Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to develop a method or system for measuring the skin condition easily and accurately. The method for determining the skin condition based on the thermal sensitivity in the skin was perfected by discovering that the skin condition, especially the skin barrier function, can be determined based on the thermal sensitivity in the skin.

Abstract: A system for analysis of user gait and foot disorder intended to minimize risks ulceration and limb amputation associated with the uncontrolled increase of the foot temperature in persons with diabetes. This system comprises a motion, force and temperature sensors and a processing element configured to process motion algorithms, measure ground reaction force (GRF) and changes in foot temperature embedded in the footwear insoles in communication with a smartphone based analysis application using wireless radio interface. The analysis application processes data received from the footwear sensors, compares the results with set of criteria and rules, and if any of the predefined criteria is exceeded, provides alerts to the user and the remote medical supervisor. Additionally, the insoles may be equipped with a haptic actuators configured to determine the level of the user neuropathy by measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) level.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for deriving certain characteristics of the patient's body related to motion from captured motion data. The characteristics may be used to compare the characteristics of the supposed injury to the characteristics of a normally functioning body part as well as the functions of an injured body part. The present disclosure provides a reliable and reproducible way to determine whether a supposed injury is a feigned or exaggerated injury or an actual injury.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining that a patient has indications mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microperimetry is used to assess the functional integrity of the patient's retina. Optical Coherence Tomography is used to assess the structural integrity of the patient's retina. Reductions in the size and function of the patient's retina indicate that the patient may have MCI or early stage AD.

Abstract: The inventive concept refers to a system, a method, and a computer program for providing training for pain improvement. According to an exemplary embodiment, a training providing method for pain improvement includes requesting, by a computer, a temperature providing device to provide a first temperature to a first body point, requesting, by the computer, the temperature providing device to provide a second temperature to a second body point, requesting a user to select a temperature matched with a specific condition among the first temperature and the second temperature, and calculating a correct answer rate after performing a trial of distinguishing between the first temperature and the second temperature by a predetermined number.

Abstract: This system correctly obtains a thermal sensation of a person in a room to provide a comfortable environment. A first parameter deriver derives, as a first parameter, a ratio of a low frequency component to a high frequency component in a variation of R-R intervals of a person, based on his/her body movement. A second parameter deriver derives, as a second parameter, any one of a coefficient of variation of R-R intervals, a respiration rate, or a heart rate of the person, based on the body movement of the person. An estimator estimates a thermal sensation of the person, based on the first parameter and the second parameter. A CPU for air-conditioning control controls an air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, based on a result of the estimation by the estimator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining that a patient has indications mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microperimetry is used to assess the functional integrity of the patient's retina. Optical Coherence Tomography is used to assess the structural integrity of the patient's retina. Reductions in the size and function of the patient's retina indicate that the patient may have MCI or early stage AD.

Abstract: A device (100) for the treatment of depression, anxiety and pain, the device comprising: a plurality of adjacent dots (11) or other shapes, each comprising means for providing a signal being sensible by a touch sense, the signal comprising mechanical signal and/or electrical signal and/or temperature signal and/or magnetic signal; and a controller (32) for executing each of the means independently, for providing pre-programmed shapes (30, 40, 40A, 40B, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54) being sensible by the touch sense, thereby allowing treating the depression, anxiety and pain by generating to the brain, signals resembling the pre-programmed shapes (30, 40, 40A, 40B, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54) through the signals being sensible by the touch sense.

