Method and apparatus for electronic meridian diagnosis

Abstract

The current sensor can measure the current flowing between the two limbs of the patient through at least a part of the patient's torso. The current measurement can be performed during a single diagnostic session while the patient holds the ground electrode in one hand and the probe electrodes are successively placed at different locations on the distal part of the other limb. Each of the measurement locations may be an acupoint. The current state for this diagnostic session can be calculated. This state may consist of the current range of one or more currents measured during the session. A lookup table may be used to determine one or more medical conditions indicated by the current state. Alternatively, a trained machine learning model can predict one or more medical conditions based on the measured current.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic system uses a current sensor to screen and detect a wide variety of medical conditions.

Background Art

[0002] The current sensor can measure the minute current flowing between the probe electrode and the ground electrode. On the other hand, the patient holds the ground electrode with one hand, and the probe electrode is sequentially placed at different locations on the patient's two feet and the other forearm of the patient. These cross-body currents can flow through at least a part of the patient's torso. The ground electrode can be switched from one hand to the other hand to enable current measurement for both forearms.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] This current measurement can be performed during a single diagnostic session. Each of the measurement locations may be an acupuncture point. Based on this measurement value, the current state for this diagnostic session can be calculated. This state may consist of (a) the current range of the current measured during the session, or (b) the current range of each current measured during the session. A lookup table may be used to determine one or more medical conditions indicated by the current state. Alternatively, a trained machine learning model can predict one or more medical conditions based on the measured current.

[0004] In some cases, the diagnostic system determines whether a patient is infected with a virus and whether the patient is infected with bacteria based on current measurements taken over only a few minutes. The ability to quickly and accurately detect and distinguish between viral and bacterial infections enables the diagnostic system to be used as a large-scale, high-speed screening tool in the viral or bacterial infection stream. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a diagnostic tool can be used to quickly determine whether a patient is infected with a virus, bacteria, or both, and if a viral infection is indicated, refer the patient for a panel test of respiratory viruses, including a COVID-19 assay.

[0005] In some cases, the ground electrode and the probe electrode are attached to flexible wires and can move freely relative to each other.

[0006] Alternatively, in some cases, the ground electrode and the probe electrode are rigid portions of a single rigid structure and are thus in fixed positions relative to each other. This rigid structure can be configured to also serve as a smartphone case. This rigid structure can enable the patient to hold both the probe electrode and the ground electrode with one hand. For example, the patient can hold the rigid structure such that the ground electrode of the rigid structure is pressed against the palm of one hand, while the patient continuously presses the probe electrode at different points on the patient's left foot, right foot, and other forearm.

[0007] In some cases, one or more pressure sensors measure how much pressure is being applied to the probe and / or ground electrode. These pressure readings, along with the current readings from the current sensor, can be used to determine whether the electrodes are being appropriately pressed against the patient's skin to achieve sufficient conduction for accurate measurements. In some cases, the ground electrode and the probe electrode are rigid portions of a single rigid structure and are thus in fixed positions relative to each other, except for any movement due only to displacement occurring within one or more pressure sensors.

[0008] A user interface (UI) can present to the user (a) information regarding measurement values, (b) a diagnosis or a preliminary diagnosis, and / or (c) a recommendation for further medical examinations. In addition, the UI can provide the user with real-time visual feedback regarding whether the electrodes are being used properly.

[0009] The titles of this summary part, the abstract part, and the body of the text are intended only to (a) not limit the present invention, (b) give a schematic introduction to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, (c) not explain all the details of the present invention, and (d) explain only non-limiting examples of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many other ways. Similarly, the technical field part is not limiting, but rather, in a schematic and non-exclusive way, clarifies the technical field to which some embodiments of the present invention generally relate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The above drawings are not necessarily drawn to the same scale. The above drawings show exemplary embodiments of the present invention or provide information related to those embodiments. The examples shown in the above drawings do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many other ways.

[0012] The disclosure of this specification is detailed and accurate for those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, but the physical examples in the disclosed specification only illustrate the present invention and can be embodied in other specific structures. Although preferred embodiments are described, details can be changed without departing from the present invention.

[0013] Current sensor In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor measures what may also be referred to as "cross-body" current. In some cases, the cross-body current is a current that passes through at least a portion of the patient's torso and flows between the distal regions of the patient's two limbs. In some use scenarios, the current sensor measures the cross-body current flowing between (a) the skin of the patient's hand and (b) the skin of the patient's foot or ankle. In other use scenarios, the current sensor measures the cross-body current flowing between (a) the skin of the hand on the patient's forearm and (b) the skin of the hand or wrist on the patient's other forearm. In each of the foregoing examples, the cross-body current can flow through at least a portion of the patient's torso. In some use scenarios, the current sensor measures the cross-body current passing through the sagittal plane and / or the transpyloric plane of the patient's body.

[0014] In some use scenarios, the transbody current is very small in magnitude. For example, in some cases, these currents are in the range of 0.1 microampere to 500 microamperes, or in the range of 0.1 microampere to 300 microamperes. In some embodiments, the current sensor measures the transbody current while (a) the patient holds the ground electrode and (b) the probe electrode is positioned at different locations on the patient's skin. For example, the transbody current can be measured while the probe electrode is placed one at a time at 24 different locations on the patient's limb. These 24 measurement locations can consist of (a) 6 locations on the right foot and corresponding 6 locations on the left foot, and (b) 6 locations on the right hand (or right wrist) and corresponding 6 locations on the left hand (or left wrist).

[0015] In some cases, the current sensor has a ground electrode and a probe electrode that are not in fixed positions relative to each other. In other words, in some cases, the ground electrode and the probe electrode can move freely relative to each other.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a current sensor having a ground electrode and a probe electrode that are not in fixed positions relative to each other. In FIG. 1, the current sensing system includes a ground electrode 103, a probe electrode 101, and a module 104. The ground electrode and the probe electrode are each connected to a flexible wire and can move relative to each other. The ground electrode 103 is configured to be held directly against the skin of the patient's hand by the patient, while the current sensor measures the transbody current flowing through the patient. The probe electrode 101 has a conductive tip 102 configured to be pressed directly against the patient's skin at each of a plurality of measurement points, one measurement location at a time. The body of the probe electrode 101 (other than the conductive tip 101) can be covered by a thin film insulating sheath.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the wire can electrically connect the ground electrode and the probe electrode to module 104. Module 104 can house, among other things, a power circuit 123, an ammeter 122, and a microprocessor 121. The power circuit 123 may include a power supply, a (non-ideal) current source, or a (non-ideal) voltage source, or otherwise can generate or modulate a trans-body current. The power circuit 123 can then receive power from computer 105.

[0018] The trans-body current (generated by power circuit 123 and flowing between the ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body) can be either a DC current (direct current) or an AC current (alternating current). In some cases, the microprocessor 121 includes a signal generator. This signal generator may (a) include an oscillator, a function generator, a waveform generator, or a digital pattern generator, and (b) can be used to control the timing and duration of the DC or AC trans-body current.

[0019] In FIG. 1, the ammeter 122 can comprise any type of current sensor or ammeter, including any type of digital ammeter. For example, the ammeter 122 may use a shunt resistor to generate an analog voltage proportional to the current, and this voltage can then be measured by a digital voltmeter that uses an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) to convert the analog voltage to digital data. In some cases, the ammeter 122 includes a current detection amplifier, which comprises a differential amplifier with a sense resistor gain network that monitors the current flow by measuring the voltage drop across a detection element such as a shunt resistor. The current detection amplifier may include an integrated current detection resistor. In some other cases, the ammeter 122 comprises a Hall effect current sensor, a transformer current sensor, a current clamp sensor, a fluxgate transformer current sensor, a moving coil ammeter, a moving magnet ammeter, or an electrodynamic ammeter. The ammeter 122 can generate an analog voltage calibrated to be proportional to the current, and the ADC can convert this analog voltage to digital data.

[0020] In FIG. 1, ammeter 122 can output digital data representing measurements of the body cross-current taken at different points on the patient's limbs. Microprocessor 121 can analyze this digital data.

[0021] In FIG. 1, computer 105 can control, interface with, and further analyze microprocessor 122. Computer 105 can store data in memory device 124 and access the data from that memory device. Computer 105 can interface with a set of input / output (I / O) devices including microphone 131, speaker 132, electronic display screen 133 (e.g., touch screen, computer monitor, or laptop screen), keyboard 134, and mouse 135.

[0022] In some usage scenarios, a healthcare provider holds probe electrode 101 and presses it against different points on the patient's skin, while the patient holds ground electrode 103. At each of the measurement locations, the body cross-current can be measured. For example, while the patient wraps a finger around ground electrode 103 and holds the ground electrode in the palm of one hand, the healthcare provider can hold probe electrode 101 and press it against a series of 24 locations on the patient's body, one location at a time. As a non-limiting example, the healthcare provider can first press probe electrode 101 against 6 locations on the patient's right foot, then against 6 locations on the patient's left foot, then against 6 locations on the user's right hand or wrist, and then against 6 locations on the user's left hand or wrist. The current sensor can measure the body cross-current flowing when the probe electrodes are at each of their different measurement locations.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 2, a medical practitioner can perform a diagnostic examination on a patient. Specifically, in FIG. 2, (a) the patient holds and wraps the ground electrode around a finger and holds the ground electrode 103 on the palm 112, while (b) a medical practitioner (not shown) presses the conductive tip 102 of the probe electrode 101 against the skin of the other forearm 111 of the patient.

