Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for updating alarm limits applied in monitoring one or more medical parameters of a subject. The devices, systems, and methods obtain a measurement of ambient pressure at a defined time point (‘t1’) and compare the measurement of ambient pressure at the defined time point (‘t1’) to a reference ambient pressure. If a difference between the measured ambient pressure values at t1 and the reference ambient pressure is at or above a predetermined threshold, the alarm limits are updated to correspond with the ambient pressure at t1 or a user is alerted to update the alarm limits.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for capturing and analyzing the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. The CO2 level of air drawn into the system (10) is monitored to distinguish inhalation and exhalation of breath. Upon detection of a decrease in the CO2 level in the air drawn into the system (10), indicating a transition between exhalation and inhalation a pair of flow selector valves (26, 28) are operated to capture the end-tidal volume of air drawn into the system (10) immediately prior to the detection of the decrease in the CO2 level. Incoming air is diverted around the captured volume of air, and the CO2 levels are continually monitored to ensure that the captured volume of air corresponds to the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. Once the captured volume of air is positively identified as the end-tidal portion of an exhalation, the captured volume is routed through a gas analyzer (44) for analysis of one or more predetermined gas levels.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device for separating liquid from gases includes a filter located within the lumen of the filtering device. The filter blocks materials other than gases from passing therethrough. A element fluidly coupled to the filter provides an indication to a user once liquid in the lumen is at a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: A method for estimating an ear geometry of an ear of a user with a hearing device, the hearing device comprising an ear canal microphone, an external microphone, and a receiver, includes: obtaining an external input signal using the external microphone; providing an output signal by the receiver; obtaining an ear canal microphone input signal using the ear canal microphone; and estimating the ear geometry based on the external input signal and the ear canal microphone input signal.

Abstract: A method for selecting size of an orthotic for a foot is described, where the method comprises collecting certain measurements for a foot, such as a length corresponding to a distance from a proximal point of the heel to a base of a metatarsal head and, optionally, a width w corresponding to a distance from the medial edge of the foot at approximately the base of the first metatarsal head to the lateral edge of the foot at approximately the base of the fifth metatarsal head, and, optionally, a height h corresponding to the height of the lateral foot arch relative to ground. The height h is measured, in some cases, with the foot in an adjusted or restored condition. The measurements are used to recommend or to select a size of an orthotic product.

Abstract: A gait analyzing device includes: a data acquisition unit acquiring first image data of a walking user and second image data of the walking user from a different direction, using a depth sensor; a skeletal information creation unit creating skeletal information identifying a position of a joint using depth information; a measurement information creation unit creating measurement information identifying a total number of steps and a ground contact history of left and right feet; a common part extraction unit comparing both instances of measurement information and extracts a part from the skeletal information in the first and second image data where the ground contact history is common; a correction processing unit correcting the skeletal information in the image data having the higher number of frames with the skeletal information in the image data having the lower number of frames; and an analysis processing unit analyzing the user's gait.

Abstract: Described is an energy harvesting system comprising a transducer that generates an electric signal from ambient energy, and a processor adapted to process the electric signal to determine and output a characteristic of a source of the ambient energy. The characteristic may be a spoken word classification.

Abstract: Described is device for monitoring an activity. The device comprises a transducer that generates electric power from the activity and an energy store that stores the electric power over consecutive time intervals. The device further comprises a transmitter that periodically transmits the stored energy as an activity pulse indicative of an activity classification.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for improving an accuracy of a wearable device while detecting a ski activity by a user at a ski area. In one aspect, the method can include receiving motion data of the user from a motion sensing module of the wearable device. A heart rate sensing module can measure a heart rate of the user. One or more processor circuits can detect the user is gripping ski poles on a substantially flat ground based on the motion data and the heart rate of the user. The one or more processor circuits can calculate information about the user's performance during the ski activity and output the information about the user's performance during the ski activity.

Abstract: A method for determining a blood pressure measurement state, using a device that is held in a hand of a user to whom a blood pressure meter is mounted. The method includes: obtaining (i) image data including a face of the user by a camera that the device has, (ii) first information indicating an inclination angle of the determining device as to the gravitational direction, by an angle sensor that the device has, and (iii) second information indicating a position of the face of the user in the image data, and the proportion of the size of the face of the user in the image data; determining whether or not the user is correctly using the blood pressure meter based on the image data, the first information and the second information; and providing a notification indicating the determination result.

