Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and/or managing adherence to a medication regimen that involves use of a sensor. Dispensing medicine from a container commonly involves pressure being applied to the container, which results in expansion of the container. In some embodiments, pressure is applied by a user through an aperture of the apparatus. In some embodiments, a processor monitors pressure sensor data from a pressure sensor that is physically coupled to the container and arranged such that activation of the pressure sensor indicates the container has expanded in response to the user applying pressure. A processor analyzes the pressure sensor data to determine whether medicine has been dispensed from the container. A computer system can compare the dispensed medication to a planned medication regimen to determine a state of compliance with the medication regimen.

Abstract: A method for mapping painful zones, includes: on a first screen, displaying a first silhouette representing the rear face of a body; drawing at least one painful zone on the first displayed silhouette; indicating the location of a pain felt by a patient; determining a first number of pixels on the first screen corresponding to the painful zone; measuring a reference distance between two morphological reference points on the patient; converting the first number of pixels into a painful cutaneous surface, the reference distance being used as a parameter in the conversion.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that enrichment of D3-creatinine in a urine sample following oral administration of a single defined dose of D3-creatine can be used to calculate total-body creatine pool size and total body skeletal muscle mass in a subject. The invention further encompasses methods for detecting creatinine and D3-creatinine in a single sample. The methods of the invention find use, inter alia, in diagnosing disorders related to skeletal muscle mass, and in screening potential therapeutic agents to determine their effects on muscle mass.

Abstract: A measurement method for brown adipose tissue includes a light input step of inputting near-infrared light from a light input unit into a measurement target portion, a light detection step of detecting light intensity of the near-infrared light having propagated through an interior of the measurement target portion by a light detection unit, and a calculation step of calculating an index value for a BAT amount from an oxygenated hemoglobin concentration or the like of the measurement target portion, which is acquired by near-infrared spectroscopy based on the detection result by the light detection unit.

Abstract: Techniques for hydration monitoring are discussed herein. An example technique may include receiving a fluid intake value from a flow meter. The flow meter may be disposed on a beverage container and the fluid intake value may be indicative of an amount of fluid dispensed to an individual. The example technique may further include receiving a fluid output from a fluid excretion module. The fluid output value may be indicative of an amount of fluid excreted by the individual. The example technique may further include determining a hydration status of the individual based on a combination of the fluid intake value and the fluid output value. The hydration status may then be provided to the user.

Abstract: A two layer compression garment measuring system that displays a pressure indicia when the garment is stretched, wherein the pressure indicia is displayed by moving from a position under an opaque layer of material (at low or no pressure) to a position under a window or transparent or translucent layer of material (at higher pressure). When the indicia can be seen by an observer through the window or transparent or translucent layer, then the higher pressure has been reached. The viewed indicia optionally displays the pressure level. In various optional designs, the location of attachment between the two spaced-apart locations is adjustable, or the length of the upper layer is adjustable such that the attachment location can be aligned with the indicia. A design having a free ended upper layer is also included.

Abstract: A system for determining user kinematic characteristics includes a detachable motion sensor, a processing system, and a wireless transceiver. The motion sensor may be coupled with a user's footwear in order to generate one or more signals corresponding to the motion of the user's foot/feet. The processing system is in communication with the motion sensor and is programmed to use the one or more signals to determine one or more kinematic parameters. The present invention measures various parameters about each individual stride. The stride based kinematic characteristics may include, but are not limited to, pitch, roll, yaw, vertical position, horizontal position, horizontal velocity, vertical velocity, distance traveled, foot strike, foot strike classification, toe off, contact time, stride rate, stride length, rate of pronation, maximum pronation, rate of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, swing velocity, and pitch-roll signature.

