Abstract: An integrated bodily-fluid-component analyzing apparatus includes a main body, a lancet holder connected to the main body so as to be movable back and forth along a predetermined movement path, a lancet removably attached to the lancet holder, and a test strip that is removably attached to the main body and is used to measure a component of the bodily fluid flowing from a pricked site of the living body pricked with the lancet. The movement path of the lancet holder and a bodily fluid inlet of the test strip face a specific position that is in a vicinity of the main body and at which the pricked site is to be placed. The apparatus further includes a pressing section that presses a portion of the living body adjacent to the pricked site so as to cause the bodily fluid to flow from the pricked site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allow multiple samples of a liquid in a primary container (here called a ‘pouch’) to be taken with minimal danger of contaminating the liquid in the container during the sampling process are disclosed. In an embodiment, a closed sterile sight chamber is connected with the pouch in a sterile manner to allow fluid to flow into the chamber while at the same time allowing air within the chamber to be displaced through a bacterial filter to atmosphere. The connection between the sight chamber and the pouch is then terminated (severed or closed), isolating the pouch from the sampling apparatus. Only then are samples of liquid withdrawn from the sight chamber, while allowing air to flow into the chamber through the bacterial filter.

Abstract: A system for imaging a biological sample including a tubular body having a side wall defining an interior shaped and sized for receiving the biological sample, an electromagnetic source positioned at one end of the tubular body interior for directing electromagnetic energy into the biological sample in the body interior, and an ultrasonic transducer positioned along said side wall of the body for receiving ultrasonic energy induced by the electromagnetic energy and transmitted through the biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a moisture feeling evaluation device. In the moisture feeling evaluation device, an image input unit 1 receives an input of a captured image obtained by imaging a face F of a subject from the front thereof, a brightness-color index calculation unit 10 calculates values of brightness-color components including brightness, redness, and yellowness of skin from the captured image input to the image input unit 1 and calculates brightness-color indexes based on the values of the brightness-color components, a shape index calculation unit 11 detects an uneven portion of the skin from the captured image input to the image input unit 1 and calculates a shape index based on the amount of the uneven portion, and a moisture feeling evaluation unit 5 evaluates a feeling of visible moisture of the face F of the subject based on the brightness-color indexes and the shape index.

Abstract: A near-infrared spectrum imaging system for diagnosis of the depth and the area of burn skin necrosis comprises a spectrum imager and a computer controlled system. The spectrum imaging system comprises a light source (101), an optical lens (102), a filter (103), a driving controller (105a, 105b, 104), and a CCD camera (106). The filter (103) uses a wide-spectrum liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) or an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) that obtain 1100-2500 nm waveband spectral signals of burn skin necrosis tissue of a target region. A compute controlled system is internally provided with a universal module, a data module, a spectrum correction module, a spectrum matching module, and a burn wound three-dimensional synthesizing module.

Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.

Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.

Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.

Abstract: A vein-illumination device includes: a base, a frame connected thereto using a flexible hinge, allowing the frame to move angularly, with respect to the base, in a first direction, a means for exciting angular oscillations of the frame, an elastic torsional element having a proximal end attached to the frame and a distal end attached to a mirror, and a means for exciting the angular oscillations of the mirror. The torsional element allows the mirror to move angularly with respect to the frame in a second direction, generally perpendicular to the first direction. The invention also includes a device for optically inspecting confined spaces, which includes at least one laser light source, a scanning means that scans one or more laser beams in a two-dimensional pattern over an inspection area, and at least one light detector, sensitive to the light of the laser beam(s) being reflected from the inspection area.

Abstract: A wearable device for detecting body characteristics and for use in an airways disorder alleviating system includes a device housing, a means for attaching the device housing to a body part of a sleeping individual, one or more sensors configured to detect body characteristics, and a communication unit configured to communicate at least one of information of body characteristics and a respiratory disorder event information indicating that a respiratory disorder event is ongoing or upcoming to an external device.

