An example method for detecting a sleep apnea event can include: capturing a plurality of infrared images of an individual breathing; developing a spatial template based upon the infrared images, the spatial template defining at least a normal breathing pattern; using the spatial template to analyze further infrared images of the individual during sleep; and detecting a sleep apnea event using the spatial template and the further infrared images.

A method of controlling a device located in a predetermined space includes: obtaining sleep information of a person present in a first space from a biological sensor disposed in the first space, the sleep information indicating a sleep state of the person and the first space includes a first device; determining, by a processor, a first illuminance level to be set for the first device based on the obtained sleep information and a first database indicating a correspondence between the sleep state and a target illuminance level of a corresponding device, the target illuminance level of the corresponding device being a predetermined illuminance level which does not awake a sleeping person at the sleep state and provides visibility for an awake person; and transmitting, to the first device, a first command for setting the first illuminance level in the first device as an illuminance upper-limit value.

A method of controlling a device located in a predetermined space includes: obtaining sleep information of a person present in a first space from a biological sensor disposed in the first space, the sleep information indicating a sleep state of the person and the first space includes a first device; determining, by a processor, a first illuminance level to be set for the first device based on the obtained sleep information and a first database indicating a correspondence between the sleep state and a target illuminance level of a corresponding device, the target illuminance level of the corresponding device being a predetermined illuminance level which does not awake a sleeping person at the sleep state and provides visibility for an awake person; and transmitting, to the first device, a first command for setting the first illuminance level in the first device as an illuminance upper-limit value.

Ultra-low frequency (ULF) tactile stimuli, generated by an electro-mechanical actuator, have a spectrum of biological effects. These frequencies are herewith defined as 2 Hz or lower and may comprise stimulus frequencies as low as 0.1 Hz, or one cycle per ten seconds. The ULF generator can be paired with at least one sensor that is configured to monitor a physiological property of the user. A controller is in communication with the at least one electro-mechanical actuator and the at least one sensor and is configured to control operation of the at least one electro-mechanical actuator, in at least a first operating mode, based on measurements of the at least one sensor.

A system and method for sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: establishing a wireless data communication interface between a networked server and a sleep metering system worn by a user, the sleep metering system including a sensor array, wireless transceiver, and a processor; activating the sleep metering system to begin collection of sensor data from the user based on data signals from the sensor array of the sleep metering system; receiving a respiratory waveform and data corresponding to a level of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the user's blood over time as an SpO2 waveform based on the collected sensor data; receiving a set of user-configured control variables; and generating a sleep efficiency score based on the respiratory waveform, the SpO2 waveform, and the user-configured control variables, the sleep efficiency score including a log of the user's respiratory effort reduction events (RERE) and respiratory effort exaggeration events.

A system and method for sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: establishing a wireless data communication interface between a networked server and a sleep metering system worn by a user, the sleep metering system including a sensor array, wireless transceiver, and a processor; activating the sleep metering system to begin collection of sensor data from the user based on data signals from the sensor array of the sleep metering system; receiving a respiratory waveform and data corresponding to a level of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the user's blood over time as an SpO2 waveform based on the collected sensor data; receiving a set of user-configured control variables; and generating a sleep efficiency score based on the respiratory waveform, the SpO2 waveform, and the user-configured control variables, the sleep efficiency score including a log of the user's respiratory effort reduction events (RERE) and respiratory effort exaggeration events.

A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

A radar sensor system and method for ascertaining whether an unattended child is present within an automotive vehicle. The radar sensor system carries out the method and includes a transmitter, at least one sensor, and processing circuitry. The method includes the steps of: illuminating at least one occupiable position within the vehicle with radiation of multiple frequencies; generating radar sensor signals from reflections of the transmitted radiation, a plurality of the radar sensor signals corresponding to different frequencies; and operating the processing circuitry for generating and determining if a first indicator value indicative of motion in the occupiable position satisfies a first predetermined criteria and, if so, generating and determining a second indicator value indicating a degree of repetitive pattern within the radar sensor signals, and determining presence of an unattended child in the vehicle if the second indicator value satisfies a second predetermined criteria.

A radar sensor system and method for ascertaining whether an unattended child is present within an automotive vehicle. The radar sensor system carries out the method and includes a transmitter, at least one sensor, and processing circuitry. The method includes the steps of: illuminating at least one occupiable position within the vehicle with radiation of multiple frequencies; generating radar sensor signals from reflections of the transmitted radiation, a plurality of the radar sensor signals corresponding to different frequencies; and operating the processing circuitry for generating and determining if a first indicator value indicative of motion in the occupiable position satisfies a first predetermined criteria and, if so, generating and determining a second indicator value indicating a degree of repetitive pattern within the radar sensor signals, and determining presence of an unattended child in the vehicle if the second indicator value satisfies a second predetermined criteria.

A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.