Abstract: An imaging marker including a body portion having a cavity in the shape of a letter is described. The cavity can be filled with a liquid containing a substance that illuminates during an imaging process. The imaging marker can also include a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap can be configured to be placed on a first end of the body portion, and the second end cap can be configured to be placed on a second end of the body portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for vascular navigation, assessment and/or diagnosis are described which determine the location of the tip of a vascular catheter using the introduction of a medium with a measurable parameter (e.g., temperature, light reflection, sound reflection, etc.) and sensing and measuring the measurable parameter as the catheter is advanced. Measurements of the parameter are tracked over time, recorded and analyzed. The value of the parameter and/or the shape of the parameter value vs. time curve may be used in the analysis. For example, curve amplitude, variability, standard deviation, slope, etc. may be used in the analysis of catheter location.

Abstract: In an endoscope system, an insertion amount of an insertion unit is detected based on camera images captured by two cameras provided to a mouthpiece. Then, past images of a predetermined range corresponding to the detected insertion amount are acquired from a past image storage unit. A current image is compared with each of the acquired past images to calculate similarity between the current image and each of the past images. A body part captured in the past image having the highest similarity with the current image is determined to be the body part captured in the current image.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of using light transmission thought living tissue, such as a finger, to detect the flexure of a joint. Light is introduced into the tissue at one point, passes through the tissue, and exits the tissue at a second point where a sensor receives the light as it exits the tissue. Transmission of light through living tissue such as a finger can be affected by movement of the finger. As the finger flexes and, for example, the joints of the finger change angle, the characteristics of the light exiting the tissue, such as the intensity of the light, can change. These changes in characteristics can be used as an indirect means of determining the flexure of the joint.

Abstract: A pelvic digitizer device has a body defined by a shaft having a tooling end and a handle end with a handle for being manipulated. A visual guide is oriented in a reference plane of the digitizer device. A cup is connected to the tooling end and adapted to be received in an acetabulum of a patient. An inertial sensor unit is connected to the body, the inertial sensor unit having a preset orientation aligned with the reference plane.

Abstract: Aspects of automatically detecting periods of sleep of a user of a wearable electronic device are discussed herein. For example, in one aspect, an embodiment may obtain a set of features for periods of time from motion data obtained from a set of one or more motion sensors in the wearable electronic device or data derived therefrom. The wearable electronic device may then classify the periods of time into one of a plurality of statuses of the user based on the set of features determined for the periods of time, where the statuses are indicative of relative degree of movement of the user. The wearable electronic device may also derive blocks of time each covering one or more of the periods of time during which the user is in one of a plurality of states, wherein the states include an awake state and an asleep state.

Abstract: A motion capture system includes a wearable device (e.g. a glove) suitable for being worn by a user and including one or more markers having respective colors. A video camera acquires a sequence of color frames of the user moving while wearing the glove, while a range camera acquires corresponding depth frames of the same scene. A processing unit processes both color frames and depth frames for reconstructing the 3D positions of the markers. In particular, the depth information provided by the depth frames are used for isolating a validity area within the color frames, and the markers are searched based on their colors, exclusively within the validity area of the color frames. The movements of the user are then captured as a sequence of positions of the markers. Combined use of color information and depth information provide a very reliable and accurate motion capture.

Abstract: A method of analyzing breathing data representing a shape of the trunk of a subject 104 as a function of time to monitor and/or analyze the subject's breathing pattern. The data is measured and processed into a data array relating to a 2-dimensional grid having grid points, a position in space of the shape at each grid point and points of time. The method includes the steps of mapping the data array onto a 2-dimensional array, decomposing the 2-dimensional array and forming a signature of the subject 104 from the decomposed 2-dimensional array representing a motion pattern.

Abstract: A user authentication apparatus using a Raman spectrum is provided. The user authentication apparatus includes a Raman spectrum analyzer configured to analyze user characteristic information from a Raman spectrum of a user, and an authenticator configured to authenticate the user, based on the analysis.