Abstract: A method of forecasting subjective efficacy of a hearing prosthesis implanted in a recipient, including subjecting a recipient to a plurality of temporally spaced aural training tasks, the aural training tasks evoking hearing percepts with the hearing prosthesis, obtaining first data indicative of the recipient's ability to hear with the hearing prosthesis based on performance by the recipient of the temporally spaced aural training tasks, and forecasting second data based on the first data, wherein the second data are indicative of the recipient's ability to hear with the hearing prosthesis at one or more temporal locations in the future.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system may utilize externally sourced information regarding the physiological state and ambient environment of its user for externally calibrating sensor glucose measurements. Externally sourced factory calibration information may be utilized, where the information is generated by comparing metrics obtained from the data used to generate the sensor's glucose sensing algorithm to similar data obtained from each batch of sensors to be used with the algorithm in the future. The output sensor glucose value of a glucose sensor may also be estimated by analytically optimizing input sensor signals to accurately correct for changes in sensitivity, run-in time, glucose current dips, and other variable sensor wear effects.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system may utilize externally sourced information regarding the physiological state and ambient environment of its user for externally calibrating sensor glucose measurements. Externally sourced factory calibration information may be utilized, where the information is generated by comparing metrics obtained from the data used to generate the sensor's glucose sensing algorithm to similar data obtained from each batch of sensors to be used with the algorithm in the future. The output sensor glucose value of a glucose sensor may also be estimated by analytically optimizing input sensor signals to accurately correct for changes in sensitivity, run-in time, glucose current dips, and other variable sensor wear effects.

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: Examples of invasive biosensor alignment and retention features and methods are described. One example biosensor includes a housing comprising: a first surface defining a first opening, and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface defining a second opening, the first and second openings defining a substantially unobstructed pathway through the housing; a biosensor wire partially disposed within the housing and having an exterior portion extending through the first opening; a hollow insertion needle positioned within the pathway and extending through the first opening, the hollow insertion needle at least partially encircling the biosensor wire; and a biosensor retention feature collapsible against the first surface of the housing, the biosensor retention feature encircling and contacting the hollow insertion needle.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system may utilize externally sourced information regarding the physiological state and ambient environment of its user for externally calibrating sensor glucose measurements. Externally sourced factory calibration information may be utilized, where the information is generated by comparing metrics obtained from the data used to generate the sensor's glucose sensing algorithm to similar data obtained from each batch of sensors to be used with the algorithm in the future. The output sensor glucose value of a glucose sensor may also be estimated by analytically optimizing input sensor signals to accurately correct for changes in sensitivity, run-in time, glucose current dips, and other variable sensor wear effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems, and methods wherein pre-event and post-event analyte concentration readings associated with an event are collected and processed to determine a numerical delta. The numerical delta may be displayed on a visual display to aid in a ready determination of the affect that the event (alone or in combination with medication and/or insulin dosages) had on the analyte concentration levels. Medication and/or insulin dosages may be displayed alongside the numerical delta to gauge immediate relationships between numerical delta, dosage, and/or an associated event. Apparatus and systems for calculating and displaying the numerical delta are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided, as well as methods of inserting medical devices. Embodiments include removing a substantially cylindrical cap from an inserter to expose a substantially cylindrical sleeve, removing a cover from a substantially cylindrical container holding sensor components, and fitting the sensor components into the inserter.