Abstract: A method including a step of preparing a sampling apparatus for use. The sampling apparatus includes a tubular member having an opening on a distal end thereof. An orientation of the distal end of the tubular member is shapeable. The distal end is substantially rigid so as to maintain a manipulated shape after a direct application of a threshold level of force on the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member also includes a joint member disposed on a proximal end of the tubular member. The joint member is configured to connect the tubular member to a systemic biomarker sampling device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a non-invasive method and apparatus for predicting or monitoring analgesia and blood levels of opioid drugs in a patient receiving pain treatment, e.g., during palliative treatment. The inventive method comprises the measurement of one or more, preferably two or more, surrogate markers of a patient. According to the present invention surrogate markers correlate with the level of analgesia in the opioid receiving subject and thus provide a non-invasive method to predict and monitor analgesia during a treatment. Even more, surrogate markers were identified which correlate with the blood-concentration of the opioid in the subject. Thus, the invention provides a valuable clinical tool to assess and control pain treatments with opioids. Disclosed is the prediction method, an apparatus suitable for performing the inventive methods as well as the apparatus for use in medical treatments, such as pain therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, devices and associated methods to measure tissue state of a biological tissue, e.g., using radiometric sensing to, e.g., simultaneously measure temperature and tissue state. These devices and methods can be used in the course of ablation therapy, for example.

Abstract: The presence of disordered breathing is detected using an implantable medical device. A cardiac condition is detected that is indicative of the patient's cardiac status. Based on the presence of disordered breathing and the cardiac condition, the patient is identified as suitable for a cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

Abstract: A palpation assisting apparatus includes a synchronization controller configured to synchronize a timing of acquiring pressure data output from a pressure sensor attached to a position in contact with a lesion part with a timing of acquiring positional information of a marker attached to a position corresponding to the pressure sensor, and an entering part configured to store, in a storage part, the pressure data and the positional information of the marker that are acquired at the synchronized timing in association with time information indicating a time at which the pressure data and the positional information are acquired.

Abstract: A capsule 1 is adapted to be ingestable by a human and comprises a density sensor, a sugar level sensor and a weight sensor for determining the calorie intake.

Abstract: This invention is a wearable brain activity monitor with electromagnetic brain activity sensors which are held on a person's head by a partially-circumferential headband. The partially-circumferential headband curves around the lower-posterior surface of a person's head, from one ear to the other, and has forward ends which extend upward from the person's ears to the sides of the person's forehead.

Abstract: A system for measuring the functioning of the feet of a user includes an insert having an arrangement of sensors positioned in footwear to sense the pressure or deflection of the sensors by a user engaged in activity like walking, running, or playing a sport (e.g., golf; tennis, football, basketball). The sensor arrangement for each foot includes sensors at multiple locations under or proximate a foot which sensors each predictably vary in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors supply analog signals to a circuit which in turn sends signals reflective of the force through an A-D converter for transmission wirelessly by, for example, a wireless Bluetooth device. The digitalized signals reflective of deflection are collected and sent to the remote control device to compute and display images reflective of the force of the foot experienced at each of the multiple locations.

Abstract: A sensor insert is provided for measuring head dynamics and kinematics. The sensor insert includes at least one sensor embedded in the insert. The insert is configured to fit relatively substantially immovably within a portion of a user's external auditory canal passing through the temporal bone. A system including the sensor and insert further includes an electronic data collection and processing unit connected to the sensor. A method of measuring head dynamics and kinematics involves use of the aforementioned system to detect and collect data measuring head dynamics and kinematics of a user's skull for analysis thereof.

Abstract: A circuit system includes a user interface, voltage source, and a terminal bank connected to the voltage source. The circuit can be used in a powered catheter system where the catheter includes a structural reinforcement layer such as a braid comprised of one or more wires. The reinforcement layer can be used to convey a current or signal in a powered catheter. The catheter may utilize a hypotube element which provides integrated sensors in order to power and control multiple systems in the powered catheter.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.

Abstract: Improved ingestible event markers are provided. Aspects of the markers may include the presence of a matrix layer that includes a binder and source of an electron acceptor. Alternatively or in addition to the matrix layer, aspects of the markers may include a large surface area electrode having a surface area that exceeds the surface area of the circuitry of the marker. Aspects further include methods of making and using the ingestible event markers.

Abstract: A system and method for processing photoplethysmography (PPG) signals in a vehicle. The system and method include receiving a PPG waveform signal from an optical sensor. The system and method also include processing a PPG measurement signal based on the PPG waveform signal. The system and method additionally include receiving a noise waveform signal from at least one of: a seat assembly sensor, a vehicle sensor, and a vehicle system. Additionally, the system and method include processing a motion artifacts measurement signal based on the noise waveform signal. The system and method further include processing a refined PPG signal to suppress the motion artifacts measurement signal from the PPG measurement signal.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous monitoring of central nervous system diseases are provided in which typing cadence is used to measure cognitive function at a very granular level, providing hard, specific and detailed data to the neurologists about the central nervous system diseases. The system may also be used by a patient with a central nervous system disease to experiment with changes to diet, exercise and other things and test the effectiveness of those changes and patients can understand better why an unexpected improvement or worsening occurred.

