KR100686659B1 - Bio-photonic feedback controlling device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Processes, apparatus, and methods are disclosed that relate to online control and database collection and management of computerized detection, tracking, and feedback control systems. System testing by Raman scattering of nutrients affects other tissues or other nutrients that have been proven in the skin to determine the content of the skin or carotenoids. Serum levels of nutrients can vary over time, but skin tissue can average these nutrients over time. Skin and other tissues can be scanned with light to produce accurate measurements of carotenoids or other nutrients accumulated in the skin based on the Raman scattering effects of these nutrients in the skin. Scores can be extracted from a properly calibrated bio-light scanner to reflect the averaged effective intake of the detected nutrients.

Bio-optic feedback, scanner, nutritional supplement management, calibration steps

Description

BIO-PHOTONIC FEEDBACK CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD}

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a digital computer system that can be used, for example, in various components in an apparatus and method according to the invention.

2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system operable via a system of a computer for managing a consumer scanning process.

3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an alternative embodiment of a seamless global compensation system that operates via both the Internet and a direct connection to the system.

4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a seamless global tracking system according to the present invention that is fully operable via an internet connection.

5 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a reporting system in combination with a scanner system operable via the Internet and a direct connection;

6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a service core that includes data for managing sales and scanning information.

7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment of a scanner and a master processor capable of operating as a scanning system and user interface host in accordance with the present invention.

8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment of a method of operation of a scanner and associated user interface host connected thereto.

9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment of a system of modules residing in a memory of a computer for operating and integrating a scanning system in accordance with the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

12: processor

16: storage device

18: ROM

20: RAM

22: input device

24: output device

26: Net Card

28: port

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to digital computers and photonic scanners, and more particularly to timely, computerized detection, tracking and feedback control of biological uptake of targeted nutrients. Relates to an apparatus and a method thereof.

The fields of electronics and optical measurement systems are broad and diverse. There are systems for detecting light by radar signatures, infrared signatures, and other spectral signatures within the radio frequency range.

In the field of optics and detectors, U. S. Patent No. 6,205, 354 B1, issued to Gellerman et al. On March 20, 2001, describes the carotenoids and related chemical substances and biological tissues. Methods and apparatus for non-evasive measurements are disclosed. This patent is incorporated herein by reference. This method and apparatus from Zellermann et al. Provides a clear, fast, accurate and safe determination of carotenoid levels, which then can be applied to conditions such as carotenoid levels or other antioxidant compounds in the human body. Diagnostic information or markers may be provided regarding the risk of the disease. A method and apparatus for Resonance Raman Spectroscopy for measuring carotenoid levels and similar material in tissue is disclosed.

Laser light is irradiated onto the desired tissue area. Small fragments of scattered light are inelastically scattered, producing a carotenoid Raman signal at a different frequency than the incident laser light. Raman signals are collected, filtered and measured. The resulting Raman signal can be analyzed such that the background fluorescence signal is extracted and the results displayed and compared to known calibration standards.

 The system and method according to the present invention may provide a system for control and communication between various computer systems. The system may include a laser illumination and detection system controller and a computer for processing signals of the detector. The system can take data, eliminate errors, compensate for background noise, fit data to curves, report data, and manage a database of data.

The computer, together with software for controlling the prompting and commands of the operator, can be programmed to provide control over the laser scanner and detection system to minimize the skill level required by the operator. That is, a lot of instrumentation is created strictly for the use of those who are highly skilled in the relevant sciences. In addition, many tools are sufficiently complex with only basic controls, requiring high levels of skill and knowledge, both in the field of science and in hardware, to perform operations. In the method and apparatus according to the present invention, a user-programmed user interface connected to a laser scanner can provide simple operation by non-expert and skillless operators.

Thus, the scanner takes the data provided to the master or host computer and processes the data to determine the intensity of the Raman-Scattering response of the subject's skin as a result of laser illumination within a specific spectral band. Will be decided. Accordingly, the computer processes the data to provide a user or operator with a display regarding the content of the subject's skin. For example, carotenoid levels may be identified directly within the relevant meaning, or as a score that can be compared with a subsequent scanning result.

The master computer can log data and upload it to a centralized computer. For example, via a direct link or a world wide web link, the master computer can upload data about one or more scanning sessions to the central computer. Accordingly, many subjects can be tracked and recorded in the database over a long period of time. The central computer facility can track the subjects, operators, nutritional supplement sellers, tissues, entities, and individuals.

The following more detailed description of embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention, as represented by the drawings, does not limit the scope of the present invention as claimed, and is currently considered embodiments according to the present invention. Some examples are merely representative. Like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Many of the functional units disclosed herein have been labeled with modules, executables, systems, servers, and the like, to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, modules may be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identification module of executable code may include one or more physical or logical computer instruction blocks, which may, for example, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. However, the executable code of the identification module need not be physically located together, but may include other instructions stored in different locations that, when logically coupled together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for that module. For example, a module of executable code may be a single instruction or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several memory devices among different programs through several different code segments.