Abstract: Various improvements to inflatable membranes are disclosed. These improvements include techniques for advantageously controlling the inflation of a membrane within a cavity, such as a human ear canal.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a portable, battery-operated, minimally invasive small fiber neuropathy testing and diagnostic device, microcontrolled and interfacing with wireless powering to a wireless communications device is being disclosed. Said device is constructed out of an intra-epidermal thermal stimulus consisting of an electronically heated temperature-controlled polymer covered semiconductor material 101 lowered inside the skin through a probe 108 configured with three miniaturized electrodes 109 while a nerve impulse response measurement system records and identifies nerve action potential pulses through a proprietary algorithm. The invention also discloses a detection and characterization method of action potential pulses from neuron cells with respect to their timing such as pulse repetition statistics and rates from a single-point of measurement as diagnostically relevant for determining neuropathies.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system for performing objective examination of central sensitization, in particular, a system for objectively determining the presence or absence of central sensitization in a chronic pain patient. The present invention provides a device for diagnosing the presence or absence of central sensitization, the device including: stimulation output means for outputting thermal stimulation which can be perceived by a subject; first input means capable of inputting a measurement start signal; second input means capable of inputting a measurement end signal; and measurement control means for measuring time between an input signal from the first input means and an input signal from the second input means.

Abstract: A method is provided of systematically evaluating and treating dynamic autonomic dysregulation in a subject. The method includes having the subject sequentially assume a plurality of distinct postures that may include, for example, walking, standing, sitting or supine. In each posture of the subject, the subject is subjected to sensory stimulation while measuring at least one autonomic physiological response of the subject. The autonomic physiological response may include, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pupillary response, blood pressure, sweat production, pseudomotor activity or respiration. The physiological responses in each of the distinct postures are evaluated to identify a posture wherein the subject exhibits a least amount of dysfunction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote thermographic assessment of tissue viability are disclosed. A system may include a controllable source of one or more thermal stimuli to be applied to a tissue, a measurement system to measure a heat response of the tissue before, during, and/or after the application of the thermal stimuli, and an electronic device that may control either one or both of the source of thermal stimuli and the measurement system. The electronic device may also receive tissue thermal response data from the measurement system, and may further calculate a measure of tissue viability. A method of determining tissue viability may include supplying a thermal stimulus to a tissue, receiving, by a measurement device, the thermal response of the tissue to the stimuli, and a comparison of the thermal response data to at least some viability threshold values. The results may be displayed in a graphical manner.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a portable, battery-operated, minimally invasive small fiber neuropathy testing and diagnostic device, microcontrolled and interfacing with wireless powering to a wireless communications device is being disclosed. Said device is constructed out of an intra-epidermal thermal stimulus consisting of an electronically heated temperature-controlled polymer covered semiconductor material 101 lowered inside the skin through a probe 108 configured with three miniaturized electrodes 109 while a nerve impulse response measurement system records and identifies nerve action potential pulses through a proprietary algorithm. The invention also discloses a detection and characterization method of action potential pulses from neuron cells with respect to their timing such as pulse repetition statistics and rates from a single-point of measurement as diagnostically relevant for determining neuropathies.

Abstract: A device for testing for the presence of neuropathy by applying a thermal stimulus to a test area of skin includes a temperature sensing arrangement for determining a reference temperature being a reference skin temperature or room temperature, a thermal stimulus application arrangement and a temperature controlling arrangement for controlling temperature of the thermal stimulus. The reference temperature is used in controlling the temperature of the applied thermal stimulus. The device may include a blood flow sensing arrangement which provides a measurement of blood flow in an area of the skin which may be considered to be indicative of a blood flow in response to an applied stimulus.

Abstract: A neuropathy diagnostic device includes a body having a neutral temperature surface disposed on an exterior of the body, a variable temperature surface disposed on the exterior of the body, and a vibrating surface having a variable vibration amplitude. The vibrating surface extends outwardly from the body. A touch sensor extends outwardly from the body. A processor is disposed within the body. The processor is adapted to set a temperature of the neutral temperature surface, vary a temperature of the variable temperature surface, and vary the vibration amplitude of the vibrating surface.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for the diagnosis of sensory sensitivity in medical patients, including using a multifunctional medical device which may be utilized to test patient's skin sensitivity to a variety of stimuli and conditions such as heat or temperature, vibrations, electrical shock, pressure, pain, burning sensation, and the like. In some embodiments, the medical device includes a multifunction diagnostic head which can provide various stimuli at its tip, such as various temperatures, vibration, electrical shock, pressure, pain, and other stimuli which is detected by human skin sensory cells. In other embodiments, each of these stimuli may be provided by a separate removable diagnostic head. In still other embodiments, a removable diagnostic head may provide several, but not all, of the desired sensory stimuli listed above.

