Abstract: A method for acquiring gait parameters of an individual is disclosed. The method includes capturing calibration images from foot marker placed on feet or shoes of an individual while an individual is standing still, the calibration images are obtained from a camera worn by the individual, capturing subsequent time-varying images from the foot markers while the individual is walking, and comparing the calibration images to the subsequent time-varying images by a processing unit that is coupled to the camera to determine changes between the initial relative image size of the foot markers and the time-varying images of the foot markers as a function of time to analyze gait of the individual.

Abstract: A step count detection unit detects one step (a step count) on the basis of the acceleration from an acceleration sensor, and outputs the detection result to an acceleration accumulation unit. The acceleration accumulation unit calculates, within a period of time corresponding to the one step detected by the step count detection unit, an acceleration cumulative value (simple posture pitch angle) by accumulating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. The posture detection unit detects, on the basis of the acceleration cumulative value calculated by the acceleration accumulation unit, the posture of a portion for which the acceleration sensor is provided.

Abstract: In a sleep posture alerting method or an apparatus therefor, the sleep posture of a person is detected and the person is automatically alerted by an alerting device when the sleep posture is out of a predetermined body posture range. The detection of the sleep posture or at least the alerting of the person, when his/her body posture is out of the predefined body posture range, is deactivated during a sleep-in time period. The apparatus includes a sleep detecting sensor connected to the control unit for detecting whether the person is in a state of sleep. When it is detected that the person is in a state of sleep, the sleep-in timer is ignored and the detection of the sleep posture or the alerting of the person is activated such that, in the event that his/her body posture is out of the predefined body posture range, the person will be alerted.

Abstract: There is provided a system for non-contact computation of an indication of at least one of a fall and a near-fall of a target individual based on ultrasound transmission, comprising: ultrasound transceiver(s) for generating an ultrasound transmission and receiving a reflection of the ultrasound transmission; and a non-transitory memory having stored thereon a code for execution by hardware processor(s) of a computing device in communication with the ultrasound transceiver(s), the code comprising: code for activating the ultrasound transceiver(s) for generating the ultrasound transmission, and for receiving the reflection of the ultrasound transmission; code for performing a spectrogram analysis of the received reflection of the ultrasound transmission to compute features; and code for computing an indication of at least one of: a fall of a target individual, and a near-fall of the target individual, by a statistical classifier classifying the features.

Abstract: A medical hearing testing method includes: inserting an in-ear test probe that is coupled to a hearing test adapter into an ear of a patient at a patient site; receiving device identification data at a web portal operating on a first electronic device over an electronic network between the first electronic device and the hearing test adapter, wherein the device identification data is uniquely identifies the hearing test adapter; receiving a control operation associated with a test session from the first user at the web portal; and responsive to receiving the control operation, transmitting an operational command from the web portal to the hearing test adapter over the electronic network, wherein the operational command controls an operation of the test probe.

Abstract: Generally, a method performed by one or more processing devices includes generating a graphical user interface that when rendered on a display of the one or more processing devices renders a visual representation of an environment and a visual representation of an object in the environment; retrieving an auditory stimulus with one or more auditory attributes indicative of a location of a virtual target in the environment; receiving information specifying movement of the object in the environment; determining, based on the movement of the object, a proximity of the object to the virtual target; adjusting, based on the proximity, one or more values of the one or more auditory attributes of the auditory stimulus; and causing the one or more processing devices to play the auditory stimulus using the adjusted one or more values.

Abstract: An automatic sensor inserter is disclosed for placing a transcutaneous sensor into the skin of a living body. According to aspects of the invention, characteristics of the insertion such as sensor insertion speed may be varied by a user. In some embodiments, insertion speed may be varied by changing an amount of drive spring compression. The amount of spring compression may be selected from a continuous range of settings and/or it may be selected from a finite number of discrete settings. Methods associated with the use of the automatic inserter are also covered.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for handling biofluids including the transport, capture, collection, storage, sensing, and/or evaluation of biofluids released by tissue. Systems of some aspects provide a versatile platform for characterization of a broad range of physical and/or chemical biofluid attributes in real time and over clinically relevant timeframes. Systems of some aspects provide for collection and/or analysis of biofluids from conformal, watertight tissue interfaces over time intervals allowing for quantitative temporal and/or volumetric characterization of biofluid release, such as release rates and release volumes.

