Abstract: A device to clean a shoe sole includes a handle portion having a first end and an opposing second end, and is configured to store a cleaning fluid therein. The device also includes a tread brush coupled to the first end of the handle portion, a grooming brush coupled to the opposing second end of the handle portion, where the tread brush includes an orifice that is in fluid communication with a reservoir of the handle portion. The tread brush comprises tread bristles facing outward relative to a first side of the handle portion, and the grooming brush comprises grooming bristles facing outward relative to an opposing second side of the handle portion. In addition, the tread brush comprises a tapered end that is configured to fit between treads of a shoe.

Abstract: A capsule endoscopic system is disclosed, where the system comprises a capsule device and a docking device. The capsule device comprises a battery, a secondary coil, an optical transmitter all enclosed in a capsule housing. The docking device comprises a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, a primary core and optical receiver to receive an optical signal. The alternating magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil to supply power to the capsule device when the capsule device is at a docked position in the docking device. The primary core is arranged to concentrate the alternating magnetic field on the secondary coil when the capsule device is at the docked position. Furthermore, the capsule endoscopic system is arranged so that an optical path is formed between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver when the capsule device is at the docked position.

Abstract: A method for testing an optical investigation system, with an imaging device, a video camera and a light source for optical investigation of an object including a reference surface with predetermined optical properties being illuminated with illuminating light from a light source. An image of the reference surface is recorded by the imaging device and the video camera. An operating condition of the video camera that prevails during the recording of the image is recorded. The functionality or another property of the investigation system is determined on the basis of the recorded operating condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trans-platform apparatus including a main platform and an operating device. The trans-platform apparatus of the present invention has the advantage of performing complex and various operations by inserting a maximum number/size of operating devices through a minimal number of openings within an operating space. In addition, since the trans-platform apparatus of the present invention does not use an additional connecting member for a spin shaft, the configuration thereof is further simplified, the operation thereof is easier, and power can be efficiently transmitted to an operating means. The trans-platform apparatus of the present invention is applicable to various fields including medical devices, and an engine room or a device for operating the inside of a radiator.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an image forming section configured to arrange first and second images obtained by picking up images of first and second regions of a subject to be adjacent to each other to form an image of one frame, a light source section configured to emit illumination light based on a brightness evaluation of the image to the first and second regions, a brightness-range calculating section configured to detect minimum and maximum luminance values in the first and second images, and an image processing section configured to perform a luminance shift such that a minimum or maximum luminance value of an image, a luminance range of which is smaller than a predetermined luminance range, among the first and second images coincides with a predetermined luminance lower limit or upper limit value.

Abstract: Still image display of a recent video image of tissue as a reference still image prior to a switch in the mode of illumination of the tissue. The still image is displayed concurrently with live video of the tissue under a different mode of illumination, to facilitate discrimination between healthy and diseased tissue, and further facilitate therapeutic intervention. The reference still image may be displayed either as an insert (picture-in-picture), side-by-side, or the like concurrently with the live video image. In some embodiments, when a practitioner switches a light source from “excitation-light” to “white light”, the “excitation-light” video may be frozen/captured and displayed as a reference still image as a PIP, and the “white-light” live video is displayed concurrently. When the source is switched again, the “white-light” video may be frozen/captured and displayed as a reference still image, and the “excitation-light” live video is displayed concurrently.