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes an inlet configured to be placed directly or indirectly in fluid communication with a bodily fluid source and an outlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid collection device. The fluid control device has a first state in which a negative pressure differential produced from an external source such as the fluid collection device is applied to the fluid control device to draw an initial volume of bodily fluid from the bodily fluid source, through the inlet, and into a sequestration portion of the fluid control device. The fluid control device has a second state in which (1) the sequestration portion sequesters the initial volume, and (2) the negative pressure differential draws a subsequent volume of bodily fluid, being substantially free of contaminants, from the bodily fluid source, through the fluid control device, and into the fluid collection device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices including one or more hollow needles and a transducing wire disposed within at least one needle. In particular instances, arrays of such needles can be employed. Methods for fabricating and using such devices are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A personal physical conditioning system, for a single, full-size human subject, has a sealable chamber that is configured to allow entry therein and occupancy thereof by the entirety of the single, full-size human subject and to allow the subject to exercise in a standing position using an item of physical conditioning equipment entirely contained within the sealable chamber. The system also has a ventilation system, including a pump, operable to change air in the sealable chamber and to establish, within the sealable chamber, a desired non-zero air pressure level of less than 1 atmosphere and down to pressure conditions substantially equivalent to an elevation of 25,000 feet above sea level. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting muscle seizure of a subject in a comfortable, non-invasive manner and user-friendly manner. The device comprises an activity input configured to obtain activity information related to a subject's activity when using a user device; a gaze input configured to obtain gaze information related to the subject's gaze when using the user device; a detection unit configured to detect a muscle seizure of the subject when using the user device by determining if the activity information indicates a reduction in the subject's activity using a user device and if the gaze information indicates that the subject's gaze is directed to the user device; and a control unit configured to generate a control signal, if the detection unit detects a muscle seizure of the subject configured to control a vibration unit attached to the subject and/or the user device to vibrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting tremors in a subject. One method comprises receiving data from a digital device, the data comprising a plurality of digital device positions and a plurality of timestamps, each timestamp in the plurality of timestamps being associated with a digital device position in the plurality of digital device positions. The method further comprises determining a plurality of frequencies of hand movements of the subject based on the plurality of digital device positions and plurality of timestamps. The method further comprises determining a subportion of the data corresponding to frequencies of hand movements above a low tremor threshold, and determining a magnitude of tremors of the subject's hand based, at least in part, on the subportion of the data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting and/or validating a detection of a state change by matching the shape of one or more of an cardiac data series, a heart rate variability data series, or at least a portion of a heart beat complex, derived from cardiac data, to an appropriate template.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-invasive evaluations and in-vivo diagnostics includes an open magnet, an RF antenna, and an NMR analytics logical circuit communicatively coupled to the RF antenna, wherein the open magnet is shaped to generate a static magnetic field that extends unilaterally into an object or internal organ of a subject when the open magnet is positioned against or in proximity to the object or subject, the static and RF magnetic fields shaped to generate a sensitive volume within a target region. The RF antenna or antenna array is configured to transmit RF pulses into the target region of the object or internal organ and receive sets of NMR signals generated by hydrogen or other elements, and the NMR analytics logical circuit is configured to obtain and analyze sets of NMR signals.

