Abstract: The invention provides a method for regulation of a sample manipulator. The method includes generating a list of at least one first displacement for at least one pre-defined object; estimating a least one second displacement with respect to at least one location on the manipulator; comparing the estimated displacement with the list of first displacements to obtain an optimum displacement; and computing at least one second force at the given location from the obtained optimum displacement. The estimation of the optimum displacement facilitates regulation of the manipulator.

Abstract: Methods are provided for planning, performing, and assessing of surgical correction to the spine during a spinal surgical procedure. These methods are implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, digitize anatomical reference points, accept one or more correction inputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to engage the screws at locations distinct from the originally digitized locations.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an earphone including a first impedance component, a signal generator configured to output a first alternating current (AC) signal, a first circuit including at least one first analog device having an impedance component electrically coupled to the first impedance component, and configured to receive the first AC signal and output a first detection signal including a voltage component corresponding to the first impedance component, and at least one processor configured to generate at least one piece of biometric information, based on the first detection signal, and output the at least one piece of biometric information.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a hardness meter which estimates hardness in a stable manner regardless of a compression strength. Disclosed is a hardness meter characterized in being provided with: a movable portion which is continuously pressed against an object to be measured; a sensor which outputs an output signal reflecting a reaction force at a part of the object to be measured that is in contact with the movable portion; a motive force mechanism that causes the movable portion to perform a piston motion; and a hardness estimating portion which estimates the hardness of the object to be measured on the basis of an alternating current component of the output signal, generated by the piston motion of the movable portion.

Abstract: Parametric model based computer implemented methods for determining the stiffness of a bone, systems for estimating the stiffness of a bone in vivo, and methods for determining the stiffness of a bone. The computer implemented methods include determining a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f) and fitting a parametric mathematical model to Y(f) and to H(f). The systems include a device for measuring the stiffness of the bone in vivo and a data analyzer to determine a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f). The methods for determining the stiffness include fitting a parametric model to stiffness of the skin-bone complex as a function of frequency H(f) and the compliance of the skin-bone complex as a function of frequency Y(f).

Abstract: Secure monitoring of the field of view of remotely located operators comprises capturing video and data signals representing a series of images including the forward field of view of the operator and the operator's ocular movement and may also include rearward and other operator fields of view. The images are transmitted to an operator microprocessor which, in turn, transmits the signals to a centrally located server where the signals are processed and the resulting information saved in files dedicated to respective operators.

Abstract: A system for capturing a plantar image is provided, which is based on a depth sensor or 3D image capturing device connected to a portable structure having: first legs; a first frame that holds a glass pane; and an elastic membrane on which a patient places his or her foot, making contact with the glass pane positioned there below, in the manner of a floor, to capture the plantar image by means of the depth sensor disposed beneath the glass pane. Respective platforms provided with a pair of second legs can be joined to the first frame. A system is provided that includes a transparent floor in a portable structure that allows the assembly to be transported so as to be able to capture the patient's plantar image in any desired place.

