Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.

Abstract: A laryngoscope having a blade with various motion functions. The motion functions can be invoked by pushbutton type controls on the handle of the laryngoscope, and can be accomplished mechanically, electrically, or in combination. In addition to one motion suitable for lifting the tongue, the blade can also be adjusted as to its direction of projection from the handle and distance from the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for tracking a fundamental frequency of a voice signal. A sampling device samples a voice signal of a test person for a predetermined period of time (S1), thus obtaining sampling data of the voice signal, forms a data packet from the sampling data (S2), and sends the data packet to a calculating device (S3). The calculating device receives the data packet (S5) and calculates a fundamental frequency of the voice signal by means of the sampling data contained in the data packet (S6). The sampling device sets a timer based on the fundamental frequency calculated by the calculating device and outputs a trigger signal upon expiration of the timer (S11).

Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the visualization of vasculature in OCT angiography data are presented. In one embodiment, vessels having a particular orientation relative to one or more reference surfaces are highlighted. In another embodiment, the path of individual vessels can be analyzed to determine how many or what layers the vessels traverse. In another embodiment, regions which are typically not vascularized are analyzed for the presence of vessels. Techniques to minimize the impact of shadow artifacts are also presented and can be applied to any of the visualization approaches for further enhancement.

Abstract: A method for display optimization includes receiving an image of a surgical site from an imaging system. The method further includes determining a region of interest at a first location within the image. The method further includes generating a surgical data overlay at a first position, the first position associated with the first location of the region of interest. The method further includes detecting that the region of interest has moved to a second location within the image. The method further includes, in response to detecting that the region of interest has moved to the second location, moving the surgical data overlay to a second position, the second position associated with the second location. The method further includes displaying the image and surgical data overlay to a user.

Abstract: An improved eye examination device for use of an eye examination is described herein. The device includes a support device enclosing a chin rest for an eye patient to place their chin in order for an eye professional/technician to examine at least one eye of the eye patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to vision compensating spectacles comprising means of support (130, 140, 152) on a wearer's face and at least one optical subassembly (110, 120) mounted on the support means (130, 140, 152) opposite at least one of the wearer's eyes. The optical subassembly (110, 120) comprises three optical elements mounted on the support means in series along an optical axis: a first optical element of cylindrical power for a direction of gaze of the wearer along the optical axis, a second optical element of cylindrical power for the said direction of gaze and a third optical element of variable spherical power for the said direction of gaze. The first optical element and the second optical element are adjustable in rotation about the optical axis independently of one another.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for aiding in the diagnosis of and response to conditions ranging from unpleasant to disabling. Images are presented to viewers and eye-tracking of their eyes during that process along with software analysis non-subjectively identify and quantify complex visual signatures formerly hidden in the responses of the eyes. This allows caregivers, when presenting these images to people to be evaluated for a condition, to identify, again with eye-tracking and software analysis, those signatures indicative of a presence or an absence of the condition. An associated remediative response provides treatment applicable to a real-time environment.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel apparatuses and methods for assessing the structure and function of photoreceptors in retina. In a specific embodiment, the assessment is accomplished by imaging rhodopsin, pigmented protein responsible for initiating vision acquisition of the eye, in living subjects. Advantageously, the technologies provided herein can be used for clinical evaluation of retinal photoreceptors for diagnosis, disease staging and follow-up, and outcome measurement for clinical trials of retinal degenerative disorders, including, for example, hereditary retinal degeneration and age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A fundus imaging system includes: an image sensor array, where the image sensor array includes monochrome photodiodes and global shutter control, an illumination unit with one or more light-emitting diodes that have one or more dies, a computing system including a processor and memory, one or more lenses, one or more reflective mirrors, and a display. In an example method of use, a clinician positions a patient, initiates a focal adjustment, initiates a retinal imaging process, and the same or a different clinician views the image. In some embodiments, the imaging system is configured to analyze the image and identify detected physical attributes in the image relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spectacle device (1) for capturing at least one parameter of at least one eye (10l, 10r) of a test person (31) wearing the spectacle device (1), the spectacle device (1) comprising a frame (4) configured to fix the spectacle device (1) to the head of the test person (31), at least one first capturing unit (3l, 3r) configured to optically capture the at least one parameter of the at least one eye (10l, 10r), and a second capturing unit (2) the optical capture range of which at least partly corresponds to an optical capture range of the at least one eye (10l, 10r) and which is configured to output data concerning a field of view (FOV1, FOV2) which is correlated with the optical capture range of the second capturing unit (2), wherein the field of view (FOV1, FOV2) is adjustable.