Abstract: A device and method for spectrum analysis in which differences among skin spectra are quantitatively analyzed, and a blood glucose measurement device are provided. The device for spectrum analysis includes an obtainer configured to acquire a plurality of skin spectra; and a processor configured to generate a plot of difference degree of spectra which represents differences among the acquired plurality of skin spectra, and determine whether the plurality of skin spectra are appropriate for blood glucose measurement based on the plot of difference degree of spectra.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems to allow users to select a basic mode or an advanced mode in which additional features can be customized for the user based on structured queries presented to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an analyte monitoring device having a user interface with a display and a plurality of actuators. The display is configured to render a plurality of display screens, including a home screen and an alert screen. The home screen is divided into a plurality of simultaneously displayed panels, with a first panel displays a rate of change of continuously monitored analyte levels in interstitial fluid, a second panel simultaneously displays a current analyte level and an analyte trend indicator, and a third panel displays status information of a plurality of components of the device. When an alarm condition is detected, the display renders the alert screen in place of the home screen, the alert screen displaying information corresponding to the detected alarm condition. Furthermore, the actuators are configured to affect further output of the analyte monitoring device corresponding to the detected condition.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (herein “OCT”) based analyte monitoring systems are disclosed. In one aspect, techniques are disclosed that can identify fluid flow in vivo (e.g., blood flow), which can act as a metric for gauging the extent of blood perfusion in tissue. For instance, if OCT is to be used to estimate the level of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in tissue, a measure of the extent of blood flow can potentially indicate the presence of an analyte correlating region, which would be suitable for analyte level estimation with OCT. Another aspect is related to systems and methods for scanning multiple regions. An optical beam is moved across the surface of the tissue in two distinct manners. The first can be a coarse scan, moving the beam to provide distinct scanning positions on the skin. The second can be a fine scan where the beam is applied for more detailed analysis.

Abstract: An analyte monitoring platform consisting of a proximity communicator and an implantable biosensor that includes system architecture for biosensor authentication, identification and methods to use analyte sensors for general wellness. The system architecture also permits multi-analyte sensing. In addition, the system and methods can be used for a single analyte or combination of analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional specimen collector, comprising: a barrel on a surface thereof are marked a first graduated section and a second graduated section; a shaft body disposed in the barrel; a piston disposed in the barrel and connected to the shaft body; a first seal cap connected to an end of the barrel; and a second seal cap for connecting to the piston after the shaft body is removed.

Abstract: A point-of-care diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The reader contains various analysis systems, such as an electrophoresis detection system that uses electrophoresis testing to identify and quantify various components of the blood sample. The reader can process data from the various patient sample analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disorder, condition, disease and/or infection of the patient.

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: Methods for evaluating subjects having conditions associated with loss of muscle function (e.g., a motor neuron disease, a neuromuscular disease, or a myopathy) by measuring muscle function (e.g., muscle strength) are disclosed.

Abstract: A sleepiness calculation device is provided. In a smartphone, I/F obtains heart rate of the subject measured by a heartbeat sensor and measurement time, determines active state of a subject in the state discriminant section, and send it to a server. Next, in the server, a correction section obtains sleepiness baseline heart rate from a sleepiness baseline heart rate table storing sleepiness baseline heart rate of the subject for each active state according to an active state sent from the smartphone. Next, the sleepiness baseline heart rate obtained by the correction section is corrected based on fatigue degree, sleep time, and state of meals. Thereafter, the corrected sleepiness baseline heart rate (correction sleepiness baseline heart rate) is sent to the smartphone. Sleepiness level calculation section of the smartphone calculates sleepiness level of the subject based on correction sleepiness baseline heart rate and heart rate obtained by I/F.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium, and a method capable of, directly or indirectly, estimating sleep states of a user based on sensor data from movement sensors and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: The estimation of the sleep stage at a time point where data does not exist, is enabled. An acquiring unit configured to acquire biological data indicating a wave of a heartbeat; a parameter estimating unit configured to estimate a parameter by using the biological data, with respect to a mathematical expression defining a medium frequency component of the wave of the heartbeat by using the parameter; and a sleep stage estimating unit configured to estimate a sleep stage from a value of the medium frequency component at any time point, based on the mathematical expression to which the estimated parameter is applied, are included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus related to identification of apnea type. One aspect of the present subject matter provides a method for real-time apnea discrimination. The method includes sensing an impedance-based tidal volume signal to monitor a respiratory cycle of a patient, and detecting a reduction in tidal swing using the sensed impendence to detect an apnea event. When the apnea event is detected, a shape of the sensed signal is compared to a stored signal shape to determine whether the apnea event is primarily an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event or primarily a central sleep apnea (CSA) event, in various embodiments.