The modules may also be implemented in hardware as electronic circuitry including custom VLSI circuitry, logic chips, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as transistors, or other discrete components. The module may also be implemented with programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, and the like.

Likewise, operational data may be identified within modules and illustrated herein and implemented in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or distributed through different locations, including through different storage devices, and may be at least partially present as an electronic signal on a system or network.

Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 may implement the invention on one or more nodes 11 (client 11, computer 11) that include a processor 12 (CPU 12). All components may be present in a single node 11 or in multiple nodes 11, 52 that are remote from each other. The CPU 12 may be operatively connected to the memory device 14. The memory device 14 includes a hard drive or other nonvolatile memory 16, read only memory 18 (ROM 18), and random access (and typically volatile) memory 20 (RAM 20 Or operational memory 20).

Apparatus 10 may include an input device 22 for receiving input from a user or other device. Similarly, output device 24 may be provided within node 11 or may be accessible within device 10. Network card 26 (interface card) or port 28 may be provided to connect to external devices such as network 30.

Internally, one bus 32 or a plurality of buses 32 includes a processor 12, memory devices 14, input devices 22, output devices 24, a network card 26 and a port. (28) can be operatively interconnected. Bus 32 may be considered a data carrier. As such, bus 32 may be implemented in a variety of configurations. Wired, optical fiber lines, wireless electromagnetic communications by visible light, infrared light, and radio frequency may likewise be appropriately implemented for the bus 32 and the network 30.

Input devices 22 may include one or more physical objects. For example, the keyboard 34 may be a mouse 36 or a stylus pad 37 and thus may be used to interact with the user. Touch screen 38, telecommunications 39, or simply telecommunications line 39 may be used for communication with other devices, users, and the like. Similarly, scanner 40 may be used to receive graphic inputs that may or may not be converted to other formats. The hard drive 41 or other memory device 41 may be an input device or other network residing within a node 11 or any other node 52 (eg, 52, 54, etc.) on the network 30. It can be used as an input device from 50).

Output devices 24 may likewise comprise one or more physical hardware units. For example, port 28 generally accepts input into node 11 and transmits output from node 11. Nevertheless, the monitor 42 may provide output to the user for feedback during the process or to support bidirectional communication between the processor 12 and the user. Printer 44, hard drive 46, or other device may be used to output information as output devices 24.

In general, the network 30 to which the node 11 connects may in turn be connected to another network 50 via a router 48. In general, the two nodes 11, 52 may be connected to the networks 30, 50 on the network 30, or multiple routers 48 and multiple networks 50 on the internetwork. By separate nodes 11, 52. Individual nodes 52 (eg, 11, 48, 52, 54) may have various communication capabilities.

In some embodiments, minimal logical capabilities may be available at any node 52. Note that any of the individual nodes 11, 48, 52, 54 may be referred to as node 11 or node 52, and these nodes may all be cited together. Each may include a processor 12 and some other components 14-46.

Network 30 may include one or more servers 54. The servers may be used for the management, storage, communication, transfer, access, update, etc. of any substantial number of files, databases, etc., to other nodes 52 on the network 30. Typically, server 54 may be accessed by all nodes 11, 52 on network 30. Nevertheless, other special functions may be implemented by individual server 54 or multiple servers 54, including communications, applications, directory services, and the like.

In general, the node 11 needs to communicate with the server 54, the router 48, or the nodes 52 via the network 30. Similarly, node 11 needs to communicate with a given remote node 52 via another network 50 in an internetwork connection. Similarly, the individual components 12-46 need to communicate data with each other. The communication link may generally exist between any pair of devices.

With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the system 60 may include marketing, tracking management structures, tracking and executing rewards, consumer testing and motivation, allocating and tracking royalty payments, and delivering nutritional supplements. It may include various components of hardware and software to implement the integration of. In one embodiment, system 60 may include hardware and software suitable for connecting to the Internet 62. For example, the internet service provider 64 may connect to the system 60 via the internet service provider (ISP) interface 66. Alternatively, or in addition, the telecommunications interface 68 may connect to a conventional telecommunications network 69. In either case or both, system 60 provides communication with a network of consumers, operators, sellers, managers, suppliers, and the like.

Database system 70 may be configured to operate in any of a number of modes. For example, object-oriented databases can embed both executable and characteristic operational data into a single object associated with a particular function, purpose, entity, and the like. Similarly, relational databases can be operated by stand-alone executables or tables managed and populated by database engines.

Regardless of whether the database engine 72 is independent of the database records 74 or whether the database engine 72 and the database records 74 are each embedded to be executable and characteristically implemented with individual objects, Not definite Database system 70 provides functionality of database engine 72 capable of moving data in and out of database records 74 and providing search, indexing, etc. of these database records 74.

