Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope configured to be introduced into a subject and having a magnetic field response unit configured to respond to a magnetic field and having an imaging unit configured to image an object; a magnetic field generating unit configured to generate the magnetic field to guide the capsule endoscope; an input unit configured to input commands for changing at least one of a position and a posture of the capsule endoscope; a setting unit configured to set a reference distance between the imaging unit and the object; a detection unit configured to detect a distance between the object and the imaging unit; and a magnetic field controller configured to control the magnetic field generating unit to generate the magnetic field based on the distance and the commands while a difference between the distance and the reference distance is maintained within a certain range.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: a chip size package having an image sensor that has a light receiving unit on a front side of the image sensor, the chip size package having connection lands on a back side of the image sensor; a circuit board having connection electrodes being electrically and mechanically connected to the connection lands of the chip size package through bumps; and an underfill material filled into a gap between the chip size package and the circuit board. The circuit board and the underfill material are provided within a projection plane on which the chip size package is projected in an optical axis direction of the image sensor. The circuit board has a cutout portion on a side surface thereof orthogonal to a connection surface of the circuit board with the chip size package such that the cutout portion is open to at least the connection surface.

Abstract: A biological observation system includes: a light source section generating illumination light including at least first illumination light with a center wavelength from a red region to a near infrared region of a visible region; a light detection section receiving return light emitted from a region to be observed to which the illumination light is applied and outputting an output signal; a signal processing section generating a frequency spectrum signal indicating a frequency spectrum of the return light emitted from the region to be observed according to application of the first illumination light; an image generation section generating an intensity image based on the output signal and generate a frequency spectrum image based on the frequency spectrum signal; and a display control section generating and displaying an observation image of the region to be observed by using the intensity image and the frequency spectrum image.

Abstract: A washing system includes a cylindrical body portion which is prepared for each kind of insertion portion and a supply hole portion which is provided in the body portion to communicate with the inside of the body portion and which supplies a fluid to an opening portion of an insertion portion housed in the body portion. The washing system includes a supply mechanism which is shared by the body portion corresponding to each insertion portion that is prepared which supplies the fluid to the supply hole portion and which is attachable to and detachable from the supply hole portion.

Abstract: One aspect comprises a laryngoscope assembly with a handle and a blade, the blade including a cavity housing a lighting system, and a cover locked in place over the cavity via a snap-latch, wherein at least the blade is molded from a semi-crystalline polymer. Another aspect comprises a laryngoscope assembly with a handle and a blade extending from the handle, the blade including a cavity, and a lighting system housed within the cavity and including a light source, power source, activation device, and switch, wherein at least the blade is molded from polyarylamide.

Abstract: A bendable tube segment includes annular members and wire insertion portions. The wire insertion portion is provided on the annular member to shift by a third angle, which is an obtuse angle smaller than a first angle, in the same direction as the first angle. The wire insertion portion is provided on the annular member to shift by a fourth angle, which is an acute angle larger than a second angle, in the same direction as the second angle.

Abstract: A supercontinuum light source can comprise a seed laser arranged to provide seed pulses with a pulse frequency Fseed; a pulse frequency multiplier (PFM) arranged to multiply the seed pulses by converting pulses having the pulse frequency Fseed to pump pulses with a pulse frequency Fpump, where Fpump is larger than Fseed; and a non-linear element arranged to receive said pump pulses and convert said pump pulses to pulses of supercontinuum light. The PFM can further comprise a splitter for splitting pulses into first and second sub beams each having the same pulse frequency, where the PFM is configured such that the sub beams experience different delays; and a combiner for combining said first and second sub beams into a beam having the pulse frequency that is greater than said same pulse frequency. The splitter can have an uneven splitter ratio. The disclosure includes other embodiments as well.

Abstract: A method and a system of enhancing ganglion cell function using a gaming environment corresponding to a physical activity. The method and system may be used to implement one or more processes to improve a person's visual processing profile. In particular, the method and system may be used to improve a player's skill in the corresponding physical activity.

Abstract: Mobile computer devices and systems for refraction determination of an eye, for example for objective refraction determination and/or subjective refraction determination, are provided. Here, a display of the mobile computer device can be driven to display an image for refraction determination.

