Abstract: A subjective optomater that is capable of measuring accommodation ability of an eye while reducing the influence of accommodative convergence is provided. A subjective optometer includes: a visual target that is presented to an eye through a measuring optical axis; a measuring optical system that includes a spherical lens capable of changing spherical power on the measuring optical axis; a spherical power changer that changes the spherical power of the spherical lens; and an optical axis deflector that deflects the measuring optical axis so as to align the measuring optical axis with a visual axis of the eye, wherein accommodation ability is measured based on the spherical power of the spherical lens in a state in which the measuring optical axis is deflected by the optical axis deflector.

Abstract: A wavefront device produces adjustable amplitudes in optical path differences and adjustable axis orientation angles. two substantially identical wave plates have a wavefront profile of at least the third order Zernike polynomial function which are not circularly symmetric, as denoted by Z(i,j) where i?3 and j?0. The wave plates are mounted in rotatable mounts with their optical centers substantially aligned with each other. An subjective wavefront refraction instrument and method are provided to correct low and high order aberrations of the eye, using the adjustable wave plates that have astigmatism and higher order Zernike function optical path difference wavefront profiles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high frequency ultrasound (VHFU) imaging systems. An OCT probe and reference arm are mounted along with an ultrasound probe on a carriage capable of rotational, linear, and/or arcuate motion. The probe carriage may be immersed in water or other suitable medium. The OCT and VHFU probes move about the cornea surface such that the probe axes are substantially perpendicular relative to the cornea surface throughout a scan. The probes are able to be scanned in an arcuate path across the entire cornea surface. The method and apparatus disclosed are also directed towards providing a positioning mechanism and scan head comprising an arcuate guide track wherein only an OCT probe is mounted on the probe carriage. This embodiment allows the OCT probe beam to remain substantially perpendicular to the cornea and lens surfaces.

Abstract: An observation system for viewing light-sensitive tissue includes an illumination system configured to illuminate the light-sensitive tissue, an imaging system configured to image at least a portion of the light-sensitive tissue upon being illuminated by the illumination system, and an image display system in communication with the imaging system to display an image of the portion of the light-sensitive tissue. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the light-sensitive tissue with a reduced amount of light within a preselected wavelength range compared to multispectral illumination light, and the image of the portion of the light-sensitive tissue is compensated for the reduced amount of light within the preselected frequency range to approximate an image of the light-sensitive tissue under the multispectral illumination.

Abstract: A slit lamp microscope capable of appropriately and easily carrying out the setting of the optical system is provided. In storage 102 of a slit lamp microscope 1, correspondence information 110 is stored in which standard setting conditions of an illumination system 8 and/or an observation system 6 are associated with each of multiple sites of an eye E. A searching part 121 searches the standard setting conditions corresponding to a site designated by an operation part 104 from the correspondence information 110. A setting-state acquiring part 122 acquires current setting states of the illumination system 8 and/or the observation system 6. A setting-state specifying part specifies, from among the current setting states acquired by the setting-state acquiring part 122, those differing from the standard setting conditions searched by the searching part 121. A controller displays information based on this specified result on the display 103.

Abstract: In an ophthalmic instrument that directs a fluid pulse at a cornea to cause reversible deformation of the cornea and monitors the corneal deformation to generate a deformation signal, the shape of the deformation signal is analyzed with respect to deformation signal data from a statistical population of eyes to calculate a deformation signal score indicating a degree of probability that the deformation signal corresponds in shape to a normal deformation signal for normal eyes in the population. In calculating the deformation signal score, significant geometrical signal parameters are calculated and combined. The deformation signal score may be used as a basis to keep or discard intraocular pressure measurements in a non-contact tonometer, and/or as a basis to conduct further diagnostic screening.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring biometric data of a diver and signaling those data from a first communication device to other communication devices, e.g., those of other divers, on a ship or buoy. A signal generated from a device of the diver can generate a diver identifier, an indication of a stress state of the diver and the diver's location.

Abstract: Presented herein is a modular analyte measurement system. The analyte measurement system includes an analyte meter and at least one modular attachment. In one embodiment, a modular attachment is provided to communicate with, and transmit/receive data to, one or more external devices. Embodiments of the present invention relate to modular components of the analyte measurement system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a living body detection sensor includes a substrate, a signal generation unit, a first conductor, a second conductor, and a detection unit. The substrate includes a reference potential electrode and a dielectric material. The signal generation unit generates a first signal, the signal generation unit is provided on the substrate. The first conductor receives the first signal, the first conductor is separated from the substrate. The second conductor t receive the first signal sent from the first conductor, the second conductor is separated from the substrate. The detection unit receives the first signal outputted from the second conductor and detects an electric field produced between the first conductor and the second conductor, the detection unit is provided on the substrate. The living body detection sensor detects whether a living body is close to the living body detection sensor.