In some embodiments, server 76 may be programmed in software, hardware or both to upload data files received from the manipulation of operators in accordance with the present invention. For example, data files to be received for processing or for direct inclusion into database 74 may be received from telecommunications network 69 from the Internet 62 or from other users (consumers, vendors, operators, etc.). Can be uploaded from to server 76.

Software updates may be required for interaction with the system 60 or for software for scanner operation (see, eg, FIGS. 3-5, 7, scanner 102). The server 78 may provide software updates to be downloaded to consumers as software is available to them, in particular operators, vendors, etc. as needed. Typically, software updates may be provided to operators by the server 78 to provide the most recent operating characteristics for the scanner 102.

In some embodiments currently contemplated, the authentication server 80 may manage and provide the operators with the certificates to properly scan using the scanner 102. That is, for example, the intellectual property associated with a scanner is a matter of various patents, licenses, ownerships, and the like. Thus, several mechanisms may be implemented to earn financial returns with the effective use of scanner 102. For example, if royalties are provided based on scanner 102 usage, authentication server 80 may assign, track, and otherwise control usage so that royalties may be paid on the premise of usage.

If the machines are sold, royalty may be paid based on the selling price of the scanner 102. Thus, authentication server 80 may be responsible for assigning authentication based on what is currently going on or on a particular event. Depending on the selected architecture, servers 76, 78, 80 can all be connected to database system 70. In an alternate embodiment, data file server 76 may be connected to database system 70 and may communicate with authentication server 80 to properly perform its control functions. Similarly, software update server 78 may be located on its own or may be connected to other modules or components of system 60 to integrate the provision, tracking and accounting of various services. .

System 82 may actually be another server 81 or may be a standalone hardware system or may be implemented as simply adjustable by, or integrated into, executable by authentication server 80.

Similarly, server 76 may connect to authentication server 80, which provides a gatekeeping function and provides the operator with the necessary transaction authentication for files to be uploaded to server 76. Thus, a variety of connections and control schemes can be implemented.

In one embodiment, server 80 may be a web server and may forward files uploaded to server 76 by computer 100 and operator from server 76 to database 70. Planning system 90 may integrate software, data, or both, to allocate, manage, track, and account for the resources of the enterprise provided by system 60.

The enterprise resource planning system 90 may include or create a plan, form or control for the allocation of other resources or payments in the system. System 90 may provide periodic updates of plans to database system 70.

The royalty module 92 may be an executable, a system of objects, a server, etc. that provides data for royalty control and licensing techniques. For example, patented scanners 102 may pay royalties on a schedule provided by, included in, stored by, and generated, enhanced, or delivered by royalty module 92.

Similarly, commission system 94 may include, create, store, generate, allocate, control, deliver or enhance commission schedules, bonuses and other financial payments. The authentication server 80, the certificate distribution system 82, as well as the uploaded data file server 76 and software update 78, process the information data resources entering and exiting the system 60. The volume and genealogy module 87 is responsible for issuing information taking into account the allocation of sales volume and the relationship between networks of vendors, operators, and the like.

Merchant portal 86 may be implemented in a web server as software, hardware, or both within system 60. The entire system 60 can be hosted on a single computer, and each module or component is simply a programmed functionality such as a software application.

The consumer portal 88 likewise publishes web pages 89 (eg 89a, 89b) for consumers. That is, the consumer portal 88 enables the consumer to track data scanning, product information, merchant contact information, and the like from various lists executed by the purchaser, scanner 102. The consumer portal 88 may generally be available to all consumers, certain authorized consumers, or a combination thereof as assigned by software, security, copyright, and the like.

In some embodiments, modem server 84 may provide a modem bank for access by computers connecting through telecommunications network 69. Thus, the modem server 84 may be operable within the system 60 via a telecommunication or broadband network interface 68.

Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of system 60 may include a user-interface host 100 that connects to telecommunications interface 68 via telecommunications network 69. In some embodiments, interface 68 may be referred to as a wide area network (WAN) interface 68. Thus, the user-interface 100 can be a computer such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other processor. The user-interface 100 is portable and may be a digital computer dedicated to the control and manipulation of the scanner 102.

Scanner 102 may be constructed in accordance with the technique of US Pat. No. 6,205,354 to Zellerman et al., Referenced herein. The scanner 102 injects a radiation beam 103 in the appropriate spectrum into the subject 104. The examinee 104 may be, for example, the skin of a hand or arm. Because of Raman-scattering, the shifted wavelength of light is returned from the input spectrum 103 as the beam 105. The beam 105 is thus detected by the scanner 102 and the data from the detector is properly processed as described below.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the user-interface host 100 is directly connected to the system 60 by a telecommunications interface 68. Information provided to the host 100 by the scanner may be received by the system 60 directly via wire or through the Internet 62.