Abstract: A sensor element comprises a sensor section comprising a sensor unit configured to measure a physiological variable or any other signal in a living body and to generate a sensor signal in response to the variable or other signal, and a bond section comprising contact members configured to electrically connect at least one signal transmitting microcable. The bond section is coated with an electrically insulating material and the sensor unit is left uncoated. The sensor element may further comprise an intermediate section between the sensor section and the bond section. The intermediate section includes electric connection lines configured to connect the contact members to the sensor unit. The intermediate section is also coated with the electrically insulating material.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter embedded with a novel motion and noise artifact (MNA) detection algorithm based on extraction of time-varying spectral features that are unique to the clean and corrupted components.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis. In accordance with one aspect, the framework performs affine template matching of a region of interest from patient signal data with a baseline signal portion by performing an affine waveform transformation of the region of interest. One or more affine ratios may be determined based on the matched region of interest and the baseline signal portion for generating a report or diagnosis of a cardiac event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for estimating a cardiovascular feature, such as heart interbeat intervals, using time-delay embedding includes receiving a quasiperiodic observational data stream from a biophysiological sensor, selecting a first delay value, and generating a first vector with a first dimensionality in a multidimensional coordinate space from the observational data stream through time-delay embedding. The method also includes selecting a first plane with a second dimensionality equal to one less than the first dimensionality and which passes through an origin of the coordinate space, identifying a plurality of crossings of the first vector through the first plane in one direction, and correlating a time value corresponding to each of the crossings. The method further includes calculating a plurality of periods between the time values corresponding to consecutive crossings, where the periods represent a stream of interbeat intervals.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for estimating biophysiological rates using the Hilbert transform includes receiving a quasiperiodic data stream from a biophysiological sensor, and removing at least a portion of an offset from the quasiperiodic data stream to provide a smoothed data stream by filtering the quasiperiodic data stream through a bandpass filter and phase compensating the filtered quasiperiodic data stream. The method also includes transforming the smoothed data stream into an analytic data stream using a Hilbert transform approximation and calculating the time derivative of the phase angle of the analytic data stream, where the time derivative is a frequency of the quasiperiodic data stream. The method further includes providing an output data stream derived from the frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for diagnosis, risk assessment, and/or virtual treatment assessment of visceral ischemia and related disorders.

Abstract: A biometric information measuring device includes a pulse wave measuring module configured to measure pulse waves by emitting light toward a target object and sensing light reflected from the target object; a communication module configured to obtain calibration information from a remote calibration server; and a biometric information analyzing module configured to analyze biometric information based on the measured pulse waves and the calibration information. The calibration information indicates biometric information measurement variables of a plurality of subjects.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitor is inflated and deflated based upon an algorithm so that a patient's current heart rate may influence the target inflation pressure and the deflation rate. In this manner, if a patient's heart rate is slower than expected, the NIBP monitor may slow its deflation rate so that an appropriate number of cardiac cycles will be captured in order to maximize accuracy. Similarly, if a patient's heart rate is faster than expected, the NIBP monitor may speed its deflation rate to minimize the time of the procedure and the stress on the patient, while still capturing an appropriate number of cardiac cycles.

Abstract: Implementations for obtaining objective measurements related to a patient's dental condition and reporting a patient's dental health based on these objective measurements are described herein. One or more of implementations can be used to provide an objective standard by which a patient's dental health can be evaluated. In some implementations, one or more numerical scores can be generated for a patient, where each score describes a different aspect of the patient's dental health. In some cases, a single dental health score can be generated to represent the patient's overall dental health. In some cases, dentists can use these implementations to improve the consistency and impartiality of their medical opinions, and to communicate more efficiently and effectively with others (e.g., other dentists, administrators, and patients).

Abstract: A method for managing alarms in a physiological monitor by identifying a clinical sequence of adverse effects and following the evolution of the sequence by alarm logic. By requiring the evolution to proceed as defined, false alarms from the individual parameters can be suppressed, resulting in a significant improvement in the specificity of the alarm, without sacrificing sensitivity.

Abstract: A mobile device is provided that obtains monitored information about an individual. A display is coupled to a housing. A memory is coupled to a memory and one or more processing units (CPU's), a peripherals interface, a Network Systems circuitry and an input/output (I/O) subsystems. A system is included with one or more sensors that detects or measure an individual's activities.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for blocking radiation in a medical environment are described. In one or more embodiments, a lock-block shield device includes a base that is configured to adhesively couple to an object associated with a patient. In some embodiments, the base includes a lock mechanism for securing a work piece that has a generally tubular shape. A shield that is configured to at least partially block transmission of radiation can be coupled to the base in a releasable manner. For example, a clasp is used to secure the base and shield together. In embodiments, a ball and socket joint couples the shield and base to permit, for example, the shield to pivot and articulate with respect to the base.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for evaluating a dental condition. A first digital representation of at least a portion of an oral cavity of a first patient is compared to a second digital representation of the oral cavity of the same patient. The first digital representation is representative of the oral cavity of the first patient at a first time and the second digital representation is representative of the oral cavity of the first patient at a second, later time. At least one clinically-significant difference between the first digital representation and the second digital representation are automatically identified and the first digital representation is displayed in a way that highlights the at least one clinically significant difference.

