time window of three or more beats. The method may also include measuring beat interval variation over the time window and combining the measures of atrial activity and beat interval variation to produce an indication of an atrial fibrillation condition in the electrical signal. The method may further include producing the indication with a processing system. Measuring atrial activity may include measuring P waves, and measuring P waves may include analyzing a standard deviation of a PR interval.

Abstract: The determination system includes a presented-speech sound control section for determining a speech sound to be presented to a user; auditory/visual stimulation presentation sections for presenting the determined speech sound as an audio/a character; a group-wise summation section for taking a summation of an event-related potential of an electroencephalogram signal of the user for each group of speech sounds; a first determination section for, from the event-related potential having been subjected to summation for each group, making a group-by-group determination of comfortableness as to whether the user is comfortably hearing to the speech sound, to at least determine whether the user is listening to the speech sound with strife, or to determine whether the user is annoyed by the speech sound; and a second determination section for, from the event-related potential, making a speech sound-by-speech sound determination of intelligibility as to whether the user is clearly hearing the speech sound.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the position of an object, such as tracking the position of one or more catheters in a patient's heart cavity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for achieving suppression of blood pool signal to image contrast-enhanced organs and vascular walls using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology. MRI data is then acquired with phase sensitive reconstruction so that blood pool signal is suppressed compared with the tissues of interest.

Abstract: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine with an integrated medical table top on which a patient can lie is provided. The table top has a central polypropylene cellular honeycomb structure thermally fused in a sandwich configuration between two fiber-reinforced polypropylene face sheets. A strip of fiber-reinforced polypropylene is thermally fused along the entire length of the edge of the sandwich layers and along the end sections of the strip so that the resultant package of layers and end strip is sealingly enclosed to form the tabletop. Table top has a cover which may have a paint or acrylic finish, or may be foamed or “soft-touch” or suitably coated, in order to enhance the patient's comfort and to ensure that tabletop is hard-wearing and readily cleanable.

Abstract: A volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.

Abstract: A foot pad device includes a foot pad, force sensors that provide force data, sensor electronics coupled to the force sensors, and a processor. The foot pad includes a ball region configured to be located under a ball of the foot of the user or a heel region configured to be located under a heel of the foot of the user. At least a portion of the force sensors is located in the ball region or the heel region of the foot pad. The sensor electronics include a flexible circuit with force sensor connection paths adapted to transmit force data from the force sensors and are configured to condition the force data to be within a conditioned force data range. The processor is configured to calculate a weight value based on the conditioned force data, a gain value, and an offset value.

Abstract: A system for deploying and selectively inflating a thoracic aortic balloon at a desired location within the thoracic aorta for resuscitative aortic occlusion, inferior to the left subclavian artery, without the aid of fluoroscopy is described. Using CT imaging data, a distance between readily identifiable and consistently located external landmarks of torso extent is measured. Next, using the same data, a second distance from the femoral artery to a desired aortic occlusion location inferior to the left subclavian artery is determined. A correlation between the external measure of torso extent and the desired intra-arterial (i.e. endovascular) distance within the torso is made. Using a nomogram, a calibrated endovascular resuscitative thoracic aortic occlusion system can be positioned to this desired location on any injured individual with end-stage shock and impending cardiovascular collapse or death without the aid of fluoroscopy for delivery or balloon inflation.

Abstract: A device for measuring a length of a cervix includes an elongate measurement member extending along a longitudinal axis and including a measurement scale thereon, a hollow member coaxial with and disposed over the elongate measurement member, a flange offset from the longitudinal axis and attached to a distal end of the hollow member, a handle attached to a proximal end of the measurement member, and a locking mechanism on the handle. The hollow member is freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the measurement member to place the flange in a first position and in a second position perpendicular to the first position without moving the measurement scale. The locking mechanism is configured, when locked, to fix the hollow member relative to the measurement member and, when unlocked, to allow the hollow member to slide axially along the measurement member in the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method of testing a hearing ability of a user using a portable sound source playing apparatus includes; outputting a signal indicating at least one phoneme, obtaining a response of a user regarding a degree of audibility of the output signal, and testing the hearing ability of a user based on hearing characteristics of the user showing the degree of audibility of a frequency band comprising a frequency of the at least one phoneme based on the obtained response.

Abstract: A laser apparatus that allows selection of a wavelength of output light from a plurality of options. The laser apparatus includes: a resonator made up from an output mirror and reflection means having a plurality of reflective surfaces fixed in position; a laser medium disposed on an optical axis inside the resonator; branch means branching an optical path of a light beam formed on the optical axis when light oscillates in the laser medium into a plurality of optical paths having an end at one reflective surface of the reflection means, the branch means forming a first optical path coinciding with the optical axis when located out of the optical axis, and forming a branch path by moving the light of the optical axis parallel when located on the optical axis.

Abstract: Adjusting a pulse qualification criterion includes receiving a signal representing a plurality of pulses, where the signal is generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. A characteristic is determined. A pulse qualification criterion used for qualifying a pulse is adjusted in accordance with the characteristic. The pulses are evaluated according to the pulse qualification criterion.