On the other hand, the consumer computer 106 can connect to the Internet 62 to access the consumer portal 88 from the system 60. For example, system 60 may be via internet service provider 64 to publish web page 89 via consumer portal 88 on internet 62. These web pages 89 may be accessed by the consumer via the consumer's computer 106.

Likewise, a merchant computer 108, for example owned by a nutritional supplement seller, may access the internet 62 to access the merchant portal 86. The merchant portal 86 may provide the quantity and genealogy program 87 or data to the merchant computer 108. 3 shows a database 70 as a “centerpiece” of a system 60 that receives and exchanges information using an enterprise resource planning system 90 and a loyalty system 92. Similarly, the database exchanges information with the commission system 94 and the consumer portal 88. Intervening applications or connections may be implemented as appropriate.

In the illustrated embodiment, merchant portal 86 may access commission system 94 to issue information to authorized sellers that these sellers are authorized. Certain security methods may be implemented in conventional system 60 to provide secure access only to those authorized to receive it.

The authentication server 80 may connect to the telecommunications interface 68 via a wired 109a. The uploaded data server 76 may connect to the telecommunications interface 68 via a wired 109b. Suitable connection schemes and management schemes can be used to optimize the flow of data, its processing, and the provision of appropriate information.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an alternate embodiment, the system 60 may be fully connected via the Internet 62. That is, consumer computers 106, merchant computers 108 may access the Internet 62 to gain access to respective portals 88, 86 of system 60. In yet another alternative embodiment, either or both of consumer computer 106 and merchant computer 108 may be connected to system 60 via telecommunications interface 68.

Referring to FIG. 5, in another alternative embodiment, the system 60 may connect to one or more user-interface hosts 100a that support a scanner 102a for scanning an examinee via a telecommunications interface 68. Can be. By the same token, the user-interface host 100b can connect through the Internet 62 and ISP 64 to access the system 60. Many believe that the Internet 62 without proper measures is less secure than the direct wire 69. Thus, to gain equivalent security, a connection over the Internet 62 may require additional software, signatures, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 6, the method and apparatus according to the present invention may include a service core 180. In order to operate system 60, object data 182 may be maintained in database 70. The entity data 182 may include information about sellers, operators, consumers, licensors, manufacturers, suppliers, and the like. Relationship data 184 can be used to identify, for example, lineages (e.g., multi-level marketing relationship lines) on which rewards can be based, individual or individual sequences (e.g., organizational size, depth, manufacturing volume, etc.) It may include. Licenses, contracts, and other information, including licensors and licensees, may be included in relationship data 184. Relationship data 184 is particularly important for communication and for compensation.

Sales data 186 may include data of events such as presentations, sales, scans, and the like. Similarly, data 186 may include product identifiers, quantities of specific products, normalized quantities more relevant to dollar amounts, cumulative data of sales or other activities over various periods of interest. Similarly, sales data 186 may include scanner identifiers, consumer identifiers, certificate numbers, merchant identifiers, and other information that may assist in associating sales with entities 182 and relationships 184.

Similarly, quantity data 188 can be thought of as any and all information that can be useful for determining sales performance of individuals and individuals. Since relationship data 184 includes lineage relationships between sellers within an organization, quantity data 188 associated with each of those individuals may depend on those relationships. For example, the commission for direct sales to a consumer seller may be higher than the commission typically paid for the same sale to the same seller.

Nevertheless, as the volume of transactions in the organization of a particular seller or manager increases, the rate of compensation for the volume of transactions may increase as an incentive. Thus, quantity data 188 may be intermediate information from sales data 186 to identify key information that may be needed for compensation schemes and schedules. Quantity data 188 may be input, output, or both of compensation equations. The quantity data 188 may be raw data, or may be intermediate data combining both the sales data 186 and the relationship data 184, or a combination thereof.

Since marketing is becoming a global business, currency data 189 may be important. For example, in service call 180, call data 189 may be required to provide compensation between individuals or entities having a relationship defined by relationship data 184 across different countries. For example, Asia has several currencies. Similarly, Europe is currently trying to standardize on Euro. It has many currencies.

Nevertheless, due to the possibility of travel and language communication, it is not uncommon for individuals to sign contracts across borders and language barriers. Thus, Latin American countries may have relationships across one or more countries. Similarly, sellers or other sellers in the United States may have relationships with Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the like. Thus, call data 189 and service call 180 may provide manipulation of reward schemes to make credit payments in the appropriate currency.

Data 182, 184, 186, 188, 189 may be maintained in database 70. Presentation systems 190 provide presentation graphics, data, formatting thereof, and the like. Presentation engine 192 may be programmed to present presentation data 194 to any visitor of consumer portal 88 or merchant portal 86.

