Detecting Body Movement Attending Breathing Patents (Class 600/534)
  • Publication number: 20140213937
    Abstract: Systems and methods detect respiration of a subject, process respiration data, and based on the processed respiration data, perform extended monitoring. A monitoring system is configured with sensors that can be worn by the subject to provide the respiration data. The respiration data is processes to create a stability index. The stability index is used to, for example, determine sleep stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matt T. Bianchi, Thomas Lipoma, Carson J. Darling, Pablo J. Bello
  • Publication number: 20140213924
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable storage media relate to determining respiratory motion from motion data of a target to be treated. The methods may include processing motion data of a target to be treated obtained from at least one marker for at least one period. Each period including a plurality of time intervals. The processing including processing the motion data to determine an isocenter for each time interval along at least one of a plurality of axes of motion. The method may include determining at least one component of the motion data in at least one axis, the at least component corresponding to a subset of the motion data having a discrete value and/or a range of values; and determining respiratory motion from at least one component of the motion data. Radiotherapy treatment can be improved by determining the respiratory motion and the impact of respiration of a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: EMORY UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mohammad K. Khan, Tian Liu, Yuting Lin
  • Patent number: 8790274
    Abstract: A method and system of simultaneously monitoring body position and respiration of a subject are provided. The end-expiratory value of an axial dimension of a distance Xi between a first location and a second location is monitored for the subject orientation, and is then assigned a body position for the subject orientation during a calibration maneuver in which the subject is asked to assume various body positions. The transient voltage spikes in Xi voltage are measured to determine when the subject orientation changes. Following the subject orientation change, the stable end-expiratory voltage is determined to define a new body position. The new body position is outputted to a data output interface communicating with varied output devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Franklin Dennis McCool
  • Patent number: 8790273
    Abstract: A pulmonary ventilation system comprising a method to determine at least one pulmonary ventilation parameter as a function of a plurality of measured anatomical distances and volume-motion coefficients, sensors for acquiring the anatomical distances, a device for determining the plurality of motion coefficients, and a device for determining the ventilation parameter based on the acquired anatomical distances and determined plurality of volume-motion coefficients. In one embodiment, the system further includes a method for acquiring base-line ventilation characteristics and a method for correlating the base-line ventilation characteristics to the ventilation parameter determined with the empirical relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: adidas
    Inventor: Franklin Dennis McCool
  • Patent number: 8790269
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for monitoring respiration of a subject or subject of interest using a thermal imaging system with single or multiple spectral bands set to a temperature range of a facial region of that person. Temperatures of extremities of the head and face are used to locate facial features in the captured thermal images, i.e., nose and mouth, which are associated with respiration. The RGB signals obtained from the camera are plotted to obtain a respiration pattern. From the respiration pattern, a rate of respiration is obtained. The system includes display and communication interfaces wherein alerts can be activated if the respiration rate falls outside a level of acceptability. The teachings hereof find their uses in an array of devices such as, for example, devices which monitor the respiration of an infant to signal the onset of a respiratory problem or failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Beilei Xu, Lalit Keshav Mestha, Graham Pennington
  • Patent number: 8790272
    Abstract: A method for determining cardiac parameters of a subject includes receiving a signal from a thoracocardiograph (TCG) sensor. The signal is sensitive to positions and/or motions of an anterior chest wall of the subject and include a cardiac component, a respiratory component, and noise and/or artifact components. The method also includes receiving one or more electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and filtering the received TCG signal to limit one or more of the respiratory component and the noise and/or artifact components. The filtering includes one or more of wavelet de-noising, non-linear filtering, and state space filtering. The method further includes ensemble averaging thefiltered TCG signal. Ensemble members are triggered by occurrence of one or more selected fiducial points determined in the ECG signal. Additionally, the method includes extracting parameters of cardiac functioning from the ensemble averaged signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Marvin Sackner, Lance Myers, Desmond B. Keenan, Dana Michael Inman
  • Patent number: 8790255