Abstract: Adjusting a pulse qualification criterion includes receiving a signal representing a plurality of pulses, where the signal is generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. A characteristic is determined. A pulse qualification criterion used for qualifying a pulse is adjusted in accordance with the characteristic. The pulses are evaluated according to the pulse qualification criterion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided including directing acoustic radiation toward a region of interest within a subject's body. Light is transmitted from a light emitter to a light detector such that a first light portion is transmitted without passing through the subject's tissue, and a second light portion is transmitted via the region of interest. Scattered light of the second light portion contains a tagged component corresponding to photons tagged by the acoustic radiation, and an untagged component corresponding to photons untagged by the acoustic radiation. Light of the first light portion undergoes an interaction with light of the second light portion at the light detector. A property of tissue of the region of interest is determined, by decoupling from each other the tagged and untagged components of the second light portion, based upon the interaction between the light of the first and second light portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hypersaturation index for measuring a patient's absorption of oxygen in the blood stream after a patient has reached 100% oxygen saturation. This hypersaturation index provides an indication of the partial pressure of oxygen of a patient. In an embodiment of the present invention, a hypersaturation index is calculated based on the absorption ratio of two different wavelengths of energy at a measuring site. In an embodiment of the invention, a maximum hypersaturation index threshold is determined such that an alarm is triggered when the hypersaturation index reaches or exceeds the threshold. In another embodiment, an alarm is triggered when the hypersaturation index reaches or falls below its starting point when it was first calculated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a handheld multi-parameter patient monitor capable of determining multiple physiological parameters from the output of a light sensitive detector capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue. For example, in an embodiment, the monitor is capable of advantageously and accurately displaying one or more of pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion quality, signal confidence, and values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for example, arterial carbon monoxide saturation (“HbCO”), methemoglobin saturation (“HbMet”), total hemoglobin (“Hbt”), arterial oxygen saturation (“SpO2”), fractional arterial oxygen saturation (“SpaO2”), or the like. The monitor can determine which a plurality of light emitting sources and which of a plurality of parameters to measure based on the signal quality and resources available.

Abstract: A physiological trend monitor has a sensor signal responsive to multiple wavelengths of light transmitted into a tissue site. The transmitted light is detected after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. A processor has an input responsive to the sensor signal and a physiological parameter output. Features are extracted from the physiological parameter output. Criteria are applied to the features. An alarm output is generated when the criteria are satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ingestible, implantable or wearable medical device comprising a microarray which comprises a bioactive agent capable of interacting with a disease marker biological analyte; a reservoir which comprises at least one therapeutic agent and is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent(s) from the medical device; and a plurality of microchips comprising a microarray scanning device capable of obtaining physical parameter data of an interaction between the disease marker biological analyte with the bioactive agent; a biometric recognition device capable of comparing the physical parameter data with an analyte interaction profile; optionally a therapeutic agent releasing device capable of controlling release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoirs; an interface device capable of facilitating communications between the microarray scanning device, biometric recognition device and the therapeutic agent releasing device; and an energy source to power the medical device.

Abstract: Analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing same are provided, including analyte sensors comprising multi-axis flexibility. For example, a multi-electrode sensor system 800 comprising two working electrodes and at least one reference/counter electrode is provided. The sensor system 800 comprises first and second elongated bodies E1, E2, each formed of a conductive core or of a core with a conductive layer deposited thereon, insulating layer 810 that separates the conductive layer 820 from the elongated body, a membrane layer deposited on top of the elongated bodies E1, E2, and working electrodes 802?, 802? formed by removing portions of the conductive layer 820 and the insulating layer 810, thereby exposing electroactive surface of the elongated bodies E1, E2.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for obtaining and analyzing a blood sample contains a supply of lancets and test strips, which are located alternately on a carrier band. A lancet or alternatively a test strip may be clamped on a holder, which is mounted so it is movable. The movement controller of the holder comprises a three-dimensional control curve and a guide element, which engages at different depths in the control curve as a function of its relative position. The control curve comprises two guide paths, which run on different parallel planes. The contour of the first guide path determines the movement path of the lancet and the contour of the second guide path determines the movement path of the test strip. The test strip executes a transverse offset perpendicular to the puncture axis of the lancet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an system for measuring mood states, which calculate and views high-accurate mood indices from brain activation signals obtained by a non-invasive biospectrometric technology, taking account into differences among individuals, for example cognitive capacity using methods supporting the measurement of mood states of individuals. The system of the present invention stores a plurality of different mood index calculation formulae, selects one of the plurality of mood index calculation formulae based on a personal trait, for example the working memory task performance or working memory capacity of a subject, and substitutes the brain activation data of the subject for the selected calculation formula to calculate and view mood indices.

Abstract: A muscle assessment method utilizing a computing system, surface electromyometry (sEMG) sensors, and other sensors to gather data for one or more subjects engaged in an activity through operably coupling the one or more sensors to the computing system, and directing a computing system to select one or more muscle assessment protocols related to a number of different metrics. For a user subject engaged in a physical activity, assessing muscle condition, the muscle activity, and statistically related averages provide information to the user and about muscle and whole body fitness.

Abstract: Cerebral blood flow data during cognitive task execution is measured using a functional near infrared spectroscopy method, then characteristic amount extraction is performed after performing primitive analysis on the measured cerebral blood flow data. Then, by using the extracted characteristic amounts and a pre-built model for employing in determination of cognitive impairment, automatic determination is made into clinical diagnostic groups of normal (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is thereby possible to perform cognitive impairment determination that is suitable for mass early stage screening of elderly people.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an altitude information acquisition section which acquires altitude information, and a determination section which determines a degree of risk of physical strain on a user based on the altitude information.