Abstract: The present invention can provide a sensor module and a blood pressure measurement device that improves the protection strength of and prevents damage to a surface that comes into contact with a living body.

Abstract: A modulated physiological sensor is a noninvasive device responsive to a physiological reaction of a living being to an internal or external perturbation that propagates to a skin surface area. The modulated physiological sensor has a detector configured to generate a signal responsive to the physiological reaction. A modulator varies the coupling of the detector to the skin so as to at least intermittently maximize the detector signal. A monitor controls the modulator and receives an effectively amplified detector signal, which is processed to calculate a physiological parameter indicative of the physiological reaction.

Abstract: Selecting and presenting messages to user of an activity/health monitoring platform. The health/activity monitoring platform may receive physiological data for a user. The health/activity monitoring platform may identify a set of messages based on the physiological data. The health/activity monitoring platform may also determine a set of scores for the set of messages. Each score from the set of scores may be associated with a message from the set of messages and each score from the set of scores may be indicative of whether a respective message should be presented to the user. The health/activity monitoring platform may also identify a first message from a set of messages based on the set of scores and cause the first message to be presented via a display of a computing device of the user. The health/activity monitoring platform may also update a first set of penalties associated with the first message in response to causing the first message to be presented.

Abstract: A sensor unit for use in devices for simultaneous measurement of signals associated with human tissue impedance and pressure to identify human hemodynamic parameters. The sensor unit of the device attached to a skin surface segment of a human body includes a base with a recess, in which a piezoelectric element of pressure sensor is installed. The unit also has a flexible membrane mounted on the base and overlapping said recess. First and second electrodes are attached to the outer surface of the membrane. The first electrode is mounted opposite the recess and is capable of moving together with the membrane. The second immovable electrode surrounds the first electrode. A central support is mounted between the first electrode and the piezoelectric element. Connected to the electrical outputs of said sensor for measuring signals associated with human tissue impedance, the first and second electrodes are configured to enable contact with the skin surface of the human body.

Abstract: An activity detector worn on or in the vicinity of the waist detects hip-joint actions of the user, by using a proximity sensor in the activity detector to sense the separation between the activity detector housing and a body target linked by the hip joint. For example, when the housing of an activity detector adjacent to the lower abdomen incorporates one or more sensing plates of a capacitive proximity sensor, flexion, extension, abduction, or adduction of the hip joint can be detected as the separation between the sensing plates and the lower abdomen changes. Besides the lower abdomen, alternative body targets include the thigh, buttocks, etc. Besides capacitive proximity sensors, alternative proximity sensors include active infrared proximity sensors, imaging sensors, etc. The activity detector can also incorporate an accelerometer to obtain additional movement and orientation data, which can be combined with the separation data to detect more complex activities.

Abstract: A method for estimating blood pressure (BP) values comprises: measuring at a first PTT value, a second PTT value, and further PTTref values using a method comprising measuring a first arterial pressure pulse arrival time (PAT) and measuring a second PAT value; calculating a PTT value from the difference between the first PAT value and the second PAT value; processing a sequence of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) images to identify at least one region of interest (ROI); and estimating at least one of the first and second PAT value from the variation of impedance value determined from the at least one ROI. The method allows for the non-invasive and continuous determination of the PB values by using a calibration factor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal filtering. In accordance with one aspect, the framework performs a signature cycle matching pursuit method to remove a first signal component from a combination patient signal and generate a first output signal. Sub-bandwidth filtering of the first output signal may be performed to remove a second signal component and generate a second output signal. The framework may further remove a third signal component from the second output signal to generate a third output signal. A signal of interest may then be reconstructed based on the third output signal.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, referred to herein as a virtual whiteboard, that provides both: (1) an automatically prioritized display of information related to a particular patient that is tailored to the current user of the system, and (2) a “scratch pad” area in which multiple users of the system may input free-form text and other data for sharing with other users of the system. When each user of the system accesses the virtual whiteboard, the system: (1) automatically prioritizes the patient information based on characteristics of the user and displays the automatically prioritized patient information to that user, and (2) displays the contents of the scratch pad to the user. As a result, the whiteboard displays both information that is tailored to the current user and information that is common to all users (i.e., not tailored to any particular user).

Abstract: Provided is a detection device for detecting inaudible sound waves generated by a user's bodily motion to identify the user's motion. The detection device includes: a detector detecting inaudible sound waves generated by a bodily motion; an acquiring unit acquiring burst information on at least one of the duration and frequency of a burst during which a cluster of pulses appears in a waveform of the inaudible sound waves detected by the detector; a memory storing reference information on reference values compared with the burst information, the reference values differing from each other depending on the types of bodily motions generating inaudible sound waves; and a determining unit comparing the burst information with the reference information to determine which of bodily motions has caused the inaudible sound waves detected by the detector.