Abstract: A monitor recorder-implemented method for electrocardiography value encoding and compression is provided. A plurality of codes are maintained, each associated with an electrocardiography value range. A series of electrocardiography values is obtained. A serial accumulator is set to a predetermined value; each of the obtained electrocardiography values from the series of the obtained electrocardiography values is processed, including: performing a mathematical operation on that obtained electrocardiography value and the serial accumulator; identifying the code within the range associated with which a result of the mathematical operation falls; representing that obtained electrography value with the identified code; and adjusting the serial accumulator by a value derived from the range associated with the identified code. Each of the represented codes are into a sequence in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method for extending an effective working range of an analyzer for measuring an analyte in a breath sample. The method includes initiating a reaction in the analyzer that produces an optically discernable reaction product having an optical property that is indicative of a concentration of the analyte in the breath sample, taking a first reading of the optical property at a first time, and comparing the first reading to a reference. If the comparison yields a first state, the method includes determining the concentration using the first reading. If it yields a second state different from the first state, the method includes taking a second reading of the optical property at a second time, and determining the concentration of the analyte using the second reading. Other methods are provided as well.

Abstract: A computing device for use in a system for mapping brain activity of a subject includes a processor. The processor is programmed to select a plurality of measurements of brain activity that is representative of at least one parameter of a brain of the subject during a resting state. Moreover, the processor is programmed to compare at least one data point from each of the measurements with a corresponding data point from a previously acquired data set from at least one other subject. The processor is also programmed to produce at least one map for each of the measurements based on the comparison of the resting state data point and the corresponding previously acquired data point. The processor may also be programmed to categorize the brain activity in a plurality of networks in the brain based on the map.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and/or autonomic neuropathy in a patient is provided. The method includes measuring a photoplethysmogram (PTG) and galvanic skin response from the patient, executing a spectral analysis on the PTG, comparing values derived from the PTG and the galvanic skin response of the patient to stored clinical data, calculating a PTG cardiovascular risk score based on the comparison, comparing further derived values to predefined values that correspond to certain diseases, including insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and autonomic neuropathy, and displaying the PTG cardiovascular risk score and said certain diseases that correspond to said predefined values.

Abstract: A method for monitoring autoregulation includes receiving a blood pressure signal and a regional oxygen saturation signal from a patient. The method also includes determining one or more pairs of linear correlation lines between the blood pressure signal and the regional oxygen saturation signal based on one or more bins. Each of the one or more bins includes one or more regional oxygen saturation values derived from the regional oxygen saturation signal. The method also includes determining a value indicative of the patient's autoregulation status based on a first pair of linear correlation lines selected from the one or more pairs of linear correlation lines and providing a signal indicative of the patient's autoregulation status to an output device.

Abstract: Described is an infant monitoring and alerting system capable of determining an absence of movement by an infant. When an absence of movement is detected the monitor attempts to stimulate movement using stimuli that may include a vibration, an audible alert, or a visual alert. If no movement is detected in response to the stimuli, the monitor may provide another instance of stimuli which may include stimuli at an elevated intensity or additional and/or different stimuli. The additional instance of stimuli may further attempt to stimulate movement by the infant and may also function as an alert to the caregiver that their attention may be required.