Abstract: A system for is provided for using telemetry data based on patient habit information or patient monitoring. One or more patient monitoring devices has a unique patient ID. The one or more monitoring devices acquire patient information selected from of at least one of, a patient's activities, behaviors and habit information, and patient monitoring. ID circuitry is at the patient monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from an ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. An alarm is at the patient monitoring device that provides an alert only when the patient is in a wake-state. A telemetry system is in communication with the patient monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of patient ID's.

Abstract: A system for is provided for using telemetry data based on patient habit information or patient monitoring. One or more patient monitoring devices has a unique patient ID. The one or more monitoring devices acquire patient information selected from of at least one of, a patient's activities, behaviors and habit information, and patient monitoring. ID circuitry is at the patient monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from an ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. An alarm is at the patient monitoring device that provides an alert only when the patient is in a wake-state. A telemetry system is in communication with the patient monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of patient ID's.

Abstract: A method and devices for detecting deposits, in particular amyloid plaques, in the eye, in particular in the human eye. The subject is an optical method for detecting deposits, in particular ?-amyloid, in the retina, which is locally resolved and wherein the local resolution is better than the layer thickness of individual layers of the retina. The invention includes a device for optically detecting ?-amyloid in the retina, which generates a locally resolved image of the retina and wherein the local resolution is better than the layer thickness of individual layers of the retina.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intravital observation device that has a simple structure and that can observe a foreign material and both blood vessels of an artery and a vein inside a living body without requiring an angiographic agent, X-rays, or harming the body. The intravital observation device comprises a light source that irradiates light having a wavelength peak in a wavelength region of 800 to 1000 nm onto the living body and an imaging device that outputs an image data obtained by receiving the light that has passed through the living body. The imaging device is a digital camera whose minimum detection light amount per output at a time when receiving the light of 0.4 to 10 ?W is less than or equal to 0.055 ?W/bit.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to medical systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining a fluorescent light intensity at one or more points on each of multiple recorded images, and producing an image based on the determined fluorescent light intensity at the one or more points.

Abstract: Ophthalmological image analysis techniques that can present objective information about the state of distribution of the Meibomian glands are provided. An ophthalmological image analyzer 1 comprises a designator 22, an extractor 23 and a calculator 24. The designator 22 is configured to designate an area A to be analyzed in a photographed image I of an eyelid of an eye. The extractor 23 is configured to extract Meibomian-gland subareas B that represent Meibomian glands in the eyelid, on the basis of the luminance value of each pixel in the area A being analyzed which is designated by the designator 22. The calculator 24 is configured to acquire distribution information of Meibomian glands in the area A being analyzed, on the basis of the Meibomian-gland subareas B.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for determining whether a subject is in atrial fibrillation. A video is received of a region of exposed skin of a subject. The video is acquired of a region where a videoplethysmographic (VPG) signal can be registered by at least one imaging channel of a video imaging device. For each batch of image frames, pixels associated with the region of exposed skin are isolated and processed to obtain a time-series signal. A VPG signal is extracted from the time-series signal. The power spectral density (PSD) is computed across all frequencies within the VPG signal. A pulse harmonic strength (PHS) is calculated for this VPG signal. The pulse harmonic strength is compared to a discrimination threshold, defined herein. A determination is made whether the subject in the video is in atrial fibrillation or in normal sinus rhythm.

Abstract: A medical glove for obtaining a patient's blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation comprises a glove body for covering a hand of a medical practitioner. The glove body has a palm portion, a backhand portion, a thumb sheath, an index finger sheath and a middle finger sheath having memory with a clock for retrieval of stored and timed vital signs. A digital display module incorporating memory storage module and clock is on the backhand portion of the glove body. A first mechanism is between the middle finger sheath and the index finger sheath of the glove body, for measuring blood pressure of the patient to be indicated on the digital display module and storing the sensor data in memory for future retrieval. A second mechanism is between the thumb sheath and the index finger sheath of the glove body, for measuring oxygen saturation of the patient to be indicated on the digital display module and storing the sensor data in memory for future retrieval.

Abstract: A stethoscope front-end recorder device (also referred to as Sleeve) for the chest piece of a stethoscope, which is easily installed and removed. The Sleeve covers the circumference of the chest piece of a stethoscope. The Sleeve contains sensors for acquiring biosensor parameters such as electrocardiogram, body temperature, heartbeat, heart rhythm, heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, heart sounds, respiration, cardiac index and blood flow. The Sleeve has Bluetooth interface communicating with a mobile device with software component, interfacing with a back-end server with the capability to capture, analyze and save patient information.

