Abstract: A system and method for monitoring patient variables in a wireless manner via a patient worn monitoring device is disclosed. The patient monitoring device is wearable and connects to a variety of sensors with at least one microphone for voice communications. The device connects to a wireless network and thence to the Internet for transmitting data to a Host for access by a medical care provider. The medical care provider communicates with the patient-wearable device via the Internet and the wireless network to send instructions to the patient-wearable monitoring unit and to communicate via voice with the patient. The medical care provider can also flexibly reconfigure the device to change collection parameters. When an alarm limit is exceeded as detected by the sensors, the data are transmitted to the Host computer for use by the medical care provider, thereby allowing full mobility to the patient wearing the device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote data management system with which, by keeping the transmission of measured data from measurers from being concentrated at particular times, the measured data can be gathered efficiently and the party managing the data can suffice with a minimal equipment investment. In patient households (B, C . . . ), a personal measuring device (3) is connected to a communications device (2) via a cable or the like, and data that are measured by the personal measuring device (3) are transferred to the communications device (2) and stored. A server (1) of a medical institution (A) sends a data transmission request to the communications device (2) in each patient's household via a public communications network 10 daily, biweekly, or monthly, for example. When the communications device (2) receives the data transmission request it transmits the stored measured data to the server (1).

Abstract: A general-purpose, low-cost system provides comprehensive physiological data collection, with extensive data object oriented programmability and configurability for a variety of medical as well as other analog data collection applications. In a preferred embodiment, programmable input signal acquisition and processing circuits are used so that virtually any analog and/or medical signal can be digitized from a common point of contact to a plurality of sensors. A general-purpose data routing and encapsulation architecture supports input tagging and standardized routing through modern packet switch networks, including the Internet; from one of multiple points of origin or patients, to one or multiple points of data analysis for physician review. The preferred architecture further supports multiple-site data buffering for redundancy and reliability, and real-time data collection, routing, and viewing (or slower than real-time processes when communications infrastructure is slower than the data collection rate).

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for monitoring health information of a plurality of patients is disclosed. Included in the system are a data gathering device, a node, a wide area network, and a monitoring center. The data gathering device includes a respiration sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a self-contained power source. The node is wirelessly coupled to the data gathering device and the wide area network is coupled to the node. Located remote to the node, the monitoring center is coupled to the wide area network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operation of a sleep-lab. A central processor provides connectivity between sleep-lab personnel, sleep-lab equipment, monitoring and analysis personnel and the patient. The sleep-lab supports at-home treatment and diagnostics, monitor-only sleep labs, and conventional sleep-labs. Monitoring and analysis, performed by the real-time monitor, scorer and over-reader, interpreter, and follow-up analyst, may be performed at a central location or disbursed throughout the world to take advantage of time-shifting and/or other resources. A central processor provides security and connectivity to facilitate the data exchange between data sources and monitoring and analysis facilities. A sleep-lab communication protocol helps to ensure a loss-less transfer of data over an interruptible network connection. A sleep-lab interface provides data conversion and accounting processes.

Abstract: A medical question presenting module regularly presents a medical question on a user terminal. An advice selection module selects any of a plurality of advice algorithms recorded in an algorithm database based on physiological amount data, an answer to the medical question, and a personal set value, and presents on the user terminal the selected advice algorithm as an automatic advice, while requesting a doctor terminal for a judgment when the automatic advice cannot be presented. The doctor terminal presents an individual advice on the user terminal via a personal board in an individual advice module. An advice construction module extracts a Q&A history from a Q&A history database, to generate an advice algorithm.

Abstract: A bio-information monitoring system passively monitors a patient with a remote portable bio-information unit that takes various bio-information measurements at selected time intervals as well as at random times without patient intervention. The measurements are converted to digital signals which are transmitted from the bio-information unit to a modem when the bio-information unit is in proximity to the modem. The signals are stored in the modem and uploaded to a central monitoring network. Automatic alerts may be sent from the central monitoring network to a treatment provider. The treatment provider may also access the information through secured dedicated websites via the Internet.

