Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemo-optical sensor unit for transcutaneous measurement of a concentration of a gas, comprising: at least one sensing layer adapted to be irradiated with a predetermined radiation; and at least one gas-permeable layer adjacent to one side of the at least one sensing layer, adapted to pass gas whose concentration is to be measured through the gas-permeable layer towards the sensing layer; wherein said chemo-optical sensor unit is adapted to operate with a contact medium between the gas-permeable layer and the skin, wherein said contact medium comprises a barrier layer which is gas- permeable and impermeable to water and ions; and wherein the chemo-optical sensor unit is adapted to measure an optical response of the at least one sensing layer, whose optical response depends on the concentration of the gas.

Abstract: A regulator for modulation of the flow rate of blood out of a patients blood vessel during blood collection is disclosed. The regulator includes a housing having a housing inlet, a housing outlet, and a wall defining a housing interior. At least a portion of the wall includes a flexible member. A valve is associated with the flexible member and is in communication with the housing interior. The regulator is designed so that upon an application of a differential pressure within the housing interior, the flexible member and/or valve automatically move with respect to either the housing inlet or housing outlet to modulate a flow of blood moving through the housing. A manual over-ride device can be provided to enable a user to over-ride the automatic regulation and manually regulate the flow of blood through the housing.

Abstract: An individual can exhibit one or more mental states when reacting to a stimulus. A camera or other monitoring device can be used to collect, on an intermittent basis, mental state data including facial data. The mental state data can be interpolated between the intermittent collecting. The facial data can be obtained from a series of images of the individual where the images are captured intermittently. A second face can be identified, and the first face and the second face can be tracked.

Abstract: Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of information from small local regions of the vasculature, or from a specific signature or “BrainPulse” that can be derived from a patient's heartbeat-induced cranium movements. An array of accelerometers or other sensors are engaged against the head of a patient and skull movements, preferably under 100 Hz, are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of the recognized vascular feature, and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a movement disorder includes a movement detector configured to track at least one point of reference in three dimensions, and a computing device communicatively coupled with the movement detector. The computing device is configured to receive movement data associated with the at least one point of reference over a period of time, perform a kinematic data analysis based on the movement data, compute a weighted score using the kinematic data analysis, compute a trend based on historical movement data, the weighted score and the trend being associated with the movement disorder, and display the weighted score, the trend and the movement data on a display associated with the computing device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting the seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by collecting cardiac data; determining valid heart beats suitable for seizure detection from the cardiac data; calculating heart rate data of interest from the valid heart beats; and identifying a seizure event from the heart rate data. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and/or treating the seizure.

Abstract: An information processing system, computer readable storage medium, and methods for analyzing the airflow related health of a person. A method includes obtaining an audio sample of a person's verbal communication, obtaining geographic information of the person, querying a remote server based on the geographic information, and obtaining additional information from the remote server, the additional information being related to the geographic information, and extracting contours of amplitude change from the at least one audio sample over a period of time, the contours of amplitude change corresponding to changes in an airflow profile of the person. The method further includes correlating the contours of amplitude change with periodic episodes typical of airflow related health problems, and determining, based at least on the additional information, whether the contours of amplitude change result from at least one local environmental factor related to the geographic information.

Abstract: An exercise support device includes a motion sensor that is worn on a user's body and outputs data regarding the motion status of the user's body when the user is performing a moving exercise, and a control section which acquires exercise information regarding the user's exercise status. The control section selects a specific exercise index having relatively strong correlation with a moving speed from exercise indexes acquired from the data outputted when the user moves on a movement section plural times at moving speeds different from each other, acquires a coefficient that is used in an approximate expression which represents the specific exercise index and is a linear function including the moving speed as a variable and the coefficient, and acquires the exercise information based on the specific exercise index and the coefficient when the user moves by the moving exercise.

