Abstract: Structures and techniques are provided for shaping or steering a light field for an optical biological parameter sensor such that the light is partially or wholly collimated and enters a person's skin at an oblique angle to the person's skin such that the light has a direction component oriented towards or away from a photodetector of the optical biological parameter sensor.

Abstract: A heart rate measurement device applies a heart rate measurement method for measuring heart rates of a subject. The heart rate measurement device includes a microprocessor, a photoplethysmography sensing module electrically connected with and controlled by the microprocessor, a triaxial accelerometer sensor electrically connected with the microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. The photoplethysmography sensing module senses biological signals of the subject. The triaxial accelerometer sensor senses whether the subject is in a motion status and sends sensing results to the microprocessor. The analog-to-digital converter is electrically connected with the microprocessor and the photoplethysmography sensing module. The analog-to-digital converter converts the biological signals into digital signals and sends the digital signals to the microprocessor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the frequency of a cardiovascular pulse based on a first physiological signal that is continuously available and a second physiological signal that is less available and that is more accurate or otherwise improved relative to the first signal with respect to pulse rate estimation. When the second signal is available it controls the determination of the pulse rate. When the second signal is unavailable, the first signal is used to determine the pulse rate. This can include using the first signal to estimate the pulse rate until the second signal is available, at which point the pulse rate is estimated based on the second physiological signal. Alternatively, the first signal could be used to determine a number of candidate pulse rates, and the second signal could be used to select a pulse rate from the set of candidate pulse rates.

Abstract: A biological information detecting device includes at least one light emitting section, a first light receiving section, a second light receiving section, and a processing section configured to acquire biological information on the basis of at least one a first detection signal acquired from the first light receiving section and a second detection signal acquired from the second light receiving section. The processing section switches an operation mode to one of a first operation mode for acquiring the biological information on the basis of the first detection signal and the second detection signal and a second operation mode for acquiring the biological information on the basis of one detection signal of the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-step approach to providing a BCI system. In a first step the invention provides a low-power implantable platform for amplifying and filtering the extracellular recording, performing analogue to digital conversion (ADC) and detecting action potentials in real-time, which is connected to a remote device capable of performing the processor-intensive tasks of feature extraction and spike classification, thus generating a plurality of predetermined templates for each neuron to be used in a second processing step. In the second step the low-power implantable platform amplifies and filters the extracellular recording, performs ADC and detects action potentials, which can be matched on-chip to the predetermined templates generated by the external receiver in the first step.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal electrode includes forming a resist pattern of which upper portion has a wider width than a lower portion thereof, forming an insulating layer for molding on the resist pattern, removing the resist pattern, thereby forming a mold, and forming, in the mold, a metal electrode including an alloy of a first metal and a second metal.

Abstract: A nerve monitoring system facilitates monitoring an integrity of a nerve.