Abstract: A retinal imager for imaging a retina of an eye includes an illumination source operable to generate illumination light and a beam splitter operable to receive the illumination light and direct the illumination light along an optical axis. The retinal imager also includes a field lens disposed along the optical axis and an objective lens disposed along the optical axis and operable to contact a cornea of the eye. An aerial image is formed adjacent to the field lens. The retinal imager further includes an image sensor and one or more lenses disposed along the optical axis between the beam splitter and the image sensor. The one or more lenses are operable to form a sensor image at the image sensor.

Abstract: A hospital bed is programmable with new firmware that is downloaded to the bed over a network. The firmware is downloaded to the bed automatically from a remote computer device. The remote computer device receives a message from the hospital bed which includes data regarding the version number of the bed's current firmware, and if the version number indicates that the firmware is an outdated version, the remote computer device downloads a new version of the firmware to the bed.

Abstract: A method for automatically adding a first sensor device to a first personal area network in a healthcare application includes receiving a signal with out-of-band pairing data at the first sensor device. The first sensor device is disposed on a patient's body. The out-of-band pairing data is injected into the patient's body by a second sensor device disposed on the patient's body. Pairing data is extracted from the received signal at the first sensor device. Using the pairing data, the first sensor device is added to the first personal area.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for using environmental data to manage health care are disclosed. One aspect is an advanced patient management system. In various embodiments, the system includes at least one implantable medical device (IMD) to acquire at least one IMD parameter indicative of patient wellness, means to acquire at least one environmental parameter from at least one external source, and means to correlate the at least one parameter indicative of patient wellness and the at least one environmental parameter to assist with patient health care decisions. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A retrospective reconstruction method uses cardiac self-gating for patients with severe arrhythmias. Self-gated myocardial systolic and diastolic motion is determined from low-spatial and high-temporal resolution images and then the MRI-data-set is retrospectively reconstructed to obtain high quality images. The method uses undersampled image reconstruction to obtain the low-spatial and high-temporal resolution images, including those of different beat morphologies. Processing of these images is utilized to generate a cardiac phase signal. This signal allows for arrhythmia detection and cardiac phase sorting. The cardiac phase signal allows for detection of end-systolic and diastolic events which allows for improved sampling efficiency. In the case of frequent and severe arrhythmia, the method utilizes data from the normal and interrupted beats to improve sampling and image quality.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus comprises a receiver receiving an acoustic wave propagating inside an object and convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal; a scanning unit configured to causing the receiver to scan the object; a control unit configured to controlling operation of the scanning unit; a detection unit configured to detecting a status of the acoustic wave reception; and a processing unit for acquiring characteristic information on the inside of the object on the basis of the electric signal, wherein the control unit decides whether or not the operation of the scanning unit is changed, on the basis of a result of detection by the detection unit.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking temperature changes in tissue and bone is disclosed. In one aspect, the temperature changes are tracked simultaneously with high spatial encoding and temporal efficiency. The method is robust in terms of B0 and chemical shift off-resonance, as well as insensitive to eddy currents for accurate temperature mapping. Zero TE (ZTE) based MR thermometry is utilized herein to extract temperature changes from proton density and T1 weighted images. Additionally, T1 signal contamination is corrected for by calibrating T1 and B0 by using a variable flip angle method to achieve temperature mapping in bone, aqueous and adipose tissue simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes determining a temperature associated with a measurement site of the patient with a temperature device, and without contacting the patient with the device. The method also includes estimating a temperature of the patient based at least in part on the temperature associated with the measurement site. The temperature device includes a sensing element configured to determine the temperature associated with the measurement site, an imaging device, and a controller configured to estimate the temperature of the patient based on the temperature associated with the measurement site.

Abstract: A system and associated method is disclosed to monitor physiological activity of a subject. One or more sensors are positioned in or on a support, the support being adapted to receive the subject, at least a first one of the sensors being adapted to produce a first signal indicative of movement of the subject over time. Processing apparatus is adapted to identify first, second and third portions of the first signal. The first and third portions correspond to first and third time periods, respectively, during which the subject changes body position on the support. The second portion corresponds to a second time period, between the first and third time periods, during which substantially no change in body position of the subject on the support takes place.

Abstract: Provided in embodiments herein are computer-implemented methods and systems for respiratory monitoring.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs and motion from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a biological sensor configured to be disabled when removed from a patient. Other aspect of the subject disclosure may include decommissioning a biological sensor responsive to a system detecting that the biological sensor is no longer in use. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining information on a cardiovascular system based exclusively on measurements between two limbs and effected with a pair of distal electrodes on each limb. The measurement is made by causing an alternating current to flow between one electrode of each limb and measuring the potential difference between the other two electrodes, one also on each limb. This potential difference has a low frequency component which is an electrocardiogram (ECG) and another component having a frequency of the injected alternating current and from which an impedance plethysmogram (IPG) is extracted. The cardiovascular information is determined by measuring the time interval between any predefined characteristic element of the ECG and IPG.