Presentation engine 192 interacts with an operator. Presentation data 194 may be considered to include formatting 196 and content 198.

Similarly, processing system 200 is important for handling information transmission. For example, database engine 72 often includes very complex programming in many different libraries or other executable programs to input, output, and manage database records 74. Some requirements currently considered for the processing system 200 may include a processing engine 202 programmed to process information such as financial information 204 and reporting information 206.

Financial information 204 may include raw data, specially processed data, personal data, etc. for any individual consumer, seller, organizational person, entity, and the like. Similarly, reporting information 206 may include information about sales volume, marketing affiliates, individuals, and the like.

Typically, widely available Internet systems benefit from security system 210. Executable programs 212 or algorithms 212 that implement security may operate in accordance with data 214 such as passwords, rights, classifications, and classification of information of individuals and individuals. Thus, security system 210 may execute algorithm 212 to verify, acquire, or operate in accordance with data 214 upon which security system 210 depends.

Referring to FIG. 7, user-interface host 100, or simply host 100, in conjunction with scanner 102, is a system 260 for inspecting or examining skin of a subject's hand, arm, or other portion. Can work. The examinee 104 is typically a future consumer. Details of the operation of scanner 102 are disclosed by Gellerman (US Pat. No. 6,205,354). A brief description will be given herein. In general, master processor 262 may be thought of as a CPU or processor within host computer 100. Typically, a master processor 262 is needed to accomplish some functions.

For example, the management module 264 can execute the processor 262 to manage the entire process. Presentation 190 may be programmed to run on processor 262 of host 100. Processing system 200 may be programmed into processor 262 to process various information.

Firstly, the technical information is processed from the scanner 102, and the information available to the user is provided. Accordingly, the management module 264 may manage the ranking of the presentation information, and may include control for processing both the information received from the scanner 102 and input and output information to the user (operator). . In one embodiment, management module 264 is responsible for any functionality and allocation of resources of processor 262.

The user interface module 266, on the other hand, takes the intake and outflow of information necessary for steps through a graphical display, information, prompts, and a sequence of events in which the host 100 and the scanner 102 operate together. to provide. Similarly, detector module 268 may be assigned any or all processing of incoming information from scanner 102 as well as processing of information to be provided as output to user interface module 266.

Numerous details about 10 are discussed later. Nevertheless, as a general proposal, the detector module 268 is responsible for the data processing of the information coming from the scanner 102. The user interface module 266 is responsible for the information given to and retrieved from the operator. The management module 264 can control the operation of the processor 262, including control of the sequence of events processed by the scanner 102, and interface between the user, the host 100, and the scanner 102. Can provide management of

The user interface 270 may include any input / output system. For example, keyboards, mice, data input / output devices, drives, screens, printers, and the like can be used in appropriate arrangements as input, output, or input / output devices that interact with the operator.

In general, the scanner 102 includes a laser source 272 that can be supplied by any suitable means. For example, the laser can be large or small. The light emitting diode can produce laser light. The laser source 272 may have some degree of control or controller 274 or controller 100 embedded therein. Typically, laser source 272 may have some local low level physical control. Other hardware or host 100 in scanner 102 may provide additional commands at a higher level.

In turn, the laser source 272 is controlled by signals received through the port 276 connecting the host 100 to the scanner 102. Module 264 may regulate both input, output, or input and output of controller 274. On the other hand, the laser source 272 projects the beam 278 to the director 280. Director 280 may or may not be necessary in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the splitter mirror may operate as the director 280 to penetrate the beam 278 to be the beam 282 acting on the subject 104.

As the beam 282 illuminating the subject 104, the re-diffusing or scattering beam (eg, according to the Raman scattering principle) returns to the beam 284 redirected by the director 280. Director 280 directs beam 284 to be beam 286 acting on director 288. Many intervening paths, splitters, directors, filters, polarization elements, etc. may be implemented to satisfy the optical requirements of the beams 278, 282, 284, 286, any derivative thereof, or contributions to them. have. The Gellerman patent provides additional details of various embodiments implementing the scanner 102.

Ultimately, the beam 286 acts on a detector 288 that provides a representation or signal output corresponding to the intensity and frequency of energy retained within the beam 286. For the controller 274 on the laser source 272, the detector 288 is typically a rather low level hardware controller connected to the detector to facilitate communication with the scanner 102, the host 100, or other hardware within both. 292 will be provided.

Detector 288 provides a signal 289 that can penetrate a pre-processor 290. That is, depending on the complexity desired to be properly programmed into hardware, firmware, or software within scanner 102, pre-processor 290 may be sent to raw electrical signals 289 from detector 288. You can analyze the output information. Typically, pre-processor 290 may include functionality such as sampling, smoothing, filtering, and the like. Information from the pre-processor 290 is ultimately passed to the host 100, specifically to the detector module 268. Detector module 268 is responsible for processing data originating from detector 288. Again, a schematic diagram of system 260 of FIG. 7 is for a logical and gross representation of functionality. Many separate components in multiple arrays can be used to implement the functional requirements of system 260 to provide reading. The read or output may be characterized by a body defense score (BDS) corresponding to the carotenoid content in the subject 104.