Abstract: Still image display of a recent video image of tissue as a reference still image prior to a switch in the mode of illumination of the tissue. The still image is displayed concurrently with live video of the tissue under a different mode of illumination, to facilitate discrimination between healthy and diseased tissue. When a practitioner switches a light source from a “first light” to a “second light”, the second light video may be frozen/captured and displayed as a reference still image as a PIP, and the second light live video is displayed concurrently. The second light can be infrared and/or near infrared light. The second light can include structured light to project a structured light pattern to facilitate structure measurements. The second light source is configured with a numerical aperture greater than the first light source.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a first substrate including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels, a second substrate including a plurality of third pixels and facing the first substrate, and a processing unit. The plurality of third pixels receive light transmitted through the plurality of first pixels. The plurality of first pixels output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of green light and transmit a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of red light. The plurality of second pixels output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of blue light and not including wavelengths of red light and wavelengths of green light. The plurality of third pixels output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of red light. The processing unit generates a signal at least from an output of the plurality of first pixels and an output of the plurality of third pixels.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter or endoscope device includes an illumination light source having one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The OLEDs are energized to produce illumination light that is received by an image sensor or camera to produce images of tissue within a patient's body. A heat conductive polymer conducts heat away from the illumination light source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that light and magnify a treatment site within the oral cavity without interfering with a dental treatment procedure. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide a virtual operatory system that includes an image capture subsystem connected to an image display subsystem. For example, the image capture subsystem can capture and communicate a live image of a treatment site to the image display subsystem for the dental professional to view while performing a dental treatment procedure. In at least one example embodiment, the virtual operatory system can also include an image rendering subsystem that can render the live image of the treatment site in one or more ways to provide an improved visual to the dental professional of the treatment site.

Abstract: A device used for oral intubation on a patient having a mouth and airway (or oropharynx) is disclosed. The device comprises a hard palate pivot support attached to a laryngoscope blade by a plurality of actuating arms, wherein the hard palate pivot support is used to push against the roof of a patient's mouth and consequently open a patient's airway in order to visualize the vocal chords. A method of use is further disclosed.

Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of foldable ophthalmic system. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing. Our system can be used for many modalities including optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: A subjective optometry apparatus includes a light projecting optical system which projects a target light flux toward an examinee's eye to project a visual target onto the examinee's eye, a calibration optical system which is disposed in an optical path from the light projecting optical system to the examinee's eye and changes optical characteristics of the target light flux, an optical member which guides the target light flux of which the optical characteristics is changed by the calibration optical system to the examinee's eye, a light deflection section being different from the calibration optical system, which includes light deflection members provided in a left and right pair and a driving section which rotationally drives the light deflection members, and deflects the target light flux by rotating the light deflection members, and a control section which controls the light deflection section based on prism information to deflect the target light flux.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensorless adaptive optics imaging system includes a source of light, an optical delivery unit having a wavefront modifying element, and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) sensor configured to acquire OCT images based on light emitted by the source of light and transmitted through the optical delivery unit. The system also includes a processing unit that can: process the OCT images, and determine an adjustment of parameters of the wavefront modifying element. In some embodiments, the system includes a multi-photon microscopy (MPM) sensor that acquires MPM images based on the light transmitted through the optical delivery unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of non-mydriatic fundus imaging are disclosed. Fundus imaging apparatus include an infrared light unit configured to illuminate during a fundus scan. Based on fundus scanning, a first focus position is determined. Fundus images are then captured starting at the first focus position. Focus of the fundus imaging apparatus is adjusted to a plurality of sequential diopters and images captured at each adjustment.

Abstract: A system or method for measuring human ocular performance can be implemented using an eye sensor, a head orientation sensor, and an electronic circuit. The device is configured for measuring vestibulo-ocular reflex, pupillometry, saccades, visual pursuit tracking, vergence, eyelid closure, dynamic visual acuity, retinal image stability, foveal fixation stability, focused position of the eyes or visual fixation of the eyes at any given moment and nystagmus. The eye sensor comprises a video camera that senses vertical movement and horizontal movement of at least one eye. The head orientation sensor senses pitch and yaw in the range of frequencies between 0.01 Hertz and 15 Hertz. The system is implemented as part of a faceguard.

Abstract: An ophthalmic technician is present with a patient in an exam room to operate eye examination equipment and transmit patient information to remote location. At that remote location, a skilled technician is present to provide the necessary optical care, and may operate the phoropter from the remote location. Using video and/or teleconferencing equipment and a phoropter located in the patient examination room along with management software, the system works to determine the final optical prescription for the patient. That information, coupled with findings from other devices which are integrated with the management software, and that the patient uses locally, are reviewed by a remote-based optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Abstract: An athletic wear includes at least one of an athlete garment, a helmet, a glove, a wristband, a headband, a mouth guard, and a pad. A plurality of sensors and at least one camera are integrated into the at least one of the athlete garment, the helmet, the glove, the wristband, the headband, the mouth guard, and the pad. A processor is in signal communication with the plurality of sensors and the at least one camera for receiving, analyzing, and transmitting data signals obtained by the plurality of sensors and the at least one camera. The plurality of sensors are configured to obtain a wearer's physiological data, position data and movement data.