Abstract: A lens wearable in an eye of a user can indicate intraocular pressure of the eye. The wearable lens includes a substrate containing anthocyanins. The substrate is formed by polymerization of a hydrophilic monomer and a hydrated polymer under the effects of a photoinitiator and a cross-linking agent. The anthocyanins in the substrate change color according to the pH of the eye, and the pH of the eye is determined according to the intraocular pressure of the eye.

Abstract: A personal health monitor, including: (a) a physiological data input device operative to gather physiological data; and (b) a multi-purpose personal data accessory, whereas the multi-purpose personal data accessory is adapted to execute health monitoring software such as to enable the multi-purpose personal data accessory to receive the physiological data, process the physiological data to provide processed physiological data and control a long range transmission of the processed physiological data to a remote entity; wherein the physiological data input device controls a transmission of the physiological data to the multi-purpose personal data accessory.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a possibility of a stress fracture in a patient's bone by applying a vibration of a selected frequency to a patient at a selected anatomical location and analyzing the resulting vibration detected at another anatomical location. Analysis may be based on a database. A probability of the existence of a fracture may be displayed. System software may provide usage instructions.

Abstract: A force detecting apparatus includes a button and a force sensor. The button is configured to press a biological tissue. The force sensor is disposed between the button and the biological tissue for detecting a force variation between the button and the biological tissue.

Abstract: A non-invasive measurement of biological tissue reveals information about the function of that tissue. Polarized light is directed onto the tissue, stimulating the emission of fluorescence, due to one or more endogenous fluorophors in the tissue. Fluorescence anisotropy is then calculated. Such measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are then used to assess the functional status of the tissue, and to identify the existence and severity of disease states. Such assessment can be made by comparing a fluorescence anisotropy profile with a known profile of a control.

Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for monitoring and visualising electrical activity of biological tissue. The device uses a sensor arrangement comprising a matrix of conductive sensors and a transducing element for transducing electric fields in a variation of an optical property. In use, electric fields generated by the biological tissue are sensed by the sensor arrangement and transduced by the transducing element for optical imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optoacoustic probe with a coated transducer assembly. The probe includes a transducer assembly with a multi-layer coating on the active end thereof. The multi-layer coating includes a layer of parylene and at least two layers of metal. In an embodiment, the multi-layer coating includes a layer of nickel, at least one layer of parylene, and a layer of gold.

Abstract: A biometric information sensor includes a flexible substrate, an adhesive, a heartbeat signal detector, an electrocardiographic signal detector, a pulse wave detector, and a signal processor. The signal processor calculates an electrocardiographic peak estimated value resulting from estimating the wave of an electrocardiographic signal detected by the electrocardiographic signal detector from a heartbeat signal detected by the heartbeat signal detector based on the heartbeat signal and the electrocardiographic signal. The signal processor estimates a pulse wave transmit time based on the calculated electrocardiographic peak estimated value a photoplethysmographic signal detected by the pulse wave detector.

Abstract: A pulse wave measuring device includes a signal divider configured to divide a first corrected signal and a second corrected signal into a plurality of segments, respectively, each of which corresponds to a cycle of a pulse wave of a living body, the first corrected signal and the second corrected signal being results obtained through a first correction and a second correction respectively using a first signal and a second signal that are extracted from image data and that change in association with the pulse wave; an influence degree calculator configured to calculate a value indicating a degree of a noise influence in each of the first corrected signal and the second corrected signal for each of the plurality of segments; and a peak time detector configured to detect a time of occurrence of a peak in one of the first corrected signal or the second corrected signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

Abstract: A device and a system for physiological measurements are disclosed. The device includes two light-emitting units and a detection unit. Each one of the two light-emitting units provides a light beam projecting to respective one of two positions of a limb. The detection unit receives the reflected lights from the projected positions of the limb and transfers the received lights out as measuring signals.

Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic activity of a user. In one example, the device has a sensor, and executes a calibration process using data received from the sensor to determine a correct positioning of the device on the user.

