PubMed · 668311
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D M Monro. 1978. Continuous data acquisition at maximum rates.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-468x(78)90043-0
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A new optical analytical method, "Digital Color Analysis (DCA)", is proposed based on a digital color analyzer instead of the conventional optical methodology, "Spectrophotometry". The digital color analyzer is a hand-held-size instrument for measuring "colors", and it can transform the color information into numerical values, color library data, etc., that can be treated as analytical information. DCA gives us a more informative analytical method than spectrophotometry by treating colors as digital information. In addition, DCA can also simulate the optimum color variations for optimization of the visual sensor with computer assistance. By utilizing colors as digital information, colorimetric analysis that has been used for only semiquantitative analysis can serve as an accurate determination method. On the basis of DCA, we developed a plasticized PVC film optode and a paper optode for Li+ determination in saliva. After the optimization of color variation and the detection range for the Li+ measurements, the optode membrane gives colorless gray in the Li+ therapeutic range (at 10(-3) M) in saliva. Consequently, whether or not the optimum therapeutic Li+ concentration is maintained can be easily evaluated with these optodes. Especially, the sensing paper optode can be easily handled within a short measurement time (approximately 80 s) which is suitable for home use. Using the digital color analyzer with QxQy coordinates, a linear relation calibration curve can be obtained over the range from 10(-5) to 10(-1) M Li+, in which the analyzer can detect a concentration difference of approximately 0.1 mM Li+. For the near future, an accurate and simple analysis is needed for a health check at home that does not require going to a hospital. The optode based on DCA has great potential for this analytical purpose.
The benefit of innovative hearing aid technology can be evaluated in clinical trials. The present study describes the comparison of a new digital hearing aid with an analogue device serving as a reference. The tests were carried out with 15 experienced hearing aid wearers. To prevent the influence of different fitting algorithms such as prescriptive or loudness-based the digital devices were not renewed fitted but their level- and frequency-depending gain was adjusted to that of the reference. Different tests concerning loudness perception (category loudness scaling) speech discrimination in noise (the Göttingen sentence test) and self-assessment of the benefit by questionnaires were performed. All tests yielded slightly better results for the digital hearing aid. The speech audiometric evaluation showed somewhat better discrimination for the test-device. The questionnaires yielded a marked preference for the digital device. Because the study was not blinded influences due to the knowledge of the subjects of testing a new technology generally can occur. On the other hand, the question arises whether present audiometric tests sufficiently consider signal processing of modern hearing systems. Furthermore, one has to take into account that only a few of the features of digital technology such as noise-reduction and feedback-cancellation were considered in this study to allow for a sensible comparison. Because of the large number of possibilities offered by digital technology additional benefit by the hearing aid can be expected.
A robotic system to take blood samples autonomously from the forearm is presented and preliminary results are discussed which demonstrate its feasibility. Force/position profiles, while pressing a flat-headed probe against the surface of the skin, enable the determination of a vein's location to within 1 mm on a phantom. When a needle is inserted, the characteristic force/position profile, on puncturing the vein wall, is distinctive enough to implement automatic needle withdrawal to prevent overshoot. Future developments of the project are presented that provide both an autonomous blood sampling robot and a force-feedback surgical trainer.