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

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for detection of foot edema through in-shoe pressure sensors and analysis of detected pressure values. Multiple pressure sensors may be employed in contact with a foot. The pressure sensors may detect pressure generated on a surface of the foot by fluid accumulation within cells of the foot. A change in pressure may be monitored by analyzing pressure values received from the pressure sensors. In some embodiments, a pressure rebound curve may be determined while monitoring the change in the pressure. A comparison between a newly acquired pressure rebound curve and an established-normal pressure rebound curve corresponding to a healthy foot may be made. If the pressure rebound curve is determined to indicate a slower change (rebound) in detected pressure than a change in pressure indicated by the normal pressure rebound curve, the presence of foot edema may be inferred.

Abstract: Various embodiments of devices, systems and methods for using a cap to unobtrusively monitor a patient's vital signs are disclosed. More specifically, a stocking cap includes at least one primary compartment configured for receiving a first biometric sensor, at least one third compartment configured for receiving a cartridge, at least one fourth compartment configured for receiving a transmitter, at least one channel configured for routing at least one connector, and at least one fifth compartment configured for receiving an antenna. A system for use with such a cap includes a sensor which outputs vitals, a cartridge configured to receive the vitals from the sensor, process the received vitals, and output the processed vitals to a server. The server providing processed vital signals for use and display on a tablet or other user presentation and user interface device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods incorporate biometric testing and standards, textile standards, processor specifications and conductive fabric specifications to provide a way to efficiently design and produce technology embedded garments and/or apparel. The systems, apparatuses and methods may provide a design visualizer to retrieve specifications for conductive materials, decorative materials, sensors, design patterns and physiological models to design and produce technology embedded garments and/or apparel to monitor one or more biosignals. Using the design visualizer, the design patterns may be edited and/or refined to position the sensors to increase (e.g. maximize) performance of the sensors and/or accuracy of the sensors measurements and biosignals measurements, and reduce (e.g., minimize) the number of sensors.

Abstract: A health band terminal comprises a main body installable in one area of a body of a user; a first electrode portion arranged on one surface of the main body, having first and second electrodes arranged to adjoin each other; a second electrode portion arranged on the other surface of the main body; and a controller for calculating body component information by using an impedance value measured by the first and second electrode portions.

Abstract: A probe, system, and method of capacitive sensing for detection of relative rotation of one tube with respect to a fixed tube of a probe is provided herewith. The probe includes an inner core, a concentric cylindrical tube, and at least one inner electrode fixed to the inner core and at least one outer electrode fixed to the cylindrical tube. The electrodes are rotationally aligned and form a capacitive sensor that can sense the rotation angle of the inner core compared to the cylindrical tube. This ability to sense relative rotation angle can be used to detect and/or correct for non-uniform rotational distortion.

Abstract: A wearable device attached to a subject includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration information, and a biological sensor that measures biological signal information of the subject. From the measured acceleration information and biological signal information, first feature data corresponding to a first predetermined period and second feature data corresponding to a second predetermined period are extracted. By machine learning based on the first feature data, a dynamic/static activity identification model, a dynamic-activity identification model, and a static-activity identification model, for the subject, are generated. By combination of results of determination based on each of the identification models, a posture and an activity of the subject are identified, and correspondence information, which associates the identified posture and activity with the biological signal information of the subject, is generated.

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

Abstract: Imaging systems include multi-tap demodulation pixels for biometric measurements such as heart rate or blood oxygen level. Using multi-tap demodulation pixels can, in some cases, help facilitate the generation of differential signals to remove background noise and achieve a higher dynamic range for the biometric measurements.

Abstract: A patient monitor (12) includes a display (14) and sensors (20, 22, 24) reading vital signs of a human subject. In a cardiovascular early warning scoring (cEWS) method, the human subject is classified using a plurality of cardiovascular deterioration classifiers (52, 152, 54, 56, 58) each trained respective to a different type of cardiovascular deterioration. The cardiovascular deterioration classifiers operate on a set of inputs characterizing the human subject including the at least one cardiovascular parameter (42) and the at least one respiratory parameter (44), such as tidal volume read by an airflow sensor (24). The cardiovascular early warning scores for the different types of cardiovascular deterioration are outputted on the display of the patient monitor. An empirical myocardial ischemia classifier (52) may be combined with at least one additional ischemia score generated by applying a set of rules (160) or a physiological model (162).