Abstract: A system is provided to provide haptic feedback during a medical procedure comprising: a quantitative three-dimensional (Q3D); a surgical instrument disposed to deform a tissue structure; a haptic user interface device configured to provide an indication of tissue structure deformation in response to information indicative of the measure of tissue structure deformation; and a processor configured to produce a Q3D model that includes information indicative of a measure of tissue structure deformation and to provide the information indicative of the measure of tissue structure deformation to the haptic user interface device.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus configured to be placed in the musculoskeletal system to precisely separate a first bone from a second bone. The surgical apparatus has one or more sensors to measure one or more parameters and supports one or more bone cuts for installing a prosthetic component. The surgical apparatus has three distraction mechanisms configured to increase or decrease a height between a first support structure and a second support structure. The tilt mechanism adjusts the tilt between the first support structure relative to the second support structure. The tilt mechanism of the surgical apparatus is adjusted from a first tilt to a second tilt to support a bone cut on one of the first or second bones.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for sample collection. In one example, a device is provided comprising at least one capillary tube or collection channel directed to a sample vessel, wherein in a one-step removal step of detaching the sample vessel from the collection channel, a vacuum force is created within the sample vessel, due in part of the pulling of the sealed vessel away from the device, wherein this vacuum force draw out residual sample that may still be resident in the collection channel.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus configured to be placed in the musculoskeletal system to precisely separate a first bone from a second bone. The surgical apparatus has one or more sensors to measure one or more parameters and supports one or more bone cuts for installing a prosthetic component. The surgical apparatus has three distraction mechanisms configured to increase or decrease a height between a first support structure and a second support structure. A tilt mechanism comprises at least one of the three distraction mechanisms. Each distraction mechanism is supported by at least two guide shafts such that movement of each distraction mechanism is aligned by the corresponding at least two guide shafts and loading is supported by the corresponding at least two guide shafts.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) probe for monitoring one or more biological tissues. The EM probe comprises a cup shaped cavity having an opening and an interior volume, a circumferential flange formed substantially around the cup shaped cavity, in proximity to the opening, at least one layer of a material, for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, applied over at least one of a portion of the circumferential flange and a portion of the outer surface of the cup shaped cavity, and at least one EM radiation element which performs at least one of emitting and capturing EM radiation via the interior volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prediction model for a lip sticking force of a cigarette tipping paper, a construction method and a prediction method thereof, which belongs to the technical field of analysis and detection. In the method, the stepwise regression analysis is performed on the lip sticking force and values of the dynamic friction coefficient and the grammage of the cigarette tipping paper to obtain a model for predicting the lip sticking force of the cigarette tipping paper. When checking the accuracy of the model, it is found that the predicted value and the measured value basically fall near the 1:1 line, R2 index is 0.99, and the normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) is 2.64%. The present invention provides a method capable of quickly and simply quantifying a sticking force of the cigarette tipper paper to lips.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a force plate that a user can press against with their tongue. Pressing the force plate enables the user to strengthen their tongue. The system also includes a control module that can measure the force applied to the force plate and provide feedback to the user about progress and the applied force.

Abstract: A telemedicine device, communicated with a telemedicine information acquiring device, includes a communication unit and an operation unit. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the telemedicine information acquiring device, and receive physiological sign information of a patient from the telemedicine information acquiring device. The operation unit is configured to restore at least part of the physiological sign information according to the physiological sign information received by the communication unit. Also are provided a telemedicine information acquiring device and a telemedicine method.

Abstract: A method of operating an exoskeleton system that includes determining a first state estimate for a current classification program being implemented by the exoskeleton system; determining a second state estimate for a reference classification program; determining that a difference between the first and second state estimate is greater than a classification program replacement threshold; generating an updated classification program; and replacing the current classification program with the updated classification program based at least in part on the determining that the difference between the first and second state estimates is greater than the classification program replacement threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of temporal and spatial risk mapping and risk response. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to spatial and temporal mapping of outcomes, risk analysis, and responsive and preventative actions derived through artificial intelligence driven workflow augmentation using spatial and temporal data mapping of data from a plurality of historical and streaming data sources.

Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic of a skin, including varying an air pressure in a chamber positioned adjacent to a skin, in which the chamber has an opening that exposes the skin to changes in the air pressure in the chamber. A plurality of measurements of surface profiles of the skin are made over a period of time as the surface profile of the skin varies in response to changes in the air pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and exercising pelvic floor musculature, the apparatus comprising an elongate housing adapted for a pelvic floor aperture. The housing accommodates an oscillator and an accelerometer connected to a signal processor configured for communicating signals representative of values read from the accelerometer. A result is calculated from an applied oscillation and a response measured, and used for characterizing the musculature. In one embodiment the frequency resulting in the greatest response from the musculature is measured, and this frequency is applied during exercise.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a wireless device and a holding structure. The wireless device includes communications circuitry that enables wireless communications of data obtained locally by the wireless device, and an antenna coupled to the communications circuitry and configured to radiate signals including information indicative of the obtained data. The holding structure includes an engagement member configured to detachably engage the wireless device, an attachment member configured to detachably attach the engaged wireless device to a surface of an object monitored by the wireless device, and an antenna enhancing structure disposed inside the holding structure and configured to mitigate interference by the surface of the object on the signals radiated by the antenna.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe configured to irradiate an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object; a pressure device configured to contract or expand a blood vessel of the object and is divided into a plurality of regions; and a controller configured to operate in one region of the plurality of regions to generate an image related to the blood vessel of the object and sequentially operate in other regions of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a walking assistance apparatus are provided. The apparatus may include a detector configured to detect a first step of a user, based on measured right and left hip joint angle information, a reconstructor unit configured to reconstruct knee joint information matched to the right and left hip joint angle information based on knee joint trajectory information in response to the user's steps, and a torque generator configured to generate a first torque applied to a first leg corresponding to the first step. The torque generator may generate the first torque, based on a second torque applied to a second leg that is opposite to the first leg and that corresponds to a second step preceding the first step.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique of quantitatively measuring physical properties including both of viscosity and elasticity. A viscoelasticity measurement system includes a measurement apparatus, a processor, and a display apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a movable unit continuously pressed against a measurement object, a first sensor outputting acceleration information corresponding to an acceleration of pressing-directional movement of a contact portion of the movable unit with respect to the measurement object, and a second sensor outputting reactive force information corresponding to a reactive force applied to the contact portion of the movable unit with respect to the measurement object. The processor calculates first information on an elasticity component of the measurement object and second information on a viscosity component of the measurement object based on the acceleration information and the reactive force information.

Abstract: A system has pressure sensors integrated with a first article of footwear worn by a test subject on a left foot, pressure sensors integrated with a second article of footwear, worn by a test subject on a right foot, positioning circuitry determining separation and direction of the first article of footwear relative to the second article of footwear, circuitry collecting readings from the first and second plurality of sensors, and from the positioning circuitry, as variables with respect to time, and communicating the readings to a computerized diagnostic apparatus. The computerized diagnostic apparatus processes the readings for a test period of time, determining gait characteristics for the test subject, including at least stride length and timing, and width of stance, and records the gait characteristics, time and date stamped, in a manner to be retrieved and displayed.

Abstract: An analyzer for diagnosing pulmonary and abdominals including, a pulsed force generator for outputting a mechanical disturbance to generate vibrations and reflected/return waves/vibrations in a patient's torso, and sensors for detecting the vibration/return wave signals. The apparatus compares the detected electrical signals with pre-stored reference wave profiles and based on the compared data generates an output signal indicative of a potential presence or absence of a pulmonary disease and/or condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatic detection and quantification for traumatic bleeding. Image data is acquired using a full body dual energy CT scanner. A machine-learned network detects one or more bleeding areas on a bleeding map from the dual energy CT scan image data. A visualization is generated from the bleeding map. The predicted bleeding areas are quantified, and a risk value is generated. The visualization and risk value are presented to an operator.

Abstract: A process according to certain embodiments includes generating a distal femur model including an intercondylar surface model, receiving information related to user-selected points on the intercondylar surface model, generating a datum line extending between the points, generating an axis line, and determining an AP axis based upon the axis line. Generating the axis line includes performing an axis line procedure including generating a plurality of planes along the datum line, generating a plurality of contours at intersections between the intercondylar surface model and the planes, generating saddle points at local extrema of the contours, and fitting the axis line to the saddle points. The process may further include generating an updated datum line based upon the axis line, and performing a subsequent iteration of the axis line procedure using the updated datum line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for improving sleep effectiveness of a user.

