52nd week of 2016 patent applcation highlights part 4 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160374557 | Portable Health Monitoring System - A portable health monitoring system implements a portable health monitoring apparatus to assess physiological attributes for a user. The physiological attributes include, but are not limited to, internal body temperature, auscultation, and blood glucose levels, as well as ear, nose, and throat irregularities. These physiological attributes are measured through a plurality of health monitoring modules distributed within the portable health monitoring apparatus. The measurements from each of the plurality of health monitoring modules are processed by a central processing unit (CPU) to be transferred through a first wireless transceiver to be received by at least one remote computing device to be assessed professionally. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374558 | OPTICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - An optical measurement system includes a portable type optical measurement apparatus and a non-portable type optical measurement apparatus larger than the portable optical measurement apparatus. The non-portable type optical measurement apparatus is configured to be communicable to the portable type optical measurement apparatus and to be operated as a main measurement apparatus which executes measurement condition settings and measurement controls based on an input operation from the operation input section and also executes measurement condition settings and measurement controls of the non-portable type optical measurement apparatus by communication. The portable type measurement apparatus is capable of measuring a subject independently of the non-portable type measurement apparatus, and is operated as a sub-measuring apparatus for executing measurement condition settings and measurement controls in accordance with a control by the non-portable type measurement apparatus. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374559 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Imaging Microscopic Tumors - An imager for in vivo viewing of diseased tissue by way of fluorescently conjugated molecules. A generally planar imaging surface with a microlens array. The imager may be modular, such that a plurality of generally planar imaging surfaces can be used to image various aspects of disease tissue simultaneously. Certain implementations include an angle-selective imager, wherein light from substantially perpendicular to the plane of the imager is received, while incident light is selectively eliminated. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374560 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VOICE CONTROL OF MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A measurement apparatus includes sensors adapted to be coupled to tissue containing blood and configured to generate signals associated with physiological parameters. The device is configured to communicate with a software application through a base device. The software application is configured to operate on a control system. The control system is capable of receiving physiological parameter signals. The control system includes a touch-screen, a proximity sensor, circuitry for obtaining movement information from a positioning sensor, a mechanical system having actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit data to a host. The software application is operable to generate the physiological information based on the signals from the sensors. The control system is further configured to receive voice input signals and manually entered input signals. The host is configured to generate status information from the data and includes a memory storage device and a communication device. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374561 | BONE HEALING PROBE - A bone healing monitoring system, which includes a probe configured to measure at least one physical condition. The probe includes an optical fiber and a control unit attached to the optical fiber. The system also includes a surgically implantable device having a channel extending along at least a portion of the implantable device and is configured to receive the optical fiber therein. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374562 | TISSUE IMAGING AND IMAGE GUIDANCE IN LUMINAL ANATOMIC STRUCTURES AND BODY CAVITIES - Navigational imaging system and method for use in branched luminal structure. Flexible, spatially steerable probe is equipped with forward- and side-imaging mutually complementing means to enable sub-surface imaging, quantitative determination of probe's positioning with respect to anatomical identifiers of structure, forming 3D image of structure in a volume defined by the imaging means, and positioning of probe in registration with a 3D coordinate system that is independent from the structure. Method includes determining anatomical identifiers of luminal structure branches based on 3D and sub-surface images, assigning such identifiers as fiducial points, and correlating the determined identifiers with those obtained from anatomical model to select target branch for further steering the probe. Optionally, data representing a distance between a branch of lumen from fiducial point and angular orientation of the branch is extracted from complete 3D and quantitative image of lumen obtained during a pull-back of probe along the lumen. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374563 | NEEDLE WITH OPTICAL FIBERS - Needle interventions are widely used in the field of oncology for taking biopsies of tissue in order to inspect whether tissue is cancerous or not. To make these interventions more reliable feedback of what kind of tissue is in front of the needle is required. A way to achieve this is by making use of optical spectroscopy. This requires integration of fibers into the needle. These fibers are used to deliver light to illuminate the tissue in front of the needle and to collect back the reflected light from the tissue. The present invention proposes to integrate the fiber distal ends in the slanted bevel of the needle in such a way that at least one source-detector fiber pair has a distance that is larger than the outer diameter of the needle. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374564 | AN APPARATUS CONFIGURATED TO AND A PROCESS TO PHOTOACOUSTICALL IMAGE AND MEASURE A STRUCTURE AT THE HUMAN EYE FUNDUS - An apparatus configured to photoacoustically image and measure a structure at the human eye fundus or components, substances, cells, tissue, or analytes within the eye and within the blood vessels of the eye including an emitter element for emitting electro-magnetic radiation, a transition element for delivering the electro-magnetic radiation into an eye, a detection element for detecting an acoustic wave and converting the acoustic wave into a digital wave signal, an analysis element for processing the digital wave signal into an image or measurement or both, and a display element for displaying a representation of the image and/or the measurement. The apparatus additionally includes a coupling member, the coupling member being configured and arranged to acoustically couple the eye to the detection element such that the acoustic wave generated within the eye can be guided onto the detection element. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374565 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS, OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - An object information acquiring apparatus is used, which includes: a conversion element receiving an acoustic wave from an object irradiated with light with a plurality of wavelengths and converts the acoustic wave into an electric signal; a memory storing a lookup table or a relational expression that represents a relation between the wavelength of light and a transformation coefficient based on an intensity of an acoustic wave from a standard sample with a known coefficient relating to light absorption and the coefficient for the standard sample; a transformation coefficient acquiring unit that acquires the transformation coefficient from the memory; and a signal processing unit acquiring specific information on the object, using an electric signal and the transformation coefficient. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374566 | SAMPLE-COUNT-BASED SENSOR DATA CALCULATIONS - A computing device includes a time-dependent sensor configured to output a time-dependent datum at a time-dependent frequency, the time-dependent datum specifying a sensed parameter. A time-independent, sample-count-based calculation module is configured to output a new time-agnostic datum after receiving a specific number of the time-dependent data regardless of elapsed time taken to receive the specific number of the time-dependent data. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374567 | HEART RATE VARIABILITY WITH SLEEP DETECTION - A system uses continuous tracking of sleep activity and heart rate activity to evaluate heart rate variability immediately before transitioning to an awake state, e.g., at the end of the last phase of deep sleep. In particular, a wearable, continuous physiological monitoring system as described herein includes one or more sensors to detect sleep states, the transitions between sleep states, and the transitions from a sleep state to an awake state for a user. This information can be used in conjunction with continuously monitored heart rate data to calculate heart rate variability of the user at the end of the last phase of sleep preceding the user waking up. By using the history of heart rate data in conjunction with sleep activity in this manner, an accurate and consistent recovery score can be calculated based on heart rate variability. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374568 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATING AND IDENTIFYING THE FUNCTIONAL NERVES INNERVATING THE WALL OF ARTERIES AND CATHETERS FOR SAME - System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using this method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374569 | HEART RATE VARIABILITY WITH SLEEP DETECTION - A system uses continuous tracking of sleep activity and heart rate activity to evaluate heart rate variability immediately before transitioning to an awake state, e.g., at the end of the last phase of deep sleep. In particular, a wearable, continuous physiological monitoring system as described herein includes one or more sensors to detect sleep states, the transitions between sleep states, and the transitions from a sleep state to an awake state for a user. This information can be used in conjunction with continuously monitored heart rate data to calculate heart rate variability of the user at the end of the last phase of sleep preceding the user waking up. By using the history of heart rate data in conjunction with sleep activity in this manner, an accurate and consistent recovery score can be calculated based on heart rate variability. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374570 | Diagnostic Radio Frequency Identification Sensors And Applications Thereof - An integrated passive wireless chip diagnostic sensor system is described that can be interrogated remotely with a wireless device such as a modified cell phone incorporating multi-protocol RFID reader capabilities (such as the emerging Gen-2 standard) or Bluetooth, providing universal easy to use, low cost and immediate quantitative analyses, geolocation and sensor networking capabilities to users of the technology. The present invention can be integrated into various diagnostic platforms and is applicable for use with low power sensors such as thin films, MEMS, electrochemical, thermal, resistive, nano or microfluidic sensor technologies. Applications of the present invention include on-the-spot medical and self-diagnostics on smart skin patches, Point-of-Care (POC) analyses, food diagnostics, pathogen detection, disease-specific wireless biomarker detection, remote structural stresses detection and sensor networks for industrial or Homeland Security using low cost wireless devices such as modified cell phones. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374571 | METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX RHYTHM DISORDERS - A method of analyzing a complex rhythm disorder in a human heart includes accessing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed spatially in relation to the heart, where the signals are associated with activations of the heart, and identifying a region of the heart having an activation trail that is rotational or radially emanating, where the activation trail is indicative of the complex rhythm disorder and is based on activation times associated with the activations of the heart. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374572 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, OPERATION MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM - The effect of prolonged skin contact with an electronic apparatus is appropriately suppressed. An electronic apparatus | 2016-12-29 |
20160374573 | ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT WITH LIGHT SENSOR, VARIABLE RESISTANCE AND AMPLIFIER - Embodiments include circuits, apparatuses, and systems for optical heart rate monitor light sensor amplifiers. In embodiments, an electronic circuit may include a differential amplifier having an inverting terminal, a non-inverting terminal, and an output terminal; a first variable resistance circuit coupled with a reference voltage, the inverting terminal of the differential amplifier, and the output terminal of the differential amplifier; a second variable resistance circuit coupled with the non-inverting terminal of the differential amplifier and the reference voltage; and a light sensor to generate an electrical signal in response to light reflected by skin of a user, the light sensor coupled with the non-inverting terminal and the inverting terminal of the differential amplifier. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374574 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRACKING AND CANCELLING DC OFFSET TO ACQUIRE SMALL AC SIGNAL - Described is an apparatus which comprises: a source to generate a first current having AC and DC components; a current-to-voltage converter to convert the first current or a copy of the first current to a first voltage proportional to a resistance, the first voltage having AC and DC components that correspond to the AC and DC components of the first current; a sample-and-hold circuit to filter the AC component from the first voltage and for providing an output voltage with the DC component; and an amplifier to receive the output voltage. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374575 | TOUCH PANEL APPARATUS FOR MEASURING BIOSIGNALS AND METHOD OF MEASURING PULSE TRANSIT TIME USING THE SAME - A touch panel apparatus and a method are provided. The touch panel apparatus includes a touch panel, a pulse sensor, and a processor. The touch panel detects a heartbeat-based signal from a first part of a target body. The pulse sensor detects a pulse signal from a second part of the target body. The processor acquires a pulse transit time (PTT) based on the detected heartbeat-based signal and the detected pulse signal. The touch panel apparatus contemporaneously detects the heartbeat-based signal and the pulse signal using the touch panel and the pulse sensor, respectively. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374576 | LOW DRIFT IMPLANTABLE PRESSURE SENSORS - An implantable pressure sensor arrangement is disclosed. The sensor arrangement includes a pressure sensor, a cable having a plurality of conductors coupled to the pressure sensor, a flexible balloon partially fitted around the subassembly, thereby encasing the pressure sensor while each end of the cable is extending away from the balloon, the flexible balloon is then filled with an incompressible fluid, thereby allowing pressure changes outside of the balloon to be sensed by the pressure sensor inside of the balloon. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374577 | USER'S PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTEXT SENSING METHOD AND APPARATUS - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for an apparatus for providing a user's physiological context measurements. In one instance, the apparatus may include a physiological context measurement module including first and second electrodes, to obtain one or more parameters of physiological context of a user in response to a provision of contact of the first and second electrodes with a portion of the user's body while the physiological context measurement module is powered on; and a third electrode coupled with the module, which may be powered on in response to detection of contact between the user's body portion and the third electrode. The first, second, and third electrodes are disposed to facilitate simultaneous contact of the user's body portion with the electrodes, and collection of the one or more parameters of the physiological context while the simultaneous contact is maintained. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374578 | CONTEXTUAL HEART HEALTH MONITORING WITH INTEGRATED ECG (ELECTROCARDIOGRAM) - Integrated ECG (electrocardiogram) contacts enable opportunistic heart rate monitoring on a handheld electronic device. First and second ECG contacts are integrated into the device to connect, respectively, first and second ECG electrodes to an internal ECG circuit within the device. The ECG electrodes have vertical and horizontal portions that can be separate portions connected to a common contact, or different portions of an ‘L-shaped’ electrode. The ECG electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of the device to enable opportunistic two-hand contact when the device is used in either landscape or portrait orientation. The internal ECG circuit is to detect two-hand contact by the user on the first and second electrodes, and perform ECG monitoring in response to detecting two-hand contact. A mobile device can opportunistically capture heart rate data along with user context and provide alerts if a deviation is detected between heart rate data and user activity. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374579 | INTRAOPERATIVE MAGNETOMETRY MONITORING SYSTEM - A neurophysiological monitoring system includes at least one surgical instrument having at least one magnetometer and a control unit configured to receive magnetic field data generated by the at least one magnetometer. The control unit may provide stimulation to a nerve at a known stimulation time and receive magnetic field data from the at least one magnetometer indicative of a response to stimulation of the nerve at a receive time. An interpretation of the magnetic field data based upon the receive time and the stimulation time may be generated. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374580 | Method and System for Predicting of Acute Hypotensive Episodes - A method and system of predicting a hypotensive episode in a patient using one or more time varying hypotension specific biomarkers corresponding to physiological processes in the patient. Data derived from sensors or other measurement devices such as ECG sensors can be used to generate biomarkers. The biomarkers can then be used to generate an acute hypotension prediction classifier, or monitored factor, derived from a three dimensional temporal representation of two or more biomarkers. When the monitored factor exceeds a predetermined threshold the method and system trigger an alarm before an appearance of a hypotensive episode in the patient. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374581 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE ON-LINE AND REAL TIME ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF VOLTAGE PLETHYSMOGRAPHY, ELECTROCARDIOGRAM AND ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM FOR THE ESTIMATION OF STROKE VOLUME, CARDIAC OUTPUT, AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION - Apparatus for determining stroke volume, cardiac output and systemic inflammation by fuzzy logic combination of features extracted from a voltage measured over the thorax, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram comprising a) sensor for measuring electroencephalogram; b) sensor for measuring the electrocardiogram; c) calculating the heart rate variability from the electrocardiogram; d) two electrodes ( | 2016-12-29 |