Abstract: Described is an infant monitoring and alerting system capable of determining an absence of movement by an infant. When an absence of movement is detected the monitor attempts to stimulate movement using stimuli that may include a vibration, an audible alert, or a visual alert. If no movement is detected in response to the stimuli, the monitor may provide another instance of stimuli which may include stimuli at an elevated intensity or additional and/or different stimuli. The additional instance of stimuli may further attempt to stimulate movement by the infant and may also function as an alert to the caregiver that their attention may be required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental X-ray CT photographic device. In order to resolve this issue, the CT photographic device according to the present invention comprises: a column; a first facing part which is disposed oriented towards an object to be examined on one side of the column, and comprises one or other of an X-ray generator and an X-ray sensor; a rotational arm coupled in such a way as to be able to rotate through at least a predetermined angular range with respect to the column; and a second facing part which is disposed on the rotating arm, on the far side from the column, facing the first facing part with the object to be examined placed in between, and which comprises the other of an X-ray generator and an X-ray sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining the 3D location and orientation of a fiducial reference comprises disposing the fiducial reference so as to render a part of the fiducial reference observable by a tracker; obtaining from the tracker scan data of the part of the fiducial reference that is observable by the tracker; obtaining predetermined geometric information about location points on the fiducial reference, the geometric information containing three-dimensional coordinates of the location points relative to the structure of the fiducial reference; identifying within the scan data at least three location points having coordinates in the predetermined geometric information; and determining from the scan data and the coordinates of the three identified location points in the predetermined geometric information the 3D location and orientation of the fiducial reference.

Abstract: An intra-oral x-ray system combines several tube voltages with varying differences by a pulse method and emits the voltages in one x-ray irradiation to obtain an x-ray imaging with clear contrast. Before x-ray irradiation, the user can preset and save the tube voltage data in the x-ray system by the size of the patient, the area, the purpose of diagnosis and the detector sensitivity. The user can select the saved data or with discretion change the exposure conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device and, particularly, to an X-ray imaging device which is formed by pixelating a plurality of X-ray emitting elements for respectively emitting X-rays toward an object to be photographed and a plurality of X-ray detecting elements for respectively detecting X-rays passing through the object to be photographed, on the same or different flat surfaces or curved surfaces in a matrix.

Abstract: In a radiographic imaging apparatus, a radiation image of an object is detected by use of one of first and second electronic cassettes, to input the radiation image to the console device. The first electronic cassette is changed over between a normal transmission mode and a relay transmission mode. In the normal transmission mode, the radiation image is transmitted through a path from the first electronic cassette to the console device, and in the relay transmission mode, the radiation image is transmitted from the first electronic cassette to the second electronic cassette wirelessly and then from the second electronic cassette to the console device. Transmission of a radiation image can be performed reliably without unwanted interruption, because an indirect path of the relay transmission mode can be used even upon occurrence of a technical problem of inefficiency in the normal transmission mode.

Abstract: A device for a multimodal imaging examination of an object, in particular for a multimodal imaging examination of a living object, includes an object carrier for accommodating at least one object to be examined, an x-ray radiation source for emitting x-ray radiation, a first partial system for generating a first image of the object in a first image recording mode and a second partial system for generating a second image of the object in a second image recording mode. The first partial system has a direct digital x-ray detector which is configured to convert x-ray radiation modified by the object into a digital image of the object. The second partial system has a camera system which is configured to convert radiation in the visible wavelength range or UV wavelength range emanating from an object into a digital image of the object.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a housing configured to be hollow and extend along a first axial direction; a radiation emitter configured to be disposed in the housing and emit radiation along an optical axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction; protruding units configured to extend along a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction and the optical axial direction, and disposed to be fixed to both sides of the radiation emitter; and pressing units including an inclined unit disposed to contact at least one of the protruding units, so that the inclined unit and the at least one of the protruding units support each other.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiments includes a memory circuitry that stores a program, and a processing circuitry that reads out the program from the memory circuitry and executes the program. The processing circuitry sets a region of interest to be observed and a region of non-interest that is different from the region of interest based on volume data, and determines a trajectory of an arm that holds an X-ray irradiator that irradiates X-rays and a detector that detects the irradiated X-rays based on a relative positional relationship between the region of interest and the region of non-interest.

Abstract: A system and method for digital x-ray imaging. The method includes emitting a first and second collimated x-ray beam from an x-ray source disposed in a first and second position, respectively. The first and second collimated x-ray beam is directed onto an identified region of interest (ROI) wherein a first and second ROI image is captured, respectively, when the x-ray source is disposed in the first and second position, respectively. The first and second ROI images are processed to extract features from each of the first and second ROI images. The extracted features are analyzed, and an indicator of a disease is generated responsive to the extracted features. The indicator can be stored, displayed, or transmitted. The first and second x-ray sources can be the same or different x-ray sources.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display volumetric image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the generation of the 3-D volumetric image from measured 2-D images including the rendering parameters and styles, the choice of viewing directions and 2-D projection images based on the viewing directions, the layout of the projection images, and the formation of a video can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with sequential images making up a video displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters. The present invention allows for novel ways of viewing such images to detect microcalcifications and obstructions when reviewing Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and other volumetric mammography images.