[0024] In some usage scenarios, the patient can perform at least part of the diagnostic examination by themselves. For example, while the patient holds the ground electrode 103 in one hand, the patient can hold the probe electrode 101 in the other hand and press it against six locations on the patient's right foot and six locations on the patient's left foot.

[0025] However, the device shown in FIG. 1 is not suitable for the patient to measure the body-crossing current generated at the measurement points on the hand or wrist by themselves. This is because it may be difficult for the patient to hold the ground electrode and the probe electrode with the same hand while pressing the probe electrode against the hand or wrist of the other forearm of the patient. When the patient holds the ground electrode with the palm (wraps the finger around the ground electrode), it may also be difficult to hold the probe electrode with the finger of the same hand.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, this problem is solved by using a current sensor in which the ground electrode and the probe electrode are part of a single rigid structure and thus are in fixed positions relative to each other. The patient can hold the rigid structure with one hand, press the ground electrode portion of the rigid structure against the palm of that hand, and press the probe electrode portion of the rigid structure against the skin of another limb. For example, the user can hold the rigid structure in the right hand and press the probe electrode against six locations on the right foot first, then six locations on the left foot, and then six locations on the left hand while pressing the ground electrode against the skin of the right hand. Next, the user can hold the rigid structure in the left hand and press the probe electrode portion of the rigid structure against six locations on the right hand. At each of the different measurement positions, the current sensor can measure the body-crossing current.

[0027] Figures 3, 4, and 5 show a rigid structure, each of which is (a) part of a current sensor and (b) includes both a ground electrode and a probe electrode.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the rigid structure 300 is configured to fit snugly around a smartphone and hold it in place. In other words, the rigid structure 300 can function in part as a rigid case that partially surrounds the smartphone and holds it in place. The rigid structure 300 has a back surface 330 and a wall 301. The smartphone can be inserted into the recess 340 of the structure 300 in such a way that (a) the smartphone is pressed against the back surface 330 of the structure 300 and (b) the lateral movement of the smartphone is constrained by the wall 301. The wall 301 can snap-fit around the smartphone or press tightly against the smartphone to keep the smartphone in the recess 340 unless the user pulls the smartphone out of the recess. The back surface 330 has holes 332, 333 to reduce the weight of the structure 300.

[0029] In FIG. 3, the rigid structure 300 also includes a probe electrode 320 and a ground electrode 390. In FIG. 3, the probe electrode 320 and the ground electrode 390 are rigid parts of a single rigid structure and are thus in fixed positions relative to each other. The probe electrode 320 includes a conductive tip 323. The ground electrode 390 (not visible in FIG. 3) and the recess 340 are on the opposite side of the back surface 330.

[0030] The patient can hold the rigid structure 300 with one hand such that the ground electrode is pressed against the skin of the palm of that hand, and (b) press the conductive tip 323 of the probe electrode 322 against locations on the skin of another limb. For example, the patient can hold the rigid structure 300 with the patient's left hand and press the tip 323 against a series of locations such as six locations on the patient's right foot, then six locations on the patient's left foot, then six locations on the patient's right forearm, and so on. Next, the patient can hold the rigid structure with the right hand and press the tip 323 against a series of six locations on the patient's left forearm. The current sensor can measure the cross-body current when the probe electrode is at each of these different locations.

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 respectively show a front view and a rear view of the rigid structure 400. The rigid structure 400 functions partially as a case for a smartphone. The wall 401 and the back 490 form a recess into which the smartphone 450 can be inserted. The smartphone 450 can include a touch screen 451.

[0032] In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rigid structure 400 includes a probe electrode 420 having a conductive tip 423 and also includes a ground electrode. This ground electrode has six conductive pads 452, 453, 454, 480, 481, 470. Also in this case, the patient can hold the rigid structure 400 in one hand and press the probe electrode 420 against the skin at different locations on other limbs of the patient's body while pressing the ground electrode against the skin of the palm of that hand. The current sensor can measure the cross-body current at each of these measurement locations. The electronic device module 460 can include an ADC, other signal processing circuits, and a microcontroller. The electronic device module 460 may include an ammeter. The hardware and functionality of the ammeter within the electronic device module 460 may be the same as those described above with respect to the ammeter 122. The interface module 461 may include electronic components and other circuits for interfacing with a smartphone. In some cases, the interface module 461 is self-cleaning or self-polishing. For example, the interface module 461 can include a flexible layer that tends to scrape debris from the conductive electrodes when a smartphone (or other mobile computing device) is inserted into the recess of the rigid structure 400. These flexible layers can be composed of Teflon (registered trademark).

[0033] In some usage scenarios, it is desirable to measure how strongly the ground electrode and / or the probe electrode are pressed against the patient's skin. This is because the amount of pressure that the electrodes exert on the patient's skin can significantly affect the measured current values. For example, when the probe electrode is in a first position, if the patient presses the ground electrode much harder than when the probe electrode is in a second position, the extra pressure at the first position can cause the current measurement values at the two positions to be incomparable unless corrective measures are taken.

[0034] In some embodiments, this problem (where different amounts of pressure exerted by the user affect the magnitude of the current measurement) is mitigated by using a pressure sensor that measures the amount of force or pressure exerted on the ground electrode or the probe electrode. For example, the ground electrode or the probe electrode can include a pressure sensor or be attached to a pressure sensor. For example, each of the six conductive pads 452, 453, 454, 480, 481, 470 of the ground electrode in FIGS. 4 and 5 can include a pressure sensor or be attached to a pressure sensor. Any type of pressure sensor can be used. For example, the pressure sensor can comprise (a) a piezoresistive strain gauge, (b) a capacitive strain gauge (e.g., a variable capacitor whose capacitance decreases as a diaphragm deforms due to an increase in pressure), (c) an electromagnetic pressure sensor (e.g., one that measures the displacement of a diaphragm by a change in inductance, the Hall effect, or eddy currents), (d) an optical strain gauge (e.g., one that uses a fiber Bragg grating), or (e) a potentiometric strain gauge (e.g., one in which a change in the position of a conductive element causes a change in resistance). Each time a cross-body current is measured, the pressure sensor can measure the pressure (or force) exerted on the probe electrode or the ground electrode.

[0035] In some cases, the ground electrode and the probe electrode are rigid components that are part of a single rigid structure and are thus in fixed positions relative to each other, except for any movement caused by a changing displacement within the pressure sensor due to a change in the pressure or force exerted on the pressure sensor.

[0036] Alternatively, (a) the smartphone 450 can be replaced by any other mobile computing device, and (b) the rigid structure 400 can be a case that surrounds and holds a mobile computing device in a predetermined position. For example, the mobile computing device can be a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a mobile Internet device, a personal digital assistant, a handheld PC, or an ultra-mobile PC.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of the spring mounting pad 491 which is part of the ground electrode. This spring mounting pad includes a conductive tip 492, a spring 495, a rod 493, and a pressure sensor 494. For example, the pressure sensor 494 can be a piezoelectric, inductive, potentiometric, or optical pressure sensor. The rod 493 is physically attached to the conductive tip 492. The pressure exerted on the conductive tip 492 displaces the tip 492 and the rod 493. Specifically, the tip 492 and the rod 493 are constrained to move along a single axis within a limited range of motion. The changing displacement of the rod 493 is measured as a proxy for the pressure (or force) exerted on the tip 492.

[0038] Each of the six conductive pads 452, 453, 454, 480, 481, 470 of the ground electrode in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be spring-mounted in the manner shown in FIG. 6.

[0039] In FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, one or both of the tips of the ground electrode and the probe electrode may comprise a metal alloy (e.g., copper / silver) having antibacterial and antiviral properties. Alternatively, one or both of the tips of the ground electrode and the probe electrode may comprise conductive rubber.

[0040] In some embodiments, the ground electrode is not held by the patient but is temporarily attached to the patient's skin. For example, the ground electrode may have an adhesive conductive surface that adheres to the patient's skin. In some cases, (a) the ground electrode has a plurality of pads, and (b) each pad has an adhesive conductive surface that adheres to the patient's skin.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, instead of measuring the current flowing through the patient's body between two electrodes, the skin conductivity (or resistance) is measured. For example, in some embodiments, the skin conductivity (or resistance) is measured by an infrared sensor or an optical sensor. In some cases, the sensor for measuring the skin conductivity (or resistance) does not contact the patient's skin. For example, a non-contact infrared sensor or optical sensor can be used to measure the skin conductivity.

[0042] Measurement location Before describing the measurement location, first define "forearm" and "leg". As used herein, "forearm" means the portion of the upper limb of a human that is distal to the elbow. Thus, the forearm includes (a) the hand, (b) the wrist, and (c) the area between the elbow and the wrist. As used herein, "leg" means the portion of the lower limb of a human that is distal to the knee. Thus, the leg includes the calf, the ankle, and the foot.

[0043] As described above, the current sensor can measure the cross-body current while the probe electrodes are placed one by one at 24 locations on the skin of the patient's extremities. This measurement location can consist of (a) six locations on the right foot and corresponding locations on the left foot, and (b) six locations on the right hand (or right wrist) and corresponding locations on the left hand (or left wrist).