    Abstract: This invention provides user interfaces that more intuitively display physiological data obtained from physiological monitoring of one or more subjects. Specifically, the user interfaces of this invention create and display one or more avatars having behaviors guided by physiological monitoring data. The monitoring data is preferably obtained when the subject is performing normal tasks without substantial restraint. This invention provides a range of implementations that accommodate user having varying processing and graphics capabilities, e.g., from handheld electronic devices to ordinary PC-type computers and to systems with enhanced graphics capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventor: Andrew Behar
  • Patent number: 8784323
    Abstract: In specific embodiments, a method to monitor pulmonary edema of a patient, comprises (a) detecting, using an implanted posture sensor, when a posture of the patient changes from a first predetermined posture to a second predetermined posture, (b) determining an amount of time it takes an impedance signal to achieve a steady state after the posture of the patient changes from the first predetermined posture to the second predetermined posture, where the impedance signal is obtained using implanted electrodes and is indicative of left atrial pressure and/or intra-thoracic fluid volume of the patient, and (c) monitoring the pulmonary edema of the patient based on the determined amount of time it takes the impedance signal to achieve the steady state after the posture of the patient changes from the first predetermined posture to the second pre-determined posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Yelena Nabutovsky, Fujian Qu, Steve Koh, Dan E. Gutfinger, Alex Soriano
  • Patent number: 8777868
    Abstract: This invention includes improved IP sensors that both have improved sensitivity, performance, and other properties and are multifunctional. The improved IP sensors have IP sensor conductors with waveforms having legs that are substantially parallel throughout the operating range of stretch. The multifunctional IP sensors include, in addition to IP sensors, accessory conductors, additional sensors, and other compatible modules. This inventions also includes embodiments of apparel incorporating the improved IP sensors. This apparel can range from band-like to shirt-like, and so forth, and include one or more IP sensors sensitive to expansions and contractions of underlying regions of a monitored subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventor: Yoav Gal
  • Patent number: 8781558
    Abstract: The system and method of the present application includes an image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system, combined with a medical ventilator, to form a closed-loop system to optimize treatment of a tumor for patients who cannot comply with a normal respiratory management procedure. The ventilator may be used to generate respiratory maneuvers to facilitate clean images for dose planning, so that clinicians can more clearly visualize a target with fewer of the image artifacts associated with respiratory motion. The combined IGRT and ventilation systems approach facilitates treatment of specific organs most susceptible to respiratory motion artifact, and helps minimize the doses to the heart in left-breast treatments. Improved positioning of the anatomical target structures for exposure to external beam radiation may be accomplished through combinations of respiratory-gating, respiratory pause, and selective right or left lung mechanical ventilator techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Russell James Kuzelka
  • Patent number: 8758262
    Abstract: An automated system for monitoring respiratory diseases, such as asthma, provides noninvasive, multimodal monitoring of respiratory signs and symptoms that can include wheeze and cough. Some embodiments employ a mobile device, such as a cell phone, in which raw data from a microphone and an accelerometer are processed, analyzed, and stored. Data can be collected continuously. Time domain and frequency domain analyses of signals to determine, e.g., energy, duration, and spectral content of candidate sounds can be employed to discriminate symptoms of interest from background sounds and to establish significance. Accelerometer signals are analyzed to determine activity levels. Analyses of a user's symptoms and activity level prior to, during, and after an event can provide meaningful determinations of disease severity and predict future respiratory events. The system can provide a summary of data, as well as an alarm when symptom severity reaches a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Hyekyun Rhee, Mark Bocko
  • Publication number: 20140163406
    Abstract: A system for analyzing a condition of an animal, wherein the system includes at least an identification unit (2.1) which is arranged to be worn by an animal, wherein the identification unit includes a first transmitter unit (4), a movement sensor (6), and a control unit (8) which is communicatively connected with the transmitter unit and the movement sensor, wherein the system further includes a receiver unit (8) and a computer (10) which is connected with the receiver unit and wherein the system further includes positioning means for measuring a position of the identification unit, wherein the control unit is arranged for, in use, storing and/or processing electronic information of movements of the animal which have been obtained with the movement sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: N.V. NEDERLANDSCHE APPARATENFABRIEK "NEDAP"
    Inventors: Derk Jan Roosenboom, Jeroen Martin Van Dijk, Woltherus Karsijns, Egbert Gert Jan Uninge, Jan Anne Kuipers
  • Patent number: 8747330
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Marshal Dhillon, Devin McCombie
  • Patent number: 8751041