In general, Gellerman's device is for the detection of carotenoids in the skin. Nevertheless, other systems 260 may scan other portions of the subject 104, including other tissues and the like. Thus, although one embodiment of the apparatus and method according to the present invention includes a license of Gellerman technology implemented in system 260 as scanner 102, other techniques may also be applied in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8, the method of operation 324 for the scanner 260 may include a power up 326 or turn on 326 of the scanner 102. Although certain calibrations may occur during the manufacturing process, field calibration 328 may time out periodically if it can be useful for each test, or for each power up event 326. The indication of the examinee 330 may or may not include an indication of the certificate shown in the bracket as an optional step. Prompt 332 may include various commands or images that direct the user, the subject, or both. For example, the prompt 332 may be provided to move the examinee's initiation, position, or move the examinee's hand or arm closer, laterally, to obtain a suitable and reliable scan. Similarly, the operator may be provided with a step of instruction, a waiting period, an operation to be processed, a key to be collided, and other operations to be performed before and after, or other operations related to the operation of the scanner. For example, the prompted sequence of operations may include the operation of scanner 102 as well as the sequence of dialing up home system 60 to interact with SCG system 60 or to upload data.

Similarly, browsers, wizards, menus, steps through processes, and the like can all be implemented with prompt 332 to reduce complexity and the amount of training required. In certain embodiments, problems 332 may be mostly graphical to provide general purpose information across languages.

The primary purpose of the scanner 102 is to scan 334 the subject 104. The scanner 102 illuminates the subject and provides a result that can be detected by detecting the response (emission of re-illumination from the subject 104 or retardation according to Raman scattering theory). Host 100 will process information related to scanner 102. The data can be adjusted or filtered. Similarly, the data may be tailored to provide statistically reliable integration of multiple laser scans made within a single scan 334 of subject 104.

Extraction of data within the target frequency most commonly associated with Raman scattering or other scattering techniques that may be used in scanner 102 may be an ability to assess intensity. Of particular interest are the fundamental and peak values of a particular portion of the charted intensity.

One purpose is to correlate the data for repetitive and meaningful scores for the subject 104. Thus, the correlation process and output on the BDS score or other meaningful output to the user may be part of the processing 336 of the critical data. Therefore, the output 338 of the body defense score or other output metric can be done with printed records, images displayed on the screen, photographs, graphs, and the like. If a new subject 104 is scanned, test 340 can return process 324 to indicate the subject to scan (step 330). If not, the system can shut down and end its operation 342. Referring to FIG. 9, a user interface host 100 used to interface the scanner 102 to the global system 60 may be a laptop, notebook, PDA, such as a Palm Pilot, or an Ipaq, digital tablet, or other dedicated computer device. Can be implemented using In a particular embodiment, the user interface host 100 is an independent computing device that is physically separate from the scanner 102. However, in other planned embodiments, user interface host 100 may be integrated with scanner 102 into a single device.

The user interface host 100 may include various memory modules 14 including volatile memory such as RAM or more permanent memory such as ROM, or magnetic storage devices such as floppy disks or hard drives. Memory 14 may include executable and operable data 352, 354, 356 effective to control and operate scanner 102, and may provide a graphical interface 358 to the operator, again seamless. communicate with a global reward system 60.

For example, in certain embodiments, memory 14 may include an operating system 352 that performs basic system tasks, operates file systems, and provides an interface between applications and hardware components. This operating system 352 may be a general operating system 352, such as Window or Linux, or may be a dedicated operating system 352 specifically designed to operate the scanner 102.

In certain embodiments, memory 14 may optionally include browser 354. This browser 354 can be used in a web-based system to communicate with the central server 60, or servers 60. This browser 354 can also be used to communicate directly with the merchant portal 86, the consumer portal 88, or other Internet sites.

In accordance with the present invention, scanner interface module 356 may be provided in memory 14 to interface with scanner 102. For example, scanner interface module 356 may include graphical user interface 358 for use by an operator. The graphical user interface 358 can display data to an operator and can include a form or template for receiving inputs such as subject demographic information, operating variables, and the like.

Initialization module 360 may be used to initialize scanner 102 prior to operation. For example, initialization module 360 may initialize key coefficients and variables used to read from parameter files and operate scanner 102. Some of these files may be generated during the factory calibration process and may be duplicated to the user interface host 100 while "mating" the scanner 102 to the user interface host 100. The selected files can be used while operating the scanner 102. Since all scanners 102 may have unique features and calibration specifications, a serial number may be assigned to each scanner 102. When the scanner is activated, its serial number can be compared with the serial numbers stored in the configuration file to ensure that the files correspond to the scanner 102 to which it is connected. In addition, initialization module 360 may verify that scanner 102 is compatible with the version of software used in conjunction with the software.