[0044] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show six locations 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706 on the right foot where probe electrodes can be placed (one at a time) while the current sensor measures the transverse body current. These six locations on the right foot are positioned on the acupuncture meridians. Specifically, locations 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706 are positioned on the acupuncture meridians of the spleen, liver, kidney, bladder, gallbladder, and stomach, respectively. In acupuncture terminology, (a) location 701 may be called SP3 or Spleen 3, (b) location 702 may be called LR3 or Liver 3, (c) location 703 may be called KI4 or Kidney 4, (d) location 704 may be called BL65 or Bladder 65, (e) location 705 may be called GB40 or Gallbladder 40, and (f) location 706 may be called ST42 or Stomach 42.

[0045] Similarly, while the current sensor measures the transverse body current, the probe electrodes may be placed (one at a time) at six locations on the left foot. These first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth locations on the left foot may be bilaterally symmetric with their respective locations 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706 on the right foot. In other words, these first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth locations on the patient's left foot may have reflection symmetry (with respect to the patient's sagittal plane) with locations 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706 on the patient's right foot. These six locations on the left foot are positioned on the same acupuncture meridians as their respective corresponding locations on the right foot and may have the same acupuncture meridian point numbers. For example, the location on the left foot that is bilaterally symmetric with location 701 is on the spleen meridian and may also be called SP3 or Spleen 3.

[0046] Figures 10A and 10B show six locations 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806 on the right forearm where probe electrodes can be placed (one at a time) while the current sensor measures the cross-body current. These six locations on the right forearm are positioned on the acupuncture meridians. Specifically, locations 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806 are positioned on the meridians of the lung, pericardium, heart, small intestine, triple burner, and large intestine, respectively. In acupuncture terminology, (a) location 801 may be referred to as LU9 or Lung 9, (b) location 802 may be referred to as PC7 or Pericardium 7, (c) location 803 may be referred to as HT7 or Heart 7, (d) location 804 may be referred to as SI5 or Small Intestine 5, (e) location 805 may be referred to as TH4 or Triple Burner 4, and (f) location 806 may be referred to as LI5 or Large Intestine 5.

[0047] Similarly, while the current sensor measures the cross-body current, the probe electrodes may be placed (one at a time) at six locations on the left forearm. These first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth locations on the left forearm may be symmetric with locations 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 on the right forearm, respectively. In other words, these first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth locations on the patient's left forearm may have reflection symmetry (with respect to the patient's sagittal plane) with the respective locations 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 on the patient's right forearm. These six locations on the left forearm are positioned on the same acupuncture meridians as the corresponding locations on the right forearm and may have the same acupoint numbers. For example, the location on the left forearm that is symmetric with location 801 is on the lung meridian and may also be referred to as LU or Lung 3.

[0048] As used herein, "prototype measurement locations" means the 24 locations described in the previous four paragraphs (i.e., 12 locations 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806 on the right side of the patient and 12 symmetric locations on the left side of the patient).

[0049] Alternatively, the probe electrode may be placed at other acupoints. For each prototype measurement location, another acupoint on the same meridian may be used instead. In other words, instead of placing the probe electrode at the prototype measurement point on a given meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at another acupoint on the same meridian. For example, instead of placing the probe electrode at the prototype measurement point on the forearm and on a given meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at another acupoint on the same forearm and on the same meridian. Similarly, instead of placing the probe electrode at the prototype measurement point on a given meridian and distal to the knee, the probe electrode may be placed at another acupoint on the same meridian and distal to the same knee.

[0050] For example, (a) to measure the body transverse current of the spleen meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the knee on the spleen meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints SP1 to SP8 of the spleen meridian points), (b) to measure the body transverse current of the liver meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the knee on the liver meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints LR1 to LR6 of the liver meridian points), (c) to measure the body transverse current of the kidney meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the knee on the kidney meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints KI1 to KI9 of the kidney meridian points), (d) to measure the body transverse current of the bladder meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the knee on the bladder meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints BL55 to BL67 of the bladder meridian points), (e) to measure the body transverse current of the gallbladder meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the knee on the gallbladder meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints GB35 to GB44 of the gallbladder meridian points), (f) to measure the body transverse current of the stomach meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the knee on the stomach meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints ST36 to ST45 of the stomach meridian points), (g) to measure the body transverse current of the lung meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the elbow on the lung meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints LU6 to LU11 of the lung meridian points), (h) to measure the body transverse current of the pericardium meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the elbow on the pericardium meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints PC4 to PC9 of the pericardium meridian points), (i) to measure the body transverse current of the heart meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the elbow on the heart meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints HT4 to HT9 of the heart meridian points), (j) to measure the body transverse current of the small intestine meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the elbow on the small intestine meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints SI1 to SI7 of the small intestine meridian points), (k) to measure the body transverse current of the triple energizer meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the elbow on the triple energizer meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints TH1 to TH9 of the triple energizer meridian points), (l) to measure the body transverse current of the large intestine meridian, the probe electrode may be placed at an acupoint distal to the elbow on the large intestine meridian (e.g., any one of the acupoints LI1 to LI9 of the large intestine meridian points).

[0051] Alternatively, in some embodiments, fewer than 24 measurement locations are used in a single diagnostic session. For example, in some cases, while the current sensor is measuring the body cross-current, the probe electrodes are positioned at a total of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 locations (at different times during a single diagnostic session). In some cases, (a) during a single diagnostic session, the probe electrodes are placed at 12 or fewer measurement locations, and (b) half of the locations are on the right limb and half are on the left limb at symmetric locations. In some cases, during a single diagnostic session, the probe electrodes are placed at 12 or fewer measurement locations, all on one or two forearms of the patient. For example, during a single diagnostic session, the probe electrodes may be placed only at 12 or fewer measurement locations, all at the wrist(s) of one or both hands of the patient.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the measurement locations are not on acupoints nor on meridians. In other words, when measuring the body cross-current, the probe electrodes can be pressed against the patient's skin at locations that are neither acupoints nor on meridians.

[0053] Current As used herein, "prototype current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured while (a) the ground electrode is touching the skin of the hand on the patient's forearm and (b) the probe electrode is touching the skin of another limb of the patient at a protocol measurement location.

[0054] As used herein, "SP current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured while (a) the ground electrode is touching the skin of the hand of the patient and (b) the probe electrode is touching the skin of the patient's leg at a location on the spleen meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of spleen 3 (e.g., location 701 on the patient's right foot in FIG. 7 or the symmetric location on the patient's left foot).

[0055] As used herein, "LR current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured while (a) the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand and (b) the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's leg at a location on the liver meridian. By way of non-limiting example, the location described above may be an acupoint of the liver 3 (e.g., location 702 on the patient's right foot in FIG. 8, or the symmetric location on the patient's left foot).

[0056] As used herein, "KI current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured while (a) the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand and (b) the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's leg at a location on the kidney meridian. By way of non-limiting example, the location described above may be an acupoint of the kidney 4 (e.g., location 703 on the patient's right foot in FIG. 7, or the symmetric location on the patient's left foot).

[0057] As used herein, "BL current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured while (a) the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand and (b) the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's leg at a location on the bladder meridian. By way of non-limiting example, the location described above may be an acupoint of the bladder 65 (e.g., location 704 on the patient's right foot in FIG. 9, or the symmetric location on the patient's left foot).

[0058] As used herein, "GB current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured while (a) the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand and (b) the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's leg at a location on the gallbladder meridian. By way of non-limiting example, the location described above may be an acupoint of the gallbladder 40 (e.g., location 705 on the patient's right foot in FIG. 9 or the symmetric location on the patient's left foot).

[0059] As used herein, "ST current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured (a) while the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand, and (b) while the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's leg at a location on the stomach meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Stomach 42 (e.g., location 706 on the patient's right foot in FIG. 8, or the symmetric location on the patient's left foot).

[0060] As used herein, "LU current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured (a) while the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the hand on the patient's forearm, and (b) while the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the opposite forearm of the patient at a location on the lung meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Lung 9 (e.g., location 801 on the patient's right forearm in FIG. 10A or the symmetric location on the patient's left forearm).

[0061] As used herein, "PC current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured (a) while the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the hand on the patient's forearm, and (b) while the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the opposite forearm of the patient at a location on the pericardium meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Pericardium 7 (e.g., location 802 on the patient's right forearm in FIG. 10A or the symmetric location on the patient's left forearm).

[0062] As used herein, "HT current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, which is measured (a) while the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the hand on the patient's forearm, and (b) while the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the opposite forearm of the patient at a location on the heart meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Heart 7 (e.g., location 803 on the patient's right forearm in FIG. 10A, or the symmetric location on the patient's left forearm).

[0063] As used herein, "SI current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, and this current is measured while (a) the ground electrode is touching the skin of the hand of the patient's forearm, and (b) the probe electrode is touching the skin of the opposite forearm of the patient at a location on the small intestine meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Small Intestine 5 (e.g., location 804 on the right forearm of the patient in FIG. 10B or the symmetric location on the left forearm of the patient).

[0064] As used herein, "TH current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, and this current is measured while (a) the ground electrode is touching the skin of the hand of the patient's forearm, and (b) the probe electrode is touching the skin of the opposite forearm of the patient at a location on the triple energizer meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Triple Energizer 4 (e.g., location 805 on the right forearm of the patient in FIG. 10B or the symmetric location on the left forearm of the patient).