Abstract: The invention is a passive, wearable sensor that uses a thin piezoelectric material to produce a time history of blood pressure of the patient, with signal processing algorithms to extract physiological information. The sensor consists of a piezoelectric transducer set in a polymer laminate that can be applied to the finger or wrist of the patient. During use, a combination of compressive and bending deformation in the piezoelectric layer in response to blood pressure in the finger or wrist as a voltage output. Using signal processing techniques, the raw signal is filtered and decomposed to obtain a information to form derivative signals such as blood pressure, pulse pressure, pulse pressure variability, heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate which can be very important pre-cursors in the monitoring of the patient's physiological conditions.

Abstract: A chest and arm exercise device provides a chest spanning elastic member including a rubber sheet connected to a pair of elastic arm cuffs. A weight lifter's shirt includes a fabric body covering including an elastic chest spanning member and a pair of elastic sleeves or cuffs.

Abstract: Presented are embodiments of an apparatus and methodology for non-invasive, continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of human blood pressure by photoplethysmography (PPG) based sensor system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis. In accordance with one aspect, the framework receives signal data including mechanical signal data, wherein the mechanical signal data is generated in response to mechanical contraction of blood vessels. A region of interest is segmented from the mechanical signal data. One or more mechanical signal ratios may be determined based on parameters extracted from the segmented region of interest to characterize waveform changes. A report may then be generated based at least in part on the one or more mechanical signal ratios.

Abstract: An electronic device includes one or more light emitters for emitting light toward an object and one or more light detectors for collecting light exiting the object. A reflective coating, surface, or surface finish can be applied adjacent to the area to which light is emitted and/or through which light exits in order to increase the light collected by the light detector. The reflective coating can be oriented so as to reflect light back into the object.

Abstract: Presented are embodiments of an apparatus and methodology integrated in the system for non-invasive, continuous, wearable, remote and mobile monitoring of human blood pressure by photoplethysmography (PPG) based sensor and an electronic processing unit with the embedded radio allowing the reading and transmittal of the read blood pressure data to the remote location.

Abstract: A blood pressure and pulse measurement device includes a cuff including a first air bladder, a pressure sensor, a pressing member, a pulse wave sensor, and an operation unit. When measurement of the blood pressure is instructed by the operation unit, the first air bladder of the cuff is inflated to increase inner pressure to a sufficient level such that the blood pressure of the patient can be measured by the pressure sensor and then deflated. When measurement of the blood pressure is not instructed by the operation unit, air of the first air bladder of the cuff is released such that the measurement location of the patient is not substantially pressed by the first air bladder, and the measurement location of the patient is pressed by the pressing member with sufficient pressure such that pulse of the patient can be detected by the pulse wave sensor.

Abstract: A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes an optical sensor and a controller. The optical sensor is adapted to emit at least one optical signal, and receive at least one reflective signal corresponding to the at least one optical signal. The at least one reflective signal includes a physiological information. The controller is coupled to the optical sensor, and includes a signal filter. The signal filter is adapted to perform a signal processing operation to the at least one reflective signal according to at least one signal processing parameter. The controller adjusts the at least one signal processing parameter of the signal filter according to the physiological information. A method of operating the wearable device is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic device includes one or more light emitters for emitting light toward an object and one or more light detectors for collecting light exiting the object. A reflective coating, surface, or surface finish can be applied adjacent to the area to which light is emitted and/or through which light exits in order to increase the light collected by the light detector. The reflective coating can be oriented so as to reflect light back into the object.

Abstract: Health monitoring devices allow for monitoring of the vital signs of a subject. Wireless devices can enable a subject's cardiac and/or respiratory functions to be monitored remotely, e.g. without the subject being attached to bedside equipment. A cardiac monitoring device may include a substrate, electrodes for measuring ECG signals, and an electronics module including a data processor and a wireless transmitter. The electronics module is sealed within the substrate and arranged to receive the measured ECG signals. Each ECG signal associated with a heartbeat is processed in the data processor to provide key data relating to that heartbeat. The key data may include the temporal position of a characteristic feature in the ECG signal. The key data is provided to the wireless transmitter for transmission.