Abstract: A device, system and methods are described for stimulating multiple dermatones on a body in accordance with a stimulation pattern. Magnetic resonance images are captured during the application of the stimulation pattern and the captured images are processed. The images are processed using information about the applied stimulation pattern to assess spinal cord function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for examining nerve function. In order to examine the function of a nerve of the human body, the device for examining nerve function of the present invention includes: at least one stimulator for stimulating the human body; and a stimulator-fixing member having a form corresponding to the hands or feet of the human body, wherein the stimulator is located at one side of the simulator-fixing member so as to fix the stimulator to the hands or feet of the human body. The device for examining nerve function of the present invention further includes at least one blood-circulation detection sensor fixed at the stimulator-fixing member. According to the present invention, since the degree of hypoesthesia is examined through the stimulation of the stimulator, test accuracy and reliability may be greatly improved and it is possible to systematically and actively determine a diagnosis and course of treatment for a patient having diabetes or spinal nerve damage, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for improving sensitivity of a first sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism of a subject by stimulating a second sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism of the subject. For that purpose a noise is applied to the second sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism to improve the sensitivity of the first sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism due to cross-modal SR interactions.

Abstract: A device for evoking a temporal summation of pain in a subject. The device comprises a stimulation element (SE) arranged generating a physical stimulation on a skin surface area of at least 20 cm2 according to a control signal (CS), where the stimulation (PS) evokes pain in the subject. A processor (PR) generates the control signal (CS) to the stimulation element (SE) so as to provide a repetitive stimulation pattern comprising at least repetitions of: a)applying stimulation for a period (SP) of 0.5-120 seconds, b)stopping stimulation for a period (TP) of 0.5-20 seconds. Preferred periods are 1-3 seconds for both stimulation and intermediate stopping periods. The stimulation element may include an inflatable tourniquet arranged for providing a compressional stimulation of an arm or a leg. However, other types of stimulation elements may be used such as electric, heating, mechanical stimulation or the like may be used.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for determining the level of analgesia of a sedated individual, to the use of an apparatus for determining the level of analgesia of a sedated individual (so called “pain monitor”), as well as the use of an evoked pain-specific reflex response of a sedated individual for determining the level of analgesia of a sedated individual.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sensitivity testing are provided. Disclosed devices include a flexible catheter body having a distal end and a proximal end, a peltier element, a contact element located at or near the distal end of the catheter body that can be heated or cooled by applying a voltage to the peltier element, and a contact sensor for detecting contact between a contact surface of said contact element and tissue to be tested.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator has an implantable cardiac lead that carries a temperature sensitive element with a surface thereof in contact with biological matter. The temperature sensitive element emits a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of biological matter, such as blood, in contact with the surface of the temperature sensitive element. Processing circuitry receives the temperature signal and determines a variability thereof within a selected time interval. A status signal is emitted dependent on this variability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assessing thermoalgesic and vibratory sensitivity, including a first unit (1) configured to apply, to localised points of the patient, a plurality of stimuli comprising vibrations and temperature changes, a second unit (2) for gathering data communicating with the first unit, wherein the communication between the first unit (1) and the second unit (2) takes place by means of a two-way wireless transmission means. The invention also relates to a method for assessing vibratory, thermal and thermoalgesic sensitivity using the device according to the invention.