Abstract: A method for authenticating to a network comprising a plurality of Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices is provided. The method may include using a mobile telephone apparatus, a wrist-worn apparatus and a head-worn apparatus to monitor the level of at least one of a wearer's pulse, body temperature, voice, gait and/or other biorhythmic indicator. One of the aforementioned apparatus may operate as a hub apparatus. The method may further include using the hub apparatus to assign a federated biometric marker based at least in part on the first, second and third biometric markers. The method may also include using artificial intelligence to monitor for one or more outliers with respect to historical monitoring. Each of the one or more outliers may include a magnitude that exceeds a security threshold difference between the current magnitude and the historically monitored magnitude.

Abstract: A system and method for noncontact ultrasound imagery capable of generating images in a manner that is safer for eyes and skin is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed to direct light signals with wavelengths of 1400-1600 nanometers into the patient to generate acoustic disturbances that induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances may be translated in defined directions to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, generate a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the scatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient may be generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination. Ultrasound images can be generated without physically contacting the patient.

Abstract: One variation of a method for detecting inflammation in a foot includes: accessing a first temperature measured through a left temperature sensor and a second temperature measured through a right temperature sensor at approximately a first time, the left temperature sensor arranged in a left sock and the right temperature sensor arranged in a right sock worn on the user's feet; calculating a baseline difference between the first and second temperatures based on confirmation of absence of inflammation in the user's left and right feet at the first time; accessing a third temperature measured through the left temperature sensor and a fourth temperature measured through the right temperature sensor at approximately a second time; and in response to a second temperature difference—between the third and fourth temperatures—differing from the baseline difference by more than a threshold difference, issuing an alarm through the user interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to registering changes in vascular tone during and after a functional load, and processing data using spectral analysis methods within the frequency ranges of endothelial (0.0095-0.02 Hz), neurogenic (0.02-0.05 Hz), and myogenic (0.05-0.14 Hz) regulation mechanisms. Furthermore, the temperature of an area of a patient's skin is continuously registered. During the first 1-2 minutes, the temperature of the examined skin surface is increased to 38-42° C., and the heating power is fixed. Temperature fluctuations are registered over the course of 10 minutes. The heater is shut-off. Over the course of 10 minutes following the shut-off and a decrease in temperature to 30-32° C., temperature fluctuations continue to be registered, and the obtained values are compared, with coefficients being calculated for the relative change in the amplitudes of the temperature fluctuations, which are then used for determining the existence of a disorder in a vascular tone regulation mechanism.

Abstract: A probe device for detecting atherosclerotic plaque may include: an elongate shaft having a proximal end for coupling with a catheter and a distal end; an opening in a side of the shaft; a scintillating window disposed over the opening to form a water tight seal and thus form an imaging window compartment; a 45-degree rotating mirror disposed at least partially within the imaging window compartment; and an ultrasound transducer disposed at least partially within the imaging window compartment. The probe is a dual-modality, catheter radionuclide imaging and photoacoustic tomography (CRI-PAT) probe.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition module, a feature calculator and a blood pressure value calculator. The acquisition module is configured to acquire a basic first attribute of a user, a second attribute related to a physique of the user, a third attribute related to a circulatory organ of the user, and a biological signal related to a living body of the user. The feature calculator is configured to calculate a feature in the biological signal. The blood pressure value calculator is configured to calculate a blood pressure value of the user, based on the first attribute, the second attribute, the third attribute, and the feature.

Abstract: An implantable vital sign sensor including a housing including a first portion, the first portion defining a first open end, a second open end opposite the first end, and a lumen there through, the first portion being sized to be implanted substantially entirely within the blood vessel wall of the patient. A sensor module configured to measure a blood vessel blood pressure waveform is included, the sensor module having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being insertable within the lumen and the proximal portion extending outward from the first open end.