Abstract: The principle of biofeedback is used to incorporate a patient into a control loop for relaxation by light signals. For this purpose, a sensor measures physiological parameters of the patient. By virtue of the fact that the respective physiological parameter controls a lighting parameter such as light color or light intensity of a lighting unit using the signal processing of a microprocessor in a control loop, the patient acquires visual biofeedback with respect to his/her physiological parameter. Endogenous regulation processes of the patient are thus made accessible to his/her consciousness. The outputting of the light signals is continued until the patient is prepared for the required examination and there is no need for a further administration of medicaments for calming. The work results of the medical-technical installation may be kept optimal as a result of the relaxation of the patient even without administration of medicaments.

Abstract: An exercise analysis device includes an acceleration acquiring unit, a first-data acquiring unit, a second-data acquiring unit and a third-data acquiring unit. The acceleration acquiring unit acquires acceleration of a user as the user performs an exercise. The first-data acquiring unit acquires a piece of a first data corresponding to a total amount of mechanical work of the exercise for a predetermined time based on the acceleration. The second-data acquiring unit acquires a piece of a second data corresponding to one of velocity and kinetic energy in a certain direction among directions related to the exercise for the predetermined time, based on the acceleration. The third-data acquiring unit acquires a piece of a third data corresponding to efficiency of the exercise based on the piece of the first data and the piece of the second data.

Abstract: Provided are a sleep awaking system and a sleep awaking method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic technology, and provides an EEG processing apparatus and method and a sleep monitoring wearable device, which can reduce complexity of sleep staging. The EEG processing method comprises: obtaining EEG data to be processed (101); analyzing the EEG data to be processed to obtain a predetermined number of segments which do not overlap each other (102); obtaining a maximum value and a minimum value of a peak-to-peak value in each of the segments (103); normalizing a connection line between the maximum value and the minimum value of the peak-to-peak value in at least one of the segments to obtain upper end points and lower end points of the connection line (104); calculating statistic characteristic values of an upper sideband curve formed by the upper end points to obtain a box plot series (105); and obtaining a sleep staging result based on the box plot series (106).

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes an electroencephalography (EEG) monitor and an EEG sensor array. The EEG sensor array includes a plurality of electrodes configured to acquire EEG signals from a patient. The EEG monitor may be configured to calculate one or more depth of anesthesia indices for the patient based on received EEG signals from the EEG sensor array. Additionally, the EEG monitor may be configured to generate and display a topographic color map of the calculated depth of anesthesia indices.

Abstract: An ultra-wideband (UWB) radar system for non-invasive, real-time tumor tracking includes an UWB transmitter arranged to transmit radar pulses to penetrate a region of interest of a patient; an UWB receiver arranged to receive radar return pulses after being reflected by tumor tissue in the region of interest of the patient; and an UWB signal processor constructed to communicate with the UWB receiver, wherein the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver are constructed to be arranged sufficiently far away from the patient so as to avoid interfering with radiation treatment of the tumor.