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to generate a humanlike motion of a humanoid robot which is capable of performing a humanlike breathing motion. For example, the method includes calculating target rotational angles of respective rotary joints to perform a basic motion according to a user command, calculating rotational angles of respective rotary joints to perform a breathing motion, and generating the breathing motion by adding up the target rotational angles of the respective rotary joints to perform the basic motion and the rotational angles to perform the breathing motion and providing the angles obtained thereby to respective rotary joints constituting joint units related to the breathing motion, thus providing intimacy and aesthetic stability to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Won Moon, Jong Do Choi
  • Patent number: 8740807
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features an impedance pneumography sensor and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises a processing system, configured to operably connect to the impedance pneumography sensor and motion sensor, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the impedance pneumography sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon
  • Patent number: 8734360
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a subject who is undergoing respiration. A motion sensor senses motion of a subject. A breathing pattern analysis unit analyzes components of the sensed motion that result from the subject's respiration. The breathing pattern analysis unit includes double-movement-respiration-cycle-pattern-identification functionality that designates respiration cycles as being double-movement-respiration-cycles (DMRC's) by determining that the cycles define two subcycles. Double-movement-respiration-cycle-event-identification functionality of the breathing pattern analysis unit identifies a DMRC event by detecting that the subject has undergone a plurality of DMRC's. An output is generated that is indicative of the subject having used accessory muscles in breathing, in response to identification of the double-movement-respiration-cycle event. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Earlysense Ltd.
    Inventors: Tal Klap, Shiraz Levkovich, Zvika Shinar, Guy Meger
  • Patent number: 8728000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for carrying out a signal-processing viewing of a measurement signal that is correlated with the respiratory activity of an individual, for example, of a measurement signal that is correlated with the respiratory gas. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions with which an improved electronic analysis of the signals that are representative with regard to respiratory activity can be achieved. To this end, the invention provides that viewing results are obtained within the scope of a signal-processing viewing of said measurement signal and make a differentiation between obstructive and central respiratory disorders possible. The viewing results are determined, in particular, while taking into account changes of selected breathing characteristics such as, for example, the change in the ratio of inhalation time to exhalation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Resmed R&D Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Madaus, Jorg Meier, Dieter Heidmann, Hartmut Schneider
  • Patent number: 8721554
    Abstract: A method and system for cancelling body movement effect for non-contact vital sign detection is described. The method begins with sending on a first electromagnetic wave transceiver a first electromagnetic signal with a first frequency to a first side of a body, such as a person or animal. Simultaneously using a second electromagnetic wave transceiver a second electromagnetic signal is sent with a second frequency to a second side of a body, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are different frequencies. A first reflected electromagnetic signal reflected back in response to the first electromagnetic wave on the first transceiver is received and a first baseband complex signal is extracted. Likewise a second reflected electromagnetic signal reflected back in response to the second electromagnetic wave on the second transceiver is received and a second baseband complex signal is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jenshan Lin, Changzhi Li, Ya-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 8696592
    Abstract: A breath biofeedback method and system for encouraging a subject to modify respiration. The system includes a thoracic volume input module measuring thoracic volume data of the subject and a pattern module providing target breathing patterns in communication with a display generator. The display generator producing display information representing a displayable image including a first object having a first position determined as a function of the thoracic volume data and a second object having a second position determined as a function of the target breathing pattern and the thoracic volume data. The displayable image is designed such that when displayed on the display device the displayable image encourages the subject viewing the displayable image to modify respiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventors: Peter M. Bingham, Jason H. Bates
  • Patent number: 8696588
    Abstract: A device (1) and a corresponding method are provided for determining and/or monitoring the respiration rate based on measurement with more than one sensor (5, 7, 9, 13, 15). The device may be part of a monitor for determining and/or monitoring the respiration rate. The second and/or additional sensors are different form the first sensor and have a different manor of operation from the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ullrich Hansmann, Tilman von Blumenthal, Peter Tschuncky, Andreas Hengstenberg, Frank Mett, Uwe Kühn, Frank Franz, Kai Kück, Steffen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8689377