Abstract: A system for detecting impending acute cardiac decompensation of a patient includes impedance circuitry, an activity sensor, and a processor system. The impedance circuitry measures a hydration signal of the patient, wherein the hydration signal corresponds to a tissue hydration of the patient. The activity sensor to measure an activity level of the patient, and the processor system includes a computer readable memory in communication with the impedance circuitry and the activity sensor, wherein the computer readable memory of the processor system embodies instructions to combine the hydration signal and the activity level of the patient to detect the impending acute cardiac decompensation.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes multiple sensors used to monitor aspects of a patient positioned on a support surface of the patient support apparatus. The outputs from the sensors are used, alone or in combination with other signals, to perform any one or more of the following: distinguishing between new and old patients entering onto the support surface; automatically zeroing a scale system on the support apparatus; distinguishing between objects and humans positioned on the support surface; determining if a patient is sleeping or awake; monitoring and characterizing movement levels of the patient; recording for subsequent display a log of likely events regarding the support surface; proposing identifications of objects added to or removed from the support surface; automatically re-arming a patient exit alert system; recording force outputs prior to and during a patient exit from the support apparatus; and transmitting the recorded force outputs to a remote location.

Abstract: A system provides cardiac arrhythmia detection and performs blood pressure analysis of multiple catheter channels of blood pressure signals to characterize heart hemodynamic activity. A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection includes a repository, data processor and output processor. The repository of data comprises, first distribution data representing a probability distribution of a first patient parameter over a first time period and acquired on a first occasion and second distribution data representing a probability distribution of the first patient parameter over a second time period and acquired on a second occasion subsequent to the first occasion. The data processor calculates an overlap indicator indicating degree of overlap of the first distribution data and the second distribution data in a predetermined interval of the distributions. The output processor provides the calculated overlap indicator to a destination device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a bioelectric sensor device for sensing bioelectric data from a human body are disclosed. The device can include a flexible substrate, a plurality of sensors arranged in a sensor array on a sensor array portion of the substrate, an electrically conductive network located on the substrate, and a plurality of lines of weakness formed in the sensor array portion of the substrate. In one or more embodiments, each line of weakness is configured to enhance separation of the sensor array portion of the substrate along a separation line that extends between at least two sensors of the plurality of sensors. The device can also include a left reference electrode proximate a distal end of a left reference electrode arm of the substrate and a right reference electrode proximate a distal end of a right reference electrode arm of the substrate.

Abstract: A method, consisting of, while imaging a patient using an initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence, receiving an initial set of electrocardiograph (ECG) signals from the patient. The method includes identifying initial noise in the initial set of ECG signals arising from the initial MRI sequence, and characterizing the initial noise in terms of frequency components thereof. The method further includes generating a relation between parameters defining the initial MRI sequence and the frequency components, computing a filter by applying the relation to the parameters of a subsequent MRI sequence, and applying the computed filter to reduce noise in a further set of ECG signals, received from the patient, while imaging the patient using the subsequent MRI sequence.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein are especially useful wherein monitoring for atrial fibrillation (AF) is based on RR interval variability as measured from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. An activity threshold, which can be patient specific, is obtained. Patient activity is monitored. Based on the monitored patient activity and the activity threshold, there is a determination of when it is likely that AF monitoring based on RR interval variability is adversely affected by patient activity. When it has been determined that it is likely that AF monitoring based on RR interval variability is adversely affected by patient activity, whether and/or how AF monitoring is performed is modified.

Abstract: A method for on-line decision making support, which includes sensing biological signals of a subject upon detection of a decision making process during a performance of a task, and recording biological activity of the subject. Upon completing the decision making process, the recorded biological activity is released to a data processing system for analysis, which compares the recorded biological activity with a profile model for the subject and calculates a confident value for the recorded biological activity against the profile model for the subject. If the confident value does not meet a predefined threshold, a post-processing procedure is performed, wherein the predefined threshold represents a desired performance of the subject on the task.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a band to be worn on a head of a person and a first strip adjustably coupled to the band. The example apparatus also includes a first set of electrodes coupled to the first strip to gather a first set of signals from the head and a magnetic fastener to couple the first strip to the band.

Abstract: Methods for assessing a health condition of an individual using single coil magnetic induction tomography imaging are provided. A target area for medical imaging on a patient can be identified. A plurality of coil property measurements can be obtained using a single coil. The plurality of coil property measurements can be performed with the single coil at a plurality of discrete locations relative to the target area. The coil property measurements can be processed to generate an image of the conductivity distribution of the target area. The image can be analyzed to assess a health condition of the patient.