20160374582 | CATHETER WITH STACKED SPINE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body, an electrode array distal of the catheter body, the array having a mounting member and at least first and second spine supports. Each spine support includes a base having a planar configuration, and a plurality of spines extending from the base, wherein the first base extends in a first plane and the second base extends in a second plane different from the first plane in the mounting member. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374583 | ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH - A electrocardiograph having a chest assembly intended to be applied to the chest region of a patient and an electronic unit is provided, with a recording module and with a wireless transceiver module. The chest assembly has a plurality of electrodes configured to be connected to the patient's body for the recording of an electrocardiogram and respective electrical wires connecting each electrode to the electronic unit. The chest assembly further includes a housing to which the electrical wires are respectively fixed. The electronic unit has a Hall-effect magnetic sensor configured to selectively allow it to mark, to start, stop, record and send an electrocardiogram to a telecommunications network. The electrocardiograph further includes a magnet mounted on a supporting member configured to be worn by a patient to activate the Hall-effect magnetic sensor. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374584 | ELECTRODE ARRAY FOR ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAMS - An electrode array for EEGs is described that includes a feedback amplifier driving one of the electrodes. Use of the feedback amplifier can eliminate the need to use precisely balanced resistors in a differential amplifier as well as allowing the elimination of a reference electrode and ground electrode. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374585 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL BIO-MEDICAL PROBE SENSING AND CONTACTING STRUCTURES WITH ADDRESSIBILITY AND TUNABILITY - A three dimensional biomedical probe device is provided that includes a planar substrate. A probe structure is supported on the planar substrate. The probe structure has a base and a portion essentially perpendicular to the base extending along a length to a tip and has a linear dimension at the tip of said probe structure of between 5 nanometers (nm) and 5 microns thereby defining an AC, DC, or transient current, charge, or voltage sensing probe. In one variation, this probe is the electrical contact to the biomedical medium. In another variation this probe is the gate electrode of a field effect transistor (FET). An array of selectively electrically addressable such devices is also provided giving the ability to sample the physiological activity at many positions within cells, fluids and intercellular regions without the need for mechanical motion and inducing cellular lysis. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374586 | ECHO-PLANAR IMAGING MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAPHY PULSE SEQUENCE - Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique for estimating the stiffness of tissues non-invasively. Shear waves are generated via external mechanical actuation and the tissue imaged with a specially designed MR pulse sequence. The resulting images are used to calculate the underlying properties. The application provides methods for acquiring MRE data using a single shot, echo planar imaging readout. The purpose of the developed sequence is to acquire MRE data using a single-shot, echo-planar imaging readout, avoiding to need for off-line image processing. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374587 | Single Coil Magnetic Induction Tomographic Imaging - Systems, methods, and apparatus for magnetic induction tomography imaging of specimens, such as human tissue specimens, using a single coil are provided. A plurality of coil property measurements can be obtained using the single coil at a plurality of discrete locations relative to the specimen. The single coil can be designed to be relatively easy to be placed in many different positions/orientations relative to the specimen. A three-dimensional electromagnetic property map, such as a three-dimensional conductivity map or a three-dimensional permittivity map, can be generated from the plurality of coil property measurements obtained using the single coil by accessing a model correlating coil property measurements obtained by the single coil with an electromagnetic property distribution of the specimen. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374588 | MONITORING HYDRATION BASED ON GALVANIC SKIN RESPONSE - Examples are disclosed herein that are related to monitoring body hydration levels based on galvanic skin response measurements acquired by a wearable electronic device. One example provides a wearable electronic device including a sensor configured to measure a galvanic skin response, a logic device, and a storage device including instructions executable by the logic device to operate a hydration monitoring mode, acquire a plurality of measures of galvanic skin response over time, present data regarding the plurality of measures of galvanic skin response. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374589 | Connector Interface For ECG-Based Catheter Positioning System - A connector interface configured to enable component interconnection with a location sensor of a catheter placement system is disclosed. The catheter placement system is configured to assist a clinician in positioning a catheter in a desired location within a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the location sensor assembly comprises a location sensor body for temporary placement on a portion of the patient body, and a connector interface. The connector interface is configured to removably attach to the location sensor and provide a plurality of electrically conductive pathways between the location sensor and additional components of the catheter placement system to enable the additional components to operably connect with the location sensor. The connector interface further includes a first connector configured to operably connect with a second connector of one of the additional components of the catheter placement system through a drape interposed between the first and second connectors. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374590 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FIBER INTEGRATION AND REGISTRATION - Systems and methods for integrating and/or registering a shape sensing fiber in or to various instruments are described herein. Registration fixtures and registration techniques for matching the coordinate system of a fiber to the coordinate system of an elongate instrument or other device are provided. Various systems and methods for integrating a shape sensing fiber into an elongate instrument or other device are also described herein. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374591 | BANDSTRUCTURE CASCADE LASER CAPNOGRAPHY - The present disclosure provides a detector for a capnography device for uninterrupted monitoring of respiratory gasses of a subject, the detector includes a gas flow chamber, configured to permit flow of respiratory gasses between a first orifice and a second orifice thereof, a bandstructure cascade laser configured to provide mid-infrared wavelength laser radiation to the flow chamber, the mid-infrared wavelength laser radiation having wavelengths that at least partially correspond to an absorption spectrum of carbon-dioxide molecules, and a first radiation sensor configured to obtain mid-infrared wavelength radiation passing through the chamber and to provide a radiation intensity signal indicative of changes in carbon-dioxide level in respiratory gasses within the chamber during at least one respiration cycle. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374592 | RESPIRATORY MONITORING SYSTEM AND RESPIRATORY MONITORING METHOD - A respiratory monitoring system includes: a first sensing tube provided in a respiratory flow tube and provided with at least a first directional hole opened in a respiratory flow direction; a second sensing tube provided with at least a second directional hole corresponding to the first directional hole; a first sensing element configured to detect a first dynamic pressure (P | 2016-12-29 |