Abstract: A system and method of X-ray imaging includes an X-ray emitter that projects X-rays. An X-ray receiver that receives X-rays from the X-ray emitter to produce a plurality of projection images. A filter with at least one filter leaf absorb at least a portion of the X-rays from the X-ray emitter to define a limited field of view within a full field of view with the X-rays being attenuated in at least one attenuated portion of the full field of view. A processor reconstructs a three dimensional image based upon the projection images of the full field of view. The limited field view is located within the reconstructed three dimensional image. At least one corrective parameter is determined from the reconstructed three dimensional image. A three dimensional image is reconstructed based upon the limited field, of view and the at least one corrective parameter.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a housing containing a plurality of radiation imaging devices each including a radiation detecting panel having a two-dimensional matrix of pixels and arranged to convert applied radiation to an image signal, a plurality of retainers configured to position and retain the plurality of radiation imaging devices so that parts of the respective radiation imaging devices spatially overlap as viewed from an irradiation side, and a unit configured to acquire a radiographic image on the basis of image signals from the respective radiation imaging devices. The plurality of retainers are configured to retain the plurality of radiation imaging devices in areas other than effective pixel areas of the respective radiation imaging devices.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus including a moving member configured to move along a ceiling; a first arm supported by the moving member to rotate with respect to a first rotation axis, wherein the first arm supports a first radiation source and a first radiation detector which are facing each other; a second arm configured to rotate with respect to a second rotation axis crossing the first rotation axis, wherein the second ram supports a second radiation source and a second radiation detector which are facing each other; and a supporting arm supported by the moving member, wherein the supporting arm supports the second arm such that the second arm may be rotatable with respect to the second rotation axis.

Abstract: A robotic arm, movable in three rotational degrees of freedom has a base end and a distal end supporting SPECT imaging detectors. A patient support assembly is movable in a linear degree of freedom. A controller causes the robotic arm to move the SPECT imaging detectors, in three dimensions, around the patient's body to obtain SPECT images. The control causes the patient support assembly to move along the linear degree of freedom, maintaining alignment of the patient's body with the SPECT imaging detectors.

Abstract: A medical imaging device mountable on a support structure having a horizontal surface and at least one substantially vertical surface. The imaging device includes a frame and a gantry having a radiation source and a radiation detector. The gantry is rotatable with respect to the frame. The imaging device includes a first vertical adjustment element and a second vertical adjustment element. The first vertical adjustment element has a first end couplable to the horizontal surface and a second end coupled to the frame, the first end is located a first distance from the second end, and adjustable over a first range. The second vertical adjustment element has a third end coupled to the frame and a fourth end coupled to the gantry. The third end is located a second distance from the fourth end, and is adjustable over a second range, and the fourth end is rotatable with respect to the third end.

Abstract: A diagnostic gage (12) that can be implemented into a tissue-simulating headform (17) or other anthropomorphic surrogate test device (11) as a means of determining the internal strain within the test surrogate. One embodiment of the gage consists of a matrix or substrate embedded with x-ray contrast agents (14) and a series of holes within the substrate (15) that provide contrasting markers in an x-ray image and a means of intimately coupling the gage to the test specimen. The relative motion of these contrasting markers can be monitored using x-ray fluoroscopy equipment (e.g., source (10) and detector (13)). This gage provides a means of determining the internal strain within a headform surrogate model for the purpose of evaluating the performance of helmets in terms of reducing the occurrence of concussion among other biomechanical injuries from trauma.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a panoramic image. One system includes a gantry, an x-ray source, a receptor, and at least one controller. The x-ray source is mounted on the gantry and is configured to alternatively output x-ray radiation at a first energy level and x-ray radiation at a second energy level. The receptor is mounted on the gantry so that x-ray radiation from the x-ray source impinges the receptor. The receptor is configured to output a plurality of frames of data including a first frame and a second frame sequential to the first frame. The controller is configured to control the x-ray source so that data in the first frame is generated based on x-ray radiation of the first energy level and data in the second frame is based on x-ray radiation of the second energy level.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of assessing tumor growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray mammography system including an X-ray detecting unit and an X-ray generating unit, The X-ray detecting unit includes a detecting portion that detects X-rays that have passed through a breast. The X-ray generating unit includes a transmission type target and an electron emitting source and is configured to radiate X-rays toward the detecting portion when irradiated with electrons. The transmission type target has a target layer having an electron incidence surface. The transmission type target radiates X-rays in a direction opposite to the electron incidence surface. The distance between a normal to the target layer and a distal end, which is an end of an X-ray irradiated region of the detecting portion closer to the chest of the testee, is larger than the distance between the normal and a proximal end, which is an end of the X-ray irradiated region far away from the chest.