[0065] As used herein, "LI current" means the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, and this current is measured while (a) the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the hand of the patient's forearm, and (b) the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of the opposite forearm of the patient at a location on the large intestine meridian. As a non-limiting example, the location described above may be the acupoint of Large Intestine 5 (e.g., location 806 on the right forearm of the patient in FIG. 10B or the symmetric location on the left forearm of the patient).

[0066] As used herein, (a) a patient's "right side" means the part of the patient's body that is on the right side of the patient's sagittal plane, (b) a patient's "left side" means the part of the patient's body that is on the left side of the patient's sagittal plane, (c) a "right side" current means the current measured while the probe electrode is placed at a measurement location on the right side of the patient, and (d) a "left side" current means the current measured while the probe electrode is placed at a measurement location on the right side of the patient. For a current to be "bilaterally" within a particular current range means that the current is within the particular current range when measured while the probe electrode is placed at a measurement location on the right side and is also within the same current range when measured while the probe electrode is placed at a symmetric location on the left side.

[0067] Figure 11 shows body transverse currents in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 11, the sagittal plane 1121 divides the patient's body into left and right. The cross-section 1120 intersects the patient's umbilicus and divides the patient's body into upper and lower body parts.

[0068] In Figure 11, a first body transverse current flows between (a) a probe electrode that contacts the patient's left foot at location 1102 and (b) a ground electrode that contacts the palm of the patient's right hand at location 1101. This first current passes through both the sagittal plane 1121 and the cross-section 1120.

[0069] In Figure 11, a second body transverse current flows between (a) a probe electrode that contacts the patient's right foot at location 1103 and (b) a ground electrode that contacts the palm of the patient's right hand at location 1101. This second current passes through the cross-section 1120.

[0070] In Figure 11, a third body transverse current flows between (a) a probe electrode that contacts the patient's left forearm at location 1104 and (b) a ground electrode that contacts the palm of the patient's right hand at location 1101. This third current passes through the sagittal plane 1121 and may pass through the cross-section 1120 depending on the position of the user's hand.

[0071] Current range In some embodiments, during a single diagnostic session, a current sensor (e.g., 122) takes multiple measurements of current at each measurement location. In other words, the current sensor can take multiple measurements of current at each point on the patient's skin where the probe electrode is placed.

[0072] These current measurements can each be calibrated. For example, the current measurements can be calibrated based on simultaneous pressure measurements indicating the pressure or force exerted on the probe electrode or the ground electrode. This calibration can eliminate the influence of changes in pressure or force on the magnitude of the current measurements. The calibrated measurements for a single measurement location can be filtered to eliminate outliers. As a result, for each single measurement location, multiple calibrated and filtered current measurements can be taken.

[0073] The measurements for a single measurement location can be averaged (after any calibration and / or filtering) to obtain an average value for that measurement location. For example, the current sensor can (a) while the ground electrode is touching the same area of the patient's hand skin, and (b) while the probe electrode is in contact with the patient's skin at location 701 on the patient's right foot, 20 measurements of the SP current can be taken. These 20 measurements of the SP current can be averaged (after any calibration and / or filtering) to obtain an average SP current.

[0074] This process of calculating the average current for each measurement location can be repeated for multiple measurement locations on one patient during a single diagnostic session. In some cases, (a) during a single diagnostic session, current measurements are taken at 24 different measurement locations on one patient, and (g) for each of the 24 measurement locations, one average current for each location is calculated. Then, the average values for each measurement location of the diagnostic session are averaged to obtain the overall average current of the patient for the diagnostic session. For example, in some cases, (a) there are 24 measurement locations, and (b) the overall average current is the average value of the 24 average currents for each of the 24 measurement locations.

[0075] Next, a set of current ranges for the patient in the diagnostic session can be calculated. In some cases, these current ranges are referred to as (a) "well above average", (b) "above average", (c) "average", (d) "below average", and (e) "well below average". The number of amperes in the "well above average" range is greater than the number of amperes in the "above average" range, the number of amperes in the "above average" range is greater than the number of amperes in the "average" range, the "average" range is greater than the number of amperes in the "below average" range, and the number of amperes in the "below average" range is greater than the number of amperes in the "well below average" range.

[0076] In some embodiments, (a) the "average range" is selected to be centered about the overall average current of the patient in the diagnostic session, and (b) the magnitude of the difference (in amperes) between the lower limit of the "well above average" range and the upper limit of the "average" range is equal to the magnitude of the difference (in amperes) between the lower limit of the "average" range and the upper limit of the "well below average" range.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or more computers calculate what is referred to as a prototype current range for the patient in the diagnostic session based on the overall average current of the patient in the diagnostic session.

[0078] As used herein, the "prototype current range" of a diagnostic session means that (a) this set consists of five current ranges, specifically, the "well above average" range, the "above average" range, the "average" range, the "well below average" range, and the "below average" range; (b) the number of amperes in the well above average range is greater than the number of amperes in the above average range, the number of amperes in the above average range is greater than the number of amperes in the average range, the number of amperes in the average range is greater than the number of amperes in the below average range, and the number of amperes in the below average range is greater than the number of amperes in the well below average range; (c) the upper limit of the average range is equal to the overall average current of the diagnostic session plus 25 microamperes; (d) the lower limit of the average range is equal to the overall average current of the diagnostic session minus 25 microamperes; (e) the upper limit of the above average range is equal to the overall average current of the diagnostic session plus 50 microamperes; (e) the lower limit of the below average range is equal to the overall average current minus 50 microamperes. Notwithstanding the above, the current ranges within the "prototype current range" shall be truncated or deleted as necessary so that all values within the prototype current range are positive. For the purpose of defining the "prototype current range" in a diagnostic session, the "overall average current" means the average value of the current at each measurement location during the diagnostic session (after any calibration and / or filtering).

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the current at each measurement location is assigned to one of the calculated current ranges. For example, in some cases, (a) current measurements are taken at 24 different measurement locations of one patient during one diagnostic session; (b) 24 currents are calculated, one for each of the 24 measurement locations; (c) each of the 24 calculated currents is assigned to one of the calculated current ranges. Each current assigned to a current range may itself be an average current, a calibrated current, and / or a filtered current, as described above.

[0080] Alternatively, in some cases, (a) during a diagnostic session, only a single current measurement is made at each measurement location, (b) the overall average current is equal to the average value of these single current measurements for each measurement location, and (c) the single current measurements for each measurement location are each assigned to a current range. In some cases, no calibration and / or filtering is performed, and the overall average current is calculated using uncalibrated data and / or unfiltered data.

[0081] Look-up table In some embodiments, after the current at each measurement location has been assigned to a current range, the computer uses a look-up table to determine one or more medical conditions indicated by one or more of these currents. For example, the computer determines whether one or more of these currents are in a particular state listed in the look-up table, and further determines that this particular state is (by the look-up table) associated with one or more particular medical conditions, and thus can conclude that the current measurements in the diagnostic session indicate the presence of one or more of these particular medical conditions. Stated another way, the computer can conclude that a particular state (of the current) exists and is a biomarker for one or more particular medical conditions.

[0082] For example, the computer (a) determines that the HT current and the PC current are in a particular state where the HT current is below the average on the left side, right side, or both sides of the patient and the PC current is below the average on the left side, right side, or both sides of the patient, (b) accesses the look-up table and determines that this particular state is (by the look-up table) associated with coronary artery disease, and (b) thus can conclude that coronary artery disease is indicated by the current measurements. Stated another way, the computer can conclude that a particular current state (of the HT current and the PC current) exists and is a biomarker for coronary artery disease.

[0083] In some usage scenarios, one current state is associated with multiple morbid conditions (by a look-up table).

[0084] Each current state can consist of either (a) a current range of a single current (e.g., the SP current is below the average of the left and right sides), or (b) current ranges of multiple respective currents (e.g., the GB current is much lower than the average of the left and right sides, and the LR current is the average of the left and right sides).

[0085] In some embodiments, the look-up table is also used to determine the reliability or probability for a specific morbid condition. For example, the look-up table can associate a specific current state with both (a) a morbid condition and (b) the reliability or probability for that state. The reliability or probability can be explicit or implicit. For example, the look-up table can indicate that further medical examinations should be recommended to evaluate whether a specific morbid condition actually exists. This is sometimes referred to as an "exclusion" recommendation.

[0086] In some embodiments, the look-up table includes all or part of the information described in Table 1 below. For example, the look-up table can include at least part of the information (regarding morbid conditions, current states, and the relevance between current states and morbid conditions) described in Table 1 below.

Table 1-1

Table 1-2

Table 1-3

Table 1-4

Table 1-5

[0087] Table 1 has 65 rows.

[0088] Table 1 describes 65 current states, that is, one current state per row. As used in this specification, the "prototype current state" means the current state described in the rows of Table 1. For example, the prototype current state described in the 3rd row of Table 1 is that "the BL current is below the average on the left side, right side, or both sides". Also, for example, the prototype current state described in the 4th row of Table 1 is that "(a) the BL current is below the average on the left side, right side, or both sides, and (b) the SP current is below the average on the left side, right side, or both sides".