Abstract: Epidermal electronics are sensors with mechanical properties matching human epidermis. Their manufacturing process includes photolithography and dry and wet etching within cleanroom facilities. The high cost of manpower, materials, photo masks, and facilities greatly hinders the commercialization potential of disposable epidermal electronics. In contrast, an embodiment of the invention includes a low cost, high throughput, bench top “cut-and-paste” method to complete the freeform manufacture of epidermal sensor system (ESS) in minutes. This versatile method works for many types of thin metal and polymeric sheets and is compatible with many tattoo adhesives or medical tapes. The resultant ESS is highly multimaterial and multifunctional and may measure ECG, EMG, skin temperature, skin hydration, as well as respiratory rate. Also, a stretchable planar coil made of serpentine ribbons can be used as a wireless strain gauge and/or a near field communication (NFC) antenna. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, at least four EOG electrodes are provided with the periphery of user's eyes. The left eye side electrodes and the right eye side electrodes are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical line passing the middle of a line connecting the centers of both eyes. Two electrodes above and two electrodes below the line connecting the centers of both eyes are arranged to avoid area AXL including an inflection point where an EOG detection polarity differs in the right and left of a vertical line passing the center of the left eye and area AXR including an inflection point where an EOG detection polarity differs in the right and left of a vertical line passing the center of the right eye.

Abstract: Electrooculogram (EOG) detection methods and EOG detection apparatuses are described. The EOG detection method can comprise: acquiring at least one EOG signal of a blink of at least one eye of a user; and analyzing the at least one EOG signal to determine whether the blink is a protective blink. A basis is thus provided for further applications of an eye movement detection technology by determining, according to an EOG signal of a user, whether a blink of the user is a protective blink.

Abstract: An electronic device for analyzing bio-electrical impedance includes a current generator, a calibration load, a switch circuit, and a processor. The current generator generates a source current. The calibration load includes an impedance component. The switch circuit provides the source current to the calibration load or outputs the source current to an outside of the electronic device. The processor controls the switch circuit such that the source current is provided to the calibration load in response to a request for analyzing the bio-electrical impedance, and controls the switch circuit such that the source current is output to the outside of the electronic device when a voltage value of a test voltage that is provided between both ends of the calibration load according to the source current is included in a reference range.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus for diagnosis generates a closed curve which precisely reproduces the shape of the indwelled stent and the shape of the inner wall of the biological tissue at the indwelling position of the stent. The optical imaging apparatus analyzes intensity change in transmission direction of the light from the transmission and reception unit for every one of the respective line data; based on the result of the analysis detects pixel data expressing the stent position in the transmission direction; labels each pixel data expressing the detected stent position; eliminates, within the respective labeling groups applied with the same labels, labeling groups in each of which the number of pixel data in the circumferential direction is a predetermined value or less; calculates center position for each labeling group not eliminated; and generates a stent closed-curve using the center position of each labeling group.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically triggering wireless power and data exchange between an external reader and an implanted sensor. The implanted sensor may measure the strength of an electrodynamic field received wirelessly from the reader and convey field strength data based on the measured strength of the received electrodynamic field to the reader. If the field strength data indicates that the strength of an electrodynamic field received by the sensor is sufficient for the implanted sensor to perform an analyte measurement, the reader may convey an analyte measurement command to the sensor, which may execute the analyte measurement command and convey measurement information back to the reader. The systems and methods may trigger the analyte measurement as the reader transiently passes within sufficient range/proximity to the implant (or vice versa).