Abstract: Amyloid plaque in the brain of a subject is imaged in an MRI system with or without the use of a contrast agent. Contrast is achieved using a spin-echo pulse sequence that is both respiratory gated and cardiac gated to reduce motion artifacts at the very high image resolution required to see plaque. A preparatory pulse sequence is used to insure longitudinal magnetization remains constant for all the acquired views even if the effective TR changes during the scan due to irregular breathing.

Abstract: An imaging device for imaging an anaesthetized animal such as a rodent (rats or mice or other animals), with the device having a split array coil capable of providing at least two channels for use in a restraining assembly with animal bed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the animal in real-time in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) method and system to generate a series of MR images to monitor the position of an interventional device located in an examination region, radial scanning of k-space is combined with other scans, in particular for the k-space center. The measurement time until the entirety of k-space corresponding to the imaging region is scanned is thereby markedly shortened in total. The short echo times that are possible with this reduce susceptibility artifacts in the reconstructed image data and enable a depiction of tissue or substances with very short T2 values, for example plastics. Due to the rapidly repeated excitation and acquisition of measurement data and the reconstruction of image data, it is possible to monitor a position of the intervention device in the examination region.

Abstract: Ingestible event markers having high reliability are provided. Aspects of the ingestible event markers include a support, a control circuit, a first electrochemical material, a second electrochemical material and a membrane. In addition, the ingestible event markers may include one or more components that impart high reliability to the ingestible event marker. Further, the ingestible event markers may include an active agent. In some aspects, the active agent, such as a pharmaceutically active agent or a diagnostic agent may be associated with the membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a measuring head which comprises an intake, an outlet, a mouthpiece and an electrically controlled proportional valve. The intake may be connected to a pressurized gas reservoir. The outlet releases exhaled gas and excess gas into the ambient. A mouthpiece provides gas to a subject and accepts exhaled gas from the subject. The electrically controlled, proportional valve is pneumatically connected between said intake and said mouthpiece for controlling the gas flow from said intake to said mouthpiece and said outlet. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a gas flow from the intake to the outlet.

Abstract: An accelerometer analyzing biomechanical parameters of the stride of a runner, including: fastening a device on the torso of the runner that is electrically self-sufficient and includes a triaxial accelerometer, chronograph, digital processor and display; measuring a sequence of acceleration data in at least the vertical direction using the accelerometer, while the runner runs a certain distance along a running course; during or at the end of the course, having the processor calculate the biomechanical parameters of the stride, including the lowering of the center of gravity and/or the elevation of the center of gravity and/or the sum of the lowering and of the elevation of the center of gravity and/or the vertical mechanical work of the center of gravity of the runner, on the basis of the acceleration data, of the distance and of a period of time measured by the chronograph; and displaying the parameters on the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams.

Abstract: A safety blood collection device including holder housing adapted to maintain a needle cannula with a puncture tip extending from a forward end thereof and to receive a sample collection tube through a rearward end thereof. A retainer coacts with the holder housing to maintain the needle in a first position with the puncture tip of the needle extending from the forward end of the holder housing. The retainer is adapted for activation so as to release the needle from this first position, thereby permitting the needle to move based on the force of gravity and the weight of the needle to a second position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is contained within the interior chamber of the holder housing. As such, upright placement of the holder housing upon activation of the retainer will permit the needle to drop within the holder housing, thereby containing the needle cannula therein as a self-contained assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses having one or more sensor that sense an analyte in tear fluid and one or more recesses that collect the tear fluid. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a recess formed within the substrate configured to collect tear fluid when the contact lens is worn. The contact lens further includes at least one sensor disposed within the substrate configured to sense presence of an analyte in the collected tear fluid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining and outputting projected alarms or notifications associated with anticipated hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions are provided. Systems and kits employing the devices described herein executing the one or more routines described are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices to detect analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include positioning an analyte sensor in fluid contact with an analyte, detecting an attenuation in a signal from an analyte sensor after positioning during a predetermined time period, categorizing the detected attenuation in the analyte sensor signal based, at least in part, on one or more characteristics of the signal, performing signal processing to generate a reportable data associated with the detected analyte sensor signal during the predetermined time period, managing if and when to request additional reference signal measurements, and managing if and when to temporarily not display results.