Abstract: A walking control method of a robot is provided. The method includes receiving a walking command of the robot including a link device having a plurality of links that correspond to both lower limbs. In response to receiving the walking command, implementing walking of the robot by providing torque to the link device to move a first lower limb is moved. In a double stance state where foot ends of the both lower limbs are simultaneously in contact with ground while the lower limb to be moved is changed, a driving force is generated in the double stance by adjusted the torque of the drive device to virtually move the foot ends of the both lower limbs by a predetermined stable distance in an opposite direction to a walking direction.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing falls and accidents is provided comprising. A user's location and movement are monitored by a number of input devices. The user's activities are also monitored by a number of input devices. Potential dangers are identified within a first specified proximity of the user, and a determination is made if the user's current activity indicates a cognitive load that exceeds a predefined threshold. In response to identification of a potential danger within the first specified proximity and a concurrent determination that the user's cognitive load exceeds the threshold, a number of devices within a second specified proximity of the user are activated to alert the user of the potential danger.

Abstract: There is provided a system for assisting a bone reorientation that includes (or communicates with) localization system components comprising a reference element to mount to the patient's bone and a tracker element to mounting to a bone fragment; and at least one computing unit coupled to the localization system components. The computing unit is configured to: define change in bone fragment orientation data (CBFOD) responsive to tracking measurements received from the localization system components; receive mapping information (e.g. generated from a pre-operative medical image of the patient's bone and bone fragment region) to define a map between the CBFOD and clinical parameters; and calculate and provide for display one or more clinical parameters based on the CBFOD and the map. A tracker element coupling component is also described with quick-connect and adjustment features. Method and other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a processor configured to: acquire time series data relating to at least one of acceleration, amounts of activity of a subject whose sleep is to be evaluated, and body positions of the subject, the time series data being measured by a sensor device that the subject wears; obtain a result of evaluation by analyzing a state of the subject that relates to sleep in each of three sections which are obtained by dividing an evaluation period from a getting-into-bed time point or a first onset-of-sleep time point after getting into bed that is specified by the time-series data until a getting-out-of-bed time point or a last waking time point before getting out of bed; and output the result of evaluation so as to identify that the result corresponds to any one of the three sections.

Abstract: A position sensing system comprises a position sensor having an accelerometer and a gyroscope, an alarm, and a controller configured to receive data from the position sensor and activate the alarm according to alarm management instructions stored in a memory. In some embodiments, the alarm instructions include a snooze option to allow the user/patient to temporarily deactivate the alarm. The controller is communicably linked to a remote display device configured to display the orientation of the user's body part.

Abstract: A cutting jig and corresponding method of manufacture is provided. The jig comprises a unitary piece combining a bone cutting guide defining a cut plane and a set of fins projecting from a jig substrate and terminating in curvilinear bone-jig contact surfaces for abutting articular surface features. The curvilinear surfaces are characterized by custom patient-specific parameters derived from measurements obtained from selected image slices of a patient's joint region such that the curvilinear surfaces establish one and only one mechanical self-locking position for the unitary piece. One obtains a series of image slices of a patient's joint region, then selects a set of slices that show specified articular surface features in the joint region. Patient-specific parameters obtained from measurements of the slices specify curvilinear bone-jig contact surfaces and a cut plane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a connecting rod-type lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot, comprising a treadmill, two pneumatic muscle frames, two transmission devices and two lower limb exoskeletons; the pneumatic muscle frame includes a thigh rotating shaft, a calf rotating shaft, a hip joint shaft, pneumatic muscles and a support frame; the transmission device includes a thigh transmission mechanism and a calf transmission mechanism; the thigh transmission mechanism is a parallel four-connecting-rod mechanism composed of a thigh rotating arm, a thigh connecting rod and a thigh skeleton; the calf transmission mechanism includes two four-connecting-rod mechanisms; and the lower limb exoskeleton is connected to the pneumatic muscle frame through the transmission device.