Abstract: A tamper proof transdermal alcohol content monitoring device is made up of analog and digital sides which are securely attached to the human subject to be monitored. The analog side has a sampling circuit which draws a measured insensible skin perspiration sample from the skin of the subject and measured with an electrochemical fuel cell. A distance measurement of the device from the skin of the subject and skin temperature of the subject are monitored along with the transdermal alcohol content, and converted to digital signals which are transmitted to a modem when the monitor is in proximity to the modem. The signals are stored in the modem and uploaded to a central monitoring station. Automatic alerts may be sent from the central monitoring station to a supervising agency. The supervising agency may also access the information through secured dedicated websites via the Internet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of carrying out a televisit which comprises the steps: acquiring the data of a patient, which are relevant for the televisit, recording an image of at least one body zone of the patient, which is relevant for the televisit, and transmitting the data and the image to a medical institution. The method according to the invention is distinguished in that a 3D-image is recorded as the image of the body zone of the patient, which is relevant for the televisit.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient, including a reservoir, a dispenser for causing fluid to flow from the reservoir, a local processor connected to the dispenser and programmed to cause a flow of fluid from the reservoir based solely on flow instructions from a separate, remote control device, a power supply connected to the local processor, a wireless receiver connected to the local processor for receiving the flow instructions from a separate, remote control device and delivering the flow instructions to the local processor, and a housing containing the reservoir, the dispenser, the local processor, the power supply and the wireless receiver. At least two of the reservoir, the dispenser and the power supply are vertically stacked within the housing and at least one of the dispenser and the power supply has a horizontal cross-sectional area that is greater than fifty percent of a cross-sectional area of the housing.

Abstract: A method for controlling an insulin pump through the Internet. The method comprises the steps of ascertaining whether a logged-in person is a physician; determining the logged-in person as a nurse when the logged-in person is not a physician, receiving a patient's blood sugar level data and generating a command to change an insulin injection amount; checking whether the logged-in person is an attending physician when the logged-in person is a physician, and changing the logged-in person to an attending physician when the logged-in person is not an attending physician; and driving a corresponding insulin pump having the patient's ID by transmitting through the Internet and Bluetooth modules a new prescription made in consideration of a current blood sugar level measurement and insulin injection amount, when the logged-in person is an attending physician or when the logged-in person is changed to an attending physician.

Abstract: a System for calculating and emitting analytical data, particularly medically relevant analytical data, has a computer with an evaluation unit for analyzing information entered by the system user and for generating the analytical data, and an output medium provided at the user side. The evaluation unit is configured for interrogating and accepting information that can be entered at the user side such that the information can be entered autonomously by the user based on a number of inquiries which are predefined at the system side, and which can be selected with reference to each response, and which can be made available as an output to user via the output medium. The evaluation unit is configured for controlling an interactive information capture such that, depending on the running information compilation, specific inquiries can be formulated and shown to the user.

Abstract: An information remote monitor (IRM) is implemented to collect medical device data locally in a patient's home for transmission to a remote location. Specifically, the IRM integrates data from an external pressure reference (EPR) and an implanted medical device (IMD), preferably the Chronicle™, for remote transmission to a server or a clinical center for follow-up, monitoring and evaluation. The IRM utilizes wireless telemetry to downlink to the IMO and directly engages the EPR to download barometric pressure data to correct cardiac pressure readings from the Chronicle™ or IMO. The IRM may be connected serially to a PC and the PC may control the functions of the IRM. In the alternate, the PC may be used to transfer data from the IRM, through a Web-enabled network system, to a server or a remote location. The IRM utilizes an integral modem to dial a server and transfer patient data via FTP, PPP and TC/PIP protocols.

Abstract: Methods and systems for placing a call or sending a message from a mobile telephone in response to receiving a signal from a portable externally worn body relay device or body monitoring device. The portable device and the mobile telephone are equipped with local area wireless interfaces. In one embodiment, the mobile telephone places a distress call to a predefined telephone number.

Abstract: In a medical communication system and method adapted to perform communication between two units, at least one of said units being adapted to be implanted in a human or animal body, having one active channel among a number of communication channels, all of the communication channels are monitored. All channels not presently used for communication between the units, called passive channels, are continuously monitored by the concurrently with the performed communication and the result of this monitoring is stored in a register table provided with one register for each communication channel, the stored information identifying if a channel is available for communication usage.