Abstract: Comfortable sensation of living bodies is estimated, considering individual differences in biological information on the living bodies staying or residing in a common space, and stimulation contents is properly controlled. A stimulation generator generates a stimulation to be applied to users. Biological information acquirers and acquire time-series data of biological information on the users. Parameter extractors and extract a parameter which is changed with a lapse of time by analyzing the time-series data. Thermal sensation estimators and estimate statuses of the users to the stimulation generated by the stimulation generator, based on the parameter extracted by the parameter extractors and. A multi-user thermal sensation processor integrates estimation results on the users estimated by the thermal sensation estimators and into a single estimation result. A stimulation controller controls the stimulation generator based on the integrated estimation result.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for detecting or monitoring neuropathy in an individual. The system of the invention includes a platform having a surface in which a plurality of stimulators is embedded. Each stimulator is configured to stimulate a region in a skin area when the skin area is applied to the platform. The stimulators may deliver thermal and/or vibrational energy to the skin region. In the method of the invention, a skin area is applied to platform and one of the stimulators is activated. A minimal stimulation is determined that is sensed by the individual in a skin region in contact with a stimulator. Neuropathy in the skin region in contact with the stimulator is detected if either the determined minimal stimulation is above a predetermined threshold, or if a stimulation is not sensed before a magnitude of the stimulation reaches a predetermined maximal magnitude. The process is then repeated with other stimulators.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and method for measuring skin hydration of a subject includes a thermistor used in transient mode to obtain a measurement of the thermal conductivity of the skin of the subject and a processor for determining a skin hydration value from the thermal conductivity measurement. The system for measuring skin hydration further includes a non-invasive system for detecting blood analyte concentration, such as glucose, with a spectroscopic device having e.g., an infrared source which generates infrared beam and detector for detecting transmitted radiation through portion (e.g., finger) of a subject. The system may also include skin hydrator which moisturizes the skin and is connected in a control loop to the system for measuring skin hydration. The system for detecting blood analyte concentration may include a photoacoustic device or a metabolic heat conformation device.

Abstract: A neuropathy diagnostic device includes a body having a neutral temperature surface disposed on an exterior of the body, a variable temperature surface disposed on the exterior of the body, and a vibrating surface having a variable vibration amplitude. The vibrating surface extends outwardly from the body. A touch sensor extends outwardly from the body. A processor is disposed within the body. The processor is adapted to set a temperature of the neutral temperature surface, vary a temperature of the variable temperature surface, and vary the vibration amplitude of the vibrating surface.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method and device for assessing facial pain sensitivity exhibited by an animal. The device and method can be used, for example, to evaluate the effect of a disease state, drug, or other intervention, on facial pain sensitivity, such as orofacial pain sensitivity. In one embodiment, the device and method provide a way of assessing both heat and cold sensitivity (hyperalgesia and allodynia) in the facial region in a non-invasive manner. Additionally, since the animals can be kept unrestrained, there are less confounding factors such as stress, which are inherent to other facial pain testing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold reflex tester, in which an electrical device capable of controlling the temperature and maintaining a fixed temperature at a low level based on an electrical signal from a controller is used in a cold stimulator that is brought into contact with a subject's body as a means for applying a cold stimulus to the subject's body. Thus, it is possible to apply a more constant stimulus to a subject's body during measurement and thus improve the reliability of the measurement.

Abstract: The sensor device has a housing. The housing is made of a material having a first high heat-conductivity index. A holder is attached to the housing and made of a material with a second low heat-conductivity index that is substantially lower than the first high heat conductivity index. The holder holds a peltier element and is connected to a power source so that the element has a cooled layer and a heated layer. A rotatable roller is in operative engagement with the layer so that the layer cools the roller. The roller may be rolled on the skin of the patient to determine the scope and effect of anesthetic treatment.