[0089] Each current range described in Table 1 is a prototype current range. Specifically, every time the current ranges of "significantly above the average", "above the average", "average", "below the average", and "significantly below the average" are described in Table 1, that current range is a prototype current range. For example, in the 3rd row of Table 1, "above the average" is a prototype current range. Also, for example, in the 28th row of Table 1, "below the average" and "above the average" are each prototype current ranges.

[0090] Table 1 lists 65 medical conditions. As used in this specification, the "prototype medical condition" means the medical condition described in the rows of Table 1. For example, the prototype medical conditions described in the 1st row, 2nd row, and 65th row of Table 1 are anemia, anxiety, and viral infection, respectively.

[0091] In each row of Table 1, the current state described in that row indicates that the patient has the medical condition described in that row. In other words, in each row of Table 1, the current state described in that row is a biomarker for the medical condition described in that row. Similarly, in each row of Table 1, the current state described in that row is a factor that indicates the direction (or favorable direction) in which, in a differential diagnosis, it can be concluded that the patient is suffering from at least the medical condition described in that row.

[0092] Table 1 associates prototype medical conditions with their respective prototype current states. Specifically, Table 1 associates the prototype medical conditions described in each row of Table 1 with the prototype current state described in that row. As a non-limiting example, Table 1 associates the prototype medical condition (i.e., lung cancer) described in the 48th row of Table 1 with the prototype current state (i.e., "LU current significantly exceeds the average on the left, right, or both sides") described in the 48th row of Table 1.

[0093] As used herein, when the first letter of the verb "Associate" is capitalized, "Associate" means to associate the prototype medical condition described in a row of Table 1 with the prototype current state described in that row of Table 1 by means of a lookup table. The term "associate" does not require access to Table 1 itself. Instead, "associate" requires a lookup table to perform the same association that is done in the rows of Table 1. For example, if a lookup table associates lung cancer with the prototype current state "LU current significantly exceeds the average on the left, right, or both sides", the lookup table will associate lung cancer with that prototype current state. (This is because the 48th row of Table 1 performs that association.) The definition of "Associate" in this paragraph does not imply anything about the meaning of the word "associate" when the first letter is not capitalized.

[0094] In each row of Table 1, if the current state of that row does not explicitly mention a specific current, that specific current may be within any protocol current range. For example, (a) in the first row of Table 1, only the SP current, KI current, and BL current are explicitly mentioned, and (b) in the current state described in the first row, other currents (e.g., LR, GB, ST, LU, PC, HT, SI, TH, LI currents) may be within any prototype current range.

[0095] It is on a specific side of the patient, and each current described in Table 1 may have a value obtained from (a) a single measurement value (after any calibration) at a specific measurement location, or (b) multiple measurement values (after any calibration and filtering) at a specific measurement location. If the current described in Table 1 has a value obtained from multiple measurement values at a specific measurement position, that value is the average value of the multiple measurement values (after any calibration and filtering).

[0096] In some usage scenarios, each current described in Table 1 is a prototype current measured when the probe electrode is in contact with the prototype measurement location. Similarly, in some usage scenarios, (a) it is on a specific side of the patient, and each current described in Table 1 is the current between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, and this current is measured (a) while the ground electrode is touching the skin of the hand on the patient's forearm, and (b) while the probe electrode is touching the skin of another limb of the patient at the prototype measurement location on the specific side of the patient.

[0097] The present invention may be used to accurately detect and diagnose a medical condition. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, (a) while the probe electrode is disposed at the prototype measurement location, the prototype current described in Table 1 is measured, (b) the measured current is assigned to a prototype current range, and (c) based on each association (between the current state and the medical condition) described in Table 1, an accurate diagnosis of the medical condition is made.

[0098] In Table 1, classes are assigned to each medical condition. Specifically, each medical condition described in a row of Table 1 is classified into a specific class, and that specific class is described in that row. For example, in the first row of Table 1, the medical condition of anemia is classified into class B.

[0099] As used herein, (a) “class A condition” means a medical condition classified into class A in Table 1, (b) “class B condition” means a medical condition classified into class B in Table 1, (c) “class C condition” means a medical condition classified into class C in Table 1, (d) “class D condition” means a medical condition classified into class D in Table 1, (e) “class E condition” means a medical condition classified into class E in Table 1, (f) “class F condition” means a medical condition classified into class F in Table 1, (g) “class G condition” means a medical condition classified into class G in Table 1, (h) “class H condition” means a medical condition classified into class H in Table 1, (i) “class I condition” means a medical condition classified into class I in Table 1, (j) “class J condition” means a medical condition classified into class J in Table 1, (k) “class K condition” means a medical condition classified into class K in Table 1, (m) “class M condition” means a medical condition classified into class M in Table 1, (n) “class N condition” means a medical condition classified into class N in Table 1, (p) “class P condition” means a medical condition classified into class P in Table 1, and (q) “class Q condition” means a medical condition classified into class Q in Table 1. The medical conditions listed in this paragraph are each an example of a prototype medical condition.

[0100] As described above, based on a current measurement that takes only a few minutes, the diagnostic system can determine whether a patient has a viral infection or a bacterial infection. By the ability to quickly and accurately detect and distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, the diagnostic system can be used as a large-scale and high-speed screening tool in the viral or bacterial infection trend.

[0101] For example, the medical conditions described in the 7th row and the 65th row of Table 1 are bacterial infection and viral infection, respectively. Table 1 associates bacterial infection with the current state described in the 7th row of Table 1, and associates viral infection with the current state described in the 65th row of Table 1. For example, when the current state described in the 65th row of Table 1 is detected, the diagnostic system can output a diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a viral infection. Similarly, when the current state described in the 7th row of Table 1 is detected, the diagnostic system can output a diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a bacterial infection.

[0102] Machine learning In some embodiments of the present invention, the computer uses a trained machine learning model instead of a lookup table to predict a medical condition based on the measured values of the body cross-sectional current.

[0103] In some embodiments, the input to the machine learning model is data representing the measured values of the body cross-sectional current at a plurality of different measurement locations for one patient during one diagnostic session. For example, the input to the machine learning model may be composed of measured values of current, where (a) the current flows between the probe electrode and the ground electrode, and (b) the measured values are measured while, during one diagnostic session, the patient holds the ground electrode and the probe electrode is pressed against the patient's skin one by one at each of a plurality of different locations on the patient's limbs.

[0104] In some cases, before being supplied as input to the machine learning model, the data is calibrated (e.g., to adjust for the effect of the pressure exerted on the electrodes) and filtered (e.g., to remove outliers). In some cases, (a) multiple current measurements are taken at each measurement location, (b) the multiple measurements for a given location are averaged, and the resulting average current for the given location is supplied as input to the machine learning model. In some cases, (a) the current at each measurement location is assigned to a current range, and (b) the current range for each measurement location is supplied as input to the machine learning model. In some cases, one or more other features are extracted from the current measurements (and / or from context information) and supplied as input to the machine learning algorithm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the machine learning model used to predict a medical condition is a supervised learning algorithm such as a decision tree algorithm, a random forest algorithm, an ANN (artificial neural network), a CNN (convolutional neural network), an RNN (recurrent neural network), an RNN with LSTM (long short-term memory), an RNN with gated recurrent units, an MLP (multi-layer perceptron), an SVM (support vector machine) algorithm, or a classifier such as a KNN (k-nearest neighbor) algorithm or a naive Bayes algorithm. The supervised learning model can be trained with a training data set labeled by a healthcare provider or other human expert. The label can be a medical condition. The labeled data may include current measurements, data, or features obtained therefrom. In some cases, (a) there are practical difficulties in obtaining a sufficiently large data set for training, and (b) a generative model (e.g., a variational autoencoder or a generative adversarial network) is used to generate a synthetic database. This synthetic database can be added to the database obtained from actual measurements to form a large training database for supervised learning.

[0106] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the machine learning model used to predict the medical condition is a reinforcement learning algorithm (such as Monte Carlo, Q - learning, state - action - reward - state - action, or deep Q - network algorithm). Alternatively, the machine learning model used to predict the medical condition is an unsupervised machine learning algorithm such as AE (auto - encoder), SAE (stacked auto - encoder), VAE (variational auto - encoder), DBN (deep belief network), GAN (generative adversarial network), conditional GAN, or infoGAN algorithm. Or, for example, the machine learning model may be composed of a restricted Boltzmann machine.

[0107] In some embodiments, the machine learning model outputs both (a) one or more predicted medical conditions and (b) the confidence or probability for each of the one or more predicted medical conditions. Here too, the confidence or probability may be explicit or implicit. For example, the machine learning model can output a list of medical conditions ranked from most likely to least likely. Or, for example, the machine learning algorithm can output an "exclude" recommendation, i.e., a recommendation to perform further medical tests to evaluate whether a particular medical condition actually exists.

[0108] In some embodiments, (a) the machine learning model is a supervised learning algorithm, (b) after the model is first trained, additional data is collected based on the ongoing experience with the patient, and (c) this additional data is labeled and used for additional training of the machine learning model.

[0109] User interface In some embodiments, one or more computers control an input / output (I / O) device to present a graphical user interface (GUI) or an audiovisual user interface (UI) to a patient, a healthcare provider, or other users. For example, a touch screen or other electronic display screen (e.g., 133, 451) can render the GUI. A patient, a healthcare provider, or other users can interact with the GUI by entering commands or data via one or more I / O devices such as a touch screen, keyboard 134, or mouse 135. In some embodiments, the I / O device presents an audiovisual UI that includes audio information output by a speaker 132. In this audiovisual UI, voice input by the user can be detected by a microphone 131 or a microphone incorporated in a smartphone 450.