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a signal that indicates a respiration rate of a patient are provided. Differential sinusoidal current signals having a modulation frequency are generated. The differential current signals are passed between electrodes in contact with a patient's chest. A voltage signal is received based on the passing of the differential current signals between the electrodes. The voltage signal includes a sinusoidal voltage at the modulation frequency with an amplitude that varies based on the patient's respiration. An output signal including a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component is generated by multiplying the voltage signal by a sinusoidal signal. The sinusoidal signal has the modulation frequency. The output signal is filtered to remove the high-frequency component, and the filtered output signal includes a waveform with characteristics indicative of a respiration rate of the patient. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Under one aspect, an apparatus for analyzing the skin of a subject includes a hyperspectral sensor for obtaining a hyperspectral image of the subject. The apparatus further includes a control computer that is in electronic communication with the hyperspectral sensor and which controls at least one operating parameter of the hyperspectral sensor. The control computer includes a processor unit and a computer readable memory. The memory includes executable instructions for controlling the at least one operating parameter of the hyperspectral sensor. The memory includes executable instructions for applying a wavelength dependent spectral calibration standard constructed for the hyperspectral sensor to a hyperspectral image collected by the hyperspectral sensor. The apparatus further includes a light source that illuminates the skin of the subject for the hyperspectral sensor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring size of lesion from an image photographed by using a photographing device such as an endoscope. An image shown with lesion is shown on a screen, a lesion area is confirmed from the image shown on the screen, and the size of lesion area is calculated and displayed based on designated scale, whereby the size of lesion can be accurately provided, which is conducive to medical doctors in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a person may include a person-worn sensor device including at least one sensor (e.g., at least one accelerometer, magnetometer, altimeter, etc.) configured to collect sensor data and a processor to process data from the person-worn sensor device. The processor may be configured to determine or access an orientation of a physical support apparatus (e.g., bed, table, wheelchair, chair, sofa, or other structure for supporting the person), receive sensor data collected by the person-worn sensor device, calculate an orientation of the person relative to the physical support apparatus based on (a) the orientation of the physical support apparatus and (b) the sensor data collected by the person-worn sensor device, and identify, based on the determined orientation of the person relative to the physical support apparatus, a physical support apparatus exit condition indicating an occurrence or anticipated occurrence of the person exiting the physical support apparatus.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining a physiological activity signal in a subject using various movement sensors that each transmit a temporal movement signal, a physiological reference signal is determined from the various movement signals that best depicts a physiological movement of the subject, the movement sensor that generates the physiological reference signal is identified as a physiological reference sensor, at least one physiological addition signal is determined from the temporal movement signals that is similar to the physiological reference signal up to a limit, and the physiological reference signal and the at least one addition signal are added to form the physiological activity signal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for performing automated visual motor response assessment by receiving motor response input responsive to presenting visual stimulation, the method including: presenting a scene to a subject on a display; modulating contrast of a predetermined section of the scene; moving the predetermined section relative to the scene; providing a manual input device for tracking movement of the predetermined section; receiving tracked movement data from the manual input device; measuring a kinematic parameter of the tracked movement data; quantitatively refining the tracked movement; determining a relationship between at least one of the scene and quantitatively refined tracked movement; adjusting modulated contrast relative to the quantitatively refined tracked movement; and calculating a critical threshold parameter in relation to a subject.

Abstract: A device and method for the continuous monitoring of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) levels on an individual worker uses as a pair of earpieces each featuring an external microphone, an internal microphone and a pair of miniature receivers. An adaptive filtering noise rejection processing of the measured distortion product OAE (DPOAE) is used to further improve the Signal-to-Noise ratio in frequencies where passive isolation remains insufficient. The adaptive filtering noise rejection technique relies on a Normalized Least-Mean-Square (NLMS) algorithm that uses the ipsilateral external microphone and the contralateral internal microphone to reject the noise from the measured DPOAE signals for each in-ear OAE probe. A DPOAE signal extraction algorithm provides for an increase in results reliability on a greater dynamic range in DPOAE magnitudes than known methods of DPOAE signal extraction.

Abstract: In a method for examining the faculty of hearing for at least one ear of a mammal, in which growth curves are determined on the basis of the measurement of DPOAE's evoked by pairs of excitation signals (f1, f2) for different excitation frequencies f2, the ear is presented with first excitation signals with a first excitation frequency f1 and a first noise level L1 and secondary excitation signals with a second excitation frequency f2 and a second noise level L2. Pulse pairs with a first pulse of the first excitation signal and a second pulse of the second excitation signal are presented in the ear, and the DPOAE's evoked thereby are captured and evaluated. A set of at least two different pulse pairs with different second excitation frequencies f2 is presented in one block that is repeated several times during a measuring period.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen availability to implantable devices. The preferred embodiments provide a membrane system configured to provide protection of the device from the biological environment and/or a catalyst for enabling an enzymatic reaction, wherein the membrane system includes a polymer formed from a high oxygen soluble material. The high oxygen soluble polymer material is disposed adjacent to an oxygen-utilizing source on the implantable device so as to dynamically retain high oxygen availability to the oxygen-utilizing source during oxygen deficits. Membrane systems of the preferred embodiments are useful for implantable devices with oxygen-utilizing sources and/or that function in low oxygen environments, such as enzyme-based electrochemical sensors and cell transplantation devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensor calibration and sensor glucose (SG) fusion are used advantageously to improve the accuracy and reliability of orthogonally redundant glucose sensor devices, which may include optical and electrochemical glucose sensors. Calibration for both sensors may be achieved via fixed-offset and/or dynamic regression methodologies, depending, e.g., on sensor stability and Isig-Ratio pair correlation. For SG fusion, respective integrity checks may be performed for SG values from the optical and electrochemical sensors, and the SG values calibrated if the integrity checks are passed. Integrity checks may include checking for sensitivity loss, noise, and drift. If the integrity checks are failed, in-line sensor mapping between the electrochemical and optical sensors may be performed prior to calibration.