    Abstract: A patient bed for an imaging medical apparatus has a patient support plate that has at least one radar antenna to obtain physiological and/or geometric data from a patient the patient support plate. In a method for the operation of such a patient bed having at least one radar antenna in an imaging medical apparatus, the at least one radar antenna is operated to obtain data from the patient on the patient support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thilo Hannemann, Stefan Popescu, Georg Wittmann
  • Patent number: 8679030
    Abstract: A method of predicting an onset of apnea is described. Motion of a subject, including at least breathing-related motion, is sensed, and a signal corresponding to the sensed motion is generated. A breathing-related signal is extracted from the sensed motion signal, and the onset of apnea is predicted at least partially in response to analyzing the breathing-related signal. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: EarlySense Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvika Shinar, Guy Meger, Avner Halperin, Daniel H. Lange
  • Publication number: 20140081166
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a detector to detect or generate measuring signals that are indicative of the respiration of a person, wherein said detector can be used advantageously in view of hygiene and stands out due to a simple and robust configuration. According to a first aspect, the detector detects a signal that is indicative of the activity of the respiratory muscles of a person to be examined, the detector comprising a band which, in the application position, is passed around a torso region which widens and narrows when the person to be examined breathes, as well as a structure that is included in the band and loaded in accordance with the narrowing or widening of the torso region. The structure is configured such that it causes a change in the volume of a measuring space device depending on a tensile force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ResMed R&D Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Christoph LANG, Stefan SCHATZL
  • Patent number: 8672853
    Abstract: Pressure sensing devices for use with an inflatable bladder and monitoring apparatus for an at rest subject are disclosed herein. The device can comprise a housing comprising a recess and configured to be welded in a seam of the inflatable bladder. A pressure sensor can be located within the recess with a sensing side configured to be exposed to the cavity of the inflatable bladder and a reference side configured to be exposed to ambient air. A printed circuit board can be located within the recess and coupled to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is operable to detect a pressure change within the cavity due to a force exerted by a subject on the inflatable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BAM Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Young
  • Patent number: 8668653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a garment for measuring biological information, a biological information measurement system, a biological information measurement device and a method of controlling thereof capable of measuring biological information with accuracy regardless of variations of the constitution of each examinee yet a simple structure. A resistance value sensor 21 senses variation of electric resistances of a chest respiratory information sensor 502 and a chest respiratory information sensor 504 on a shirt 500 of a biological information measuring shirt. A CPU 10 of an analysis device 100 calculates variation cycles of resistance in accordance with the resistance data and outputs respiration values based on the calculation results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Nagata, Ryuji Nagai
  • Publication number: 20140058274
    Abstract: A method of monitoring lung ventilation of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises recording signals from a plurality of sensing location on the chest of the subject, at least a portion of the signals being indicative of a local motion of the chest at a respective sensing location. The method further comprises operating a data processing system to analyze the signals such as to determine a status of the ventilation, thereby to monitor the lung ventilation of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Amir Landesberg, Dan Waisman, Carmit Levy
  • Publication number: 20140046209
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a subject who is undergoing respiration. A motion sensor senses motion of a subject. A breathing pattern analysis unit analyzes components of the sensed motion that result from the subject's respiration. The breathing pattern analysis unit includes double-movement-respiration-cycle-pattern-identification functionality that designates respiration cycles as being double-movement-respiration-cycles (DMRC's) by determining that the cycles define two subcycles. Double-movement-respiration-cycle-event-identification functionality of the breathing pattern analysis unit identifies a DMRC event by detecting that the subject has undergone a plurality of DMRC's. An output is generated that is indicative of the subject having used accessory muscles in breathing, in response to identification of the double-movement-respiration-cycle event. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: EarlySense Ltd.