[0110] The GUI or UI can present, among other things, to a patient, a healthcare provider, or other users: (a) current measurement values of the current measured during a diagnostic session; (b) current ranges assigned to different currents; (c) a diagnosis or preliminary diagnosis identifying one or more medical conditions indicated by the current measurement values measured during the diagnostic session; (d) the reliability or probability associated with each diagnosis or preliminary diagnosis; (e) one or more recommendations regarding actions to take (e.g., recommendations to consult a physician for further tests or confirmation or treatment of a medical condition); (f) additional information regarding the diagnostic process and current measurement values; (g) the results of previous diagnostic sessions; and (h) information regarding the comparison between the current diagnosis (or diagnoses) and past diagnoses (or diagnoses).

[0111] The GUI or UI can include a chat box. In the chat box, the patient can provide additional information about symptoms or ask questions. In some cases, the chat box enables the patient to select from a list of symptoms and also to enter information about symptoms not on the list. The chat box also allows healthcare providers to ask additional questions and receive answers from the patient.

[0112] One or more computers can use a chatbot in the UI to collect inputs from patients, healthcare providers, or other users and provide information. In some cases, at least some of the information provided to patients, healthcare providers, or other users is sent via one or more electronic mails or other social media messages. The information provided by the chatbot, electronic mail, or other social media message can include any or all of the information described above in this "User Interface" section.

[0113] In some cases, the visual UI guides the user (e.g., patient or healthcare provider) to perform a current measurement under conditions suitable for accurate measurements. In other words, the visual UI can provide real-time feedback regarding whether the electrodes are properly placed and pressed firmly enough against the skin.

[0114] When the electrode is pressed against the patient's skin, the measured current may increase as the pressure applied to the skin increases until the measured current reaches a plateau state. In some cases, (a) the current sensor detects when the current is increasing and when the current reaches the plateau state, (b) only the measured value of the current used for diagnostic purposes occurs after the measured current has increased and reached the plateau state, and (c) the measured values of the current taken before the current reaches the plateau state are ignored for diagnostic purposes. Alternatively or additionally, in some cases, (a) one or more pressure sensors measure the pressure exerted on the electrode, (b) only the measured value of the current used for diagnostic purposes occurs when the pressure exerted on the electrode exceeds a threshold value, and (c) the measured values of the current taken when the pressure exerted on the electrode is below the threshold value are ignored for diagnostic purposes. In some cases, the electrode has a plurality of pads, and the measured value of the current is ignored for diagnostic purposes unless the pressure exerted on a threshold number of pads exceeds the threshold pressure. In some cases, the pressure is measured at both the ground electrode and the probe electrode, and the measured value of the current is ignored for diagnostic purposes unless the pressure exerted on each electrode exceeds the threshold pressure of that electrode. In some cases, the same pressure threshold is used for both the ground electrode and the probe electrode, and for all pads of the ground electrode. Alternatively, different pressure thresholds may be used for different electrodes and / or different pads of the electrode.

[0115] The audiovisual UI can emit a sound (e.g., a beep or a tone) when the probe electrode and the ground electrode are properly held. The UI can include a sonic guide that varies the pitch or tone according to the amount of pressure applied to the electrode or according to the amount of current detected. The UI may also include a visual indicator indicating whether each electrode is in proper contact with the patient's skin. For example, a graphic display can highlight which electrodes are not in proper contact with the patient's skin by changing the color or shape of the electrode icons on the screen.

[0116] Accordingly, the UI enables self-calibrated measurement of cross-body current in patients with physiology at various measurement locations (e.g., size, skin thickness, accurate probe placement, variability of electrodermal response, and effects of transient surface currents), and can be used to rapidly screen for an optimal measurement protocol. In some embodiments, this measurement protocol includes both (a) real-time determination of signal quality and (b) real-time feedback to the user via an audiovisual UI.

[0117] Customization In some cases, machine learning algorithms are trained on a dataset of the general population.

[0118] In other cases, machine learning algorithms are trained to predict medical conditions in a customized way for one or more characteristics of the patient, such as the patient's age, gender, race, weight, habits (e.g., smokers and non-smokers), personal medical history and / or family medical history. For example, the training dataset for the machine learning algorithm can be labeled not only with the medical condition but also with one or more of these characteristics (e.g., the patient's age, gender, race, weight, habits, personal medical history and / or family medical history).

[0119] Similarly, when a lookup table is used instead of a machine learning algorithm, multiple lookup tables may be used, and each lookup table is customized for different combinations of these characteristics. As a non-limiting example, a first lookup table for men over 60 years old, a second lookup table for women over 60 years old, a third lookup table for men aged 31 - 59 years old, etc. can be considered.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present invention, the machine learning model is personalized for a specific patient. For example, a machine learning algorithm can first be trained with data from the general population or a subset of the general population. Thereafter, the machine learning algorithm can be further trained for a specific patient based on data collected during the process of diagnosing the specific patient. For example, if the machine learning algorithm predicted a patient's medical condition A, but the patient actually has medical condition B, this information can be used as part of an additional training dataset to train the machine learning algorithm to make personalized predictions for the patient.

[0121] Similarly, when a lookup table is used instead of a machine learning algorithm, the lookup table can be personalized based on data collected during the process of diagnosing a specific patient.

[0122] Adaptive Prediction In some cases, the patient's current measurement is supplemented with information about contextual features. For example, the contextual information may include sensor measurements taken by one or more sensors worn by the patient or placed near the patient. These other sensors can measure one or more physiological states of the patient (e.g., heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature) and / or one or more states of the patient's environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, ambient light). These other sensors can wirelessly transmit their measurements to a receiver within the diagnostic system. In some cases, the contextual information also includes text or voice input from the patient or a healthcare provider regarding the patient's state (e.g., happy, worried) and / or the patient's environment (e.g., at work).

[0123] In some cases, machine learning algorithms are trained to adapt their predictions in real time based on data regarding a patient's context. For example, the training data set for a machine learning algorithm may be labeled not only with the medical condition, but also with one or more contextual features (such as one or more physiological states, mental states, environmental features, etc.). Similarly, when a lookup table is used, different versions of the lookup table may be used depending on the patient's context.

[0124] After being initially trained, the machine learning model can adaptively learn based on the patient's context when current measurements are taken. Data regarding both the current and the context are collected during the diagnosis and can later be used as an additional training data set to further train a model that predicts the medical condition in a context - partially - dependent manner.

[0125] Machine Learning Example In the following 23 paragraphs, an example of a diagnostic system using a trained machine learning model (the "ML Example") will be described. The ML Example is a non - limiting example of the present invention.

[0126] In this ML Example, the diagnostic system acquires, arranges, and analyzes measured values of current. This system uses machine learning and a database (knowledge library). This system can be used for a less - experienced doctor to diagnose a patient quickly and accurately.

[0127] In this ML Example, (a) the current (or skin conductivity) is measured at each meridian point, and (b) excess energy and insufficient energy are plotted and identified on a chart. Treatment can consist of either stimulating specific acupoints to "regulate" the deficient meridian or "soothe" the excessive meridian.

[0128] In this ML example, patients may have different conductivities. Therefore, in this ML example, the measured values of current are not absolute and can be interpreted relative to all other measured values of the same patient. Thus, the deviation from the average measured value may be more important than the actual measured value itself. The deviation (which can be used for diagnosis) can be determined by analyzing the measured value in a broader context (e.g., plotting the current measured value on a chart and looking for outliers from the average). For example, in an area sometimes called the "physiological corridor", the analysis may be designed to encompass most of the measured values. Measured values outside the corridor are considered abnormal and treatment is applied to restore the balance of the abnormal meridians.

[0129] In this ML example, screening may be used to identify the possibility of the presence of an undiagnosed disease in an individual patient (e.g., without symptoms or signs). This can include individuals with prodromal or unrecognized symptomatic diseases.

[0130] In this ML example, electrical measurements along the acupuncture meridians can be used to examine and identify specific weak and strong points of an individual in order to determine their condition, illness, or disease. The electrical conductance of the primary meridians can be measured at various points on the patient's wrists and ankles. Both deficiencies and excesses of electrical conductance levels outside the patient's normal range can be correlated to classify the patient's condition.

[0131] In this ML example, the differential diagnosis process can distinguish a specific medical condition from other medical conditions presenting similar symptoms. Differential diagnosis can include the following steps: (a) collecting information about the patient being diagnosed and creating a list of symptoms, (b) listing the possible causes (candidate conditions) for those symptoms, (c) prioritizing the list by placing the most immediately dangerous conditions at the top of the list, (d) gradually reducing the list to exclude possible causes, and (e) removing the diagnosis from the list by observing and applying tests that produce different results.

[0132] In this ML example, the meridian point assessment of the patient's condition can be used to assemble and support the possible candidate conditions, and can also potentially rule out other possible causes from consideration.

[0133] In this ML example, the diagnostic system can be applied to evaluate the patient's mental health status.

[0134] In this ML example, the patient's mental and psychological states can have an adverse impact on the patient's body. For example, anxiety or depression (rather than infectious diseases or physical abnormalities of the digestive tract) may be the root cause of indigestion. Also, conductivity measurements may provide data related to not only the physical aspect but also the psychological aspect of an individual.