Abstract: A system and method for noninvasively determining the oxygenation of a tissue, for example, a muscle, in vivo uses optical methods to optically interrogate the tissue in both a visible wavelength range and a near infrared (NIR) wavelength range. The illuminating light is sculpted in intensity to approximately match the absorbance spectrum, for example, with the visible light having an intensity an order of magnitude greater than the NIR light. Training data is obtained from healthy patients in both the visible and NIR ranges simultaneously and used to calculate muscle oxygenation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: FIG.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring lifting capacity are described. An apparatus for measuring lifting capacity has a container having an open top, opposed parallel side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a base extending between the walls which defines an open space between the walls; and a handle removably attached to the base. The handle includes a bottom plate; a rod that extends vertically from the bottom plate, and a grip portion that is configured to connect to a locking means formed in a top portion of the rod.

Abstract: A method, comprising receiving at least one of a signal relating to a first cardiac activity and a signal relating to a first body movement from a patient; triggering at least one of a test of the patient's responsiveness, awareness, a second cardiac activity, a second body movement, a spectral analysis test of the second cardiac activity, and a spectral analysis test of the second body movement, based on at least one of the signal relating to the first cardiac activity and the signal relating to the first body movement; determining an occurrence of an epileptic event based at least in part on said one or more triggered tests; and performing a further action in response to said determination of said occurrence of said epileptic event. Further methods allow classification of epileptic events. Apparatus and systems capable of implementing the method.

Abstract: Introduced here is technology to monitor moisture levels in a hygiene product, such as tampons, pads, menstrual cups, child diapers, adult diapers etc. According to one embodiment, a moisture sensor is inserted inside a feminine hygiene product. The moisture sensor is connected to a wearable device that gathers the moisture data and sends the data to a mobile device, such as a cell phone. The cell phone generates notifications to the user, such as percentage saturation of the feminine hygiene product, message to change the feminine hygiene product, expected start and end dates of the next menstrual cycle, etc. According to another embodiment, the moisture sensor can be inserted in other hygiene products, such as child diapers or adult diapers, to measure the amount of urination, defecation, or other excretions, and to generate notifications to the user, the user's caretaker, or a third party.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for defining a balance between physical activity and rest for a user. The method comprises collecting sensor data indicative of a measure of activity performed and rest taken by the user as a function of time; analyzing the sensor data to distinguish sedentary stages from stages of activity or rest; assigning a level to a given stage of activity or rest; evaluating a plurality of activity-rest parameters for the user; and calculating an activity-rest score from the plurality of activity-rest parameters, so as to provide a feedback indicating a status of the balance between the physical activity and the rest.

Abstract: A breath detection method includes the steps of: receiving a PPG signal; recognizing a low frequency carrier of the PPG signal; recognizing a rising part of the low frequency carrier and a falling part of the low frequency carrier, wherein a frequency of the low frequency carrier represents a breathing cycle period of a user, the rising part represents one of a breathing out state and a breathing in state of the user, and the falling part represents the other one of the breathing out state and the breathing in state; and real-timely outputting at least one of the breathing cycle period, the breathing out state or the breathing in state.

Abstract: A method of controlling an anti-snoring device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of capturing sound data within a period of time, sampling the sound data continuously, extracting multiple sound characteristic sections arising periodically from the sound data, and activating the anti-snoring device to stop snoring when the repeated occurrence count of the sound characteristic sections reach a threshold value.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing homeostatic capacity in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include modulating synchrony, e.g., via modulating communication and/or coordination, among two or more distinct homeostatic systems of the subject in a manner sufficient to enhance homeostatic capacity of the subject. Also provided are devices configured for use in practicing the methods. Aspects of the invention further include methods of treating a subject for a condition via enhancement of homeostatic capacity. The methods and devices described herein find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing homeostatic capacity in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include increasing the amplitude of an input resultant response of a homeostatic system component of the subject in a manner sufficient to enhance homeostatic capacity of the subject. Also provided are devices configured for use in practicing the methods. Aspects of the invention further include methods of treating a subject for a condition via enhancement of homeostatic capacity. The methods and devices described herein find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method and system for nerve identification, monitoring, location marking, and location recognition system used during laparoscopic surgery