Abstract: A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set.

Abstract: A radiographing apparatus usable for stitch imaging, includes a radiation sensor configured to acquire a radiographic image signal or radiographic image signals by detecting radiation, a readout circuit configured to read out the radiographic image signal(s), a communication circuit configured to transmit a digital radiographic image based on the radiographic image signal(s) to an external apparatus, a generation unit configured to generate a preview image, based on the radiographic image signal(s), that is smaller in data amount than the digital radiographic image, and a control unit configured to cause the communication circuit to start transmitting the preview image after the readout circuit reads out the radiographic image signal(s), and after completion of the transmission of the preview image, restrict transmission of an image that contains data uncontained in the preview image among data pieces in the digital radiographic image until a specific signal is received from the external apparatus.

Abstract: Method, system, apparatus, and computer program products for removing marker artifacts from a tomosynthesis dataset. In the method, a first plurality of projection images are acquired by tomosynthesis x-ray imaging, the first plurality of projection images containing at least one imaged representation of at least one alignment marker. In one aspect, the imaged representation of the at least one alignment marker on the first plurality of projection images is minimized to generate a second plurality of projection images. In another aspect, a plurality of tomographic images are reconstructed from the second plurality of projection images.

Abstract: The radiographic system including a plurality of radiation detection apparatuses which detect radial rays and a combining processor which generates a long-size image by combining a plurality of radiation images obtained from the radiation detection apparatuses further includes an image correction unit which corrects the defective region in which the radiation detection apparatuses overlap with each other in the long-size image.

Abstract: A stitch imaging system, which uses a plurality of radiographic imaging units, includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating a layout relationship among the plurality of radiographic imaging units, and a correction unit configured to correct a radiographic image or radiographic images acquired from at least one of the plurality of radiographic imaging units specified based on the information indicating the layout relationship, based on correction data specified based on the information indicating the layout relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the X-ray imaging apparatus. A path on which an X-ray source avoids an obstacle is automatically set on a movement path of the X-ray source, or a user sets the path manually by using simple manipulation so that an efficient X-ray imaging system can be provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source movably disposed; a manipulation unit through which control instructions relating to a movement region of the X-ray source are input; and a processor that controls at least one movement of the X-ray source so that the X-ray source is moved within the movement region based on the inputted control instructions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a rotor and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube radiates an X-ray. The rotor holds the X-ray tube, and rotates together with the X-ray tube at at least any of a first rotation speed used for scanning an object and a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed. The processing circuitry acquires information on a waiting time up to timing of exposure by the X-ray tube. The processing circuitry further controls a rotation speed of the rotor during the waiting time in accordance with the information on the waiting time.

Abstract: A radiographing system includes a plurality of radiographic imaging units configured to acquire a plurality of radiographic images, a communication unit to which the plurality of radiographic imaging units is connected, an acquisition unit configured to acquire path information indicating a communication path between each of the plurality of radiographic imaging units connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit, and an output unit configured to output an image acquired from the plurality of radiographic images based on the path information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a support frame, an input button, and processing circuitry. The support frame supports an X-ray detector which detects X-rays. The input button provides on at least one of an exterior of the support frame and an exterior of the X-ray detector and inputs an instruction to implement an assigned moving operation pattern of a plurality of moving operation patterns concerning movement of at least one of the support frame, the X-ray detector, and a table top. The processing circuitry assigns the input button with an instruction to implement a moving operation pattern, of the plurality of moving operation patterns, which is selected by an operator.

Abstract: An auto-positioning apparatus for an x-ray imaging system has a transport apparatus that is configured to position an x-ray source relative to a detector. A processor is configured to receive exam data that indicates an exam type and patient data that is indicative of patient height. The processor determines the present position of the first transport apparatus and determines an imaging position according to the exam data and patient data. The processor provides a positioning signal to the transport apparatus to move the x-ray source to the imaging position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging device including: a detecting section that detects a dose of radiation that has been irradiated when imaging a radiographic image corresponding to irradiated radiation; and a determining section that determines whether the radiographic image is a valid image on the basis of the dose of radiation that has been detected by the detecting section.