Abstract: A device for testing a heat sensitivity in teeth, a heated cushion for a dental device for testing a heat sensitivity, and a method for testing a tooth for a heat sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of determining the sympathetic tone and/or level of stress and/or level or warning system sensitivity includes the steps of: measuring an applied stimulation at a threshold value of the stimulation in one or more sympathetic tone-neutral points and measuring an applied stimulation at the same threshold value in one or more sympathetic tone-dependent points. The invention further relates to a system for applying and measuring a stimulation, and the use of a system for applying and measuring a stimulation for determining the sympathetic tone including the steps of: measuring an applied stimulation at a threshold value of the stimulation at one or more sympathetic tone-neutral points and measuring an applied stimulation at the same threshold value of the stimulation at one or more sympathetic tone-dependent points.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting physiological function, for example, nerve conduction, is described. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing including a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site and a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site. The housing automatically positions the detector substantially adjacent to the second anatomical site when the stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to the first anatomical site. The detector contains a plurality of individual detection elements, whereby the response evoked by stimulation at the first anatomical site is measured using one or more of these detection elements at the second anatomical location.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for sensory quantitative pain testing in subjects are provided. The devices, systems, and methods are particularly useful for conducting sensory tests following thermal stimuli applied to subjects in clinical settings. The devices, systems, and methods may be used for diagnosing painful neuropathies in subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically testing the temperature sensitivity of a patient. Furthermore the invention relates to a computer program for automatically testing the temperature sensitivity of a patient. For providing a simple technique to test for numbness a method and device for automatically testing the temperature sensitivity of a patient is suggested, the device (1) comprising a number of contact areas (4, 5), each area being arranged to get in contact with an area (2, 3) of the patient's body, and further adapted to cause a temperature stimulation of that body area (2, 3), the device (1) further comprising a response unit (7) adapted to receive a response of the patient with respect to the patient's sensation and further adapted to generate a response signal accordingly, and the device (1) further comprising a control unit (8) adapted to automatically control the sensitivity test depending on the response signal.

Abstract: Comfortable sensation of living bodies is estimated, considering individual differences in biological information on the living bodies staying or residing in a common space, and stimulation contents is properly controlled. A stimulation generator 300 generates a stimulation to be applied to users. Biological information acquirers 101a and 101b acquire time-series data of biological information on the users. Parameter extractors 102a and 102b extract a parameter which is changed with a lapse of time by analyzing the time-series data. Thermal sensation estimators 103a and 103b estimate statuses of the users to the stimulation generated by the stimulation generator 300, based on the parameter extracted by the parameter extractors 102a and 102b. A multi-user thermal sensation processor 105 integrates estimation results on the users estimated by the thermal sensation estimators 103a and 103b into a single estimation result.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a peripheral neuropathy monitor may be incorporated into a scale form factor or other device for monitoring a trend towards peripheral neuropathy by a monitored user or patient. The peripheral neuropathy monitor may include a heating element, a cooling element, and/or a vibrating element, and may be capable of performing the sensitivity of the user to hot, cold, and/or vibrations, and monitor such trends over time to facilitate detecting the onset of peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral neuropathy monitor may be capable of communicating with a remote device via a wired or wireless network for operating the monitor, and for storing and/or analyzing the test results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the sympathetic tone including the steps of: measuring an applied stimulation at a threshold value of the stimulation in one or more sympathetic tone-neutral points and measuring an applied stimulation at the same threshold value in one or more sympathetic tone-dependent points. The invention further relates to a system for applying and measuring a stimulation, and the use of a system for applying and measuring a stimulation for determining the sympathetic tone including the steps of: measuring an applied stimulation at a threshold value of the stimulation at one or more sympathetic tone-neutral points and measuring an applied stimulation at the same threshold value of the stimulation at one or more sympathetic tone-dependent points.

Abstract: The invention provides a real-time method and computer-implemented system of monitoring animal health comprising sensing at least one physical characteristic by means of an active physical sensor attached to the animal, and sensing at least one activity of the animal by means of an activity sensor attached to the animal; positioning an active activity signal generator in the environment, such that the activity signal generator is associated with an activity, gathering physical characteristic data and activity data, and wirelessly transmitting all such data to a network receiver/converter, in real-time; converting all such data if necessary, and transmitting all such data over a computer network to one or more users, in real-time.

Abstract: A method for objectively determining if a patient suffers chronic pain by initially observing a multiplicity of persons who are free of chronic pain and subjecting them to a given pain stimulus. Radiofrequency (RF) emissions generated by the brains of the persons who are free of chronic pain while they are subjected to the pain stimulus are measured and a chart in the form of an average f-MRI image for all such persons is prepared which statistically reflects an average of RF emissions generated by the brains of the persons who are free of chronic pain while subjected to the pain stimulus. The same pain stimulus is then applied to the patient, RF emissions generated by a brain of the patient while the pain stimulus is applied are sensed, and the RF emissions from the patient's brain are compared to the chart to determine if the RF emissions from the patient's brain are statistically different from the approximately average RF emissions from the persons who are free of chronic pain on the chart.