Abstract: In a noninvasive system for measurement of heart rate and other heart-related characteristics a photoplethysmogram (PPG) obtained from a tissue is divided into several feature waveforms, each corresponding to a PPG window of a particular length. Conditioned features, containing frequency components specific to heart-related events, are derived from the features by modulating a carrier kernel with such features. The conditioned features are computationally collided with one or more Zyotons that are co-dependent with the conditioned features. For each conditioned feature, one or more collisions selectively amplify frequency components in features sourced from PPG, and respective energy change values are obtained from such amplified energy portions. The resulting energy change values are analyzed to determine a smallest time-window likely containing heart rate and other heart-related events in the PPG data stream.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a wearable electronic device, comprising: a first sensor configured to sense a movement of the electronic device; a second sensor configured to sense a biological signal for a user wearing the electronic device; and a processor configured to compute a movement value of the electronic device using the first sensor, to detect a resting state when the movement value lasts within a predetermined first threshold range during a first time period, and to configure biological information of the user based on a biological signal measured after detection of the resting state.

Abstract: An intraluminal microneurography probe has a probe body configured to be introduced into an artery near an organ of a body without preventing the flow of blood through the artery. An expandable sense electrode and an expandable stimulation electrode are fixed to the probe body at one end of each electrode such that movement of the other end toward the fixed end causes the sense electrode to expand from the probe body toward a wall of the artery. A ground electrode is configured to couple to the body, and a plurality of electrical connections are operable to electrically couple the electrodes to electrical circuitry. The sense electrode is operable to measure sympathetic nerve activity in response to excitation of the stimulation electrode. A radio frequency ablation element is located between the expandable sense electrode and expandable stimulation electrode, and is operable to ablate nerves proximate to the artery.

Abstract: A deployment control apparatus to control deployment of an array at an end of a catheter includes a pair of walls, a slider assembly, and a deployment shaft. The walls project from a first surface of the interior of a handle. The slider assembly includes a rigid body, an elastomeric element, a tab, and a knob. The elastomeric element is connected to the rigid body and at least partially disposed between the walls to frictionally engage with a surface of each wall. The knob is connected to the rigid body and is configured to maintain the elastomeric element between the walls. The deployment shaft connects the rigid body to the array, wherein a force applied to the knob sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the elastomeric element and the surface of each wall causes movement of the slider assembly and the deployment shaft to control deployment of the array.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating the electrical activity of the heart to identify novel ECG patterns closely linked to the subsequent development of serious heart rhythm disturbances and fatal cardiac events. Two approaches are describe, for example a model-based analysis and space-time analysis, which are used to study the dynamical and geometrical properties of the ECG data. In the first a model is derived using a modified Matching Pursuit (MMP) algorithm. Various metrics and subspaces are extracted to characterize the risk for serious heart rhythm disturbances, sudden cardiac death, other modes of death, and all-cause mortality linked to different electrical abnormalities of the heart. In the second method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions (e.g., 12 regions), the density of the ECG signal is computed in each region and input to a learning algorithm to associate them with these events.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring movements of a user, which may include: a sample pattern storing unit for storing one or more sample patterns which are obtained by patterning EEG waveforms and EMG values; a communication unit for receiving an EEG waveform and an EMG value of the user measured by the EEG and EMG sensors; a pattern normalizing unit for selecting sample patterns with the highest similarity to the received user's patterns among the stored sample patterns, and for normalizing the received user's patterns so that their amplitudes and periods coincide with those of the selected sample patterns; a movement estimating unit for estimating movement of the user by inputting the normalized EEG waveform and EMG value in an artificial neural network algorithm; and a movement determining unit for calculating the user's movement by applying each weight value of the EEG and EMG to each movement estimation value.

Abstract: Bridge connectors employing flexible planar bodies having signal pathways coupling control devices with biometric sensors are disclosed. Sensors are placed in contact with a patient to detect a health condition and generate an output signal based on the health condition. A control device is linked to the sensors to receive the output signal for collection, analysis, storage, display, and/or subsequent transfer. A bridge connector includes a planar body with predetermined flexibility and signal pathways extending between data ports. By removably coupling the bridge connector to the control device and the sensors secured to the patient, the control device may be physically supported by the patient with minimal discomfort and low-cost biometric sensors may be used. In this manner, sensor replacement costs are reduced and the useful lives of the sensors can be maximized as the designed flexibility of the bridge connector facilitates removable coupling with the biometric sensors.