Abstract: This measurement system quantitatively presents the effect of wearing an acoustic device that transmits sound to a user by contacting a vibrating body to a human auricle. In a measurement system including an ear model, which is provided with an artificial auricle and an artificial external ear canal, and an air-conducted sound gauge that measures air-conducted sound in the artificial external ear canal, while an acoustic device is contacted to the ear model of the measurement system, the acoustic device including a vibrating body and transmitting sound to a user by contacting the vibrating body to a human auricle, the measurement system measures, with the air-conducted sound gauge, air-conducted sound generated by the acoustic device and presents the result of measurement together with a characteristic corresponding to when the user wears the acoustic device.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the level of an analyte such as glucose in a subject comprises repeated steps of extracting a quantity of the analyte from the subject into a sample, for example using reverse iontophoresis, then measuring the concentration of the analyte with a method that depletes the analyte. Whereas known methods aim to deplete the analyte fully between extraction steps, the present method allows the concentration to build up with each cycle and measures successive changes in concentration. The higher concentrations present permit more reliable measurements to be made. The sample may be primed with an initial quantity of the analyte.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring glucose levels in a user's blood without having to draw a blood sample. A wave energy source emits wave energy. A modified ceramic coaxial resonator is provided that receives the wave energy and produces a frequency oscillation. An opening is formed in a conductive layer surrounding the ceramic coaxial resonator. Skin tissue is pressed against the opening. The sample tissue alters the frequency oscillation created by the ceramic coaxial resonator. At least some of the altered frequency oscillation is indicative of blood glucose levels within the sample tissue.

Abstract: A mechanism for non-invasively monitoring blood characteristics of a subject is disclosed. To enable measurement of hemoglobin concentrations in a cost-effective way, a computational model is established that represents a relationship between a first variable indicative of total hemoglobin concentration and a set of variables that includes second variables indicative of light transmission through tissue and third variables indicative of concentration percentages of different hemoglobin species. In-vivo measurement signals are acquired from a subject and in-vivo values are determined for the second and third variables based on the in-vivo measurement signals. The first variable is then solved based on the in-vivo values of the second and third variables and the computational model.

Abstract: A handheld device measures all vital signs and some hemodynamic parameters from the human body and transmits measured information wirelessly to a web-based system, where the information can be analyzed by a clinician to help diagnose a patient. The system utilizes our discovery that bio-impedance signals used to determine vital signs and hemodynamic parameters can be measured over a conduction pathway extending from the patient's wrist to a location on their thoracic cavity, e.g. their chest or navel. The device's form factor can include re-usable electrode materials to reduce costs. Measurements made by the handheld device, which use the belly button as a ‘fiducial’ marker, facilitate consistent, daily measurements, thereby reducing positioning errors that reduce accuracy of standard impedance measurements. In this and other ways, the handheld device provides an effective tool for characterizing patients with chronic diseases, such as heart failure, renal disease, and hypertension.

Abstract: A wearable optical device is described for optically detecting parameters of interest within muscle, such as during physical activity or when at rest. The parameters of interest include oxygenation level and/or hemoglobin concentrations in some situations. The detected parameters, such as oxygenation level, may be used to assess physical performance, such as the extent to which the muscle is utilizing aerobic or anaerobic processes. Methods for determining the parameters of interest, such as oxygenation level, from the detected optical signals are also described, and feedback may be provided to a user.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an analyte measurement system is provided.

Abstract: Fluid collection/injection device comprises a body having a front end, a back end, and a main hollow section arranged between the front and back ends and a needle hub securing section arranged on the front end and being structured and arranged to receive therein a needle member. The fluid collection/injection device is structured and arranged to utilize at least an operational mode, an operational mode, and a post-use mode. In the installation mode, the needle member is coupled to the body via the needle hub securing section. In the operational mode, fluid passes through the needle member and into or out of a receptacle inserted into the main hollow section.

Abstract: A lancing device has a charging mechanism that operates to convert an external push action by a user to an internal pull action that retracts and charges a lancet for use in a lancing stroke. In some embodiments, the charging mechanism includes a user-actuated charging push-button, a reverse charging member coupled to a lancet carrier, and a reverse-motion conversion member coupled therebetween. Depressing the user-actuated member in a first longitudinal direction causes transverse movement of the conversion member, which in turn causes longitudinal retraction of the reverse charging member and the lancet carrier coupled thereto in a second longitudinal direction opposite the first direction, thereby charging a drive mechanism of the lancing device. In other embodiments, a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism provides the same push-to-pull functionality.