    Inventors: Tal KLAP, Shiraz Levkovich, Zvika Shinar, Guy Meger
  • Patent number: 8646447
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments, an air delivery system includes a controllable flow generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for treatment and a pulse oximeter. In certain example embodiments, the pulse oximeter is configured to determine, for example, a measure of patient effort during a treatment period and provide a patient effort signal for input to control operation of the flow generator. Oximeter plethysmogram data may be used, for example, to determine estimated breath phase; sleep structure information; autonomic improvement in response to therapy; information relating to relative breathing effort, breathing frequency, and/or breathing phase; vasoconstrictive response, etc. Such data may be useful in diagnostic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Dion Charles Chewe Martin, John David Oates
  • Patent number: 8636670
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Jeffrey John Hagen, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8627821
    Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Pulmatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Edwards, Mark J. Gabrielson, Robert William Clarke, Wesley H. Dehaan, Matthew Frederick Brande, Jonathan Chun-Wah Man
  • Patent number: 8627822
    Abstract: The invention comprises a semi-vertical patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Patent number: 8628481
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a detector to detect or generate measuring signals that are indicative of the respiration of a person, wherein said detector can be used advantageously in view of hygiene and stands out due to a simple and robust configuration. According to a first aspect, the detector detects a signal that is indicative of the activity of the respiratory muscles of a person to be examined, the detector comprising a band which, in the application position, is passed around a torso region which widens and narrows when the person to be examined breathes, as well as a structure that is included in the band and loaded in accordance with the narrowing or widening of the torso region. The structure is configured such that it causes a change in the volume of a measuring space device depending on a tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Map Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Lang, Stefan Schatzl
  • Patent number: 8628480
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for non-invasively determining the presence (and amount) or absence of dynamic hyperinflation in a subject. The invention is based on a novel combination of respiratory parameters that can be measured in a way that is non-invasive and unobtrusive to the subject. Dynamic hyperinflation is often a significant factor in the quality of life of patients suffering from a variety of obstructive pulmonary diseases, and this invention permits simple, routine tracking and management of dynamic hyperinflation in affected patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventor: P. Alexander Derchak
  • Patent number: 8622922
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor which is selected from the group consisting of an impedance pneumography sensor, an ECG sensor, and a PPG sensor; and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises (iii) a processing system, configured to operably connect to the first and motion sensors, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the first sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon
  • Patent number: 8622921
    Abstract: A sleep evaluation device (1) has a sensor unit (2) that constantly detects body movements of a human subject on bedding, and has a determiner that, based on results of detection, determines a sleep state and an aroused state of the human subject. The determiner quantifies results of detection of the sensor unit into N number of body movement data (where, N is a positive integral number satisfying N?2) and obtains, based on G number of standard deviations for each of G groups (in which G is an integral number satisfying 2?G<N) dividing N number of body movement data and for each body movement data and gs (gs<G) number of standard deviations selected therefrom, L number of average value of standard deviations (where L is an integral number satisfying 2?L?G). The determination of a sleep state and an aroused state of the human subject is based on G number of standard deviations and L number of average values of standard deviations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Izumi
  • Publication number: 20140005502
    Abstract: Apparatus is described, including a motion sensor configured to sense motion of a patient and to generate a motion signal in response thereto. The apparatus includes an output unit and a control unit. The control unit is configured to analyze the motion signal, to identify breathing of the patient as being shallow breathing in response to the analyzing, and to drive the output unit to generate an alert in response to identifying the breathing of the patient as being shallow breathing. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: EarlySense Ltd.