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems to enable a concerned party to continuously monitor the progression of a medical condition in one or more patients and push event specific physical and or cognitive diagnostic to the patient in real time to effectively track and assessing post-episodic recovery for a variety of diseases states. The progression of the medical condition is determined by processing sensor data obtained from one or more physiological and/or motion sensors and survey data obtained from the patients. Further, environmental data such as air quality, temperature and humidity may also be used along with the sensor data and the survey data to monitor/track the progression of the medical condition.

Abstract: An acoustic device for spirometric measurement is provided. The acoustic device includes an inlet conduit configured to receive an airflow and a central cavity in communication with the inlet conduit. The central cavity includes a channel configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow into a vorticial flow about a central axis of the central cavity. The acoustic device further includes an outlet conduit configured to receive at least a portion of the vorticial flow and transduce at least a portion of kinetic energy of the vorticial flow into an acoustic emission. A frequency of the acoustic emission varies based on a rate of the airflow provided to the inlet conduit. In addition, the acoustic device includes a flow controller configured to modify at least a portion of the airflow provided to the inlet conduit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a display and processing circuitry. The display displays a relationship diagram indicating a relationship between values which are respectively set for imaging parameters relating to an imaging condition of medical imaging. The processing circuitry updates the relationship diagram in accordance with a moving operation of a point corresponding to each of the values on the relationship diagram, or a change operation of the imaging condition. The processing circuitry changes the imaging condition before the moving operation or the change operation to an imaging condition which reflects the moving operation or the change operation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and system may detect snoring sounds of a sleeping patient through a microphone on the electronic device; analyze the snoring sounds to calculate a snore frequency and a snore volume of the sleeping patient, in response to the snore frequency exceeding a threshold frequency or the snore volume exceeding a threshold volume, sense an orientation of the electronic device, wherein the orientation is one of at least four different orientations; store the orientation as a snore-orientation; and by the one or more vibration units on the electronic device, vibrate if: (1) a current orientation of the electronic device matches the snore-orientation, and (2) the snore frequency exceeds the threshold frequency, or the snore volume exceeds the threshold volume.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray imaging sensor includes an electronic interface substrate which has a first surface and a second surface and is substantially rectangular with a mesial end and a distal end and a semiconductor imager which is mechanically and electrically coupled to the electronic interface substrate and which has a first surface and a second surface. The semiconductor imager consists of a silicon layer having an array of detector elements formed on its the first surface and is substantially rectangular with a mesial end and a distal end. The electronic interface substrate and the semiconductor imager have a first cut corner and a second cut corner at its the distal end. The second surface of the semiconductor imager is disposed adjacent and contiguous to the first surface of the electronic interface substrate. The intraoral x-ray imaging sensor also includes a plurality of first electrical pads, a plurality of second electrical pads and a plurality of bond wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical imaging and more particularly to intra-oral dental radiology. It proposes a radiological imaging assembly comprising an intra-oral image sensor 10, in which the sensor has an active face A corresponding to the photosensitive surface, and a mirror M1 which is placed in front of the active face of the sensor, the mirror face reflecting the visible light being turned in the same direction as the active face of the sensor, toward an X-ray source. The mirror can be disposed on the sensor itself, on the front face cap 23 of the encapsulation housing 20 of the sensor and/or on the outer face of an accessory containing or supporting the sensor, the outer face being turned in the same direction as the active face of the sensor.

Abstract: In the present invention, an integrated scintillator and collimator array for a detector utilized in a CT imaging system is provided. The integrated scintillator and collimator assembly is are fabricated from a manufacturing process or technique in which a scintillator array including a number of scintillation pixels is optically measured to determine the precise position of each pixel on the array. A transition material is applied to the array in a 3D printing method using the position data from the optical measurement and in subsequently bonded thereto in a sintering process to form a transition material layer. A collimator material is then 3D printed onto the transition material layer using the optical measurement data to form collimator plates on the array in alignment with the pixels thereby forming a unitary scintillator/collimator assembly for use in a detector for a CT imaging system.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus including: an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a first radiation image, which is photographed by irradiating an object with radiation under a state in which a subject is not in an imaging range, and a second radiation image, which is photographed by radiating radiation under a state in which the subject and the object are in the imaging range; and an image processing unit configured to perform correction for deleting image information on the object from the second radiation image by using the first radiation image.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for displaying medical images. A first viewport is generated which shows a part of a first medical image which shows a region of interest. A second viewport is generated which shows a part of a second medical image which shows a corresponding region of interest, e.g., representing a same anatomical structure or a same type of anatomical structure. In order to establish this ‘synchronized’ display of regions of interest, a displacement field is estimated between the first medical image and the second medical image. However, the displacement field is not used to deform the second medical image. Rather, the displacement field is used to identify the corresponding region of interest and thereby which part of the second medical image is to be shown. It is thus avoided that the second medical image itself is deformed, which would typically also deform the region of interest and thereby impair its assessment.