Abstract: The three-dimensional (3D) shape of the exhale stream from a user's nostrils is often correlated with the user's state (e.g., an emotional state and/or a certain health condition). Thus, identifying the shape of a user's exhale stream can help determine the user's state. In one embodiment, a system that selects a state of a user includes at least one inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera that takes thermal measurements of at least three regions below the nostrils (THS). THS are indicative of shape of the exhale stream (SHAPE). The system also includes a computer that generates feature values based on THS, which are indicative of the SHAPE, and utilizes a model to select the state of the user, from among potential states of the user, based on the feature values. Optionally, the system includes a user interface that present the user's selected state.

Abstract: Disclosed are a non-invasive liver function testing apparatus and method. The non-invasive liver function testing apparatus includes a light source configured to irradiate light onto an object, a light detector configured to detect information about light reflected from the object, a raw data extractor configured to extract raw data, associated with at least one target material constituting the object, from the information detected by the light detector, and a data processor configured to extract liver function-related information, including a correlation with the at least one target material, from the raw data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters and patient sensory perception. A pain input detector, a pain transducer, and a processor are provided. A gas pressure transducer and flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect perceived patient pain, volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel, and bowel pressure. An indication of perceived patient pain is processed by the processor to generate data that may used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used as a diagnostic tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for interacting with the nervous system. The method includes detecting signals associated with a biological function at one or more sensors. It also includes processing the signals to create a representation thereof, delivering effector responses based on the representations, and controlling a physical process.

Abstract: A system comprising: a wrist-worn device configured to be worn on the wrist of a rescuer performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the wrist-worn device including: one or more sensors coupled with the wrist-worn device, the one or more sensors being configured to sense one or more parameters indicative of a fatigue level of the rescuer; and a sensor interface configured to provide the sensed parameters to one or more external computing devices via an interface; and a wearable computing device configured to be worn by a rescuer, the wearable computing device including: a device interface for receiving information related to CPR; and a display for displaying an indication of the received information.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes example systems and methods for identifying an indication of an injury of a user of a wearable computing device. The systems and methods may be directed to determining that an acceleration experienced by the wearable computing device exceeds a threshold value. In response, the wearable computing device may perform a diagnostic procedure in order to identify an indication of an injury experienced by the user of the wearable computing device. The diagnostic procedure may include one or more of an eye response test, a verbal response test, a motor response test, and a visual diagnostic test.

Abstract: A biosensor is proposed for insertion into the subcutaneous tissue of a user wherein the biosensor includes at least one flexible substrate and at least one electrode on at least one surface of the substrate and at least one contacting element. The contacting element is connected to the electrode. The substrate has at least one kink, at which the substrate is at least partly kinked such that the surface is subdivided into at least two interconnected outer surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

Abstract: Elongated conductors are provided. Aspects of the elongated conductors include: an elongated structure having a proximal region and a distal region, where the elongated conductor includes two or more insulated conducting members that are in fixed relative position along at least a portion of the elongated structure and extend from the proximal region to the distal region. A pattern of insulation openings among the insulated conducting members is present at one or both of the proximal and distal regions. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making the elongated conductors, as well as devices that include the elongated conductors.

Abstract: If a user enters a bed, a sensor in the pump of the bed can detect the user's presence in the bed.

Abstract: A personal electronic device (PED)-endoscope image and diagnosis capture system is provided. The system includes a PED adapter having a magnification lens connection side and a PED connection side. A magnification lens is connectable with the lens connection side of the PED adapter. An eyepiece lens coupler is also provided and connects the magnification lens to the endoscope eyepiece. A PED is connected to the PED adapter and includes a processor, a memory and an image capture system with a PED lens. The PED adapter aligns the magnification lens with the PED lens. The processor is configured to activate the image capture system using a remote or voice-activated trigger signal and store captured images in the PED memory. Patient data and examination data can be associated with the images, and the images and data can be transferred from the PED to an electronic medical records system.