Abstract: An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a disposable multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and stores the signals in memory in the monitor. The processor also analyzes the received ECG signals for predefined arrhythmia. If an arrhythmia is detected, a bi-directional wireless transceiver in the ECG monitor transmits the event information and an ECG strip to a cellphone handset. The cellphone handset automatically relays the event information and ECG strip to a monitoring center for further diagnosis and necessary intervention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for an apparatus for opportunistic measurements of a user's physiological context. In one instance, an apparatus may comprise a hand-held device, and include a surface that includes two or more electrodes disposed on the surface to contact with portions of the user's hands when the hands are in contact with the surface while the user holds the hand-held device, to obtain signals to be used to determine a physiological context of the user. The device may further include circuitry coupled with the two or more electrodes to identify at least two of the electrodes that are in contact with the user's respective portions of hands and, on identification, collect the signals to determine the physiological context using the identified electrodes while the contact between the portions of the hands and the identified electrodes is maintained. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A method for bioelectric physiological signal acquisition and processing including: a first signal processing operation including: /a/ acquiring a first analog signal, /b/ converting the first analog signal in a first digital signal with a first bit depth, /c/ transferring the first digital signal with the first bit depth to a microprocessor; upon reception of a signal to switch from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, a second signal processing operation including: /e/ acquiring a second analog signal, /f/ converting the second analog signal in a second digital signal with a first bit depth, /g/ converting the second digital signal with the first bit depth to a converted second digital signal with a second bit depth, /h/ transferring the converted second digital signal to the microprocessor, and /i/ processing the transferred signal on the microprocessor.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a catheter with an electrode array formed by an interconnected framework. The framework may have a plurality of elements interconnected by a plurality of junctions at locations intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the electrode array assembly. The electrodes may be printed on a polymeric layer of the interconnected framework.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a rotational control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The rotational control assembly has an outer rotational member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the rotational control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: A long term physiological signal sensing patch, including a water protective film, an electrode layer, a conductive hydrogel layer, a block layer and a first attaching layer. The water protective film provides functions of electrical insulation, stickiness and water protection. The electrode layer includes at least two electrodes attached to the bottom of the water protective film. The conductive hydrogel layer configured beneath the electrodes is electrically conductive and sticky. The block layer is under the electrodes to block water, and accommodates the conductive hydrogel layer. The first attaching layer is provided around the block layer. Therefore, the sensing patch can be attached to the human body for a long period of time to sense physiological signal, which is further transmitted to the external apparatus for more detailed analysis, calculation or display.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for measuring electrical activity generated within a brain is disclosed. A headpiece having a first transistor is placed in contact with a head that contains the brain to bring the first transistor into electrical contact with the head. An electronic signal is generated at the first transistor in response to the electrical activity generated within the brain. The electronic signal is processed at the headpiece in order to measure the electrical activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode headset grid adapted to fit on a head of a human subject, the grid comprising a plurality of conductive regions, electrically isolated from each other, wherein the conductive regions are configured to contact at least one electrode, and wherein the configuration of the conductive regions is configured to define an operating electrode unit. There is further provided an integrated system for brain electric stimulation and EEG monitoring, the system comprising the electrode headset grid and a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A neurotrophic electrode system includes a non-conductive cone, a multi-channel electrode assembly, a dielectric ribbon and a neurite-attracting substance disposed within the cone. The non-conductive cone consists essentially of a material that is stable in a neural environment and defines a cavity. The cavity opens to a small opening at a first end of the cone and opens to a large opening at a second end of the cone that is opposite the first end. The multi-channel electrode assembly includes at least two recording sites that are disposed within the cavity defined by the cone. Each recording site is coupled to a wire that extends out of the large end of the cone. Each wire ends in a connection pad. The dielectric ribbon encases all of the wires but exposes each recording site and exposes each connection pad.

Abstract: An active protective circuit for a measuring amplifier of an electrical impedance tomograph includes a circuit component arrangement including an electrode input and an output and a control input for a control voltage. The output is configured for connection to a measuring amplifier for an electrical impedance tomograph. The circuit component arrangement creates a conductive connection between the electrode input of the circuit component arrangement and the output of the circuit component arrangement when the applied control voltage is within a first voltage range and does not create a conductive connection when the applied control voltage is within a second voltage range. The voltage being applied to the control input is within the second voltage range when a voltage, which is within a cut-off range, is applied to the electrode input. An electrode belt for impedance tomography has the active protective circuits associated with the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for monitoring a condition of a tissue based on a measurement of an electrical property of the tissue. In an example, the electrical property of the tissue is performed using an apparatus disposed above the tissue, where the apparatus includes at least two conductive structures, each having a non-linear configuration, where the at least two conductive structures are disposed substantially parallel to each other. In another example, the electrical property of the tissue is performed using an apparatus disposed above the tissue, where the apparatus includes at least one inductor structure.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for monitoring a condition of a tissue based on a measurement of an electrical property of the tissue. In an example, the electrical property of the tissue is performed using an apparatus disposed above the tissue, where the apparatus includes at least two conductive structures, each having a non-linear configuration, where the at least two conductive structures are disposed substantially parallel to each other. In another example, the electrical property of the tissue is performed using an apparatus disposed above the tissue, where the apparatus includes at least one inductor structure.

Abstract: Impedance devices with integrated circuit modules and method of using the same to obtain luminal organ information. In one embodiment, a device comprises an elongated body for at least partial insertion into a mammalian luminal organ and having a first conductor extending therethrough, a proximal electrical unit connected to the elongated body to deliver power along the first conductor, and a sensor substrate located at or near a distal end of the elongated body and comprising a circuit module operable and/or configured to direct the sizing portion to obtain sizing data and the pressure sensor to obtain pressure data, and facilitate transmission of the sizing data and/or the pressure data to the proximal electrical unit.