Abstract: A pain measurement system is capable of accurately and reliably measuring the magnitude of temporary pain in a patient while reducing burdens on the patient during pain measurement. The pain measurement system has a system assembly including a controller that controls an electric stimulus signal output unit to apply a pulse current which increases with time through an electrode. The value of the pulse current is recognized as a minimum sensed current value when a first signal is received. The electric stimulus signal output unit is then controlled to apply, through the electrode, a pulse current having a current value which increases from a predetermined initial value stepwise by nX (where X represents the minimum sensed current value and n represents a positive rational number). The current value of the pulse current is recognized as a pain-commensurate current value when a second signal is received.

Abstract: A non-invasive quantitative somatosensory apparatus is provided for evaluating erectile dysfunctions and involves the applications to the glans penis of two different temperatures. If the patient is unable to differentiate the difference in temperature, a diagnosis of neurologic dysfunction can be made with greater than 90% reliability. The apparatus of this invention provides a relatively simple device to assess a patient's neurological response to therapies.

Abstract: An estimated value of wakefulness is calculated from the ratio between the quantity of high frequency components and the quantity of low frequency components obtained by performing frequency transformation of vehicle displacements (S51). An imaginary deviation line is set between a lane marking and the vehicle according to the estimated value of wakefulness (S55, S59, S62, S66), and an alarm is issued when the vehicle deviates from the imaginary deviation line. Since the alarm is issued when the vehicle is at a predetermined distance from the lane marking, alarming can be performed at substantially constant timing.

Abstract: When a steering angle dakaku is equal to or smaller than ±15° (S22), the steering angle dakaku is integrated to calculate an integrated value dakaku_sum (S24). When the integrated value dakaku_sum is within a set range (S25, S26), a road-shape-based wakefulness correction coefficient R_hosei is set at 0.5 (S28). Any erroneous determination of wakefulness attributable to a road shape is prevented by correcting wakefulness H for evaluating wakefulness by decreasing it using the road-shape-based wakefulness correction coefficient R_hosei.

Abstract: An awakening level estimation apparatus for vehicle has: a signal processing part; a frequency component amount calculation part for calculating an average value of the frequency component powers and calculating a maximum value of the frequency component powers; a correction factor calculation part for calculating a high frequency percentile value and calculating a low frequency percentile value and calculating a correction factor; an evaluation value calculation part for calculating an evaluation value; and a decision part for deciding an awakening level of a driver.

Abstract: A device operable to assess temperature response of small neural fibers. The device includes a heat source. A skin contacting probe tip that includes at least one skin contacting region is operatively connected to the heat source and operable to apply a heat to regions of skin having varying surface areas. A temperature sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the probe tip and is operable to detect a temperature of the probe tip. A controller is operatively connected to the heat source and the temperature sensor to maintain a target temperature of the probe tip.

Abstract: A system for determining anesthetic state of a subject includes a brain monitor configured to measure at least one parameter of brain activity of the subject and to provide at least one brain monitor output signal indicative of the measured at least one parameter, a stimulator configured to apply a non-surgical stimulus perturbation to the subject and to provide at least one stimulus output signal indicative of timing and intensity of non-surgical stimuli applied to the subject, an analyzer coupled to the brain monitor and the stimulator and configured to receive the at least one brain monitor output signal and the at least one stimulus output signal, to determine a stimulus difference between the non-surgical stimulus intensity in the absence of the perturbation and in the presence of the perturbation, to determine a monitor difference between the a first value of the at least one parameter in the absence of the perturbation and a second value of the at least one parameter in the presence of the perturbation

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices and methods that deliver electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from an emitter to a target and employ a laser or sonar (a sensing method) to measure distance between the target and EMR emitter and automatically signal the emitter control circuitry to vary either the position or the power output of the emitter (as appropriate) in order to ensure that the effect of any change in distance on the energy incident to the target is compensated rapidly and automatically. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a hand-held, non-contact heatbeam dolorimeter.