20160374593 | SKINFOLD CALIPER - A skinfold caliper for self-measuring a skinfold thickness to calculate body fat, comprising, a first hand and a second hand and an integrated pressure sensor for sensing the pressure applied to a skinfold when the skin contact tips of the caliper hands are engaged with the base of a skinfold held by an opposing hand. When the optimum pressure is achieved, a button with a raised dome attached to the sensor emits an audible click to signal to the user, to stop applying further pressure. The skinfold caliper has a measurement ruler having a metric scale with measurements in millimeters on both sides of the ruler so that the caliper can be read from both sides by a right handed as well as a left handed person. A double-sided marker that slides along the ruler and indicates results of a skinfold measurement can be removed and reinstalled on the ruler. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374594 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A DOPAMINERGIC ACTIVITY - The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a dopaminergic activity of a subject, wherein the system comprises a detection unit for detecting an eye blink signal relating to eye blinks of the subject; an analysis unit for determining, based on the detected eye blink signal, an eye blink feature indicative of the dopaminergic activity of the subject and for comparing the eye blink feature with a reference eye blink feature; and a feedback unit for providing feedback relating to the dopaminergic activity of the subject based on the comparison of the eye blink feature and the reference eye blink feature. Further aspects of the present invention relate to a corresponding method and computer program. The approach permits early screening of a dopaminergic activity and continuous monitoring of the patient's response to dopamine drugs, for example. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374595 | HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED AUDIOMETRIC TESTING - A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374596 | DIRECT LIGHT DIFFERENTIAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A measurement system for measuring blood characteristics includes a controller, an emitter, a sensor, a reference photo sensor, and a mask. The emitter emits light at a plurality of wavelengths from a first side of a blood flow channel to a second side of the blood flow channel. The sensor is provided on the second side of the blood flow channel. The reference photo sensor is provided on the first side of the blood flow channel. The mask is provided on the first side blocking reflected light other than from the light from the emitter to enter the reference photo sensor. The controller compensates measurements from the sensor based upon measurements from the reference photo sensor. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374597 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NORMALIZATION OF CHEMICAL SENSOR DATA BASED ON FLUID STATE CHANGES - Embodiments herein include implantable medical systems, devices and methods including chemical sensors. In an embodiment, an implantable medical device system includes a chemical sensor; a fluid state sensor such as a posture sensor; an activity sensor; and/or a respiration sensor. The implantable medical device system can further include normalization circuitry receiving data from the chemical sensor and the fluid state sensor and normalizing the chemical sensor data based on data from the fluid state sensor. In an embodiment, a method of operating an implantable medical device system is included. The method can include measuring the amount of a chemical analyte using a chemical sensor, measuring the fluid status in a patient using a fluid state sensor, and normalizing the measured amount of the chemical analyte as indicated by the chemical sensor using normalization circuitry based on data from the fluid state sensor. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374598 | SMART SWEAT STIMULATION AND SENSING DEVICES - The disclosed invention provides sweat sensing devices with smart sweat stimulation and sensing embodiments: which improve the dependability and predictability of sweat sampling rates; achieve a desired number of sweat sampling events per day while minimizing skin irritation and prolonging device lifespan; and use physical, optical or thermal sweat stimulation to augment or replace chemical sweat stimulation. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374599 | Method and apparatus for non-invesive blood glucose monitoring system - A new method and apparatus is provided for as a wearable, self-contained, non-invasive device for the instantaneous measurement of blood glucose in an individual. This invention uses the measurement and comparison of ultrasound wave velocities to determine the instant value of glucose concentration in the individual. In particular, it uses ultrasound waveforms in the “A” operational mode, depth determination, rather than typical imaging operational modes. Two distinct and different ultrasound frequencies are transmitted into the body and their total propagation times, from insert to bone-reflected echo return signal, are timed to calculate the signal dependent velocities affected by glucose. It is applicable to all forms of human body conditions, regardless of size, weight, age or health condition. It can be adapted for use in a closed loop system for insulin delivery on an “as-needed basis.” | 2016-12-29 |
20160374600 | Methods and Systems for Assisting Persons, Product Providers and/or Service Providers - A method of assisting daily living for an individual, comprising the steps of measuring a presence and/or concentration of one or more measuring a presence or biomarkers in a sample from the individual; predicting a behavior or emotional state of the individual based on the measured presence and/or concentration of the one or more biomarkers by applying a correlation between human biological phenotype and human behavioral and/or emotional phenotype; and altering the living environment of the individual or providing information, advice or guidance to the individual based on the predicted behavior or emotional state of the individual, where the correlation between human biological phenotype and human behavioral and/or emotional phenotype comprises a correlation between the one or more biomarkers and a behavior or emotional state. A system for assisting daily living for an individual is also provided. The present invention is useful for product and service providers and industries for purposes of standardizing or rating product quality and efficacy, and/or for promotion and selling purposes. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374601 | OXYGEN SENSORS - Oxygen sensing luminescent dyes, polymers and sensors comprising these sensors and methods of using these sensors and systems are provided. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374602 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSOR APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - In the special observation mode, second illumination light including different-absorption-wavelength light that has different absorption coefficients for oxygenated hemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin is emitted, a turn-off state is thereafter initiated, and signal reading is performed for some of a plurality of pixel rows in accordance with a skip read method. Subsequently, first illumination light, which is normal light, is emitted, a turn-off state is thereafter initiated, and signal reading is performed for all of the pixel rows in a column direction in accordance with a pixel addition read method. An image processor generates an oxygen saturation image on the basis of a second image capture signal read in accordance with the skip read method and a first image capture signal read in accordance with the pixel addition read method, and generates a normal observation image on the basis of the first image capture signal. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374603 | ANALYTE TESTING DEVICES WITH LANCET ADVANCEMENT TRACKING AND COLOR TOUCH SCREEN USER INTERFACE - Analyte testing and monitoring methods, systems, and devices are disclosed. In one aspect, an analyte testing device includes an analyte sensor module configured to hold a sensor cassette structured to store analyte sensors, the analyte sensor module including an opening from which an analyte sensor advances to a testing position to expose at least a portion of the analyte sensor to outside of the analyte testing device; and a lancing module configured to hold a lancet cassette structured to store lancets and project the lancets to outside of the analyte testing device during a blood sample acquisition event to pierce a user's skin. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374604 | TEST STRIP DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS THEREOF - An electrochemical biosensor test strip device and compatible meter or processor for determining the amount of an analyte in a liquid sample received from a subject. The device may include: a substrate having a liquid sampling end and an electrical contact end; a circuit disposed in communication with the substrate; a reaction area formed at the liquid sampling end of the substrate; and a lancet having a pointed end and an opposite end, whereby the opposite end of the lancet is disposed in communication with the substrate and located at the reaction area. The device may also include an interface area that may be separate or integrated as part the reaction area (or the reaction area may be integrated with interaction area). | 2016-12-29 |