Abstract: A method of detecting dislodgement of a navigational reference for a localization system includes securing a reference catheter, including at least one reference localization element, at an initial reference location within a localization field. The positions of one or more of the reference localization elements are monitored for a perceived displacement that suggests that the reference catheter has become dislodged from the initial reference location (e.g., a displacement above a certain threshold, such as about 4 mm). The direction of this perceived displacement may then be further analyzed (e.g., compared to a predicted or most likely direction of displacement) to determine whether there has been an actual dislodgement of the reference catheter, and, if so, an appropriate signal (e.g., an audible or visual warning) may be generated. Upon dislodgement, guidance may be provided to aid the practitioner in restoring the reference catheter to its initial location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking shape and orientation of an endoscope employ motion tracking sensors to track locations on the endoscope for use in determining real time shape and distal end orientation for display during navigation of the endoscope. An example system includes sensor units distributed along the endoscope and a control unit. The sensor units track motion of the endoscope locations and transmit resulting tracking data to a control unit. The control unit processes the tracking data to determine shape of the endoscope and orientation of the distal end of the endoscope. The control unit generates output to a display unit that causes the display unit to display one or more representations indicative of the shape of the endoscope and orientation of the distal end of the endoscope for reference by an endoscope operator during an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for visualizing the motion box of an electromagnetic sensor tracking system on a display that can be viewed by the physician are disclosed. Electromagnetic sensor tracking systems are able to determine the position and orientation (P&O) of the sensors being tracked only when the sensors are within the motion box, or the spatial region located in proximity to the electromagnetic field generators of the system. During usage of the electromagnetic sensor tracking system, the sensor can go out of this spatial region and, when this occurs, navigating it back into the motion box can be difficult. The methods, systems, and apparatuses described herein provide for the representation of sensors, the motion box, and a representation of a thorax on a display so that the clinician can view the position and orientation of the sensors with respect to the motion box.

Abstract: A method of a device detects a respiratory effort-related arousal in a respiratory airflow signal of a patient. The method may include computing a measure of consistency of inspiratory flow limitation over a plurality of recent breaths from the signal. The method may further include computing a measure of step change in ventilation indicating a sudden big breath. The method may further include computing a measure indicating a degree of confidence of occurrence of a respiratory effort-related arousal from the measure of consistency of inspiratory flow limitation and the measure of the step change in ventilation.

Abstract: A breathing support system is provided. The system may include a breathing support device configured to deliver gas to a patient and a display device associated with the breathing support device. The display device may be configured to display a work of breathing graphic indicating one or more work of breathing measures regarding the patient's breathing.

Abstract: A medical ventilator with a pneumonia and pneumonia bacterial disease analysis function by using gas recognition includes a sensor array, a sensor circuit, a stochastic neural network chip, a memory and a microcontroller. The sensor array detects a plurality of gases under test and generates a plurality of recognition signals corresponding to the gases under test. The sensor circuit reads and analyzes the recognition signals to generate a plurality of gas pattern signals corresponding to the gases under test. The stochastic neural network chip reduces a dimension of the gas pattern signals to generate an analysis result. The memory stores gas training data. The microcontroller receives the analysis result, and identifies types of the gases under test according to the analysis result.

Abstract: A portable system is provided for measuring a ketone, such as an acetone, in the breath or other bodily fluid of a user. The system includes a portable measurement device that analyzes fluid samples and generates corresponding ketone measurements. The portable measurement device communicates with an application which runs on a smartphone or other mobile device of the user. The application tracks, and generates graphs of, the ketone measurements, and may include various features for facilitating the analysis of the measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to devices, systems and methods for monitoring neuromuscular blockage. In an embodiment, a neuromuscular blockage monitoring system comprises a patch device comprising a unitary patch body, at least two electrodes and at least one sensor, the at least one sensor arranged between the at least two electrodes on the unitary patch body; and a stimulator device operatively coupled to the patch device and configured to provide at least one electrical signal to the at least two electrodes to stimulate a muscle motor point and to receive a signal from the at least one sensor related to a result of the stimulation of the muscle motor point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring an individual and facilitating a motion regimen of the individual. In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a deformable substrate; a sensor assembly to generate sense signals based on detection of a movement of the body portion and a physiological parameter of the body portion during a motion regimen executed by the individual; a processor including circuitry configured to identify a pain state of the individual based on at least one of the movement or the physiological parameter, and to compare at least one of the pain state, the movement, or the physiological parameter to threshold target values; and a communicator configured to generate communication signals responsive to instruction by the processor, the communication signals associated with comparison between at least one of the pain state, the movement, or the physiological parameter to threshold target values.