Abstract: Techniques for determining paced cardiac depolarization waveform morphological templates are described. For example, an implantable medical device (IMD) may sense a cardiac electrogram of a heart, identify cardiac depolarizations within the cardiac electrogram, and determine that the cardiac depolarizations are paced cardiac depolarizations resulting from delivery of a pacing pulse to the heart by another IMD without detecting the pacing pulse and without communicating with the other IMD. The IMD may identify paced cardiac depolarization waveforms of the paced cardiac depolarizations, determine a paced cardiac depolarization waveform morphological template based on the identified paced cardiac depolarization waveforms, determine a normal cardiac depolarization waveform morphological template based on the paced cardiac depolarization waveform morphological template, and compare the normal cardiac depolarization waveform morphological template to subsequent cardiac depolarization waveforms.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable body configured for implantation in a subgaleal extracranial position, the implantable body including a first electrode array including a first elongated body comprising first and second electrode contacts separated from one another by a distance selected to facilitate the detection of brain electrical activity and a unit coupled to the first electrode array. The unit includes a processor analyzing the detected brain electrical activity to determine whether an epileptic event has occurred and generating epileptic event data based on this determination and a transceiver controlled by the processor to wirelessly transmit epileptic event data to and from a remote computing device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for monitoring electrical signals of the brain. In one aspect, a system for monitoring electrical brain activity associated with visual field of a user includes a sensor unit to acquire electroencephalogram (EEG) signals including a plurality of EEG sensors attached to a casing attachable to the head of a user, a visual display unit attachable to the head of the user over the user's eyes to present visual stimuli, in which the visual stimuli is configured to evoke multifocal steady-state visual-evoked potentials (mfSSVEP) in the EEG signals exhibited by the user acquired by the sensor unit, and a data processing unit in communication with the sensor unit and the visual display unit to analyze the acquired EEG signals and produce an assessment of the user's visual field, in which the assessment indicates if there is a presence of visual field defects in the user's visual field.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing motility disorders of a gastrointestinal tract of a body. The method can include measuring electrical signals from the gastrointestinal tract while the patient is engaged in normal daily activities, recording the measured electrical signals on a portable electronic device carried by the body, recording by the patient in real time one or more symptoms of the body and analyzing characteristics of the recorded electrical signals with the recorded symptoms of the body to diagnosis gastrointestinal disorders of the body. Apparatus for use therewith and methods for treatment thereof are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for rapid 3D dynamic arterial spin labeling with a sparse model-based image reconstruction are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring magnetic resonance data associated with an area of interest of a subject. The magnetic resonance data includes associated with arterial spin labeling (ASL) of the area of interest. The method also includes performing image reconstruction on the acquired resonance data. The image reconstruction includes compressed sensing enforcing a model-based sparsity constraint, where the model-based sparsity constraint is based on an ASL signal prototype dictionary.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing diffusion data for identification of white matter tracts in the brain of a patient is provided herein. The method involves, with a processor: generating a connectivity based representation of white matter fibers for multiple different subjects from the connectivity signatures of the fibers from a diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) without using the physical coordinates of the fibers; generating a fiber bundle atlas from the connectivity based fiber representation of (a) which define a model of the human brain; adaptively clustering fibers of a new patient utilizing the fiber bundle atlas of (b) to extract white matter tracts without manual intervention in the form of drawing regions of interest; and presenting the selected white matter tracts and diffusion data in a report or on a display device. This method and apparatus can be used even for patients having edema or brain perturbations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing fast multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) are provided. In general, data are acquired from both multiple echo times (“TEs”) and at multiple effective inversion times (“TIs”). Following the application of a magnetization preparation radio frequency (“RF”) pulse, a plurality of different multi-echo acquisitions are performed, thereby acquiring data from multiple different TEs during different portions of the longitudinal magnetization recovery curve. Data acquisition in these inner encoding loops (i.e., during each multi-echo acquisition] can be accelerated to efficiently provide for the acquisition of multiple contrasts in the time normally required to acquire a single contrast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of changes in impedance a patient that includes generating measured impedances, generating an adaptive baseline trend of the measured impedances corresponding to a first time period, generating a short term trend of the measured impedances corresponding to a second time period less than the first time period, determining changes in relative position of the short term trend and the baseline trend, the determined changes in relative position corresponding to determining intersecting of the baseline trend by the short term trend, determining differences between the baseline trend and calculated period average impedances, and accumulating, in response to determining no intersecting of the baseline trend by the short term trend, the determined differences between the baseline trend and the calculated period average impedances.