Abstract: An apparatus is suitable for measuring a photoplethysmogram (PPG). A photoplethysmographic sensor apparatus may include a casing defining a surface, a plurality of optical emitters configured to emit radiation extending from the surface, at least one photo sensor configured to capture radiation emitted by at least a subset of the plurality of optical emitters. At least a first measurement configuration and a second configuration is defined by the plurality of optical emitters and the at least one photo sensor such that the first and the second measurement configuration provide different measurement channels by including at least partially different sets of at least one optical emitter and at least one photo sensor. The first and second measurement configurations define different spatial configurations, each of which is line symmetric with respect to an imaginary line along the surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noncontact ablation of tissues or materials in/on the body using a luminal catheter and a catheter inserted into the lumen. In one embodiment, the luminal catheter is an ablation catheter and the other catheter is a recording/measurement/positioning catheter. The luminal catheter incorporates a noncontact ablation element such as an ultrasonic transducer. The luminal catheter can be inserted through the skin and into the body (e.g., into the heart) and the recording/measurement/positioning catheter can be inserted into the lumen so that the ablation and recording/measurement/positioning catheters are simultaneously positioned to record/measure the electrical activity of the target tissue and ablate the target tissue without causing the trauma that results from the introduction of additional catheters. Either of the ablation and recording/measurement/positioning catheters can be steerable, and either may incorporate recording/measurement electrodes.

Abstract: An interface structure for a biological environment including at least one composite electrical impulse generating layer comprising a matrix phase of a piezo polymer material, a first dispersed phase of piezo nanocrystals, and second dispersed phase of carbon nanotubes, the first and second dispersed phase presented through the matrix phase. The piezo polymer material and piezo nanocrystal convert mechanical motion into electrical impulses and accept electrons to charge the composite impulse generating layer. The carbon nanotubes provide pathways for distribution of the electrical impulses to a surface of the composite impulse generating layer contacting the biological environment. The carbon nanotubes further provide for the delivery of the byproducts of the free radical degradation from the biological environment to both piezo-nanocrystals and piezo-polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, software, systems and devices for detecting the presence of an abnormality in an organ, tissue, body, or portion thereof of a subject by analysis of the electromagnetic fields generated by the organ, tissue, body, or portion thereof.

Abstract: A seizure preemption system including electrodes for recording simultaneous electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a subject, a controller electrically coupled to the electrodes, and a neuromodulator electrically coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to sample the simultaneous EEG signals, identify high frequency oscillation (HFO) events in each EEG signal, and extract one or more features from each EEG signal to yield HFO profiles for the HFOs recorded from each EEG signal. Based on the HFO profiles for the EEG signal, the controller is configured to identify each EEG signal as associated with a preictal state or an interictal state of the subject. The neuromodulator is configured to deliver electrical stimulations to one or more seizure foci of the subject's brain via one or more of the electrodes in response to identification of at least one EEG signal as associated with a preictal state of the subject.

Abstract: We disclose herein a method of detecting abnormalities in electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, the method comprising receiving a set of ECG signals from an ECG device; amplifying only the peaks of at least some of the set of ECG signals to produce ECG beat markings from which a heart rate is derivable to detect an irregular rhythm between at least two ECG beats; extracting a single ECG beat from the set of ECG signals from the ECG device by using said ECG beat markings; feeding the extracted single ECG beat into a first neural network; producing, at the first neural network, a compact representation of the extracted single ECG signal so as to generate a feature extraction output; and using, at a second neural network, the feature extraction output from the first neural network to generate a score associated with the abnormalities in the ECG signals.

Abstract: A patient monitoring apparatus and method is provided. A plurality of moving average filters each receive a signal sensed from a patient and generates an output signal including a respective cutoff frequency. An extraction processor is coupled to receive the sensed signal and output signals from each moving average filters. The extraction processor determines at least one feature associated with the sensed signal based on at least one of the sensed signal and the output signals from each moving average filter and generates a feature signal including data representative of the determined at least one feature. A classification processor identifies a position of artifacts within the sensed signal based on the feature signal and generates a signal identifying the position of the artifacts.