Abstract: A system and a method for automated setting of radiation treatment devices using a master computer. The method allows the physician to digitally control the patient's treatment from a master computer and make rapid and fine adjustments in multiple treatment devices. The multiple treatment devices may be situated at the doctor's office, in which case they are connected to the master computer via a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, a network may be used (e.g., the public telephone switching network, an intranet or the Internet) to enable the physician to send radiation therapy from a central location (e.g., a doctor's office) to PC computers or treatment devices at remote sites (e.g., patients' residences). In the former case, the treatment parameters and protocol are then loaded into the radiation treatment device from the remote PC computer, allowing the patient to receive radiation at home or any other preferred location at his/her convenience.

Abstract: A wireless communication system from an IV medication infusion pump to a hospital information management system (HIMS) is disclosed. The system includes an IV pump having pump operation circuitry for monitoring pre-selected characteristics of pump operation indicative of IV administration of medication to a patient. A transmitter or transceiver is connected to the pump operation circuitry for receiving a wireless pump signal representing instructional data to the IV pump and for transmitting a wireless pump signal representing the pre-selected pump operation characteristics. The wireless pump transmitter or transceiver communicates with a hospital information management system (HIMS). The HIMS includes a receiver or transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving the pump signal representing the pump operation characteristics and also includes a computer processor capable of storing and displaying the pump operation characteristics that are represented by the received wireless pump signal.

Abstract: A health and wellbeing system is disclosed which has particular application to monitoring dietary intake. The system includes a user mobile telephone (15) which a user uses to transmit information relating to food products to be consumed by a user or other health related issues to a database (12) and processor (14) at a remote location. The database (12) maintains data relating to the user, and which is personal to the user, as well as general data which relates to dietary content of food products and other health and wellbeing parameters. Upon transmission of information from the user mobile telephone (15) by SMS message to the database (12), the processing section (14) determines an appropriate response based on the specific user data stored in the database section (12a) and/or general information stored in the database section (12b), and transmits a message back to the user by way of SMS message to the telephone (15).

Abstract: A life habit improvement assisting system, wherein a server apparatus stores first sets of physical information obtained from a first patient, and second sets of physical information obtained from each of second patients, selects, from the second sets of physical information stored for each of the second patients, second sets of physical information obtained from at least one second patient after a prescribed past time point, when a second set of physical information obtained from the one second patient at the prescribed past time point falls within a range determined based on a first set of physical information obtained from the first patient at the prescribed past time point, and when a prescribed target value corresponding to the second set of physical information obtained at the prescribed past time point falls within a range determined based on a prescribed target value corresponding to the first set of physical information obtained at the prescribed past time point, and sends the selected second sets of

Abstract: The present invention relates to a learning disabilities diagnostic system in which a remote station includes a visual assessment component and an auditory assessment component. A diagnostic station is coupled by a communication interface to the remote station. The diagnostic station receives the visual assessment component and auditory assessment component and prepares an assessment based on the information received. Accordingly, the diagnostic system allows a user to complete visual assessment tests and auditory assessment tests in their own environment for prescreening of learning disabilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recording and/or monitoring medical data, particularly data pertaining to the cardiovascular condition and to the blood properties of an individual having, for example, cardiovascular disorders or diabetes. Said device comprises at least one measuring sensor (3, 3′, 23), in particular, an car sensor for detecting the cardiovascular condition of the individual (1) and comprises a logic controller for determining irregularities in the data recorded by the measuring sensor. The device also comprises a transmitting-receiving device (5) for voice and/or data in order to dial up at least one third party (9) and to transmit data thereto. Finally, the device comprises a locating system module by means of which the location of the individual is transmitted to the third party.

Abstract: Structure-based processing includes a method of diagnosing diseases that works by arranging diseases, symptoms, and questions into a set of related disease, symptom, and question structures, such as objects or lists, in such a way that the structures can be processed to generate a dialogue with a patient. A structure-based processing system organizes medical knowledge into formal structures and then executes those structures on a structure engine to automatically select the next question. Patient responses to the questions lead to more questions and ultimately to a diagnosis. An object-oriented embodiment includes software objects utilized as active, intelligent agents where each object performs its own tasks and calls upon other objects to perform their tasks at the appropriate time to arrive at a diagnosis.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot with at least five degrees of freedom and a teleconferencing function. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform provides three degrees of freedom to allow the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. The robot also has mechanisms to provide at least two degrees of freedom for the camera.