20160374605 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING EMOTIONS OF A USER USING A CAMERA - The present disclosure relates to a method for determining emotions of a user using a camera. The method comprises receiving at least one image of the user from the camera. Then, at least one region of interest of the user is detected in the at least one image. A video plethysmographic waveform is generated by analyzing the at least one region of interest. Then, at least one physiological characteristic based on the video plethysmographic waveform is determined. The emotions of the user are determined by comparing the at least one physiological characteristic with predefined physiological characteristics defined for each emotion. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374606 | HUMAN-STATE ESTIMATING METHOD AND HUMAN-STATE ESTIMATING SYSTEM - A human-state estimating method includes: obtaining a thermal sensation index obtained by indexing, in a specified range, an estimated thermal sensation of a person; determining whether or not the obtained thermal sensation index is in a predetermined range in the specified range; and estimating a human state, which is a state of the person, based on a physiological amount in which an activity of an autonomic nervous system of the person is reflected, the physiological amount being obtained when it is determined that the obtained thermal sensation index is in the predetermined range. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374607 | METHOD FOR MONITORING EXCREMENT DATA - A method, data processing unit, and system for monitoring excrement data for seeking a pattern for a monitoring period, wherein said excrement data is associated with at least one absorbent article and a person wearing said at least one absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes acquiring excrement data including excrement data for at least two different time periods, each substantially corresponding to the monitoring period for which a pattern of events is sought, wherein said excrement data includes information of excrement into an absorbent article in form of excrement events, and wherein each excrement event has an associated time mark or associated information from which an associated time mark may be derived; and smoothing the time mark of each excrement event. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374608 | Systems, Devices, and Methods for Tracking Abdominal Orientation and Activity - The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to tracking abdominal orientation and activity for purposes of preventing or treating conditions of pregnancy or other types of medical conditions. In certain specific embodiments, the system, device, or method relates to identifying abdominal orientation risk values, calculating and updating a cumulative risk value, comparing the cumulative risk value to a threshold, and outputting a warning when the cumulative risk value crosses the threshold. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374609 | TOOTHBRUSH FOR ORAL CAVITY POSITION DETECTION - A toothbrush handle for providing oral cavity position detection during operation includes a handle body having a longitudinal axis, a receiver body elastically deformable relative to the longitudinal axis, and a three-axis force sensor that is operatively connected to the base portion and configured to obtain three-axis force data for oral cavity position detection during operation. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374610 | HUNGER MANAGEMENT - Methods and apparatus for providing individuals with coaching concerning their eating choices. The coaching system makes a determination of an individual's hunger, a determination concerning the availability of food for consumption and, in some embodiments, a determination of the individual's mood. Based on these determinations, the system makes eating recommendations to the individual, e.g., such as exhortations to refrain from eating or to eat a healthy snack. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374611 | VITAL SIGNS INFORMATION MEASURING APPARATUS - A vital signs information measuring apparatus includes: an internal clock; a first correcting section which is configured to execute first time correction on the internal clock by using time information, and which is configured to store a time correction amount in a storage section, the time correction amount indicating a degree of deviation of a time of the internal clock at a timing when the first time correction is performed by the first correcting section; and a second correcting section which, in a case where it is detected that the first correcting section fails to normally correct the time of the internal clock at a prescribed timing, is configured to perform second time correction on the internal clock by using a history of the time correction amount stored in the storage section. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374612 | Systems, Methods, and Devices for Facilitating Access to Target Anatomical Sites or Environments - Methods and structures for detecting a physiologic parameter of a target anatomical environment. The device including a housing with a distal portion first port couplable to a probe and a proximal portion; and a sensing unit, a processing unit, and an output unit carried by the housing, the output unit configured to output a reporting signal based on the determined physiologic parameter value such as pressure; the sensing unit, processing unit, and output unit being disposed substantially between the first port and the proximal portion of the housing. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374613 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING NERVE PROXIMITY, DIRECTION AND PATHOLOGY DURING SURGERY - The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374614 | WEARABLE DEVICE SYSTEM WITH DRIVER MODE STEERING DETECTION - A system and method of operation involves collecting acceleration and gyroscope data from a first sensor positioned in a wearable device on a user's wrist and a second sensor located in a mobile device. The mobile device determines a trajectory for the wearable device by filtering the first sensor data using the second sensor data, and determines a probability of the user holding an automobile steering wheel using the trajectory. The method may also include determining a probability of the user holding an automobile steering wheel of a specific automobile selected from an automobile list. The disclosed system includes the wearable device and the mobile device. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374615 | BIOSIGNAL DETECTING GARMENT - A biosignal detecting garment includes at least two electrodes each including a conductive fiber structure, a measurement device configured to detect and process a bioelectric signal acquired by the electrodes that are in contact with a living body, a wiring portion conductively connecting the electrodes to the measurement device, and a garment body on which the electrodes, the measurement device, and the wiring portion are placed at predetermined positions. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374616 | ELECTRODE CONTACT QUALITY - A system and method for determining a quality of contact of an electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode is described. An electrode is connected to a user to detect brainwave activity from the user. An EEG application computes a voltage of the electrode, computes a derivative of the voltage of the electrode, computes a coefficient of variation from the derivative of the voltage, and determines a quality of contact of the electrode to the user based on the coefficient of variation. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374617 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ANALYTE SENSOR AND DATA PROCESSING DEVICE - Method and apparatus for integrated sensor and data processing assembly is provided. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374618 | DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS USING MOVEMENT DETECTION - Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to determining cardiac physiological parameters. Specific embodiments concern an arrangement of apparatuses including a platform region configured and arranged with an area for the user to stand, a plurality of force sensors including sensor circuitry, and a processor circuitry. The force sensors provide a plurality of analog signals while the user is standing on the platform region. The processor circuitry is configured and arranged to determine cardiac physiological parameters of the user corresponding to a graphical representation of cardiac movements, by processing the analog signals, mitigating at least some effect on the analog signals attributable to postural sway of the user, and generating data indicative of the physiological parameters based on said processing of the analog signals and the mitigating of at least some of the effect on the analog signals attributable to postural sway of the user. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374619 | Apparatus, System and Method for Medical Analyses of Seated Individual - Apparatus, system and method for medical analysis of a seated individual, includes determining the aortic valve opening; the PTT; and calculating the PWV. Determining the aortic valve opening includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat and determining the timing of the aortic valve opening, taking into account posture. Measuring the aortic pulse wave transit time includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat capable of measuring changes in apparent weight; determining the timing of the aortic valve opening; detecting the arrival of the pulse wave at the end point; and measuring the relative timings of the two events. Calculating the PWV includes determining a length of the arterial segment through which a pulse wave is to be measured between a start point and an end point; and dividing the determined length of the arterial segment by the PTT. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374620 | CAPACITANCE ENHANCED PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS - Systems, methods, apparatuses, and software for measuring and determining physiological parameters of a patient are presented. In one example, a physiological measurement system includes an optical system configured to emit one or more optical signals into tissue of a patient, and detect the one or more optical signals after propagation through the tissue. The physiological measurement system includes a capacitance system configured to apply one or more electric field signals to a single side of the tissue to determine a capacitance signal based at least on changes in the one or more electric field signals, and a processing system configured to process at least the one or more detected optical signals and the capacitance signal to determine a physiological parameter of the patient. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374621 | Wearable Monitoring Device - A wearable device includes a housing, at least one optical emitter supported by the housing, wherein the at least one optical emitter is configured to generate modulated light, at least one optical detector supported by the housing, and a tip removably secured to the housing. The tip includes first and second portions, wherein the first portion directs light along a first path from the at least one optical emitter to a body of a subject wearing the device, and wherein the second portion directs light from the body of the subject to the optical detector along a second path that is different from the first path. The device may also include an analog-to-digital converter, a motion sensor, and a processor. The processor executes a first filter that attenuates sunlight noise and a second filter that attenuates motion artifacts. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374622 | RANDOM BODY MOVEMENT CANCELLATION FOR NON-CONTACT VITAL SIGN DETECTION - 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. The first baseband complex signal is mathematically combined with the second baseband complex signal to cancel out a Doppler frequency drift therebetween to yield a periodic Doppler phase effect. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374623 | DETERMINING RETURN OF SPONTANEOUS CIRCULATION DURING CPR - A device for supporting determination of return of spontaneous circulation, ROSC, during an associated cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, procedure which is being performed on an associated patient. A sensor is used to sense a physiological signal of the patient. Frequency analysis of the signal is carried out to extract dominant fundamental frequency components in the signal. From this analysis it is possible to determine that there has been a potential ROSC. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374624 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NONINVASIVE INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE CALIBRATION WITHOUT THE NEED FOR INVASIVE ICP - Systems and methods for assessing a non-accessible parameter from accessible parameters are provided. A training process produces three databases: A dynamical model database containing input/output (I/O) models relating ABP/CBFV to ICP when estimating ICP; a mapping function database containing a mapping function for each entry in the model database, providing estimated of the dissimilarity between the unknown ICP and simulated ICP using the corresponding dynamical model on a given instance of ABP/CBFV; and a query feature database of vectors extracted from an instance of ABP/CBFV. New ABP/CBFV measurements are analyzed to extract query features that are evaluated by each mapping function in the database. The output is dissimilarity metrics providing estimates of the quality of the simulated ICP using the database models for a given ABP/CBFV instance. The dissimilarity metrics are ranked to find the optimal model. The model is used to simulate ICP using the new ABP/CBFV. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374625 | Estimating Physiological States Based on Changes in CRI - Novel tools and techniques are provided for assessing, predicting and/or estimating a physiological state of a patient, based on variance of the patient's compensatory reserve index (“CRI”) before, during, and/or after a physical perturbation. In some embodiments, the system might receive a first set of physiological data from one or more sensors at a first time relative to a physical perturbation of the patient, and might calculate a first set of CRI values of the patient. The system might receive a second set of physiological data at a second time relative to the physical perturbation, calculate a second set of CRI values, analyze the two sets of CRI values against a pre-existing model, estimate a physiological state (e.g., hydration, etc.) of the patient, and display the estimate on a display device. The system might also control an infusion device to infuse fluids into the patient based on estimated hydration state. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374626 | INCONTINENCE DETECTION APPARATUS HAVING DISPLACEMENT ALERT - One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises the steps of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374627 | METHOD OF ASSISTING MONITORING ALARM AND MEDICAL EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT USING THE SAME - Provided are a method of assisting monitoring alarm method and a medical external equipment and a medical host equipment using the method. A technical scheme thereof comprises connecting the medical external equipment with the medical host equipment through an interface, wherein the medical external equipment forms a plug-and-play external alarm equipment. The medical host equipment performs self-check, and sends an alarm information to an auxiliary alarm device of the medical external equipment and generates a corresponding alarm when an alarm device in the medical host equipment works abnormally, thereby reducing a risk to the medical host equipment in the situation that the alarm device in the medical host equipment is in failure. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374628 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a haptic feedback device that includes a circuit board, a pressure sensor in operable communication with the circuit board, and a vibrator in operable communication with the circuit board. The vibrator is configured to vibrate when the pressure sensor senses pressure above a threshold pressure. The haptic feedback device includes a battery in operable communication with the circuit board. The circuit board, the vibrator, the pressure sensor and the battery are configured to be inserted into a wearable article such that when a wearer wears the wearable article the vibrator is configured to vibrate when the wearer is lying in the supine position. Further disclosed is a wearable sleep mask having a band for receiving the haptic feedback device, and a method of use thereof. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374629 | RADIATION MEASURING APPARATUS, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND RADIATION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes a reference calculator, a peak calculator, a coefficient calculator, and a calibrator. The reference calculator is configured to calculate, as a first value, a most frequent electrical signal level from a first set of electrical signal levels output from the respective pixels of a detector for radiation. The peak calculator is configured to calculate, as a second value, a peak level of radiation energy of a characteristic X-ray, based on a relation between energy and intensity of radiation obtained from the first set. The coefficient calculator is configured to calculate a coefficient by dividing a difference between the first and second values by the peak level. The calibrator is configured to multiply an electrical signal level of each pixel by the coefficient and add the first value to the multiplication to calibrate a relation between detection output and incident radiation of the detector. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374630 | TILTING HEAD SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL IMAGING - A tilting head support for use in medical imaging is described. The tilting head support allows a patient to receive the equivalent of a tilted gantry exam study even when using a scanner gantry that does not tilt. In certain embodiments, the tilted head support assembly has metallic or sharp edge components, if present, positioned outside the imaging area when in use. In addition, in certain embodiments, the tilted head support assembly allows for user selection of a tilt angle from among a continuous range of available angles. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374631 | X-RAY TALBOT IMAGING DEVICE - An X-ray Talbot imaging device includes: a plurality of gratings; a subject platform configured to hold a subject; a radiation generator configured to emit radiation; a radiation flat panel detector configured to capture a moire image; and a holding unit configured to hold a knee joint section on the subject platform, wherein the holding unit includes: a first holding section configured to hold a proximal side of the joint section; a second holding section configured to hold a distal side of the joint section; a pivot fixing mechanism capable of pivoting the first and second holding sections relative to each other and capable of fixing a relative pivot angle between the first and second holding sections; and an angle adjustment mechanism configured to change an angle of the knee joint section with respect to an emission direction of radiation emitted from the radiation generator. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374632 | RADIATION WINDOW FOR MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEMS - A radiation window for an X-ray imaging system includes a foam layer sandwiched between a first layer and a second layer of sheet material. The radiation window provides a structural barrier between at least a portion of the X-ray imaging system and an object or patient being imaged. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374633 | RADIATION IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE, RADIATION IMAGE CAPTURING METHOD, AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - When two detector panels are rotationally moved around the entire circumference of a region of interest and projection images of the region of interest are captured during the rotational movement, the respective detector panels are moved along the tangential direction of the rotational movement to a position where the union of the capturing ranges of the projection images captured by the respective detector panels covers the entire region of interest. The projection images captured by the respective detector panels are used to reconstruct a transaxial image of the region of interest. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374634 | Rapid image analysis - fleming harrington redistribution wash-in washout method for differentiation of inflammatory vascular disease (IVD) and tissue viability - The present invention provides a method for detecting abnormal coronary blood flow by “quantifying” emissions of radiopharmaceuticals after stressing the heart under “same state” conditions for detection of inflammatory vascular (IVD) disease and differentiation of (a) ischemic heart disease due reduced lumen responsiveness to demand for more coronary blood flow and (b) vulnerable inflammatory plaque disease with reduced lumen responsiveness. The present invention also provides a method for detection of myocyte viability by using the “quantitative” method to differentiate “normal” functioning cardiac tissue from non-viable “infarcted” cardiac tissue, from “stunned/hibernating” myocytes. The present invention further provides a method for detection of IVD by detecting enhanced thymic activity associated with IVD. The present invention reduces total patient imaging time, patient table time, radiation isotope doses and exposure to both patient and others through primary and secondary exposure to isotope emissions. In one embodiment, the nuclear isotope is technetium-99m hexakis 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (sestamibi). | 2016-12-29 |
20160374635 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SPECTRAL DIFFERENTIAL PHASE-CONTRAST CONE-BEAM CT AND HYBRID CONE-BEAM CT - DPC (differential phase contrast) images are acquired for each photon energy channel, which are called spectral DPC images. The final DPC image can be computed by summing up these spectral DPC images or just computed using certain ‘color’ representation algorithms to enhance desired features. In addition, with quasi-monochromatic x-ray source, the required radiation dose is substantially reduced, while the image quality of DPC images remains acceptable. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374636 | RADIOGRAPHIC DEVICE - A radiographic device in which the scatter radiation and the grid foil can be removed without preparing the number of patterns corresponding to the position shift despite the occurrence of the position shift of a scatter radiation removal module relative to a radiation detection module. A foil shade integration value image A_SHsum (g, y, a), I_SHsum (g, y,a), which is normalized to the sum of absorption rates of a direct radiation relative to individual grid foils on a shooting with and without the subject, are respectively calculated and a distance function D (c) based on these absorption rates calculated. Given the foil shade integration value image A_SHsum (g, y, a) selected from a plurality of the foil shade integration value images A_SHsum (g, y, a), wherein the distance function D (c) becomes minimum, the scatter x-ray and the grid foil can be removed without preparing a number of patterns corresponding position shifts despite an occurrence of the position shift of the grid relative to the detector. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374637 | X-RAY APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD OF THE SAME - An X-ray apparatus including an X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays; a collimator configured to adjust an irradiation region of X-rays radiated from the X-ray source; an image acquirer configured to acquire an image by imaging an object; and a controller configured to detect, in the image, a marker projected on the object by the collimator, and to determine a source to object distance (SOD) based on a location of the marker in the image, wherein the SOD comprises a distance between the X-ray source and the object. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374638 | RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING APPARATUS AND RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING SYSTEM - A radiological imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of radiation detecting elements configured to generate charge in accordance with a dose of radiation emitted; a control unit configured to conduct control to perform an image data generation process to generate image data by reading the charge; and a storage unit configured to store the image data, wherein the control unit is capable of switching an imaging mode between an imaging enabled mode and an imaging disabled mode, when at least one kind of information of patient information and imaged site information is input, the control unit switches the imaging mode from the imaging disabled mode to the imaging enabled mode, and after attaching the information to the image data and storing the image data into the storage unit, the control unit switches the imaging mode from the imaging enabled mode to the imaging disabled mode. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374639 | SETTING AN X-RAY EMISSION UNIT - Setting an x-ray emission unit includes acquiring image data with the aid of a number of image recording units. A body region to be recorded of an examination object is identified based on the image data. Position data of the body region to be recorded is established, and the x-ray emission unit is set using the position data. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374640 | INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An information processing system including an information processing apparatus that receives captured radiographic images captured by a plurality of image capturing apparatuses each having a wireless communication function and a wired apparatus that connects to the information processing apparatus in a wired manner, the information processing system includes a setting unit that sets, in a case where one of the plurality of image capturing apparatuses is connected to the wired apparatus, the connected image capturing apparatus as a master unit of wireless communication, and a communication unit that receives, via the image capturing apparatus set as the master unit, a captured image of a different image capturing apparatus that is received through wireless communication by the image capturing apparatus set as the master unit from the different image capturing apparatus set as a slave unit of wireless communication. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374641 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR X-RAY IMAGING ALIGNMENT - The present invention provides a positioning system comprising at least a portable detector that enables users to continuously know the spatial location of a detector relative to an x-ray source so that it can be more easily aligned, and monitored for maintenance of alignment, with the portable detector within predetermined tolerances during procedures. In preferred embodiments, the invention further comprises a radiation interlock switch to prevent the emission of radiation in the event of the x-ray source and detector not being aligned within a predetermine tolerance. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374642 | X-RAY IMAGING DEVICE - The X-ray imaging device includes an irradiation unit which includes an X-ray tube and a collimator; and a tape measure which has a scale band on which distances from the irradiation unit are printed so as to increase from one end to the other and a winding mechanism that holds and winds the other end of the scale band. The irradiation unit has a scale band fixing portion which fixes one end of the scale band, and a winding mechanism fixing portion which fixes the winding mechanism. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374643 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED VISUALIZATION BY AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING ULTRASOUND NEEDLE RECOGNITION PARAMETERS - An ultrasound device determines a position and orientation of a surgical instrument based at least in part on tracking information, such as magnetic field strength, emitted by an emitter of a tracking system and detected by a sensor of the tracking system. The sensor and the emitter are attached to or within a different one of a probe of the ultrasound device and the surgical instrument. The ultrasound device determines an ultrasound imaging parameter, such as an ultrasound beam steering angle, based at least in part on the determined position and orientation of the surgical instrument. The ultrasound device applies the ultrasound imaging parameter to acquire ultrasound image data of a target. The ultrasound device generates an ultrasound image based on the acquired ultrasound image data of the target. The ultrasound image includes a representation of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be a needle. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374644 | Ultrasonic Guidance of a Probe with Respect to Anatomical Features - Systems and methods for probe insertion using feedback from ultrasound guidance using anatomical features. The present disclosure is directed to ultrasound imaging for the generation of ultrasound images of anatomical features such as bone and/or visualizing ultrasound images of anatomical features in a subject being imaged. Specifically, the present invention pertains to real-time feedback using graphical user interface and ultrasonic imaging for the purpose of probe insertion. Probe insertion can either be idealistically displayed or physically guided with varying degrees of freedom for augmented accuracy and mitigating failure rates. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374645 | METHOD FOR PERFORMING LOW POWER MODE IN PORTABLE ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND PORTABLE ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS FOR APPLYING SAME - Provided are a method of performing a low power mode of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for applying the same. The method include stopping a circuit operation related to a receiving circuit which receives an ultrasonic signal reflected by a test subject when the ultrasonic signal is transmitted to obtain an ultrasonic image of the test subject and stopping a circuit operation of a transmitting circuit which transmits the ultrasonic signal when the ultrasonic signal reflected by the test subject is received. Accordingly, power consumed by the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be minimized. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374646 | Planning System and Navigation System for an Ablation Procedure - The present disclosure is directed to an ablation planning and navigation system. The planning system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of images and a controller configured to render the plurality of images in three dimensions, automatically segment the plurality of images to demarcate a target area, and automatically determine a treatment plan based on the target area. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device having a fiducial pattern that obtains an ultrasound image, an ablation needle having a image capture device that captures an image of the fiducial pattern, and a controller that receives the ultrasound image and the fiducial image. The controller determines a position of the ablation needle based on the fiducial image. The planning and navigation system also includes a controller that receives data from the planning system and the navigation system and a display configured to display the received information. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374647 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CAPTURE AND DISPLAY OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND ULTRASOUND DATA - An ultrasonic imaging system comprises a processing system and an ultrasound imaging probe that is configured to transmit ultrasound energy into a selected portion of a subject and to receive echoes therefrom and to transmit data signals representative thereof to the processing system. The system further comprises a blood pressure sensor that is configured to measure the blood pressure of the subject and to transmit data signals representative thereof to the processing system. The processing system can processes the received ultrasound data signals to generate an ultrasound image and the received blood pressure data signals to generate a blood pressure trace. The processing system can also display the ultrasound image and blood pressure trace in a display image in which portions of the ultrasound image are displayed in temporal synchrony with portions of the blood pressure trace. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374648 | WEARABLE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING OCULAR FLUID - The present invention relates to a wearable device for collecting ocular fluid of a user, comprising a fluid channel for enabling flow of ocular fluid within the fluid channel when the wearable device is worn by the user, the fluid channel extending from an open end in an annular geometry, the open end being configured to receive ocular fluid, wherein the wearable device further comprises one or more modular compartment units detachably connected to the fluid channel and/or include a porous layer comprising a plurality of pores extending through the porous layer in a radial direction, wherein the fluid channel and/or the one or more modular compartment units are configured to contain a hydrophilic material in an inner space of each modular compartment unit, the hydrophilic material being configured to absorb the ocular fluid, wherein the fluid channel and/or the inner space of each modular compartment unit is, when the device is worn by the user, in fluidic connection with the ocular fluid of the user via the open end, the plurality of pores and/or a corresponding fluid inlet of the modular compartment unit. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374649 | Biopsy Method and Apparatus - A tissue sampling apparatus and method obtain a sample of tissue from a selected site and place a hemostatic plug at the selected site. The apparatus includes an external needle and an internal needle within the external needle. A chamber in the internal needle is divided by a divider member into a plug compartment for receiving a hemostatic plug, and a sample compartment for receiving a tissue sample. The divider member is resiliently biased into the plug compartment and the internal needle is movable relative to the external needle for admitting the hemostatic plug into the plug compartment and displacing the divider member into the sample compartment, and then closing the chamber. The apparatus then is advanced to the selected site where relative movement between the internal and external needles opens the chamber, allowing the divider member to expel the hemostatic plug from the plug compartment, and admitting a tissue sample into the sample compartment. Subsequent relative movement between the internal and external needles cuts the tissue sample from the surrounding tissue for removal from the selected site upon removal of the apparatus, while the expelled hemostatic plug remains at the site. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374650 | DISPOSABLE BIOPSY UNIT - A disposable biopsy unit includes a biopsy needle unit and a pump. The biopsy needle unit includes a carrier, a biopsy needle and a cutting sheath. The carrier is configured to mount the biopsy needle and the cutting sheath. The cutting sheath is configured to move along a longitudinal axis relative to the biopsy needle. The pump has an elongate cylinder and a plunger. The plunger is configured to be movable inside the elongate cylinder in a first direction from a distal end of the elongate cylinder to a proximal end of the elongate cylinder to generate a vacuum and configured to be movable inside the elongate cylinder in a second direction from the proximal end of the elongate cylinder to the distal end of the elongate cylinder to build up pressure. The distal end of the elongate cylinder is coupled in fluid communication with the biopsy needle. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374651 | Filter for Fine Needle Biopsy - A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough | 2016-12-29 |
20160374652 | Biospy System - A biopsy assembly for collecting tissue samples by means of a biopsy needle when introduced in a body cavity. The biopsy assembly comprises an elongated member ( | 2016-12-29 |
20160374653 | Tongue anteriorizer and method of operating same - A tongue anteriorizer includes a handle and a tongue lifting part having a curved portion. The tongue lifting part is configured to move the tongue anteriorly, open the laryngopharyngeal area, and make endotracheal intubation simple, safe and efficient. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374654 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH ADJUSTABLE ACTUATOR POSITION - A surgical instrument handle operates a microsurgical instrument on a surgical instrument head by manipulation of the instrument handle. The instrument handle has an elongate center rod with a ring mounted on the rod for reciprocating movement. The ring is operatively associated with the surgical instrument head for operation of the microsurgical instrument of the head. A plurality of resilient arms extend along the length of the rod and engage against a sliding surface of the ring. The inward and outward movement of the plurality of arms reciprocates the ring on the handle rod to cause operation of the surgical instrument head. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374655 | VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE WITH REMOVABLE GUIDE MEMBER - A vascular closure device configured to seal a puncture site in the vessel wall in a more efficient manner is disclosed. The vascular closure device includes a guide member that extends through a portion of the sealing device and that is removable from the portion the sealing device. | 2016-12-29 |
20160374656 | TREATMENT OF APPENDAGE OPENINGS - A method is provided that includes inserting a catheter into an atrium of a subject, and deploying at least one loop from a wall of the catheter, such that a distal end of the loop is distal to a distal end of the catheter. The method further includes inserting the loop partially into an appendage of the atrium, and, while inserting the loop, atraumatically contacting a portion of a perimeter of an opening of the appendage with a portion of the loop. | 2016-12-29 |