The initialization module 360 can also initialize one or several communication ports between the user-interface host 100 and the scanner 102. In addition, coefficients and parameters can be read from the scanner's memory for analysis on the user-interface host 100.

The state checking module 362 may retrieve various states from the scanner 102. For example, the status checking module 362 can retrieve the serial number, or other identification value of the attached scanner 102 to verify that the scanner 102 was originally initialized device. In addition, the state checking module 362 can check various states of the laser 272, such as temperature, or verify that the scanner 102 is sufficiently “warmed up”. Some returned values may indicate that the scanner 102 is connected and communicating with the user-interface host 100. Other values may indicate that the operating parameters are within defined limits, ensuring that subsequent scans will return accurate and consistent data. State checking module 362 may be primarily dedicated to checking the values of key indicators at any selected time point.

Noise filtering module 364 can be used to filter noise from data collected by the scan. For example, in some embodiments a “dark scan” may be used to filter noise from subject 104 scans. The raw data values collected during the dark scan are subtracted pixel by pixel from the raw data values collected during the examinee 104 scan, resulting in a "dark corrected" scan.

The noise filtering module 364 responds to various conditions every time the scanner 102 is recalibrated, or appears to be drift, in response to various conditions to see if the scanner is sufficiently warmed up and stable. Scan ".

Reference measurement module 366 may perform the scan used in the calibration process. For example, the reference scan may set variable and coefficient values such that the results (eg, scores provided to the scanned customers) are substantially equal to the values that would have been generated at the factory.

A calibration module 368 may be provided for calculating, modifying, and testing important parameters used in the calculation of the examinee score. The examinee score refers to an assessment or measure of the health of any aspect of the examinee 104 (customer). For example, in accordance with the present invention, the scanner 102 may provide a score indicating the amount of carotenoids present in the skin of the subject 104. However, this score need not represent a carotenoid, but can represent any measure or estimate of a patient's health.

The scanner 102 may calculate a score, such as the body defense score of the subject 104. In addition to the raw data measured from the examinee 104, the score may be calculated using inputs generated by the factory adjustment process, reference measurements 366, and noise filtering 364.

Verification module 370 may be used to verify that scanner 102 is properly adjusted. For example, a reference material, such as a card or other material with carotenoids of known concentration or level, may be used to adjust the scanner 102. The scanner 102 can be adjusted at the factory using its reference material. In one embodiment, synthetic materials that provide a response, such as carotenoids, have been found to serve as modulating materials. It can be synthesized to act as if carotenoids are not present at all, or at low or high values. When readjusted, the scanner 102 may again measure the concentration in the reference material.

The subject scanning module 372 is responsible for performing a scan on the subjects 104. For example, the subject scanning module 372 may enable a normal scan of the skin of the subject's hand to return a body defense score. The examinee scanning module 372 may also verify that the serial number from the attached scanner 102 is the same as the scanner 102 originally initialized to further ensure the accuracy of the score. Various operating parameters such as temperature, laser status, etc. may be checked to verify that the scanner 102 is ready to produce reliable data.

In some embodiments, the subject scanning module 372 can perform a pre-scan for a predetermined period of time, such as 20 seconds, to “bleach” the subject's skin. The data acquisition scan may then be performed several times, and the body defense score may be calculated after each scan. These scores can be averaged.

An operation for checking a scan transmission error may be performed. The scan may also be "dark correct" using data calculated by the noise filtering module 364. If excessive light emission outside of the range of the scanner 102 is detected, the scan may be aborted. If the scan is successful, the data obtained therefrom can be analyzed to calculate the body defense score. Tests may be performed on the data received from the scan to determine if there is a significant difference in any of the several body defense scores taken from the subject 104. If a significant difference is detected, an error messager may be notified to the operator.

The diagnostic module 376 may diagnose problems, settings, or conditions of the scanner 102 such as the communication speed or baud rate of the scanner 102. In order to confirm that the scanner 102 is operating correctly, various commands can be sent to the scanner 102 to monitor its response.

Other commands may be sent to retrieve the serial number of the scanner 102 or to retrieve the version number of the scanner firmware and hardware components. Still other commands retrieve temperature, set integration times, set coefficients, turn laser 272 on or off, return recently calculated body defense scores, return raw data, or from raw data. The calculated peak data can be returned.

Upload / download module 376 may function to upload subject data, such as body defense scores or demographic data, to a remote server, eg, upload data file server 76. This module 376 can also coordinate the download of newer versions of software for manipulating the scanner 102 from remote servers, such as the software update server 78.