Abstract: An examination diagnosis device includes a probe, a stress detector and a grip. The probe has an elongated portion and a tip portion, and the tip portion is provided to be bent at one end of the elongated portion. The stress detector is configured to be able to detect a force in an X direction, a force in a Y direction and a force in a Z direction applied to the tip portion of the probe. The tip portion of the probe may be bent in a plane parallel to the X direction and the Z direction. A user allows the tip portion of the probe to come into contact with a joint portion that is a subject of examination and diagnosis while gripping the grip.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system having an implantable stimulation unit coupled to a programmable controller, a stimulation circuit and an array of electrodes disposed on a pair of flexible paddles is provided for selectively stimulating at least one cavernous nerve. The programmable controller is pre-programmed to run an excitation electrode routine that selectively scans the electrode arrays on the paddles with a series of directional current flows, in at least two directions and within at least two regions, to optimize electrode selection for use in stimulating the cavernous nerve. The implantable stimulation system may be programmed to run a first stimulation pulse sequence corresponding to a first mode for invoking a rapid erectile response, and optionally, a second nerve rehabilitation stimulation mode selected to rehabilitate neural transmission in a cavernous nerve, and/or a third penile rehabilitation mode selected to reduce penile fibrosis. Methods of operating the system also are provided.

Abstract: A walking training apparatus includes a walking assistance apparatus attached to a leg of a user, a first pulling mechanism to pull the leg upward and forward, a controller configured to control the first pulling mechanism so that a vertically-upward component of a pulling force applied by the first pulling mechanism reduces a weight of the walking assistance apparatus, and a joint angle detector disposed in the walking assistance apparatus or an image pickup device to take an image of the leg of the user. The controller is configured to make the first pulling mechanism generate an additional pulling force in addition to the pulling force at a start of forward swinging of the leg or during a swinging period of the leg in a walking motion of the user, by using information detected by at least one of the joint angle detector and the image pickup device.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus for orthopedic monitoring of a patient is provided and comprises: a housing adapted for one of positioning adjacent to and positioning within an orthopedic cast; a diagnostic biomedical device integrated into the housing, wherein the diagnostic biomedical device is adapted for obtaining an orthopedic image of a portion of the patient treated with the orthopedic cast; and a wireless communications interface coupled to the diagnostic biomedical device, wherein the wireless communications interface is adapted to upload the orthopedic image to a remote server to be viewed by a medical professional.

Abstract: A vaginal ring sensor device adapted to be placed within the vaginal vault of a user, the device including a ring body, at least one through hole that passes through the ring body, and at least one biosensor structured and arranged to sense and/or measure a parameter of vaginal fluid as such fluid passes through the at least one through hole.

Abstract: A bone cut system comprising a distractor, one or more drill guides, one or more bone cutting jigs, a computer, and a display. The distractor includes electronic circuitry configured to control a measurement process and transmit measurement data. The distractor can include a magnetic distance sensor, a magnetic angle sensor, and load sensors configured to measure a distraction distance, medial-lateral angle, load magnitude applied to the distractor, and position of load in real-time. The distractor equalizes a medial and lateral compartment of a knee joint in flexion or extension at a predetermined loading. Guide holes are drilled to support cuttings with the medial and lateral compartments equalized. The distractor is configured to support one or more bone cuts using cutting jigs coupled to the guide holes that supports installation of a prosthetic component in alignment with a mechanical axis of a leg.

Abstract: A device for treatment of a tissue (8) of a living being, including a transducer (4) for emitting a beam of ultrasound waves mounted on a movable treatment head (1), an ultrasonic imaging device (2, 3), optionally an inflatable balloon (5) surrounding the treatment head (1) and containing a coupling fluid, and a control unit for controlling movement of the treatment head (1) and operation of the transducer (4) and the imaging device (2, 3). In order to avoid displacement of tissues (7, 8) during displacement of the treatment head (1) and increase imaging quality, the treatment head (1) is adjustable to at least two of a treatment position (T), a monitoring position (M) and a travel position (S).