Abstract: Identifying gut microbiota in a specific site of the gut through production of a measurable response following introduction of a challenge agent to the specific site of the gut is disclosed. A composition embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a challenge agent configured to elicit a measurable response by the at least one targeted microbe at the specific site in the gut, the measurable response detectable in a bodily gaseous emission; and a controlled release system encompassing at least a portion of the challenge agent, the controlled release system configured to access the specific site of the gut.

Abstract: One variation of a system for tracking and responding to Sun exposure includes: a housing configured to transiently attach to a port on a first garment; a jack coupled to the housing configured to transiently engage a port on the first garment; a radiation sensor arranged in the housing and configured to detect solar radiation incident on the housing; and a controller configured to: read an identifier of the first garment from the port via the jack; based on the identifier, estimate a skin exposure of a user wearing the first garment; read a solar radiation value from the radiation sensor at a first time; and, based on the solar radiation value and the skin exposure, estimate a solar radiation exposure of the user at the first time.

Abstract: An orthopedic system to monitor a parameter related to the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The orthopedic system includes electronic circuitry, at least one sensor, and a computer to receive measurement data in real-time. The orthopedic system comprises a first plurality of shims of a first type, a second plurality of a second type, a measurement module, and the computer. The measurement module houses the electronic circuitry and at least one sensor. The measurement module is adapted to be used with the first plurality of shims and the second plurality of shims. The measurement module has a medial surface that differs from a lateral surface by shape, size, or contour.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide means by which sleep states can be measured, observed, or evaluated easily. [Solution] A sleep state measurement device that includes a phase coherence calculating means for calculating phase coherence on the basis of the instantaneous phase difference between the instantaneous phase of heart rate variability acquired from a sleeping animal and the instantaneous phase of the breathing pattern of the animal for the same time series as the heart rate variability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sleep apnea monitoring system for monitoring the sleeping state of a user by means of impedance tomographic image information about the properties of biological tissue and biological signals of the user's body parts to be monitored. The present invention can be manufactured into a very simple portable device and thus enables monitoring during natural sleep at home. Therefore, the present invention enables utilization of obtained information during a sleeping state for diagnosis of and therapeutic plans for sleep apnea.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for determining a baseline for one or more physiological characteristics of a subject. One or more physiological characteristics of a subject and contextual information associated with the subject is acquired. A time period in which the subject is in a baseline state is detected based on the acquired one or more physiological characteristics of the subject and the acquired contextual information associated with the subject. The baseline for the one or more physiological characteristics of the subject is determined from a value of at least one of the acquired one or more physiological characteristics in the detected time period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a subject with a psychiatric disorder are provided in which a therapy session is conducted. In the therapy session, each respective expression image in a plurality of expression images is sequentially displayed. Each expression image is independently associated with an expression. The successive display of images is construed as a tiled series of expression image subsets, each consisting of N expression images. Upon completion of the display of each respective subset, the user is challenged as to whether the first and the last images in the respective subset exhibit the same emotion. A score is determined for the respective subset based on whether the subject learned to respond correctly. The number of images in each subset is adjusted to a new number based on these scores. A treatment regimen is prescribed to the subject for the psychiatric disorder based at least in part on the scores.

Abstract: A nerve mapping system includes an energy based dissection device, a plurality of beacons, and a processing device. The plurality of beacons are disposed in a tissue of a patient. Each beacon is adapted to transmit one or more first electrical signals within the body and receive one or more second energy signals. The processing device is adapted to determine first locations associated with the plurality of beacons, a second location associated with the energy based dissection device, and a third location associated with a nerve within the tissue, based on the one or more second signals, generate a mapping of the first locations, second location, and third location, and cause the first locations, second location, and third location to be displayed on a display device.

Abstract: An assembly for a consumer product, such as a wristwatch or other wearable electronic device, can securely retain a cover member against a housing of the product. A retaining member from within the housing can engage and secure the cover member to provide a fluid barrier. The cover member can include a window or other components of a sensor device. The parts can be easily disassembled without causing permanent damage.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method involves obtaining, by a body-mountable device, sensor data, where the body-mountable device includes a data storage. The method further involves making a determination that each condition in a condition set has been satisfied. In addition, the method involves responsive to making the determination that each condition in the condition set has been satisfied, storing the obtained sensor data in the data storage.

Abstract: A wearable monitoring device and method of use is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wearable monitoring device can have a casing and a strap. The casing can have a monitoring- device hardware that can have a sensor, the sensor capable of gathering data from a baby. The casing can further comprise a monitoring device processor that receives data from the monitoring-device hardware, and stores the data on a monitoring device memory, further wherein the data comprises a device identifier and vital signs information. The casing can also comprise a communication hardware capable of sending the data to an electronic device. The strap can be attachable to a part of the body of the baby, and the strap mounts to the casing.

Abstract: Handheld steering devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the handheld steering device includes a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a hand of a user; a steering controller coupled to the housing; a processor in communication with the steering controller, the processor configured to translate inputs from the steering controller into actuation signals based on a code architecture that includes a script for at least one of a return home function, a return to stored position function, a store current position function, or an automated mapping function; and an actuator positioned within the housing and configured to interface with the intravascular device based on the actuation signals to the steer the intravascular device. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Handheld steering devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the handheld steering device includes a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a hand of a user, the housing including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes an opening sized and shaped to receive an intravascular device; an adaptor positioned within the opening of the housing, the adaptor including a bore sized and shaped to allow a proximal end of the intravascular device to pass therethrough; a steering controller coupled to the housing; and an actuator positioned within the housing and in communication with the steering controller, the actuator interfacing with the proximal end of the intravascular device based on inputs to the steering controller to steer a distal end of the intravascular device. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for autonomously soothing babies. An example method may include receiving a first sound input from a microphone, processing the first sound input, determining a baby status based at least in part on the first sound input, determining an output action based at least in part on the baby status; and implementing the output action at the children's apparatus.