Abstract: A physiological signal monitoring system includes a single set of sensing electrodes to provide conditioned physiological signals to a primary monitoring device and a secondary monitoring device. The monitoring system includes pre-processing circuitry configured to receive a raw physiological signal. The pre-processing circuitry is configured to produce a primary physiological signal and a secondary physiological signal. Each of the primary and secondary physiological signals are conditioned. The primary conditioned physiological signal is directed to a primary monitoring device such as a hospital wearable defibrillator device. The secondary conditioned physiological signal is directed to telemetry modeling circuitry where it is further processed to output one or more telemetry signals. The one or more telemetry signals are output to a secondary monitoring device such as a three lead ECG monitoring device.

Abstract: A mobile cardiac monitoring device is disclosed. The mobile cardiac monitoring device receives voltage-time measurements of a subset of electrocardiogram (ECG) leads for a user, and derives a full set of ECG leads from the voltage-time measurements of the subset of ECG leads. The mobile cardiac monitoring device calculates a heart rate and monitors the cardiac rhythm of the user based on at least one of the subset of ECG leads and calculates a cardiac electrical biomarker (CEB) based on the derived ECG. The mobile cardiac device detects a trigger condition based on the calculated CEB and transmits an alert in response to detecting the trigger condition.

Abstract: Electrode cabling, including a core and n wires coiled on the core in an arrangement topologically equivalent to an n-start thread configuration, wherein n is an integer greater than one. The cabling also includes a sheath covering the n wires and an electrode attached through the sheath to a given wire selected from the n wires.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body, and an electrode assembly distal of the catheter body, the assembly comprising a plurality of spines, wherein each spine has a distal end that is connected to the distal end of at least one other spine, wherein each spine has an electrode-carrying portion, the electrode-carrying portions of all spines of the assembly being in a single common plane, and wherein all spines of the assembly have a uniform exposed total length.

Abstract: If a job is accepted in the middle of cardiac potential measurement in a state where acquisition of data for stress measurement corresponding to cycles necessary for stress measurement has not been completed, the state of progress of stress measurement is compared with the acceptance timing of the job, and with respect to acceptance of a job for which a time from the acceptance timing of the job to completion of stress measurement on a current measurement object cycle does not exceed a pre-set first setting value, the job is executed after completion of stress measurement in the current measurement cycle, and with respect to acceptance of a job for which a time from the acceptance timing of the job to completion of stress measurement exceeds the first setting value, stress measurement is interrupted and the job is preferentially executed and stress measurement is restarted.

Abstract: The present approach relates to the fabrication and use of a probe array having multiple individual probes. In one embodiment, the probes of the probe array may be functionalized such that certain of the probes are suitable for electrical sensing (e.g., recording) or stimulation, non-electrical sensing or stimulation (e.g., chemical sensing and/or release of biomolecules when activated), or a combination of electrical and non-electrical sensing or stimulation.

Abstract: The invention includes, in part, methods and apparatus for determining the status of labor in a pregnant subject. In some embodiments of the invention, organ-level uterine function is determined as a measure of the status of labor such as non-labor (e.g., false labor), latent phase labor, active phase labor, or post-delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a biomedical electrode is provided, which guides a biomedical electrode to be brought into close contact with a living body surface of a voluntary muscle into optimum close contact positions on the basis of positions of the voluntary muscle and a neuromuscular junction of the voluntary muscle inside the living body surface. The relative positions of the voluntary muscle and the neuromuscular junction of the voluntary muscle to the living body surface are detected from muscle action potentials detected by myoelectric detection electrodes put into close contact with a large number of positions on the living body surface. On the basis of the relative position information, a close contact position of the biomedical electrode to be brought into close contact with the living body surface of the voluntary muscle is guided to an optimum position.

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

Abstract: A great device (10) processes and visualizes electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data (3) of at least one region of the lungs for determining and visualizing regional properties of the lungs of a living being. The EIT data (3) are obtained from an electrical impedance tomography apparatus (30). The device makes it possible to visualize regional properties of the lungs or of regions of the lungs in terms of hyperdistension or collapse.