    Inventors: Tal Klap, Zvi Shinar, Guy Meger, Avner Halperin
  • Patent number: 8618939
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device comprising an odor sensor and methods of operation are disclosed. An odor is detected using an odor sensor coupled to the mobile electronic device, and a predetermined process is performed if the odor is a predefined odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa Nabata, Toshikazu Hiramoto
  • Publication number: 20130338525
    Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a drive system, a controller in communication with the drive system, and a volumetric point cloud imaging device supported above the drive system at a height of greater than about one foot above the ground. The volumetric point cloud imaging device monitors a plurality of translations of points in the point cloud corresponding to the surface of a respiratory center of a breathing subject. The controller receives point cloud signals from the imaging device and issues an alert command based at least in part on the received point cloud signals from the identified respiratory center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: iRobot Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130331725
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a thoracic diagnosis assistance information generation method includes the following. A dynamic state of a chest portion is captured to generate frame images. Air velocity is calculated by dividing a lung field region extracted from one frame region into small regions, corresponding the small regions among the frame images, and calculating a feature amount showing air velocity. Air velocity distribution is calculated by dividing the lung field region into block regions in a trunk axis direction, calculating a feature amount showing air velocity of each block region based on a feature amount showing the air velocity of the small regions in the divided block regions, and calculating a feature amount showing air velocity distribution of the lung field region based on the calculated feature amount showing the air velocity of each block region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Sho NOJI, Shintaro MURAOKA
  • Patent number: 8603004
    Abstract: A method of filtering respiration noise from a localization signal includes acquiring a localization signal from at least one position measurement sensor within a localization field and acquiring an acceleration signal for at least one localization field generator (e.g., a patch electrode). A displacement signal for the field generator is calculated, for example by integrating the acceleration signal twice, and transformed into the frequency domain in order to calculate a fractional power indicative of patient respiration. The fractional power can then be compared to a threshold value, and the localization signal can be filtered if the fractional power exceeds the threshold value. Alternatively, the acquired acceleration signal can be used to gate collection of data points from the localization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Koh, Stuart Rosenberg, Kyungmoo Ryu
  • Publication number: 20130324874
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for estimating minute ventilation by analyzing distortions in reflections of structured illumination patterns captured in a video of a thoracic region of a subject of interest being monitored for respiratory function. Measurement readings can be acquired in a few seconds under a diverse set of lighting conditions and provide a non-contact approach to patient respiratory function that is particularly useful for infant care in an intensive care unit (ICU), sleep studies, and can aid in the early detection of sudden deterioration of physiological conditions due to detectable changes in patient chest volume. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide an effective tool for minute ventilation estimation and respiratory function study and analysis in a non-contact remote sensing environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edgar A. BERNAL, Lalit Keshav MESTHA, Beilei XU
  • Publication number: 20130324875
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for estimating a respiration rate by analyzing distortions in reflections of structured illumination patterns captured in a video containing a view of a subject's thoracic region. In one embodiment, a video of a target region of a body of a subject of interest is received. Video image frames are processed to estimate 3D time-series data for the target region. As more fully disclosed herein, the subject's respiration rate is estimated from the 3D time-series data. Measurements can be acquired under a diverse set of lighting conditions. The teachings hereof provide a non-contact approach to patient respiratory function monitoring that is useful for intensive care units and for monitoring at homes, and which aid in the detection of sudden deterioration of physiological conditions due to changes in respiration rates. The teachings hereof provide an effective tool for non-contact respiratory function study and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lalit Keshav MESTHA, Edgar A. BERNAL, Beilei XU
  • Patent number: 8600502
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sleep state classification involve detecting conditions related to sleep, including at least one condition associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Additionally, a condition modulated by the sleep-wake status of the patient may be detected. A medical system that is partially or fully implantable incorporates sensors and circuitry for detecting and processing the sleep-related signals. A sleep state processor classifies the patient's sleep state based on the sleep-related signals. Sleep state classification may be used in connection with the delivery of sleep state appropriate therapy, diagnostic testing, or patient monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Lovett, Robert J. Sweeney, Bruce H. KenKnight
  • Patent number: 8585607
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a subject who is undergoing respiration. A motion sensor senses motion of a subject. A breathing pattern analysis unit analyzes components of the sensed motion that result from the subject's respiration. The breathing pattern analysis unit includes double-movement-respiration-cycle-pattern-identification functionality that designates respiration cycles as being double-movement-respiration-cycles (DMRC's) by determining that the cycles define two subcycles. Double-movement-respiration-cycle-event-identification functionality of the breathing pattern analysis unit identifies a DMRC event by detecting that the subject has undergone a plurality of DMRC's. An output is generated that is indicative of the subject having used accessory muscles in breathing, in response to identification of the double-movement-respiration-cycle event. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: EarlySense Ltd.