Abstract: A treatment regimen compliance modification system includes devices for modifying compliance with a treatment regimen by a subject having a chronic health condition. The devices include a mechanism for locking down a subject's computing device if the subject has not complied with the treatment regimen. When the subject is determined to have not complied with the treatment regimen, the subject's computing device can be at least partially shut down and then automatically released after a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for accurate heart rate measurement. In one example, a method includes determining a respiratory rate (RR) and respiration displacement from radar-measured cardiorespiratory motion data; adjusting notch depths of a harmonics comb notch digital filter (HCNDF) based upon the respiration displacement; generating filtered cardiorespiratory data by filtering the radar-measured cardiorespiratory motion data with the HCNDF; and identifying a heart rate (HR) from the filtered cardiorespiratory data. In another example, a system includes radar circuitry configured to receive a cardiorespiratory motion signal reflected from a monitored subject; and signal processing circuitry configured to determine a respiration displacement based upon the cardiorespiratory motion signal; adjust notch depths of a HCNDF based upon the respiration displacement; filter the cardiorespiratory motion data with the HCNDF; and identifying a heart rate (HR) from the filtered cardiorespiratory data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program wherein the method comprises: identifying a plurality of extrema points in a detected biosignal; comparing the identified extrema points with a plurality of sets of reference points wherein different sets of reference points correspond to different frequencies of the biosignal; and identifying the set of reference points that most closely fit the identified extrema points to determine a frequency of the biosignal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining the presence and severity of sleep disordered breathing in a patient based on the output of a low-cost at-home diagnostic and the results of a health questionnaire. The low-cost at-home diagnostic is a simple photoplethysmographic survey to detect oxygen saturation overnight. Minimum oxygen saturation and other metrics are determined from the photoplethysmographic survey and applied, in combination with the health questionnaire data, to a set of artificial neural networks. Each artificial neural network corresponds to a respective degree of severity of sleep disordered breathing, according to rate of occurrence of apnea and hypopnea events during sleep. Each artificial neural network is trained with a respective subset of clinical data generated from a large population of individuals, to reduce both the false positive and false negative rate of the classifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-invasively estimating bio-information is provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may include a bio-signal acquirer configured to acquire a bio-signal; and a processor configured to extract a plurality of characteristic points from the bio-signal, determine internally dividing points of the plurality of characteristic points, and extract feature values from the bio-signal based on the internally dividing points to perform bio-information estimation.

Abstract: A system for a medical system includes a position sensing unit to sense a displacement of a medical device from a medically operational point on a subject, and a signal processing circuit to output, based on the sensed displacement, a signal to disable an alert system when the medical device is for sensing a physiological parameter of a subject during a medical procedure and the displacement is greater than a first threshold value, or to output a signal to enable the alert system when the medical device is for delivering treatment to the subject and the displacement is greater than a second threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to generate a multiresolution image having at least two regions with different pixel pitches. The multiresolution image is reconstructed using projection data having various pixel pitches corresponding to the pixel pitches of the multiresolution image. By using a higher resolution inside regions of interest (ROIs) in both the image and projection domains and lower resolution outside the ROIs, fast image reconstruction can be performed while avoiding truncation artifacts, which result imaging is limited to an ROI excluding attenuation regions. Further, those regions of greater clinical relevance and greater structural variance within the reconstructed images can be selected to be within the ROIs to improve the clinical benefit of the multiresolution image. The multiresolution image can be reconstructed using an iterative reconstruction method in which the high- and low-resolution regions are uniquely evaluated.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a method for computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy can include acquiring a plurality of pairs of projections of an interventional device using CT fluoroscopy. Each pair of the projections can be obtained at a predetermined first angular separation greater than a second angular separation used for a full dose CT scan of a target object, by rotating a gantry of a CT scanner. The method can include identifying a position of the interventional device in real time for each pair of the projections, using back-projection of images of the interventional device from the respective pair of projections. The method can include superimposing an image of the interventional device on a 3-D image of an anatomical region at an identified position of the interventional device.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a method for computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy can include acquiring a plurality of pairs of projections of an interventional device using CT fluoroscopy. Each pair of the projections can be obtained at a predetermined first angular separation greater than a second angular separation used for a full dose CT scan of a target object, by rotating a gantry of a CT scanner. The method can include identifying a position of the interventional device in real time for each pair of the projections, using back-projection of images of the interventional device from the respective pair of projections. The method can include superimposing an image of the interventional device on a 3-D image of an anatomical region at an identified position of the interventional device.

Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly (DA), comprising an X-ray sensitive flat panel (FD) module having a first shape. An X-ray shield (S) is superimposed on said panel, said shield having a hole i) of a fixed second shape different from said first shape or ii) of a fixed size different from a size of the first shape.