Abstract: A patient's response to anti-arrhythmic drug changes can be monitored using cardiac activity information, such as using cardiac electromechanical time intervals adjusted for heart rate. A cardiac electromechanical time interval can include an R-S2 interval or an S2-R interval. Tracking changes in cardiac electromechanical time intervals adjusted for heart rate can be used to provide information about a patient, including anti-arrhythmic drug effect information and patient condition information.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a receiving unit for receiving a sensor signal for a body of a user from a wearable apparatus; a controller for classifying a physical activity of the user as one of a plurality of predefined activity models based on the received sensor signal, and generating prediction information about the body of the user based on a result of the classifying and profile information about the user; and an output device for outputting health care information to the user based on the prediction information.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for mapping the location of a nerve. The apparatus includes at least one stimulation module, a stimulation detection module, a distance module, and a mapping module. The stimulation module stimulates a nerve with an electrical stimulation current from at least one stimulation electrode. A stimulation detection module detects a muscle reaction resulting from stimulation of the nerve by the at least one stimulation electrode. The distance module uses information from the at least one stimulation electrode and from the stimulation detection module to calculate a distance between the at least one stimulation electrode and the nerve. The mapping module maps a location on the nerve using at least two distances calculated by the distance module and position information of the at least one stimulation electrode for each of the at least two distances calculated.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing assistance system comprising first and second spatially separated parts adapted for being mounted fully or partially at a first ear and on the head of a user, respectively, the first and second parts comprising a number of first and second electrodes located at a surface of first and second housings, respectively, to allow said first and second electrodes to contact the skin of the user when said parts are operationally mounted on the user's head. The first and second electrodes are adapted to pick up low-voltage electric signals from the user's brain and a reference voltage, respectively, to provide voltage difference signals. An improved binaural hearing assistance system further comprising a comparison unit for determining the voltage difference signal, and an electric interface allowing the reference voltage or a measure representative thereof to be transferred from said second part to said comparison unit is provided.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for delivering an electric current to the body, in particular a catheter having electrodes that can be positioned independently of the main elongate shaft of the catheter. More particularly the catheters include a movable sleeve that incorporates the electrodes. A movable sleeve includes one or more electrodes. Advances in the construction of the electrodes and related components are disclosed. Methods for positioning electrodes at a treatment site in the body for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, particularly electrical pharyngeal stimulation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method in an electronic device is provided, the method including: receiving sensor data from at least one external electronic device; determining an exercise type of a user who wears the at least one external electronic device based on the received sensor data; and outputting exercise information corresponding to the determined exercise type.

Abstract: There is provided a biosensor capable of improving the S/N ratio of a final photoplethysmographic signal regardless of the change in a noise component such as extraneous light. A biosensor includes a driving signal generation unit for generating a pulsed driving signal, a light-emitting element for emitting light in response to a generated driving signal, a light-receiving section including a light-receiving element for outputting a detection signal in accordance with the intensity of light received and an amplification unit for amplifying a detection signal output from the light-receiving element, a filter unit for removing a pulse wave component from a detection signal output from the light-receiving section to obtain a baseline signal, and a differential amplification unit for taking a difference between a detection signal output from the light-receiving section and a baseline signal obtained by the filter unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for assessing a fitness state of a user via a mobile device are presented. In some implementations, a first physiological measurement of the user during a first level of a physical activity is obtained via one or more sensors. A second physiological measurement during a second level of the physical activity is obtained via the one or more sensors. A transient physiological measurement based on the first physiological measurement and the second physiological measurement is determined. The physical activity is classified based on one or more motion measurements obtained via the one or more sensors. A fitness profile indicative of a fitness state of the user is generated based at least in part on the determined transient physiological measurement and the classified physical activity.

Abstract: A system for providing an early risk recognition monitoring by measurement of a peripheral tissue perfusion of a patient instead of clinically significant changes in systemic blood pressure and/or blood flow comprises a wristband device for gathering measurement data of the patient. The device measures a first temperature (t1) of the patient at the first wrist (or distal antebrachium) point and a second temperature (t2) of the patient at the second finger point, whereupon the system determines altered peripheral tissue perfusion by determining temperature gradient (?t) between said first and second points. If the gradient (?t) exceeds or deceeds a predetermined range, the system construes the exceeding as a peripheral vasoconstriction and the deceeding as a peripheral vasodilatation, and thereby provides a first early risk recognition phase (p1) and transmits it as a warning indication to end devices of health care personnel.

Abstract: A method and a device for determine a core body temperature from a flow of heat from the body to a neutral medium via a first sensor element and a second sensor element. A dynamic model is used that describes heat flow with a plurality of parameters including the core body temperature, a first sensor element temperature, and a second sensor element temperature. The first sensor element is arranged on a surface of the body. One of the parameters and the core temperature are estimated such that a difference is minimized between the temperatures indicated by the sensor elements, and the temperatures resulting from the dynamic model at the first and second sensor elements for a plurality of time points which lie temporally prior to a specific time point. An estimated core temperature, where this difference has been minimized, is the core body temperature to be determined.