Abstract: A method for determining a beam width of a computed tomography scanner includes calculating a dose length product DLP and dividing it by an accumulated radiation dose D(0). In some embodiments, DLP is calculated from measurements obtained using a pencil ionization chamber and a radiopaque mask that is slid over the chamber. In other embodiments, DLP is calculated from measurements obtained using a radiation dosimeter that is moved long a longitudinal axis of the scanner at a known velocity v.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the polarization state of a sensor of an X-ray detector. In the method, the X-ray detector is illuminated with a sequence of light pulses wherein the individual pulses of the light pulse sequence have a different intensity. It is further determined at what intensity of the light pulses, charge pulses generated by the sensor of the X-ray detector exceed a threshold voltage of a signal detection circuit. Also described is a method for obtaining and/or setting functional data of a sensor of an X-ray detector and/or of a sensor illumination unit. Furthermore, an X-ray detector is described.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays, a collimator configured to adjust a radiation field of the X-rays and rotate on an optical axis direction of the X-rays, a ring-shaped first rotation transfer unit centered on an optical axis of the X-rays in the X-ray source, a second rotation transfer unit interlocked with the ring-shaped first rotation transfer unit and configured to rotate as the collimator rotates, a rotation sensor configured to sense an amount of rotation of the second rotation transfer unit, and a detector comprising a receiving surface on which the X-rays radiated from the collimator are incident.

Abstract: The method of characterizing an ultrasound lesion (T) in organic tissues, the lesion being made by applying high intensity focused ultrasound delivered by a probe having its emission surface presenting a shape that is toroidal, consists in: after a period of at least two days from the end of ultrasound application, acquiring at least one characterization image (Ic) of the organic tissues; detecting the presence of a contrast border (16) in the characterization image (Ic); and from the contrast border (16), determining the extent of the ultrasound lesion.

Abstract: An arrhythmia detection device is provided, which includes: a monitoring probe attached to a subject to be examined; a monitoring unit coupled with the monitoring probe; a first displaying unit which displays ECG parameters obtained by the monitoring unit; an ultrasound probe attached onto a body surface of the subject; an ultrasound imaging unit coupled with the ultrasound probe; an arrhythmia triggering unit which triggers the ultrasound imaging unit to scan the heart of the subject when the monitoring unit detects an arrhythmia; and a second displaying unit which displays the images and/or the parameters of the heart obtained by the ultrasound imaging unit.

Abstract: In an aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to the effective and accurate placement of intravascular devices such as central venous catheters, in particular such as peripherally inserted central catheters or PICC. One aspect of the present invention relates to vascular access. It describes devices and methods for imaging guided vascular access and more effective sterile packaging and handling of such devices. A second aspect of the present invention relates to the guidance, positioning and placement confirmation of intravascular devices without the help of X-ray imaging. A third aspect of the present invention relates to devices and methods for the skin securement of intravascular devices and post-placement verification of location of such devices. A forth aspect of the present invention relates to improvement of the workflow required for the placement of intravascular devices.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound system configured to detect a flow noise signal at a phantom gate and display a visual indictor representing the detected flow noise signal. The ultrasound system transmits ultrasound signals to an object including a sample volume and receives echo signals from the sample volume and at least one phantom gate. The ultrasound system also generates an ultrasound image based on the received echo signals and displays the generated ultrasound image. Furthermore, the ultrasound system detects a flow noise signal at the at least one phantom gate by using the echo signals and displays a visual indicator representing the detected flow noise signal together with the ultrasound image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is composed of a beam having a fixed end and a free end, with an ultrasonic transceiver mounted on the free end. A driving mechanism is used to move said ultrasonic transceiver to one or more predetermined positions by applying an electromagnetic force on the beam.

Abstract: The ultrasonic probe has an element part which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, a relay cable connected to the element part, which transmits a signal to the element part, a frame and a window constituting a housing part in which the element part and the relay cable are housed, and an oscillation mechanism which oscillates the element part. The oscillation mechanism has a rotation axis configured to provide oscillation movement of the element part. The relay cable has an S-shape or a reversed S-shape with two arc-shaped parts. One end of the relay cable is connected to a cable connecting surface of the element part and, when the element part is positioned at a middle of a scanning range, in a connected portion with the element part, the relay cable is drawn from a point connected to the element part in a direction substantially parallel to the cable connecting surface. The frame is placed on an opposite side of the rotation axis from the element part.