Abstract: Embodiments are adapted for acquiring projection data from a computed tomography imaging system to form motion-corrected images of cyclically moving imaging subjects. Embodiments determine a start time and time duration of a data record with sufficient data for forming a motion-corrected image from the data record, without screening data records or images for motion artifacts. Some embodiments acquire data asynchronously with respect to the cyclical motion of the imaging subject, without using a signal such as an EKG to select a period of low subject motion for imaging. Other embodiments use a pulse signal synchronized to the imaging subject's motions to reduce an amount of data presented for image reconstruction, or to target a specific phase of the imaging subject's cyclical motion.

Abstract: A method, and a system when implementing a method, of reducing artefacts in image creation in 4D cone beam computed tomography (4DCBCT) images, the method comprising the steps of: (a) performing a 4DCBCT scan of a target patient including a series of spaced apart projections through the target patient, with each projection having an associated estimated or measured respiratory state; (b) initially dividing the series of projections into a corresponding series of respiratory bins, with each respiratory bin having projections substantially from a portion of a cyclic respiratory state; and (c) optimising the projections at the bounds of each respiratory bin so as to improve an image quality measure of the images.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes: an X-ray generator which emits X-rays; a controller which determines a first value based on a threshold dosage of the X-rays allowed for a subject and generates an absorbed-dose distribution diagram which indicates a location range of the subject in which, when the X-rays are irradiated to the subject based on an imaging condition, an absorbed dose of the X-ray has the first value; and an indicator showing the absorbed-dose distribution diagram.

Abstract: A system and method of dynamic virtual collision objects includes a control unit for a medical device. The control unit includes one or more processors and an interface coupling the control unit to the medical device. The control unit is configured to determine a position of a first movable segment of the medical device, a volume occupied by the first movable segment being approximated by one or more first virtual collision objects (VCOs); adjust, based on the position and motion goals for the medical device, one or more properties of the first VCOs; determine, based on the position and the properties, first geometries of the first VCOs; receive second geometries of one or more second VCOs associated with a second segment of a second device; determine relationships between the first VCOs and the second VCOs; and adjust, based on the relationships, a motion plan for the medical device.

Abstract: A first blood vessel diameter and a second blood vessel diameter are measured using a first ultrasonic probe and a second ultrasonic probe that are provided close to a blood vessel of a subject so as to be situated at a given distance (Lp). Characteristic phases of a pulse wave are determined from the peak of a second-order differential value of the first blood vessel diameter and the peak of a second-order differential value of the second blood vessel diameter, and the difference (?t) in pulse wave transit time is calculated from the difference in timing between the characteristic phases to calculate pulse wave velocity (PWV). A given calculation process that uses the pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the measured blood vessel diameter as variables is performed to calculate blood pressure.

Abstract: Existing gas pocket detection approaches are based on visual observations of B-mode ultrasound images showing comparisons between normal soft tissue and gas pockets, which are time-consuming and dependent on operator experience. The present invention proposes an ultrasound system and a method of detecting a gas pocket. The ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound probe (110) for transmitting an ultrasound signal toward the ROI and acquiring an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the ROI along a plurality of scanning lines; an obtaining unit (130) for obtaining a second harmonic component of the ultrasound echo signal for each depth of a plurality of depths along each scanning line of the plurality of scanning lines; and a deriving unit (140) for deriving a change in a center frequency of the second harmonic component along with the depth.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes: a piezoelectric film having a first surface in contact with a vibrating film and a second surface on the opposite side to the first surface; first and second electrodes that are provided on the second surface of the piezoelectric film and that are disposed at positions away from each other and are short-circuited to each other at a position away from the piezoelectric film; and a third electrode that is provided between the first and second electrodes on the second surface of the piezoelectric film and is disposed at a position away from the first and second electrodes. At least parts of the contours of end portions of the first and second electrodes are defined in parallel to side portions of the third electrode.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer probe unit (106) is disclosed. In an embodiment, the probe unit (106) includes a body (108) portion, at least one transducer element (201) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals and a lens element (1200) encapsulating a fluid medium to couple the ultrasonic signal from the at least one transducer element (201). The lens element (1200) includes at least one textured surface (1202) adapted to reduce reflections of the transmitted and/or received ultrasound signals.