Abstract: A pulsimeter 1 includes: a pulse rate measurement unit 110 which detects a measured pulse rate 750 about a living body of a subject; a moving rate calculation unit 120 which detects moving rate information about a movement of the subject; a reliability determination unit 160 which determines whether the reliability of the measured pulse rate 750 is high or low on the basis of a predetermined criterion; a storage unit 700 which stores a user-specific pulse estimation table 780 showing a correlation between the pulse rate and the moving rate information in association with the subject; and a table update unit 170 which updates the user-specific pulse estimation table 780. If the reliability determination unit 160 determines that the reliability of the measured pulse rate 750 is high, the table update unit 170 updates the user-specific pulse estimation table 780.

Abstract: A respiratory waveform recognition method comprises: (a) detecting a respiratory airflow in a respiratory cycle; (b) measuring an amplitude of the respiratory airflow and a duration of the respiratory cycle; (c) using a plurality of sampling points to determine an inspiration waveform and an expiration waveform according to the amplitude and the duration; (d) normalizing the amplitude and the duration of one of the inspiration waveform and the expiration waveform, so as to establish a normalized waveform; and (e) accumulating the differences between the normalized waveform and a reference waveform to calculate a flow index useful for the identification of a normal respiration state and an abnormal respiration state. A curve, such as a weighted curve or a standard waveform, is used for fitting of the inspiration waveform or the expiration waveform to calculate the differences, and the differences are accumulated to identify the normal respiration state and the abnormal respiration state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging interactions with a glucose monitoring system include incrementing a score and/or providing a reward based on a variety of different interactions with the glucose monitoring system. The interactions which improve the score may include initiating or changing displays, downloading data, setting operational parameters and other interactions that are independent of a user's glucose measurements. Encouraging these interactions can enhance success in maintaining healthy glucose concentrations.

Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non- coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.

Abstract: Radial access methods and apparatus are described for facilitating the securement of the patient's limb for a radial procedure as well as to accommodate for the re-positioning of the patient's body. A radial table assembly may generally comprise a platform defining a surface which is sized to support the limb of the patient, an interface portion attached at a distal end of the platform, wherein the interface portion is radio-lucent and extends at a distance from the platform, and a cradle member rotatably connected to the platform at a location proximal to the interface portion. In other variations, the interface portion is reconfigurable relative to the platform such that an angled edge is reversible relative to the platform.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry, a plurality of image detectors, an x-ray source, an adjustable source collimator, and at least one processor. The image detectors are radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between adjacent image detectors. The x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors. The adjustable source collimator is interposed between the x-ray source and a center of the bore, and is configured to block a portion of the x-rays produced by the x-ray source The at least one processor is configured to control the adjustable source collimator to dynamically adjust a range of x-rays that are blocked by the adjustable source collimator along the fan angle during transmission of x-rays from the x-ray source and acquisition of computed tomography (CT) information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collimation of X-ray radiation. In order to provide an X-ray collimation suitable for focal spots spaced apart from each other with improved use of the provided radiation beam, an X-ray source arrangement (10) for medical imaging is provided. The X-ray source arrangement comprises an X-ray source (12), and an X-ray beam shutter device (14). The X-ray source is configured to generate X-ray radiation (18) at least at a first (20) and second focal spot position (22) distanced apart from each other in a direction (D) transverse to a main radiation direction (R). The X-ray beam shutter device comprises at least a first pair of shutters (28) defining a first diaphragm (30) for a first X-ray beam generated at the first focal spot position, and at least a second pair of shutters (34) defining a second diaphragm (36) for a second X-ray beam generated at the second focal spot position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photon-counting apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a support mechanism, setting circuitry and data acquisition circuitry. The X-ray detector is configured to repetitively detect an X-ray photon generated by the X-ray tube, and repetitively generate an electrical signal corresponding to the repetitively detected X-ray photon. The support mechanism is configured to support the X-ray tube to be rotatable about a rotation axis. Setting circuitry configured to set one of a time length of a readout period and a readout cycle per unit time for the electrical signal. Data acquisition circuitry is configured to count a count number of electrical signals from the X-ray detector in accordance with the set one of the time length and readout cycle.

Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette includes an inclined surface. The inclined is formed between a side surface and a rear surface of the housing and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. The inclined surface is provided with indicators for displaying a center position of each side of an imaging area and operation conditions of the electronic cassette. Each of the indicators consists of a light source and a display window through which light from the light source is emitted to the outside. The display window is formed on the inclined surface. Since the display window is formed on the inclined surface, the display window is not blocked by an outer grid.

Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette has an inclined surface which is formed between a side surface and a rear surface thereof and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. An antenna opening through which a radio wave is transmitted is formed on the inclined surface. Since the antenna opening is formed on the inclined surface, the antenna opening is not blocked by a rear plate of a holder of an upright radiographic stand or a supine radiographic stand, and the antenna opening is not blocked by a side panel of an outer grid. Both in the case where the electronic cassette is set to the holder and in the case where the outer grid is attached to the electronic cassette, it is possible to perform stable wireless communication.

Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiographic imaging device main body; and a protective cover that is removably applied to a surface of the radiographic imaging device main body, a thickness including the radiographic imaging device main body in the state in which the protective cover is applied being at most 16 mm.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry having a bore extending therethrough; a plurality of image detectors attached to the gantry and radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between image detectors along the circumference of the bore; an x-ray source attached to the gantry, wherein the x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors; wherein at least two image detectors detect both emission radiation and x-ray radiation.

Abstract: A console device of a portable type is combined with a radiographic imaging device, and retrieves a radiation image from the radiographic imaging device. A registration unit selectively registers plural user menu options for retrieving the radiation image. A radiation image retrieving unit retrieves the radiation image according to a registered one of the user menu options. A display controller, after displaying the radiation image retrieved according to a current user menu option on a display unit among the user menu options, performs display processing of a succeeding user menu option for retrieving a succeeding radiation image in an overlapped manner with the displayed radiation image. Preferably, a pass-through area is formed in the radiation image by directly receiving the radiation without passing through an object. The display controller performs display processing of the current or succeeding user menu option inside the pass-through area.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of distinguishing four types or more of substances such as air, water (soft tissues), contrast medium, and bones (calcification) to diagnose progress of atherosclerotic sites using dual energy imaging. A subject is imaged with two types of different tube voltages and an image obtained by image reconstruction is binarized to carry out a reprojection process; thereby, the distance of penetration of air is estimated, the contribution of air in measurement projection data is determined, and the amount of reduction by the air is deducted from the projection data so as to enable distinction between four or more substances such as air, water (soft tissues), contrast medium, and bones (calcification).

Abstract: An image obtaining unit obtaining a plurality of projection images taken by imaging a subject with different radiation source positions. A pixel value projecting unit projects pixel values of the projection images on coordinate positions on a desired slice plane of the subject based on the positional relationship between the radiation source position with which each projection image is taken and the radiation detector, while preserving pixel values of the projection images. A pixel value calculating unit calculates a pixel value at each coordinate position of interest on the slice plane based on a plurality of pixel values of the projection images projected in a predetermined range relative to the coordinate position of interest on the slice plane to thereby generate a tomographic image of the slice plane.

Abstract: An image obtaining unit obtains a plurality of projection images by imaging a subject with different radiation source positions. A pixel value projecting unit projects pixel values of the projection images on coordinate positions on a desired slice plane of the subject based on the positional relationship between the radiation source position with which each projection image is taken and the radiation detector, while preserving pixel values of the projection images, to obtain a plurality of slice plane projection images. A positional misalignment correcting unit corrects positional misalignment between the slice plane projection images. A pixel value calculating unit generates a tomographic image from the slice plane projection images having been subjected to the correction of the positional misalignment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, preprocessing circuitry, a reconstruction processor and control circuitry. The X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays generated from the X-ray tube. The preprocessing circuitry configured to generate projection data by executing preprocessing for data acquired by the X-ray detector, based on a preprocessing condition. The reconstruction processor configured to generate image data by executing reconstruction processing for the projection data based on a reconstruction condition. The control circuitry configured to cause a storage to store the projection data in association with the preprocessing condition and read out, based on a designated preprocessing condition.