Abstract: A system and method for catheter placement using ECG is provided. In certain embodiments, the system and method can generate a patient specific window for tracking a characteristic of an ECG waveform, such as the amplitude of a P-wave. The patient specific window can be utilized in a system and method for assisting in the placement of a catheter within a patient. In other embodiments, a tip location algorithm can be used with an anti-thrombogenic catheter and an intravascular electrode assembly for maintaining a high resolution intravascular signal in an ECG based catheter tip placement system.

Abstract: A medical system (100) is disclosed that provides a respiratory-based control of at least one medical procedure. In this regard, the medical system (100) includes one or more appropriate sensors (108) for providing respiratory data on a patient (104). This respiratory data is utilized by respiration assessment logic (116) to determine if the respiratory data has exceeded one or more respiration thresholds and which may be equated with a “sudden” respiratory event. Identification of such a sudden respiratory event by the logic (116) results in the suspension of the noted medical procedure. Patient respiration data may also be displayed, for instance in a color that depends upon its magnitude or level.

Abstract: A physiological information measuring apparatus includes: a display controller that, based on information indicating a respiration interval of a patient, is configured to produce a respiration interval graph in which a first axis indicates time information, and a second axis indicates a length of the respiration interval, and that is configured to control a displaying section to display the respiration interval graph, the display controller that is configured to reset a value of the second axis of the respiration interval graph, at each time when the respiration interval starts.

Abstract: A device for capturing and concentrating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a sample of breath air. The device includes an intake for accepting an air sample; a disposable mouth piece; a sensor array for measuring physical parameters of the air sample; an exhaled air sampler for capturing a pre-determined volume of air; a concentrator for concentrating VOCs in the air sample; and an ionic liquid collector, the latter of which may be removed from the device. The ionic liquid collector, which may have one compartment or multiple compartments, includes at least one ionic liquid. Analysis of VOCs in the ionic liquid or liquids may identify biomarkers that can provide a medical diagnosis for a human patient based on a sample of breath air.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems to identify a user of a wearable fitness monitor using data obtained using the wearable fitness monitor. Data obtained from motion sensors of the wearable fitness monitor and data obtained from heartbeat waveform sensors of the wearable fitness monitor may be used to identify the user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems to recognize a user of a wearable fitness monitor using information obtained using the wearable fitness monitor. Motion data obtained from motion sensors of the wearable fitness monitor may be used to recognize or authenticate the user.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes first and second of mutually displaceable elastic members each having a respective electrically conductive surface separated by a thin elastic dielectric. Variations in area of pressure-induced contact between the first and second members are used to vary capacitance of the sensor that allows determination of differential pressure between the two elastic members. Both of the elastic members have respective projections, the projections of the first elastic member being disposed in interlocking relationship with the projections of the second elastic member and configured so that as the elastic members are pressed toward each other their respective projections progressively engage and create increasing areas of contact.

Abstract: Revealed are the algorithms for a purely objective, reliable and reproducible mobility assessment tool (MAT) system with computerized fuzzy-logic algorithms that administer complex bio- mechanical assessments of a subject's static and dynamic balance and locomotion during performing 8 movements, by the administration of those algorithms to the skeleton nodal data stream representation of the movements derived from the 3-D video data stream observations or recordings of the subject performing the movements according to established kinesiology mobility standards. Each specific movement is measured as a function of 13 specific features' values that are determined by that function's algorithms for which there are adjustable parameters that allow calibrating the range limits of each feature's value of the assessments for select populations including gender, age, athleticism, and injury or disease subgroups.

Abstract: A device for introducing at least one antimicrobial in an exposed region of a user's skin caused while accessing interstitial fluid includes a substrate having thereon at least one electrically controllable microheating element including at least a microheater portion with multiple electrodes connected to the microheater portion for forming a micropore in the user's skin. A nanofiber mat loaded with at least one antimicrobial material is arranged on the substrate such that it contacts the user's skin and encircles an opening of the micropore formed by the microheating element. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one antimicrobial material is LL-37.

Abstract: The subject device and associated system relates generally to assessing impairment of an individual to determine whether to provide access to operate a motor vehicle, providing an ignition interlock that works without requiring modification in a motor vehicle and allowing an individual to start the vehicle only following measurement of blood alcohol content or following a series of cognitive tasks to determine the level of impairment. The systems and devices described herein relate incorporate a shielded case designed to disable communication between wireless car keys and the corresponding motor vehicles. This method of achieving an ignition interlock can be combined with a breathalyzer, or with a fingerprint alcohol sensor, or with cognitive tests running on a mobile computing device.