Abstract: In a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, a first flexion point and a second flexion point at which a curvature radius changes are provided in a curler, and a straight line-shaped connection portion is provided between the first flexion point and the second flexion point so as to be located inside a curve formed by extending a first curved portion and a second curved portion that are located at the ends of the curler at the first flexion point and the second flexion point, according to the respective curvatures. Through this, it is possible to provide a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, and a blood pressure information measurement device provided with such a cuff, that can reduce error in a blood pressure measurement by reducing errors in changes in the volume of a fluid bladder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indirect, quantitative estimation of beat-to-beat arterial blood pressure utilizing the individualized rectifying technique. A function TK=H(P) that describes the relationship between Korotkoff's sound delay time Tk and cuff pressure P is obtained by measuring the different cuff pressure P and corresponding Tk in the Korotkoff's sound sensor that is distal to the cuff. Keep the cuff pressure at a constant value Pm, the blood pressure variance can be calculated using the Korotkoff's sound delay time Tkm, according to the function Tk=H(P). The invention can measure the beat-to-beat artery blood pressure indirectly. The technique can be applied to obtain individual coefficient of regress equation for continuous arterial blood pressure measurement by the instantaneous blood pressure fluctuation, which make the rectifying technique more safe, effective and less erroneous. The technique makes the operation of noninvasive continuous blood pressure measurement for long time more practical.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for detecting a vasoactive agent in patient's bloodstream. In one embodiment, an input signal is received that is associated with arterial blood pressure. A change of an arterial blood pressure parameter over time is determined. A vasoactive agent is then automatically detected using the determined change. In another embodiment, a waveform associated with an arterial blood pressure signal can be received. A parameter associated with the received waveform is calculate. Then the calculated parameter can be used to determine the presence of a vasoactive agent. In yet another embodiment, detection of a vasoactive agent in any of the other embodiments can be used in a calculation of a hemodynamic parameter, such as cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume variation, cardiac index, stroke volume index, systemic vascular resistance index, vascular compliance, and vascular tone.

Abstract: A tracking system and method for tracking a medical attachment device relative to a subject including at least a first reflector defining a first tracking region. The tracking system includes a medical attachment device having at least one reflector sensor operable to integrate the first reflector. A processor is communicatively coupled to the medical attachment device. The processor is operable to determine a distance between the medical attachment device and the first tracking region to determine a location of the medical attachment device relative to a subject.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring system includes: a light emitter emitting a first light beam and a second light beam; a light receiver outputting first and second signals in accordance with light intensities of the first and second light beams that have been passed through or reflected from a living tissue of a subject; a first calculating section acquiring a light attenuation of the first and second light beams based on the first and second signals; a second calculating section acquiring a blood-derived light attenuation based on the light attenuation of the first and second light beams; a third calculating section identifying a blood fill time for filling the living tissue, based on a temporal change of the blood-derived light attenuation associated with pressurization of the living tissue; and an outputting section outputting the identified blood fill time.

Abstract: An emergency vision apparatus comprises an inflatable first enclosure, the first enclosure being made of airtight material and having an expanded form when deployed and a deflated form when not in use; and first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the first enclosure to enable a user to see through the first enclosure when expanded and observe a source of information at a distal end of the first enclosure while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment. A touch sensitive screen is viewable through the first clear member. The first enclosure includes a closable opening configured for insertion of a user's hand to allow the user to operate the touch sensitive screen viewable through the first clear member; and a sealable closure for closing the opening and sealing the opening around the user's hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data buffer apparatus with wireless transmission function, including a transmission interface module, a memory module, a wireless transmission module and a microprocessor module. The transmission interface module is coupled to a monitoring unit and continuously receives at least one transmission signal data to be stored in the memory module. When the memory module has the transmission signal data, the microprocessor module controls the wireless transmission module to attempts to establish a wireless connection. If the wireless connection is successfully established, the transmission signal data will be sent. If the wireless connection can not be established, it will attempt to establish the wireless connection again after a period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement apparatus comprising: an input unit where at least one value selected from the maximum applied pressure, which is the applied pressure at which the maximum pulse pressure is attained during the pulse pressure measurement at the measurement part, the maximum pulse pressure, which is the pulse pressure at the maximum applied pressure, the depth of blood vessel at the measurement part measured by a pressure sensor, the elasticity of skin tissue at the measurement part and the elasticity of blood vessel at the measurement part is inputted; and a mean arterial pressure calculation unit where the mean arterial pressure is calculated from the input values of the maximum applied pressure, the depth of blood vessel and the elasticity of skin tissue. The present invention offers more effective and reliable blood pressure measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method is described that enables a health care provider to monitor and manage a health condition of a patient. The system includes a health care provider apparatus operated by a health care provider and a remotely programmable patient apparatus that is operated by a patient. The health care provider develops a script program using the health care provider apparatus and then sends the script program to a remotely programmable patient apparatus through a communication network such as the World Wide Web. The script program is a computer-executable patient protocol that provides information to the patient about the patient's health condition and that interactively monitors the patient health condition by asking the patient questions and by receiving answers to those questions. The answers to these health related questions are then forwarded as patient data from the remotely programmable patient apparatus to the health care provider apparatus through the communication network.