Abstract: A glucose monitor computer mouse for enabling blood sugar testing from a coupled computer and automatically storing results on the coupled computer. The glucose monitor computer mouse includes both a computer mouse assembly, defining a conventional computer pointing device, and an integrated blood glucose meter which provides blood sugar readings from disposable testing strips like conventional blood glucose meters. The monitor computer mouse may operate with a tracking software application loaded on the coupled computer which automatically stores results and may automatically generate alerts when results are out of a desired range.

Abstract: This invention is a wearable device for non-invasive glucose monitoring. It can be embodied in a finger ring, wrist band, wrist watch, or ear-worn device. In an example, it can include a circumferential biosensor array which spans at least 25% of the circumference of the device. A biosensor array can include an array of electromagnetic energy emitters and receivers and/or an array of light emitters and receivers.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: An object information obtaining apparatus includes a conversion element configured to receive a photoacoustic wave generated in an object in response to irradiation with light from a light irradiation unit and convert the received photoacoustic wave into an electric signal, a light quantity distribution obtaining unit configured to obtain light quantity distribution information in the object, a first distribution obtaining unit configured to obtain distribution information of a photoacoustic wave generation source in the object, a correction unit configured to correct the distribution information and also correct the light quantity distribution information in correspondence with the correction, and a second distribution obtaining unit configured to obtain characteristic distribution information in the object by using the corrected distribution information and the corrected light quantity distribution information.

Abstract: An electrode needle can be used for penetrating a skin of an organism. The electrode needle may include a core section having columnar like shape. An electrode is formed on the core section of the electrode needle. The electrode needle may also include an insulating section in which the electrode is covered with an insulating material and an electrode window section in which the electrode is exposed. The electrode needle may also include a sensing layer disposed along the electrode exposed by the electrode window section.

Abstract: A Safety Syringe Collection Device (SSCD) Device used for collecting specimen (fluids) from any line device with one process and one device. The SSCD Device invention has a housing barrel to abstract fluids, second barrel is a hollow barrel with an attached rubber stopper with small openings/holes at both ends to allow free flow through it, and hold fluids until transferred in a collection container(s) at distal end of the second barrel where the sharp object and rubber cover that the container(s) are connected to for collection of fluids. The syringe versatile mode of transferring hazardous fluids mean the operator and patient's safety. The collection process is preferably synchronized with the syringe to collect and transfer fluid(s) through the SSCD Device which will have as easier mode for collection, transfer, cost effective, safety, and use.

Abstract: A method for determining a drowsiness value that represents the drowsiness of a driver of a motor vehicle and is determined cyclically over defined time intervals on the basis of at least one drowsiness characteristic, includes the task of determining a drowsiness value of a time interval to be assessed, in addition to the drowsiness characteristic, at least one drowsiness base value is taken into account.

Abstract: A photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal may be obtained from a pulse oximeter, which employs a light emitter and a light sensor to measure the perfusion of blood to the skin of a user, and multiple wavelengths of light may be employed. For various wavelengths, relatively long wavelengths may interrogate relatively deep blood vessels in comparison to relatively short wavelengths, which may interrogate relatively shallow blood vessels. Accordingly, for co-located emitters of different wavelengths, there may be a time delay in the pulse signal measured by each wavelength. The time delay as a function of time may vary according to the constriction and dilation of the blood vessels, which itself may vary according to the respiratory rate of a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for locating the parathyroid. In one aspect, temporal variation among a plurality of images is evaluated and at least one image is enhanced according to the temporal variation. The image may be enhanced to one or both of reduce conspicuity of the thyroid gland and enhance conspicuity of the parathyroid gland. Some of the plurality of images may be adjusted in order to align representations of a target portions. Adjustments may be based locations of one or more organs or one or more artificial markers affixed to a living body in the plurality of images. A local positioning system (LPS), GPS, or other locating system may be used to position a living body, align the plurality of images, or to guide the positioning of objects relative to the living body. An elastomeric gel marker for imaging applications is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handheld electrochemical cancer monitoring and therapeutic device comprising a key component of a sensor compartment comprising an electrode with a substrate having a nanostructured biomimetic membrane attached thereto and an open window allows the electrode fixed in a socket of the sensor compartment to the window to be contacted to the human breast; in the base of the device there is a window for cancer heat release result displayed in a contour map format when the device applied a fixed current to induce cancer cell's bio-communication with the sensor membrane selectively under noninvasive, antibody-free and reagent-free conditions. Methods for therapeutic function and monitoring of early asymptomatic normal human breast in vivo and therapeutic treatment of breast cancer cell line in vitro are disclosed.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus comprising: an ensemble of sensors including a moisture sensor to sense moisture content of hair, the moisture sensor positioned in a first housing to be in contact with the hair; and a processor to receive data associated with sensed moisture content and to transmit information related to the received data to another device, the processor positioned in a second housing different from the first housing.