Abstract: The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device receives a set of customized questions for presentation to an ambulatory patient. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters and answers to the customized questions to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location, the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: A system that allows patient monitoring data obtained by patient connected devices to be transferred by wireless signals to another device such as a patient monitoring processor. The same patient connected devices are used to transfer data to the patient monitor processor or a central station depending on the location of the patient. A single device is used for both a personal area network and a telemetry/transport application. The same wireless technology is used in both situations and eliminates the need to deploy more than one antenna/receiver system. Existing wireless transfer protocols such as Bluetooth are used, thereby reducing transmission power when the two communicating devices are in close proximity.

Abstract: Structure-based processing includes a method of diagnosing diseases that works by arranging diseases, symptoms, and questions into a set of related disease, symptom, and question structures, such as objects or lists, in such a way that the structures can be processed to generate a dialogue with a patient. A structure-based processing system organizes medical knowledge into formal structures and then executes those structures on a structure engine to automatically select the next question. Patient responses to the questions lead to more questions and ultimately to a diagnosis. An object-oriented embodiment includes software objects utilized as active, intelligent agents where each object performs its own tasks and calls upon other objects to perform their tasks at the appropriate time to arrive at a diagnosis.

Abstract: The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location. the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system that includes an implantable medical device, along with a transceiver device that exchanges data with the patient, between the patient and the implantable medical device, and between a remote location and the implantable medical device. A communication device coupled to the transceiver device exchanges data with the transceiver device, the implantable medical device through the receiver device, and between the transceiver device and the remote location to enable bi-directional data transfer between the patient, the implantable medical device, the transceiver device, and the remote location. A converter unit converts transmission of the data from a first telemetry format to a second telemetry format, and a user interface enables information to be exchanged between the transceiver device and the patient, between the implantable medical device and the patient through the transceiver device, and between the patient and the remote location through the transceiver device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a learning disabilities diagnostic system in which a remote station includes a visual assessment component and an auditory assessment component. A diagnostic station is coupled by a communication interface to the remote station. The diagnostic station receives the visual assessment component and auditory assessment component and prepares an assessment based on the information received. Accordingly, the diagnostic system allows a user to complete visual assessment tests and auditory assessment tests in their own environment for prescreening of learning disabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and processing information relating to a patient's compliance with a recommended treatment protocol is provided. A portable medical device is adapted to be worn by a patient. The medical device has a control for automatically collecting and processing information relating to the patient's compliance with a recommended treatment protocol. A separate communications cradle is provided that is configured to connect to the control of the medical device. The cradle has a communications link to transmit the patient compliance information to a host.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving health of a user is provided, including a first sensor, adapted to measure a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user. A second sensor is adapted to measure a second physiological variable, which is substantially governed by an autonomic nervous system of the user. Circuitry is adapted to receive respective first and second sensor signals from the first and second sensors, and, responsive thereto, to generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action.

Abstract: A system and methodology for the acquisition of medical data from multiple, at-home patient measurement devices transfers the data via telephone communications to a remotely accessed data management and display system such as a Web-based data management system. The measurement device, which supports two-way communications between the patient and the database system, is extensible to support multiple plug-in medical devices and devices for patient input or identification. Collection of data is mediated through an interface device that is connected via a digital link (serial, network, or digital RF link) to single or multiple patient measurement devices. This interface device is connected to a network via wide area network means including standard phone lines. In the preferred embodiment, data transfer is mediated through pervasive DTMF phone networks. Although DTMF is the preferred format, alternative analog or digital audio tone formats may be used.

Abstract: The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package.

Abstract: For the acquisition and/or monitoring of medically relevant data, in particular of the state of the cardiovascular system, of blood properties as well as electrocardiographic data of a person, for example with cardiovascular disorders or disorders of other organs, a configuration is proposed, which comprises

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiologic parameters associated with a living subject. In one aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring apparatus capable of non-invasively and continuously monitoring the blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and weight of the subject. The apparatus further includes a display, input device, and one or more communications links such that data and other information may be communicated between the apparatus and one or more remote locations. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable monitoring station disposed in the subject's home, which is kept in communication with a remote medical facility via a wireless interface and PSTN or data network. Two-way communications of monitored data, video, audio, and other types of information is provided to facilitate remote care of the subject, and obviate the need for an in-home caregiver or frequent trips to the medical facility.