[0135] In this ML example, the diagnostic system can be a decision-making / support system that (a) links to a database of observations and knowledge, and (b) analyzes the patient's current state to assist in reaching a diagnostic conclusion.

[0136] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the diagnostic method used in the ML example. The method shown in Figure 12 includes at least the following steps, namely, capture 1210, machine learning 1220, prediction 1230.

[0137] In the example of ML, the capture step can include (a) performing patient observations in the form of recorded meridian points, and (b) creating a database of labeled results associated with the selected diagnosis (for example, the outcome label is positive, negative, excluded). The information obtained during capture can be used to create a knowledge library database. Each patient record can consist of 24 meridian points, 12 points from each of the left and right hands and 12 points from each of the left and right feet.

[0138] In this ML example, the machine learning step may include generating a set of random forests in the following manner through supervised training. (a) One random forest is created for each potential diagnostic entity, and (b) the set of random forests constitutes a knowledge library database.

[0139] In this ML example, each random forest can be used as an ensemble of knowledge for a given diagnostic conclusion. The conclusion can be either positive or negative, or further testing may be required for exclusion. Each trained ensemble can represent one hypothesis.

[0140] In this ML example, any type of machine learning model can be used, including (a) artificial neural networks, (b) decision trees, (c) random forests, and (d) support vector machines.

[0141] In the ML example, the machine learning model is learned through supervised learning. For example, the experience (and / or individual diagnosis) data input by a doctor can be organized into the content of the model. In this way, the doctor can supervise the learning of the machine learning model.

[0142] In the version of the ML example shown in Figure 12, a doctor can input a series of outcomes (positive, negative, and / or exclusion) for a specific set of the patient's meridian points related to a specific diagnosis. Each experience is recorded in the database. In supervised learning, the patient's meridian points can be features, and the outcomes can be labels. During supervised learning, a decision tree can divide the data into smaller data groups based on the features of the data until a sufficiently small data set is identified with one label. After being trained, the decision tree can take the feature set (meridian points) as input and output one label (positive, negative, or exclusion).

[0143] In this ML example, instead of relying on a single decision tree, a random forest consisting of a number of competing decision trees is created, and each decision tree is trained in a slightly different way. Then, each tree in the forest makes its own decision, and the forest can be surveyed for the best agreed-upon answer.

[0144] In this ML example, the supervised learning mode can output an accurate prediction label (outcome). The meridian points recorded from a new patient can be input into the diagnostic system, and the diagnostic result of the patient can be displayed on the operator's monitor.

[0145] In this ML example, the machine learning algorithm can create a random forest for each diagnostic candidate, and each forest can consist of hundreds of trees. As a non-limiting example, if there are a hundred diagnostic candidates, there may be tens of thousands of decision trees making decisions (e.g., correlating meridian point data with possible outcomes).

[0146] In this ML example, the inference engine can query each random forest for its outcome decision. The inference engine can evaluate, rank, and present the reliability of each decision. Also, the inference engine can present the grounds supporting its validity for the final set of outcomes. The inference engine can also record feedback from practitioners to determine the validity of the final outcome. This information is recorded and ultimately fed back to the machine learning algorithm to improve the performance and accuracy of the system.

[0147] In this ML example, the data can be stored in a relational database. For example, the data may be stored in the relational database shown in FIG. 13. This relational database may include data particularly regarding patient 1300, condition 1310, positive outcome 1320, negative outcome 1330, and exclusion 1340.

[0148] In the ML example, each meridian record can be analyzed against various diagnostic candidates, and a positive, negative, or excluded outcome can be determined. The graphical user interface can display the diagnostic results and can also display the validity of the diagnosis.

[0149] The ML example described in the foregoing paragraph 23 is a non-limiting example of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many other ways.

[0150] Practical Applications The present invention has many practical applications. For example, in some cases, the present diagnostic system can be used to diagnose or preliminarily diagnose a medical condition. The present diagnostic system can also be used to screen for a medical condition and determine when further tests are needed to determine whether a particular medical condition is present. In some embodiments, the diagnostic system can be used to quickly distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. Also, in some cases, the present diagnostic system can be used to quickly screen for the following: (a) the optimal dosage level of a pharmaceutical, (b) the effectiveness of a (physical or psychological) therapy or exercise, (c) the effectiveness of a diet or other therapeutic or preventive or health-oriented supplement, (d) the effectiveness of a medication and / or other therapeutic and diagnostic interventions

[0151] Computer In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more computers (e.g., servers, network hosts, client computers, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, controllers, microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays, personal computers, digital computers, driver circuits, or analog computers) are programmed or specially adapted to perform one or more of the following tasks.(1) Controlling the operation of, or interfacing with, the hardware components of a current sensor, power supply, or signal generator; (2) Calibrating, filtering, and / or averaging current measurement values; (3) Calculating a current range and assigning a current to the current range; (4) Determining a current state consisting of a current range for a specific current or current ranges for respective currents; (5) Accessing a lookup table to determine that one or more medical conditions are indicated by the current state; (6) Training a machine learning model; (7) Using the trained machine learning model to predict the presence of one or more medical conditions based on the measured body cross-sectional current; (8) Outputting a diagnosis or preliminary diagnosis; (9) Outputting an exclusion recommendation for performing further medical tests to evaluate whether a medical condition actually exists; (10) Outputting the probability or confidence level of each diagnosed or preliminarily diagnosed medical condition; (11) Controlling an input / output device to provide real-time feedback regarding whether electrodes are being properly used and presenting a UI that provides other information including current measurements and diagnoses; (12) Receiving data from, controlling, and interfacing with one or more sensors including one or more pressure sensors; (13) Performing other calculations, operations, programs, algorithms, or computer functions described or implied herein; (14) Receiving a signal indicating human input; (15) Outputting a signal for controlling a transducer to output information in a human-perceivable form; (16) Processing data, performing calculations, and executing any algorithm or software; and (17) Controlling the reading or writing of data to and from a memory device (hereinafter, tasks 1 to 17 of this sentence are referred to as "computer tasks"). One or more computers (e.g., the computer within 105, 121, or smartphone 450) can communicate with each other or with other devices in some cases (a) wirelessly, (b) via a wired connection, (c) via an optical fiber link, or (d) via a combination of wired, wireless, or optical fiber links.

[0152] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more computers are programmed to perform any calculations, operations, programs, algorithms, computer functions, and computer tasks described or implied herein. For example, in some cases, (a) the machine-accessible medium has encoded instructions that specify steps in a software program, and (b) the computer accesses the instructions encoded on the machine-accessible medium to determine the steps to perform in the program. In an exemplary embodiment, the machine-accessible medium can be constituted by a tangible non-transitory medium. In some cases, the machine-accessible medium can include (a) a memory unit or (b) an auxiliary memory storage device. For example, in some cases, the control unit in the computer fetches instructions from the memory.

[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more computers execute a program in accordance with instructions encoded on one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media. For example, in some cases, these instructions include instructions for the computer to perform any calculations, operations, programs, algorithms, or computer functions described or implied herein. For example, in some cases, the instructions encoded on the tangible, non-transitory, computer-accessible medium include instructions for the computer to perform a computer task.

[0154] Computer-readable medium In some embodiments, the present invention comprises one or more computers programmed to perform one or more of the computer tasks.

[0155] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises one or more tangible machine-readable media encoded with instructions for one or more computers to perform one or more of the computer tasks. In some embodiments, these one or more media are neither a transient wave nor a transient signal.

[0156] In some embodiments, the present invention includes participating in the download of software, the software including instructions for one or more computers to perform one or more computer tasks. For example, participating can include (a) a computer providing the software during download, or (b) a computer receiving the software during download.

[0157] Network communication In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more devices (e.g., 105, 450) are configured to communicate wirelessly or wired with other devices within a network.

[0158] For example, in some cases, one or more of these devices include a wireless module for wireless communication with other devices within the network. Each wireless module can include (a) one or more antennas, (b) one or more wireless transceivers, transmitters or receivers, and (c) signal processing circuitry. Each wireless module can receive and transmit data according to one or more wireless standards. In some cases, one or more hardware components such as computer buses, computer ports, network connections, network interface devices, host adapters, wireless modules, wireless cards, signal processing devices, modems, routers, cables, wiring, etc. are used for network communication.

[0159] In some cases, one or more computers (e.g., the computer within 105 or smartphone 450) are programmed for communication over a network. For example, in some cases, one or more computers are programmed for network communication (a) in accordance with the Internet Protocol Suite or (b) in accordance with any other industry standard for communication, including the USB standard, the standard for Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3), the standard for Token Ring (e.g., IEEE 802.5), or IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth / Zigbee), IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA, including IS-95, IS-2000, and WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or 5G (e.g., ITU IMT-2020).

[0160] Definitions When modifying a noun, the terms "a" and "an" do not imply that only one of the noun exists. For example, the statement "an apple hangs from the branch" (i) does not imply that only one apple hangs from the branch, (ii) is applicable if only one apple hangs from the branch, and (iii) is applicable if multiple apples hang from the branch.

[0161] "Associate" is defined above.

[0162] Calculating "based on" the specified data means executing a calculation using the specified data as input.

[0163] Saying that a current flows "between" A and B implies nothing about the direction of the flow (i.e., from A to B or from B to A).