Scanner interface module 356 may also be programmed to store data 378. Data 378 includes subject data (such as raw data 380 collected by scanner 102, processed data 382, such as body defense scores, and demographic data corresponding to each subject 104). 384).

In one embodiment of the calibration process, a dark cap may still be used. However, the calibration caps on the two sides are replaced by a synthetic composition having a base composition of the silicone compound, which is also known and commonly known as Silly Putty as an expandable compound. Several levels of dopants are mixed with this base. Dopants may be naturally occurring compounds, but the composites used in the film correction system are known to be appropriate and stable when grounded to powder and mixed into the base. Several of these calibration standards exist. Each represents different dopant levels, including neutral or unwanted samples. This material is distributed into tubes, each tube containing enough material for 180 calibration. This avoids a "cap placement problem" when calibrating the scanner.

Operators should thoroughly wash and dry their hands before dealing with these synthetic calibration standards. The operator places and flushes the cap over the window of the device. Thereafter, enough standards are administered to just fill the holes in the cap by turning the dial at the bottom of the tube of standard material. The operator kneads about a quarter inch ball of material, such as a putty, for about 15 seconds and then rolls it into the ball to place it in a well formed by a hole in the calibration cap around the probe window. . This material is thus scanned and machine calibrated. This standard is discarded after one use to prevent contamination. This machine can be calibrated using "white" scans, low scans, and high scans as was used in membrane cap systems.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

 The present invention relates to a unique apparatus and method for timely, computerized detection, tracking and feedback control of a biological intake of a target nutrient, wherein the system and method according to the invention provide control and communication between various computer systems. It can provide a system for. The system may include a laser illumination and detection system controller and a computer to process the signal of the detector, taking data, eliminating errors, compensating for background noise, fitting data to curves, and reporting data. Manage your database of data.

Claims (12)

In a process for computerized feedback control of the management of nutritional supplements in an organism, A device for performing a test comprising non-invasive and non-destructive measurement of a subject's tissue, identifying concentrations of selected molecular structures therein in vivo, and outputting corresponding values. Providing a, Controlling the operation of the device from the central server in accordance with the download of data from the device to the central server and the upload of an authorization code from the central server to the device; Calibrating the device by illuminating test samples of a synthetic polymer to provide a corresponding result for adjusting the repeatability of the device's operation; Illuminating the user's tissue by the device and measuring by the device to detect the concentration of the selected molecular structure in the tissue How to include. The method of claim 1, The correcting step includes providing a "white scan" comprising illuminating a target formed of a synthetic material that returns a signal substantially the same as the skin of a living organism without being affected by the selected molecular structure. How to include more. The method of claim 2, The calibration step further includes providing a plurality of tests on artificial test samples that have been calibrated as substitutes for the subjects. The method of claim 3, The calibration step further includes providing a test of a synthetic polymer matrix doped with a plurality of concentrations of dopants to set the output range from the device to calibrate the device. The method of claim 1, Providing a communication interface for communicating between the device and a communication link operably connected to the server. The method of claim 5, The communication interface is an apparatus for connecting the device to the internet, and wherein the central server is connected to the internet. The method of claim 5, The communication interface is a telephone system connected directly by dialing access to the central server. The method of claim 1, wherein calibrating the device Forming a silicone composite to respond to illumination, such as the skin of a subject; And Doping the silicon composite with a dopant selected to respond to illumination from the device, such as the selected molecular structure. A device for testing by non-destructive, non-invasive, illumination and re-radiation of concentrations of selected molecular structures in biological tissues, A testing device configured to obtain a measurement that detects a reradiation response of a selected molecular structure present in the biological tissue of the subject; A computing device operatively connected with the testing device to provide an analysis of the measurements to determine nutrient intake corresponding to the selected molecular structure of the subject and the level of delivery of the subject to the biological tissue; And A communication device for transmitting data reflecting the analysis from the computing device to a remote server for storage and processing Including; And wherein the remote server is programmed with a control algorithm that controls the operability of the device in accordance with authentication and selected criteria provided by the remote server to the computing device. The method of claim 9, Further comprising a plurality of testing devices assigned to the operators, The testing devices of the plurality of testing devices are movable and independent of each other, Each testing device is configured to perform a test by illuminating living tissue and measuring the radiation response therefrom and to determine a corresponding value reflecting the concentration of the selected molecular structure associated with the nutrients of the subjects, Each testing device reports to the remote server and its operability is controlled by the remote server. The method of claim 10, And a communication link for operatively connecting each testing device to said remote server via the Internet. The method of claim 10, Further comprising a calibration sample, the calibration sample further comprising a base material formed of a first synthetic polymer and doped with a dopant formed of a second synthetic polymer, wherein the second synthetic polymer corresponds to the selected molecular structure. And to respond to illumination from the device in a manner and in accordance with the dopant concentration in the base material.

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