Abstract: A biometric detection module including a light source module, a detection region and a control module is provided. The light source module is configured to emit green light, red light and IR light in a time division manner to illuminate a skin surface. The detection region is configured to detect penetration light emitted from the light source module for illuminating the skin surface and passing through body tissues to correspondingly generate a green light signal, a red light signal and an IR light signal. The control module is configured to determine a filtering parameter according to the green light signal to accordingly filter the red light signal and the IR light signal, and calculate a biometric characteristic according to at least one of the green light signal, a filtered red light signal and a filtered IR light signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for removing motion artifacts from physiological signals produced by a physiological sensor of a wearable device, wherein the physiological sensor includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector. Light emitted by the at least one optical emitter that is scattered by a body of a subject wearing the device is detected, and a physiological information signal therefrom is produced via the at least one optical detector. Light emitted by the at least one optical emitter that is scattered by a light regulating region of the wearable device is detected, and a motion noise information signal is produced via the at least one optical detector. The physiological information signal and the motion noise information signal are processed via at least one processor associated with the wearable device to at least partially remove unwanted motion artifacts from the physiological information signal.

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

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient with coronary artery disease. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart and create a model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create, for a given level of physical activity, a physics-based model of blood flow through the patient's heart simulated during a selected level of physical activity; determine and normalize one or more values of at least one blood flow characteristic within the patient's heart during the simulated level of physical activity; and compare the one or more normalized values of the at least one blood flow characteristic to a threshold to determine whether the level of physical activity exceeds an acceptable level of risk.

Abstract: A vital signs measuring apparatus includes: a measuring section which is configured to measure vital signs of a subject; a receiving section which is configured to receive vital signs of the subject transmitted from a source measuring apparatus; a displaying section which is configured to display at least one of the vital signs measured by the measuring section, and the vital signs received by the receiving section; and a controlling section which is configured to produce a display screen that is to be displayed on the displaying section, the controlling section which is configured to change a display effect of vital signs on the display screen, based on whether the vital signs are received by the receiving section or not.

Abstract: A robust alarm system has an alarm controller adapted to input an alarm trigger and to generate at least one alarm drive signal in response. Alarm subsystems input the alarm drive signal and activate one or more of multiple alarms accordingly. A subsystem function signal provides feedback to the alarm controller as to alarm subsystem integrity. A malfunction indicator is output from the alarm controller in response to a failure within the alarm subsystems.

Abstract: A control unit for a medical device wherein the control unit includes a pump, a conduit and control means for controlling the flow of fluid from the pump through the conduit; and wherein the conduit is a rigid internal passage located in the control unit.

Abstract: The plan CT is described to generate dual energy (DRR) that stimulates the treatment time radiographs in order to prospectively evaluate the angles in which issues for the template matching algorithm are present, and thus the visibility of the tumor. The present invention uses template matching to quantify the “trackability” of the target from different angles or directions. The peak-to-side lobe ratio is used to measure trackability. The results of this process influence treatment planning. For example, based on the outcome, either less or no dose is planned for the angles in which the location of the templates cannot be verified and thus, the tumor.