Abstract: Methods of imaging a breast comprising acquiring a sequence of image data sets having differing exposure parameters; and combining the image data sets into a mammography image having greater dynamic range than the dynamic range of any single component image data set. Disclosed methods may further comprise determining an exposure parameter of one or more component image data sets prior to acquiring the sequence of image data sets. The step of determining an exposure parameter of one or more component image data sets may comprise determining exposure duration or an exposure irradiation level. Also disclosed are mammography apparatus and systems to obtain images according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: In an image analysis device, an image analysis method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, it is determined whether a radiographic image is captured by rocking a rocking imaging grid. The image analysis device includes: a radiographic image acquisition section; a dosage data acquisition section that acquires dosage data indicating, in a time-series manner, a dosage of radiation rays exposed to a specific position in an imaging area in a specific period; and a determining section that determines whether the dosage data has a first feature indicating a dosage variation as a plurality of radiation absorbing bodies and a radiation transmitting body disposed between adjacent radiation absorbing bodies pass through a space between the specific position and a radiation source, and determines that the radiographic image corresponding to the dosage data determined to have the first feature is a rocking grid use image captured by rocking a rocking imaging grid.

Abstract: A center position of a female connector is located near to a rear surface of a housing compared with a center position of the housing in a thickness direction of the housing of an electronic cassette. An inclined surface, which is inclined relative to a side surface and the rear surface of the housing, is formed between the side surface and the rear surface. The female connector is formed on the inclined surface. Therefore, it is possible to attach an outer grid provided with a longer side panel to the housing, in comparison with the case where the center position of the female connector is made coincident with the center position of the housing in the thickness direction of the housing, without requiring any processing.

Abstract: A console device of a portable type for retrieving a radiation image created by a radiographic imaging device is provided. A registration unit registers plural user menu options for retrieving the radiation image. A radiation image retrieving unit retrieves the radiation image respectively according to the registered user menu options. A display controller is operated while the radiation image retrieved according to a current user menu option among the user menu options is displayed on a display unit, for display processing to display a part of the user menu options inclusive of a succeeding user menu option for retrieving at least a further radiation image among the user menu options. Preferably, the succeeding user menu option is displayed inside an image display area of the radiation image. Also, the display controller further performs display processing to display the current user menu option.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for estimating a breathing rate using a microphone, which performs band filtering and noise filtering on tracheal and nasal sounds collected from the microphone, selects a processing region of preprocessed data, calculates similarity between pieces of data using an autocorrelation function, calculates a power spectrum density, detects multiple peaks including a highest peak through the power spectrum density, analyzes the multiple peaks to determine a breathing pattern, and calculates a breathing rate in consideration of a dynamic characteristic between inhalation and exhalation, nasal congestion detection, and noise reduction. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately estimate the breathing rate because calculation is performed in consideration of a dynamic characteristic of inhalation and exhalation, nasal congestion, and white noise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound probe that transmits/receives ultrasound waves to/from a subject, a reference position member arranged on the ultrasound probe, and a sensor located in a position having a predetermined positional relationship relative to a puncture needle. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus further includes a position information acquisition unit, a needle length information acquisition unit, and a display. The position information acquisition unit acquires position information of the reference position member and the sensor. The needle length information acquisition unit acquires needle length information indicating the length of the puncture needle based on the position information of the reference position member and the sensor when the tip of the puncture needle is in contact with the reference position member, and the relative position.

Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive system and method of determining human body fat based on image processing. The method includes receiving at least one ultrasound scan image of at least a portion of a skin layer as disposed above one or more additional tissue layers, the skin layer defining a horizontal axis and the image provided by a plurality of pixels. The method continues by horizontally blurring the pixels of the image and thresholding the pixels of the image to provide a binary image having a plurality of elements of different sizes. The method continues with morphing the structural elements of the binary image to remove small elements and connect large elements. With this resulting image, the method distinguishes a body fat layer from the remaining elements and determines the body fat layer thickness. An associated system is also disclosed.