Abstract: A system is described for allowing medical data obtained at a local site to be transferred to a data processing system located at a remote site. This medical data may include video data and/or data obtained from one or more medical devices such as a fluoroscopy device or an electrocardiograph (ECG) signal monitoring device. The data may be viewed on one or more display windows of the remote data processing system to allow a remotely-located expert to participate in an examination or medical procedure being conducted at the local site. In one embodiment, the remote data processing system also receives screen data from an implantable medical device programmer that is located at the local site. This screen data may include data associated with the configuration of the programmer, the configuration of an implantable medical device, and other information obtained from a patient such as physiological waveforms. Routing of all data may be performed by a communication hub operating as a stand alone device.

Abstract: A health kiosk provides blood pressure testing, a health and fitness evaluation, and a medication encyclopedia. The health kiosk typically interfaces to a computer or server, such as a pharmacy computer or a remote server which compares pharmaceuticals selected by a user to information in the medication encyclopedia to determine compatibility for prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. In some systems, the kiosk also supplies one item or more of an extended health information, a weight scale constructed into the seat of the kiosk, a directory of health care service and product providers, an a directory of community health, support, and service groups.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for a wireless health monitoring system for interactively monitoring a disease or health condition of a patient by connecting an internet-enabled wireless web device (“WWD”) to a health monitoring device which may be a medical device or other health related device such as an exercise machine. The WWD may be connected to the health monitoring device directly by a wired connection to a generic input/output port of the WWD using an optional adaptor if necessary. Alternatively, the WWD may be wirelessly connected to the health monitoring device, such as via an infrared or radio frequency connection, including using protocols such as Bluetooth or 802.11. The wireless connection may also employ an adaptor if necessary. The user may also input data to the WWD manually, such as by a keypad, keyboard, stylus, or optionally by voice command.

Abstract: A computer site includes a data generating source. In one implementation, the source includes a device that can be manipulated by a patient to sense some function or condition of the patient. One example is a heart monitor that a patient can hold against his or her chest. The device outputs an audible signal responsive to the function or condition, such as the beating of the heart. A computer that can be operated by the patient or other initial user at the site runs a program that processes an electric signal generated in response to the audible signal as received through a microphone connected to the computer. The program is downloaded or otherwise accessed through a computer communication network, such as the Internet. The computer sends resulting data signals over the computer communication network.

Abstract: Uplink and downlink telemetry between an implantable medical device (IMD) telemetry transceiver and an external medical device (EMD) telemetry transceiver used by a patient or health care provider is facilitated by the communications system of the present invention. The IMD provides a therapy and/or measures physiologic conditions of the patient for use in formulating a therapy and/or for storage in IMD memory for later uplink telemetry transmission. The patient causes the EMD to emit encoded dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) tones that are detected by an audio receiver of the IMD to enable uplink and downlink telemetry transmissions in a telemetry or communication session. Then, the patient formulates a message via a message entry mechanism of the EMD that communicates an instruction or query to the IMD. The downlink message is optionally displayed by an EMD display as it is composed by the user and is then downlink telemetered to the IMD.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system has a sensor system including a sensor associated with a patient and a remote monitoring unit. The remote monitoring unit includes a microprocessor in communication with the sensor system, and a portable-monitoring-unit transceiver system in communication with the microprocessor. The portable-monitoring-unit transceiver system has a land-line telephone transceiver and/or a cellular telephone transceiver, and a third-network transceiver such as a paging-network transceiver. A full data set is transmitted over the land-line telephone transceiver or the cellular telephone transceiver when communications links over these transceivers are available, and a reduced data set is transmitted over the third-network transceiver when communications links over the land-line telephone transceiver and the cellular telephone transceiver are not available.