Abstract: A method of making a vascular phantom based on imaging data of vasculature of a subject. A mold having a core and a shell is constructed based on the imaging data. A liquid precursor is introduced into the mold and is cured. The mold is removed, leaving a model of the vasculature of the subject. A plaque component is fabricated by making a plaque mold and introducing liquid precursors containing T1 and T2 modifiers to mimic the T1 and T2 of portions of the plaque. The plaque components are attached to the vasculature using adhesive.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging a portion(s) of an anatomical structure can be provided. For example, an x-ray source first arrangement can provide x-ray radiation, and a multi-hole collimator second arrangement can be provided in a path of the x-ray radiation, and can be configured to undersample the radiation beam which can be forwarded to the portion(s) of the anatomical structure. A third hardware arrangement can be configured to receive a further x-ray radiation from the portion(s) that can be based on the undersampled x-ray radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus which is specifically designed for enabling three-dimensional imaging of relatively small volumes from the area of extremities of a patient. The apparatus includes a support construction (1) supporting a substantially ring-shaped structure (2), an O-arm (2), which in turn supports imaging means (21, 22) and which O-arm (2) is arranged with an examination opening (4). The imaging means (21, 22) are arranged movable within the O-arm (2). A positioning support (8) is arranged in connection with said examination opening (4) whose location with respect to the O-arm (2) is arranged adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraoral sensor for intraoral X-ray photography, and provides an intraoral sensor bending along an intraoral structure during intraoral X-ray photography, wherein the degree of bending of a first region corresponding to a part facing the major axis differs from that of a second region corresponding to the remaining part.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for a radiographic imaging can include a plurality of x-ray sources disposed in a curve and a detector configured to revolve relative thereto. In one embodiment, a CBCT imaging method and/or apparatus can include performing a first scan at a first speed using stationary angularly distributed x-ray sources to acquire first CBCT projection data that impinge a detector of a first field of view (FOV), identifying an area of interest within the first FOV, and performing a second scan at a second speed using the x-ray sources acquire second CBCT projection data that impinge a portion of the detector of a second smaller FOV including the area of interest within the first FOV using second emissions by the x-ray sources, where the second speed is greater than the first speed.

Abstract: Dynamic bowties, imaging systems including a bowtie, and methods of imaging including such bowties or systems are provided. A bowtie can be a three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic bowtie and can include a highly-attenuating bowtie (HB) and a weakly-attenuating bowtie (WB). The HB can be filled with a liquid, and the WB can be immersed in the liquid of the HB.

Abstract: A bucky tray for an X-ray imaging apparatus includes a first plate on which an X-ray detecting device is mountable, and a second plate configured to be coupled to the first plate to be movable to at least one of a first location where the X-ray detecting device of a first size is accommodated and a second location where another X-ray detecting device of a second size is accommodated. The X-ray detecting device is configured to be mounted on the bucky tray.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems that may be used for cooling objects, such as X-ray tubes and detectors, etc. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of methods for cooling objects, such as X-ray tubes and detectors, etc. For example, an exemplary embodiment includes a system that can be used to cool an X-ray tube and detector with one chiller. As another example, an exemplary embodiment of a method includes using one chiller to cool an X-ray tube and detector.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a camera to image an object and output the image of the object, a display member using a touch screen to display the image of the object output from the camera, and an X-ray irradiation region of the object, an X-ray irradiation region controller to control a region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated, and a control member to enable the irradiation region controller to control the region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated according to the X-ray irradiation region, when the X-ray irradiation region is determined, based on the image of the object displayed in the display member.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray source to emit an X-ray onto a breast, a detector assembly configured to detect the X-ray transmitted through the breast, a compression paddle configured to compress the breast positioned on the detector assembly, a paddle manipulator configured to control the compression paddle according to a command, a degree-of-compression sensor configured to measure a degree of compression to which the breast is compressed by the compression paddle, and a pressure controller configured to supply a pressure corresponding to the measured degree of compression of the breast to the paddle manipulator.

Abstract: Method and system for obtaining images of an object of interest using a system comprising an x-ray source facing a detector. The method and system enable the acquiring of a plurality of 2D projection images of the object of interest in a plurality of orientations. A selected 2D projection image such as the zero projection of the plurality of projections can be enhanced by using at least a subset of the plurality of tomosynthesis projection images. The obtained enhanced 2D projection image is displayed for review.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus includes a scanner configured to acquire projection data of an object in a plurality of directions, and a data processor configured to generate a volume of interest based on the projection data, generate a two-dimensional (2D) reprojection image by reprojecting the volume of interest in at least one direction, and extract feature information from the 2D reprojection image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains a three-dimensional radiation image of a right region of substantially symmetrical regions, obtains a three-dimensional radiation image of a left region of the substantially symmetrical regions, performs alignment between the three-dimensional radiation image of the right region and the three-dimensional radiation image of the left region based on a feature position of the regions, and substantially symmetrically arranges and displays the three-dimensional radiation image of the right region and the three-dimensional radiation image of the left region which have been aligned.