Abstract: A method of determining dynamic properties of a structure (linear or nonlinear) includes receiving spatio-temporal inputs, generating mode shapes and modal components corresponding to the spatio-temporal inputs using a trained deep complexity coding artificial neural network, and subsequently generating the dynamic properties by analyzing each modal component using a trained learning machine. A computing system for non-contact determination of dynamic properties of a structure includes a camera, a processor, and a memory including computer-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed, the system is caused to receive spatio-temporal image data, decompose the spatio-temporal image data into constituent manifold components using an autoencoder, and analyze the constituent manifold components using a trained learning machine to determine the dynamic properties.

Abstract: A method includes measuring, using at least one sensor, strain on a nail plate of a subject, wherein the at least one sensor outputs a data stream corresponding to the measuring, communicating the data stream to a receiver, and interpreting, by the receiver, the data stream to determine a parameter of interest of the subject.

Abstract: A medium of interest is interrogated according to ultrasound elastography imaging. A preliminary elasticity-spatial-map is formed. This map is calibrated against a reference elasticity-spatial-map that comprises an array (232) of different (240) elasticity values. The reference map is formed to be reflective of ultrasonic shear wave imaging of a reference medium. The reference medium is not, nor located at, the medium of interest, and may be homogeneous. Shear waves that are propagating in a medium are tracked by interrogating the medium. From tracking locations on opposite sides of an ablated-tissue border, propagation delay of a shear wave in the medium and of another shear wave are measured. The two shear waves result from respectively different pushes (128) that are separately issued. A processor decides, based on a function of the two delays, that the border crosses between the two locations.

Abstract: A method for determining the spatial orientation of an object encompasses the steps of detecting a rotational speed of the object with the aid of a first sensor; determining an estimated value for the spatial orientation of the object based on the detected rotational speed and a starting value for the spatial orientation; detecting the acceleration ameas acting on the object with the aid of a second sensor; determining the acceleration component of the detected acceleration ameas resulting from the rotational movement, based on the detected rotational speed and a given distance of the second sensor from the rotational axis of the rotational movement; determining the acceleration component agrav of the detected acceleration ameas resulting from the gravity; and correcting the estimated value for the spatial orientation, taking into account the acceleration component agrav resulting from the gravity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of assessing periorbital puffiness in a subject by determining if the subject exhibits pseudoherniation of one or more upper eyelid fat pads and/or one or more of the lower eyelid fat pads, determining if the subject exhibits one or more conditions selected from the group consisting of: edema of the fat pad, edema along the soft tissue of the upper and/or lower eyelids, malar mounds due to edema, malar edema, and mild festoons aggravated by edema, and scoring the periorbital puffiness from both determinations.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus that facilitate exercise. The system may include one or more convenient, fun, easy to use and low impact exercise apparatuses. An exercise apparatus may comprise one or more physical user interface components configured to engage one or more body parts of the user. The user may perform exercises by exerting forces on individual ones of the one or more user interface components. In some implementations, gameplay may be incorporated into one or more exercises through a game interface presented to the users. Users may be coached during gameplay to perform one or more exercises such that exercise and gameplay may be seamlessly integrated.

Abstract: A multi-link device includes a load tension pin including a sensor configured to measure tension applied to the load tension pin, network interface hardware, one or more processors, and one or more memory modules storing computer readable and executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the multi-link device to: determine whether the tension measured by the load tension pin exceeds a threshold value; and transmit, by the network interface hardware, load event data to a receiver in response to determination that the tension exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device to image and characterize human tumors, and to classify the tumors as either malignant or benign. The method includes using a multi-compression technique upon the tissue or organ combined with a 3D ultrasound strain imaging of the compressed tissue or organ for acquiring raw data and analyzing the raw data using a computer processing unit equipped with a nonlinear biomechanical tissue model for tumor classification. A device is provided having a compression stage for delivering multi-compression with continuous force measurements, and a 3D ultrasound transducer strain imaging probe, wherein the imaging probe and the compression stage are in communication with a computer processing unit.