Abstract: This application disclosures a method for calibrating filament current data of an X-ray tube. The method includes obtaining a first value of tube current to be calibrated and a value of filament current to be calibrated, the tube current to be calibrated and the filament current to be calibrated corresponding to a first calibration point; performing an emission operation based on the first value of the tube current to be calibrated and the value of the filament current to be calibrated; determining an actual value of the tube current during the emission operation; determining a difference between the actual value of the tube current and the first value of the tube current to be calibrated; and calibrating, based on the difference, the first calibration point.

Abstract: Minimally invasive systems and methods are described for measuring pulmonary circulation information from the pulmonary arteries. A transbronchial Doppler ultrasound catheter is advanced through the airways and in the vicinity of the pulmonary artery. Doppler ultrasound energy is sent through the airway wall and across the pulmonary artery to obtain velocity information of blood flowing through the artery. The velocity information is used to compute pulmonary circulation information including but not limited to flowrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating or preventing a valvular disease comprises: a ultrasound probe located externally to a heart of patient, able to produce ultrasound waves focused inside the heart and suitable to generate, at a focal spot, a pressure sufficient to result in cavitation, an imaging device for mapping in real time a treatment region of a cardiac valve of the patient, the treatment region comprising at least one leaflet of the cardiac valve, a controller configured for driving the ultrasound probe to emit a sequence of focused ultrasound waves, the controller being further configured for steering the focused ultrasound waves so as to scan the entire treatment region to soften the tissues of the treatment region. A method for treating or preventing valvular disease, carried out using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A stool amount estimating apparatus includes: an ultrasonic sensor that detects a position of a wall of the urinary bladder; and an estimator that estimates a stool amount accumulated in a rectum based on an output of the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: An embryo replacement catheter has a flexible extruded shaft of a transparent polyurethane with a bore extending along its length. Gas bubbles of a diameter in the range 5? to 10? are incorporated into the thickness of the wall of the shaft by adding gas during extrusion. The bubbles are selected to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound imaging whilst still enabling material flowing along the catheter to be seen.

Abstract: By combining acoustic ablation and ultrasound imaging on a catheter with needle guidance, a transseptal puncture needle may be guided using real-time imaging, and puncture by the guided needle is aided by acoustic ablation. Acoustic ablation may be controlled spatially and/or for dosage and may not require contact with the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe, a method for controlling the same, and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including the same are disclosed. The ultrasonic probe includes a housing; a first contact sensing portion located at one position of an outer surface of the housing, and configured to detect contact; and a second contact sensing portion located at a different position from the first contact sensing portion, and configured to detect contact. A combination of contact sensing results obtained from the first contact sensing portion and the second contact sensing portion is determined such that an operation corresponding to the determined combination of the contact sensing results is carried out.

Abstract: An ablation catheter includes a tubular catheter body having a lumen, a tip portion, a liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet, a liquid flow path defined between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and an ablation element mounted on the tip portion of the catheter body. A rotationally-scanning ultrasound assembly is disposed within the lumen of the catheter body adjacent the tip portion. The ultrasound assembly includes an ultrasound transducer having an active face, an acoustic mirror acoustically coupled to the active face of the ultrasound transducer, and an impeller positioned in the liquid flow path and operably coupled to at least one of the ultrasound transducer and the acoustic mirror to impart rotational motion thereto when a liquid flows through the impeller.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe has a two dimensional matrix array transducer and a digital microbeamformer. The microbeamformer comprises a plurality of transmitters and amplifiers coupled to elements of the array transducer, a plurality of low power analog to digital converters and digital beamforming circuitry coupled to the amplifiers, a microbeamformer controller, a power supply and a USB controller which cumulatively consume three watts or less.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe contains an array transducer and a microbeamformer coupled to elements of the array. The microbeamformer comprises analog to digital converters and digital beamforming circuitry for at least thirty-two digital channels in the microbeamformer. Preferably the analog to digital converters are low power ADCs for reduced power consumption in the probe. Integrated circuits of thirty-two channels can be cascaded to produce 64-channel and 128-channel digital microbeamformers for an ultrasound array probe.