Abstract: Computerized method and system for managing respective health records of a plurality of patients are provided. The method allows for uploading a progress note of a respective patient. The progress note includes data relative to an encounter between a respective physician and the respective patient. The method further allows for identifying on the progress note respective parameters selectable by the respective physician. A storing step allows for storing the progress note with the identified parameters in a database accessible to a plurality of authorized users. A populating step allows for populating the database with respective progress notes resulting from further encounters between the respective patient and any respective physician so as to create a historical set of progress notes for that respective patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining a characteristic point in the cardiac cycle that comprises means for calculating the curve of the blood flow rate D(t) in the aorta from the curve of the arterial blood pressure signal P(t) and determining from the curve of the blood flow rate D(t) in each cardiac cycle the time at which an incisura point lies. The device can be used for activating an intra-aortal balloon pump (IABP).

Abstract: The present solution to the medical triage problem is computer automated telephone triage system that gives customized medical advice to patients of doctors who have registered with the service. There are two main modes of operation: a nurse-assisted mode, and a fully-automated mode. In the nurse-assisted system, a person desiring medical information calls the triage system and is connected to a nurse. The nurse asks a few questions and determines the caller's doctor, main symptom, and whether a high-risk medical condition exists. If there exists a serious condition then the nurse give appropriate instructions according to a triage protocol, Otherwise, the nurse connects the caller to the VoiceTriage program. This program plays back an audio message recorded by the caller's doctor giving the caller specific medical instructions to treat the caller's symptom. The fully-automated mode replaces the nurse-caller interaction with a computer-caller one.

Abstract: An electronic blood pressure gauge equipped with dismountable external memory device includes a blood pressure gauge and a memory device with a reading section. After a user has plugged or placed his personal memory device in the reading section, the measured present data of blood pressure can be stored in the memory device so that the user can keep himself informed of his blood pressure from time to time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive device for measuring physiological processes. More particularly, it concerns a device that can be applied externally to the body of an animal or human to detect and quantify displacement, force, motion, vibration and acoustic effects resulting from internal biological functions. Specifically, an inexpensive device is disclosed that is compact, light, portable and comfortable, and operates satisfactorily even with imprecise location on the body, ambient noise, motion and light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining a characteristic point in the cardiac cycle that comprises means for calculating the curve of the blood flow rate D(t) in the aorta from the curve of the arterial blood pressure signal P(t) and determining from the curve of the blood flow rate D(t) in each cardiac cycle the time at which an [the] incisura point lies. The device can be used for activating an intra-aortal balloon pump (IABP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining a characteristic point in the cardiac cycle that comprises means for calculating the curve of the blood flow rate D(t) in the aorta from the curve of the arterial blood pressure signal P(t) and determining from the curve of the blood flow rate D(t) in each cardiac cycle the time at which an [the] incisura point lies. The device can be used for activating an intra-aortal balloon pump (IABP).

Abstract: A universal cuff for a blood pressure monitor that has a usable length that is variable so that it can be used on a wide range of arm circumferences. The universal cuff includes a mechanism for setting the usable length having a shutoff cam and a D-ring. A blood pressure monitor is also presented having a mechanism for determining the usable length of the cuff by measuring inflation rate or by controlling a deflation rate control valve during deflation.

Abstract: An automated sphygmomanometer which triggers a blood pressure determination upon detection of a significant change in the patient's heart rate variability (HRV). The HRV can be measured directly from the NIBP signal or, when a multiparameter monitor is used, the HRV can be measured from the ECG signal or the NIBP signal. HRV is continuously monitored and the baseline HRV is correlated with baseline blood pressure values. Changes in HRV are displayed continuously on a display so that the clinician can determine whether to initiate an NIBP measurement or, on the other hand, the NIBP measurement can be triggered automatically in response to a change in HRV without any intervention by the clinician. Alternatively, the patient monitor can "learn" the correlation between HRV and blood pressure changes and only alert the clinician when a significant change in HRV has taken place.