Abstract: An organ image capturing device includes an imaging unit to image a tongue of a living body, and a computing unit. The computing unit calculates a numerical value indicating a state of at least one of a plurality of indices pertaining to health by way of computations using chromaticity values that are obtained from captured image data of the tongue acquired by the imaging unit.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a user's intoxication including receiving a set of signals, derived from a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time points; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to a time point of the set of time points; generating a performance dataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the user; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing a demographic profile of the user and/or a physiological state of the user; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; generating a predicted temporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; generating an analysis of the user's sobriety based upon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile; and providing a notification to the user based upon the analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system to facilitate therapeutic positioning for a body part. An example system may be wearable by a user (e.g., a patient) and may comprise at least a sensor and presentation circuitry. The sensor may sense a position corresponding to a body part of the patient and generate an electronic signal based on the position. The presentation circuitry may then present a notification (e.g., display visible indicia and/or generate sound) to instruct the patient how to move the body part into a therapeutic position. For example, control circuitry in the system may receive the electronic signal from the sensor, compare the determined position to the therapeutic position, generate the notification and provide the notification to the presentation circuitry.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for identifying an exercise path, a method for searching for an exercise path, and a system thereof. The present disclosure can identify the forms of the exercise paths represented by exercise data and assign them with different codes. In addition, a user can search the exercise data that the user wants by using the codes, and then the exercise data can be applied onto the path on which the user desires to exercise for comparison of exercise performance. Therefore, interaction and fun in finding virtual exercise opponents can be promoted.

Abstract: Breathprint sensor systems for verifying the identity of a person using gases produced by the person are disclosed. The breathprint sensor systems include one or more sensors having first response characteristics to compounds in gases and one or more processors being configured to receive a set of test data provided by the one or more first sensors based on an exposure of the one or more first sensors to gases produced by a person and determine whether or not the set of test data verifies the identity of the person. Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a smart inhaler system using a breathprint sensor to assist in delivery of drugs to users through inhalation. Methods for operating breathprint sensor and smart inhaler systems and computer-readable media for implementing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally and specifically to combining biological sensors with external machines using machine learning to form computerized representations that can control effectors to deliver therapy or enhance performance.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient. In one aspect, a method for adjusting a magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment plan with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and an ultrasound system includes: (1) identifying a location in a subject that is to receive treatment; (2) applying pulses of focused ultrasound to the identified location with the ultrasound system in order to modulate a level of naturally occurring hormones; (3) concurrently with applying the pulses of focused ultrasound, acquiring with the MRI system functional image data from the subject; (4) obtaining a series of functional images of the subject using the functional image data, the functional images indicative of the modified neuronal activity; and (5) adjusting one or more parameters of the MRgFUS treatment plan using the reconstructed series of functional images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive system with diagnostic and treatment capacities that use a unified code that is intrinsic to physiological brain function. In an embodiment of the present invention, an approach to the treatment of disorders that supplements existing diagnostic and treatment methods with robust quantitative data analysis are presented. This is achieved by a unification of cognitive and neural phenomena known as the Fundamental Code Unit (FCU), representing identifiable patterns of brain activity at the submolecular, molecular, and cellular levels (intra-brain communications), as well as their manifestations in thought and language (inter-brain communications).

Abstract: An input device includes two conductors that are sewn onto a fiber sheet and an output unit configured to determine an impedance variation in a predetermined area on the basis of a voltage value between the two conductors to which a high-frequency current is applied.

Abstract: Monitoring systems for noninvasively monitoring physiological parameters of a subject, including (i) a wearable monitoring garment adapted to cover at least a portion of a subject's torso, and (ii) a magnetometer system that is embedded in the monitoring garment, the magnetometer system including at least paired first transmission and receiver magnetometers and paired second transmission and receiver magnetometers, the magnetometer system being responsive to changes in distance between the paired magnetometers.