Abstract: A non-invasive and accurate vagina evaluation device and uterine evaluation devices are provided that measure the receptivity (uterine implantation capacity) of the mother's body to a fertilized egg implanting itself into the uterus. A first vagina evaluation device includes: a main body stretchable and expandable after insertion into a vagina, followed by air injection thereinto; four electrodes brought into contact with the vagina wall as the main body expands and stretches; and a fixation device configured to fix the interval of arrangement of the electrodes. Second and third uterine evaluation device include: a flexible and rod-shaped main body for insertion into a uterine cavity; and four or two impedance electrodes arranged with a predetermined interval therebetween in an insertion direction of the main body and brought into contact with an endometrium of the uterine cavity to measure a uterine endometrial impedance generated between the endometrium and each of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation amount estimating method, and more particularly, to a radiation amount estimating method of an MRI based composite image using a lookup table. To this end, the object of the present invention is to provide a radiation dose estimating method of an MRI based composite image using a lookup table including: generating a lookup table representing a linear attenuation coefficient of a region of interest from a CT image (S100); photographing at least two of a T1 image, a T2 image, and a PETRA image of a patient from MRI equipment (S120); generating a composite image by superimposing the photographed images (S140); representing a border line of the region of interest in the composite image to distinguish the region of interest (S160); designating the linear attenuation coefficient of the lookup table in the distinguished region of interest (S180); and estimating a radiation dose based on the composite image to which the linear attenuation coefficient is designated (S200).

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging and detecting the biofield of a living subject are provided. A biofield detection system can include a number of features, including a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system, a fluid container configured to hold a fluid and the living subject, and a fluid management system configured to enhance a coherence of the fluid volume. The biofield detection system can implement a biofield detection scheme that compares a baseline NMR image of the fluid in the absence of the subject to a NMR image of the fluid surrounding the subject. The two images can be compared and analyzed to detect variances relating to field effects of the subject. Systems and methods are also provided in which environmental factors can be introduced to the fluid volume or the living subject. Subsequent detection scans can detect changes in the biofield based on the introduction of environmental factors.

Abstract: A virtual tracking system for a virtual medical device. The virtual medical device may include a tangible proximal portion that at least temporarily has a magnetic element attached thereto. The system includes a tracking circuit configured to track movement of the virtual medical device and a display. The tracking circuit may include at least one reception component configured to detect a magnetic field of the magnetic element and to generate magnetic field strength data. The tracking circuit may also include a processor that iteratively computes position data of a virtual distal portion of the virtual medical device according to the magnetic field strength data so as to simulate insertion of the virtual distal portion of the virtual medical device into a body of a patient. The display may be configured to depict an image of the computed position data of the virtual distal portion of the virtual medical device.

Abstract: A position determination apparatus for determining the position of a working element arranged within an object having an inner structure with respect to a model of the object. The position and shape of a registration element within the inner structure of the object are provided and used for determining a transformation relating the inner structure of the model and the position and shape of the registration element with respect to each other, wherein the position of the working element with respect to the model is determined depending on a provided spatial relation between the working element and the registration element and the determined transformation.

Abstract: A device and method are described for navigating and positioning a central venous catheter into the venous system using two different modes of location. For example, a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) may be navigated and positioned within the superior vena cava. A light emitting element is used in the first mode to navigate the PICC to the superior vena cava. To improve visibility during navigation, the light emitted from the light emitting element may include a narrow range of wavelengths that generally matches the wavelengths of light that are transmissable through a light absorbing material defining the wall of the catheter. A conductive medium is used in the second mode to monitor an ECG signal in order to position the PICC in the superior vena cava. One advantage of this procedure is that X-ray visualization can be eliminated to reduce the danger associated with X-rays.

Abstract: A respiration rate determining apparatus includes: an obtaining unit which obtains accelerations in directions that are mutually different, the accelerations being obtained by an acceleration sensor measuring a body movement by respiration of a user; a transform unit which transforms the accelerations in the directions obtained by the obtaining unit, into spectrum information items in a frequency domain; a phase removing unit which transforms the spectrum information items into amplitude spectra by removing phase information from the spectrum information items; a peak detector which adds up the amplitude spectra and detects a peak frequency based on an amplitude spectrum resulting from the adding up, the peak frequency indicating a respiratory component; and a respiration rate calculator which calculates a respiration rate using the peak frequency.

Abstract: Vital sign information of a subject is determined using a marker for application to the subject. The marker is configured to change an optical property due to a mechanical manipulation of the marker caused by a physiological process of the subject. The change in the optical property is detected and analyzed to determine vital sign information of the subject.