Abstract: A glucose sensor comprising an optical energy source having an emitter with an emission pattern; a first polarizer intersecting the emission pattern; a second polarizer spaced a distance from the first polarizer and intersecting the emission pattern, the second polarizer rotated relative to the first polarizer by a first rotational amount ?; a first optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a second optical detector positioned proximal to the second polarizer, the first polarizer and the second polarizer being positioned between the optical energy source and the second optical detector, the second optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a compensating circuit coupled to the second optical detector; and a subtractor circuit coupled to the compensating circuit and the first optical detector.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood flowing in a peripheral human or animal body part (20), in which electromagnetic radiation (q1?(t), q2?(t)) having a first and a second wavelength is irradiated into the peripheral body part or irradiated through the peripheral body part, the reflected or transmitted radiation (x1?(t), x2?(t)) is measured to form two measurement signals (x1(t), x2(t)), and the oxygen saturation of the blood is determined by evaluating the two measurement signals.

Abstract: A biochip and nanochip device, or a system of biochips, providing diagnostic testing, sensing and therapeutic functionality useful in diagnosis and treatment of a variety of physiological maladies.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for continuous measurement of an analyte concentration. The device can include a sensor having a plurality of sensor elements, each having at least one characteristic that is different from other sensor(s) of the device. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensor elements are each tuned to measure a different range of analyte concentration, thereby providing the device with the capability of achieving a substantially consistent level of measurement accuracy across a physiologically relevant range. In other embodiments, the device includes a plurality of sensor elements each tuned to measure during different time periods after insertion or implantation, thereby providing the sensor with the capability to continuously and accurately measure analyte concentrations across a wide range of time periods.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices and systems for determining an analyte value are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device having a frontal attachment and a connector housing having at least a body part of an associated medical apparatus, the frontal attachment slidably engaging the connector housing and having a forwardly projecting, rearwardly biased needle and a needle retraction assembly, and the connector housing having a needle retraction cavity laterally offset from the needle in a first position, the needle retraction cavity being selectively movable relative to the frontal attachment following use to reposition the needle retraction cavity into alignment with the needle to permit retraction. The subject device is desirably specially modified for use in blood gas sampling by the addition of a filter plug.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and/or system for filtering sensor measurements. In one particular implementation, a sensor signal may be processed concurrently in a plurality of signal-filter paths. A particular signal-filter path may be selected to provide an output signal for obtaining a measurement based, at least in part, on a measurement of noise associated with the sensor signal.

Abstract: An infusion system is for infusing a fluid into the body of a patient. The infusion system includes at least one sensor for monitoring blood glucose concentration of the patient and an infusion device for delivering fluid to the patient. The sensor produces at least one sensor signal input. The infusion device uses the at least one sensor signal input and a derivative predicted algorithm to determine future blood glucose levels. The infusion device delivers fluid to the patient when future blood glucose levels are in a patient's target range. The infusion device is capable of suspending and resuming fluid delivery based on future blood glucose levels and a patient's low shutoff threshold. The infusion device suspends fluid delivery when future blood glucose levels falls below the low shutoff threshold. The infusion device resumes fluid delivery when a future blood glucose level is above the low shutoff threshold.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a neurological status evaluation apparatus includes a signal generator configured to generate an electromagnetic signal at one or more frequencies, a transmitting antenna coupled to the signal generator and configure to transmit the electromagnetic signal, and a receiving antenna positioned proximate to the transmitting antenna such that an evaluation space is defined between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. The biological tissue under evaluation does not contact the transmitting antenna or the receiving antenna. The receiving antenna receives a modulated electromagnetic signal after propagating through the biological tissue under evaluation. The neurological status evaluation apparatus further includes a spectrum analyzer coupled to the receiving antenna, wherein the spectrum analyzer receives and samples the modulated electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A method and system for continually monitoring oxygenation levels in real-time in compartments of an animal limb, such as in a human leg or a human thigh or a forearm, can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome. The method and system can include one or more near infrared compartment sensors in which each sensor can be provided with a compartment alignment mechanism and a central scan depth marker so that each sensor may be precisely positioned over a compartment of a living organism. The method and system can include a device for displaying oxygenation levels corresponding to respective compartment sensors that are measuring oxygenation levels of a compartment of interest. The method and system can also monitor the relationship between blood pressure and oxygenation levels and activate alarms based on predetermined conditions relating to the oxygenation levels or blood pressure or both.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure includes holding a non-linear dependence between the duration of a given phase within a cardiac cycle and a respective heartbeat rate. First and second image sequences of the dynamic activity of the heart of a patient, acquired at respective different first and second heartbeat rates of the heart, are received. Synchronization between the first and second image sequences is performed based on the non-linear dependence, on the first and second heartbeat rates, and on a given common heartbeat rate. The first and second image sequences are played in synchronization with the common heartbeat rate.