Abstract: A system for monitoring blood pressure within a blood vessel of a living being. The system includes an implantable sensor unit and an associated externally located energy application transceiver. The sensor unit is in the form of a housing including a movable deflection member and a tuned circuit including an inductor coil and a capacitor. The housing surrounds the wall of the blood vessel and includes a wall portion arranged to flatten a portion of the periphery of the blood vessel. The deflection member extends through a slot in the wall portion of the housing for engagement with only the flattened portion of the blood vessel to move in response to the pressure applied to the flattened portion of the blood vessel by the blood. The deflection member includes a ferrite core. The ferrite core is arranged to move with respect to the coil in response to the movement of the deflection member, thereby changing the inductance of the tuned circuit.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: A polygraph for detecting and displaying the beat by beat changes in the relative rate of increase of the blood pressure of the heart. Electronic circuitry for measuring the derivative of the blood pressure pulse, and displaying it on either a separate channel or by adding it to the top of the blood pressure pulse waveform from which it was derived is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the indirect measurement of blood pressure is disclosed. Pressure is applied to a cuff attached to a patient adjacent a blood vessel and a quantity representative of the patient's blood pressure is measured as the applied pressure is changed. A table of values of the quantity as the applied pressure is changed is formed. Valves of the table are selected as spurious high and low values in response to predetermined criteria and new values assigned to the selected values which reduces the error in calculating systolic and diastolic blood pressure from the table.

Abstract: A strip chart recorder and method for recording trend signals representative of a physiological condition on a strip chart responsive to the occurrence of an alarm condition. Trend signals representative of said physiological condition in the past are stored. Upon the occurrence of the alarm condition, the stored trend signals are recorded at a faster than real time rate.

Abstract: A strip chart recorder and method for recording trend signals representative of a physiological condition on a strip chart responsive to the occurrence of an alarm condition. Trend signals representative of said physiological condition in the past are stored. Upon the occurrence of the alarm condition, the stored trend signals are recorded at a faster than real time rate.

Abstract: Long-term blood pressure measuring apparatus, particularly adapted for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring where the subject can be engaged in normal activities while blood pressure is being measured and to be worn by the subject whose blood pressure is to be measured uses an inflatable cuff, a pump for inflating the cuff, valves for controlling the pressure in the cuff, sensors for the cuff pressure and for auscultatory (Korotkoff) sounds from the subject, a recorder for recording the sounds and blood pressure measurement cycle control circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring and recording a patient's blood pressure at various times throughout the day while the patient is unattended, wherein the apparatus includes a circular disk chart and a marking pen having a tip adjacent but normally spaced from one face of the disk. The marking pen is pivotally mounted for movement across the face of the disk in a radial direction and the marking pen is moved in the radial direction when a pressure cuff is inflated on a limb, such as an arm, of the patient. A diaphragm assembly coupled to the cuff is mechanically connected to the marking pen to cause it to pivot in one direction as the cuff is inflated. A microphone carried by the cuff detects Karotkoff sounds as the cuff is deflated.

Abstract: A portable blood pressure recorder device for an ambulatory subject having an inflatable occluding cuff, a pump for inflating the cuff, a sensor for detecting Korotkoff sounds, a transducer for detecting pressure in the cuff, a variable voltage reference and signal circuitry system for encoding a pressure signal from the transducer into pressure segments, a recording system for combining the Korotkoff sounds with the encoded pressure segments, circuitry for activating and deactivating components of the device, and a data retrieval system for interpreting recorded data.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer gauge included a stationary dial having graduations indicative of different blood pressure values. A needle is turnable about an axis over the dial in response to changes in air pressure generated in the sphygmomanometer. A pair of adjustable members are mounted on the gauge for turning movement in either circumferential direction about the axis. Each adjustable member has an access portion which extends through the gauge housing to thereby permit independent and manual turning. A systolic indicator and a diastolic indicator are respectively mounted on the adjustable members for turning movement with the latter. Each indicator is operative to simultaneously indicate both a single value and a range of values of blood pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for long-term ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure by an auscultation method, employing a pressurizable cuff and requiring no intervention by the patient. Heartbeats are sensed by ECG electrodes, and a microphone is used to sense the Korotkow sounds as the pressure in the cuff is varied. The presence or absence of a Korotkow sound within a preset interval following each heartbeat is used in determining when the cuff pressure equals the systolic and diastolic pressures. Those pressures are determined in each cycle of operation and are recorded on a continuously-running portable tape recorder, along with the ECG signals. In each cycle of operation, the initial pressure to which the cuff is inflated is based on the systolic pressure measured in the immediately preceding cycle. The pressure in the inflated cuff is thereafter stepped downward in small discrete decrements triggered by successive heartbeats during the measurement phase of each cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for deriving an average of data points in which the contribution of each data point to the average is generally inversely related to the difference between its amplitude and the amplitudes of a few previous data points.