Abstract: A wireless local area network (WLAN) system comprises multiple access points that are distributed throughout a medical facility to provide wireless access to a hardwired network. The access points implement multiple WLAN protocols, including a realtime protocol for realtime patient monitoring (telemetry) and a standard WLAN protocol (such as IEEE 802.11 within an ISM band) for providing general-purpose wireless access. Some or all of the access points preferably implement both WLAN protocols such that the different WLANs and wireless device types share network access resources. Some or all of the access points may also include RF location-tracking modules which may be used to track locations of patients, hospital personnel, capital equipment, and/or disposable medical supplies.

Abstract: A medical information system has a patient terminal device, a server, and an administrator terminal device. The patient terminal device, the server, and the administrator terminal device are connected together on a network. The patient terminal device includes sensors for measuring information used as indices of the condition of a patient's health; a part for transferring measured data obtained by the sensors to the patient terminal device; a part for transferring the measured data from the sensors to the server via the network; a part for accepting control information from the server, and a part for taking action based on the control information. The server includes a part for transmitting the control information to the patient terminal device; and a part for storing and sorting out the measured data transferred from the patient terminal device. The administrator terminal includes a part for reviewing the measured data stored and sorted out in the server.

Abstract: This invention discloses a medical condition sensing system including a multiplicity of general purpose computers disposed in user locations and being connected via a computer network to at least one controller computer remote from at least one of the user locations, personal parameter measuring software resident on at least one of the multiplicity of general purpose computers and the at least one controller computer for measuring at least one personal parameter of at least one user, personal parameter reference generating software resident on at least one of the multiplicity of general purpose computers and the at least one controller computer for establishing a reference for the at least one personal parameter, and personal parameter comparison software resident on at least one of said multiplicity of general purpose computers and the at least one controller computer for comparing at least one currently measured personal parameter with a corresponding reference and providing a comparison output.

Abstract: A glucose monitoring instrument having network-based communication features which provide a link between patient and practitioner. The glucose monitoring instrument comprises circuitry for communicating data with one or more destination sites on the network which are configured to transmit and receive information to and from the instrument. Instrument measurements are transmitted over the link in addition to information and guidance, to provide increased accuracy, improved program compliance, and patient guidance from a supervisory authority or medical practitioner. In addition, a set of calibration features encourage calibration compliance.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering medical examination, diagnosis, and treatment services from a physician to a patient over network is provided. A physician call center enables any of a first plurality of physician terminals to be in audiovisual communication over the network with any of a second plurality of patient terminals. A call is received at the call center from a patient at one of the patient terminals and the call is routed to an available physician at one of the physician terminals. The available physician may carry on a two-way conversation with the patient, visually observe the patient, and make an assessment whether the patient may be suffering from an acute non-urgent condition. The available physician may conduct an examination of the patient over the network, including by visual study of the patient, only if the assessment is that the patient may be suffering from an acute non-urgent condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to body weight management systems for subjects including humans and domestic animals. Such systems utilizes devices and compositions to shift the energy balance of the user in the direction wherein the calories burned due to the user's activity is greater than the calories consumed by that user. These devices include a diet-tracking system, devices for estimating energy expenditure of the subject and a satiety agent. Such systems have a variety of uses including, but not limited to body weight maintenance, reduction or gain; reduction of body fat and, or gain in muscle mass and improvement of a subject's fitness.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting biomedical information from a patient. A data measurement component including at least one sensing component is provided, the sensing component providing signals representing sensed patient data to a communications port, the communications port to allow connection to a computer system through a computer system communications port. A remote server includes one or more specialized software modules, which are capable of communicating with the data measurement component through the computer system communications port. The remote server, upon receiving a request from the computer system, will transmit one of the specialized software modules which is appropriate for collecting and interpreting the signals representing sensed patient data from the at least one sensing component. The specialized software module sent by the remote server, after it is received by the computer system, initializes and controls the operation of the data measurement components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing multiple ultrasound scanners from a remote location by applying a diagnostic middleware architecture to act as an interface between a web server and diagnostics section within the scanners. A computer that is remote to the scanners interfaces to the web servers of the scanners over a network. The remote computer has a web browser to survey the scanners by communicating with the web servers over the network. The diagnostic middleware architecture initiates execution of diagnostic programs within the scanners in response to client requests received by the web servers from the remote computer over the network. Diagnostic results are generated within the scanners when running the diagnostic programs of the scanners. Log files are generated within the scanners during normal operation of the scanners.