    Inventors: Tal Klap, Shiraz Levkovich, Zvika Shinar, Guy Meger
  • Patent number: 8585617
    Abstract: A tongue location monitoring system, including, one or more position circuits that respond to transmissions from a transceiver, a transceiver that transmits to the one or more position circuits, a control circuit coupled to the transceiver: wherein the control circuit determines the location of a person's tongue based on the responses of the position circuits; and wherein either the transceiver or the position circuits are implanted in the muscle of the person's tongue or placed on the tongue, and the latter is placed outside the person's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Yossef Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8574164
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject. The device may also include at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna and configured to receive a condition signal from an implantable device, the condition signal indicative of a precursor to sleep disordered breathing, and cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to the implantable device, in response to the condition signal, to stimulate at least one nerve in response to the precursor to sleep disordered breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20130289432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for unobtrusively measuring a person's respiration, wherein at least two microphones positioned at either side of a person's bed are steered based on the distance of the persons head to said microphones as computed on the basis of images captured by a video camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Henriette Christine Van Vugt, Rene Martinus Maria Derkx, Adrienne Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20130289401
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in diagnosing the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a patient includes a sensing module structured to measure a parameter indicative of a tremor in the patient's neck, tongue and/or throat muscles while the patient is awake, the parameter not being airflow through the patient's airway. The sensing module generates one or more electrical signals based on the measured parameter. The apparatus also includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensing module, the processor being structured to receive the one or more electrical signals, perform an analysis of the one or more electrical signals, and based on the analysis determine whether the transducer tremor has a frequency in at least one predetermined frequency range that is indicative of OSA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Edward Colbaugh, Ronald Dean Dean Fligge, Vijay Kumar Iyer, Douglas Mechlenburg, Edmund Arnliot Shaw, Nathan Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20130281874
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a breath determining unit that, when having detected sounds having similar frequency components periodically in picked-up sounds by a microphone while an object person is being asleep, determines the sounds to be breath sounds. The terminal includes a snore determining unit that, when the sound pressure of the breath sounds is greater than a first level threshold value, determines the sounds to be a snoring sound. The terminal includes a body motion determining unit that determines whether a body motion is detected after the breath sound are determined. The terminal further includes an apnea determining unit that determines whether a silent interval is detected from a period of time between timings of the breath sound and the body motion when the body motion is detected and that determines the silent interval to be an apnea state when the silent interval is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Asako NISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20130281827
    Abstract: In a method for determining a respiratory phase from a series of measurements of a respiratory position, the respiratory phase is determined by a finite state machine, which processes a current measured respiratory position and at least one previously measured respiratory position, and assigns a current respiratory phase to the current respiratory position. For this purpose, the temporal spacing between two successive measurements of the respiratory position is small in relation to a respiratory cycle. This method allows for a continuous measurement of imaging measurement data to be influenced in a prospective manner in a determined respiratory phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Alto Stemmer