[0164] The "BL current" is defined above.

[0165] Non-limiting examples of a "camera" include the following: (a) a digital camera, (b) a digital grayscale camera, (c) a digital color camera, (d) a video camera

[0166] The term "comprise" (and its grammatical variations) shall be construed as being followed by "without limitation". If a comprises b, a includes b and may also include other things.

[0167] A digital computer is a non-limiting example of a "computer". An analog computer is a non-limiting example of a "computer". A computer that performs both analog and digital calculations is a non-limiting example of a "computer". However, when using the term in this specification, a human is not a "computer".

[0168] The "computer task" is defined above.

[0169] The "defined term" means a term or phrase described within quotation marks in this definition section.

[0170] Regarding an event occurring "during" a certain period, it is not necessary for the event to occur throughout the entire period. For example, an event that occurs only during a part of a given period occurs "during" that given period.

[0171] The term "e.g." means for example.

[0172] The fact that one or more “examples” are shown does not imply that they are the only examples of the matter. An example (or a group of examples) is merely a non-exhaustive and non-limiting illustration.

[0173] Chronic fatigue is a non-limiting example of “fatigue”.

[0174] The terms from “Class A condition” to “Class N condition” are defined above. Also, “Class P state” and “Class Q state” are defined above.

[0175] “Diagnostic session” means a period.

[0176] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, (1) expressions including “first” and “second” do not imply an order between the two (or do not imply that only two of them exist), and (2) such expressions are merely a way to identify two things, and each can be specifically referred to later (for example, by later referring to the “first” and the “second”). For example, if a device has a first socket and a second socket, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the device has two or more sockets, and the first socket may exist in any spatial order relative to the second socket. Expressions including “third”, “fourth”, etc. shall be interpreted in the same way.

[0177] As used herein, “food-related paranasal allergy” means a paranasal allergy that is at least partially caused (or worsened) by one or more substances (such as allergens) in the ingested food.

[0178] “Forearm” is defined above.

[0179] “For instance” means for example.

[0180] Saying "a given" X is merely a way of identifying X such that X can be specifically referred to later. Saying "a given" X does not give rise to any implication regarding X. For example, saying "a given" X does not give rise to any implication that X is a gift, a hypothesis, or a known fact.

[0181] Migraine is a non-limiting example of "headache".

[0182] As used herein, "in this document" means in this document including the text, the specification, the claims, the abstract, and the drawings.

[0183] As used in this document, (1) "embodiment" means an embodiment of the present invention, (2) "example" means an example of the present invention, (3) "case" means an embodiment of the present invention, and (4) "usage scenario" means a usage scenario of the present invention.

[0184] Saying that an electric current is "in" a patient means that the electric current flows through at least a part of the patient's body.

[0185] The term "include" (and its grammatical variations) shall be construed as if followed by "without limitation".

[0186] "GB current" is defined above.

[0187] "HT current" is defined above.

[0188] "KI current" is defined above.

[0189] "Left side" is explained above.

[0190] "Leg" is defined above.

[0191] "LI current" is defined above.

[0192] As used herein, "waist" means the part of the back below the pyloric plane.

[0193] The "LR current" is defined above.

[0194] The "LU current" is defined above.

[0195] Physiological states are non-limiting examples of "medical conditions" as used herein.

[0196] "Meridian" means the acupuncture meridian.

[0197] The term "mobile computing device" or "MCD" means a device that includes a computer, a camera, a display screen, and a wireless transceiver. Non-limiting examples of MCDs include smartphones, cellular phones, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, and the like.

[0198] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "or" means and / or. For example, A or B is true if A is true, or B is true, or both A and B are true. Also, for example, the calculation of A or B means the calculation of A, the calculation of B, or the calculation of both A and B.

[0199] The "PC current" is defined above.

[0200] As used herein, "poor blood glucose control" means (a) a blood glucose level that continuously exceeds 200 mg / dl, and (b) a glycated hemoglobin level in the blood that continuously exceeds 9%.

[0201] The "prototype current" is defined above.

[0202] The "prototype current range" is defined above. The "prototype current state" is defined above.

[0203] The "prototype measurement location" is defined above.

[0204] The "prototype disease state" is defined above. The "right side" is defined above.

[0205] As used herein, the term "set" does not include a group having no elements.

[0206] The "SI current" is defined above.

[0207] The electrode touching or being pressed against a conductive gel (or other conductive material) in the area of the patient's skin is a non-limiting example of the electrode "touching" or "being pressed against" the area of the skin as used herein.

[0208] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "some" means one or more.

[0209] The "SP current" is defined above.

[0210] The "ST current" is defined above.

[0211] As used herein, a "subset" of a set consists of less than all the elements of the set.

[0212] The term "such as" means for example.

[0213] The "TH current" is defined above.

[0214] The current flowing "through" the body means that the current flows through at least a part of the body.

[0215] A machine-readable medium being "temporary" means that the medium is a temporary signal such as an electromagnetic wave.

[0216] As used herein, "upper back" means the part of the back above the pyloric plane.

[0217] In the clause "the HT current is above or below the average on the left side", the expression "on the left side" modifies both "above the average" and "below the average". Similarly, other clauses with the same grammatical structure shall be interpreted in the same way.

[0218] For example, in the clause "the LI current is at the average or below the average on the right side", the expression "on the right side" modifies both "at the average" and "below the average".

[0219] "A xor B" means A or B, but not A and B. In other words, the term "xor" represents the exclusive disjunction.

[0220] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, if a step in a method is described herein, the method includes the following variations: (1) the steps in the method occur in any order or sequence, including an order or sequence different from that described herein; (2) any step or steps in the method occur one or more times; (3) any two steps in the method occur the same number of times or different numbers of times; (4) one or more steps in the method are performed in parallel or sequentially; (5) any step in the method is repeatedly executed; (6) a given step in the method is applied to the same or different things each time the given step occurs; (7) one or more steps occur simultaneously; or (8) the method includes other steps in addition to the steps described herein.

[0221] Headings are included in this specification merely to make it easier for the reader to read the book. The headings of the sections do not affect the meaning or scope of the sections.

[0222] In any case, the definitions in this "Definitions" section shall prevail over any other definitions of the defined terms. The applicant shall act as his, her, its, or their own lexicographer with respect to the defined terms. For example, the definitions of the defined terms set forth in this "Definitions" section shall prevail over common usage or external dictionaries. If a term is defined explicitly or implicitly within this document, that definition shall be controlling and shall prevail over the definition of the established term arising from any information source outside of this document (such as dictionaries or common usage). When this document provides clarification regarding the meaning of a particular term, such clarification shall prevail over the definition of the established term arising from any information source outside of this document (such as dictionaries or common usage) to the extent applicable. Unless otherwise indicated by context, the definitions or clarifications of terms or phrases in this specification shall apply to grammatical variations of such terms or phrases, taking into account differences in grammatical form. For example, grammatical variations include nouns, verbs, participles, adjectives, possessive forms, different figures of speech, and different tenses.

[0223] Table 2 below shows exemplary data measurements obtained from 133 individuals, and related diagnoses, exclusions, and symptoms, where indicated. The measurements were taken at the locations of the acupuncture meridians of each lung, pericardium, heart, small intestine, triple burner, large intestine, spleen, liver, kidney, bladder, gallbladder, and stomach, as described in this specification. The measurements are provided in microamperes (μA). [Table 2-1] [Table 2-2] [Table 2-3] [Table 2-4] [Table 2-5]

Table 2-6

Table 2-7

Table 2-8

Table 2-9

Table 2-10

Table 2-11

Table 2-12

Table 2-13

Table 2-14

Table 2-15

Table 2-16

Table 2-17

Table 2-18

Table 2-19

Table 2-20

Table 2-21

Table 2-22

Table 2-23

Table 2-24

Table 2-25

Table 2-26

Table 2-27

Table 2-28

Table 2-29

Table 2-30

Table 2-31

Table 2-32

Table 2-33

Table 2-34

Table 2-35

Table 2-36

Table 2-37

Table 2-38

Table 2-39

Table 2-40

Table 2-41

Table 2-42

Table 2-43

Table 2-44

Table 2-45

Table 2-46

Table 2-47

Table 2-48

Table 2-49

Table 2-50

Table 2-51

Table 2-52

Table 2-53

Table 2-54

Table 2-55

Table 2-56

Table 2-57

Table 2-58

Table 2-59

[0224] Variation Example The present invention can be implemented in many different ways. Some non-limiting examples are shown here.

[0225] In some embodiments, the present invention includes: (a) in a diagnostic session, performing a set of measurements of the current flowing between a ground electrode and a probe electrode through a patient's body, where the measurements are performed in such a way that (i) different measurements within the set are performed one at a time at different prototype measurement locations while the probe electrode is in contact with the patient's skin at each location, and (ii) each of the respective measurements in the set is performed while (A) the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand on the forearm and (B) the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of another limb of the patient at one of the prototype measurement locations; (b) calculating a prototype current state for the diagnostic session based on the set of measurements; (c) using a lookup table to identify a medical condition associated with the prototype current state, where the medical condition is a prototype medical condition; and (d) outputting a recommendation that the patient undergo a medical examination to (i) diagnose whether the patient has the medical condition or (ii) evaluate whether the patient has the medical condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class B condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class M condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class N condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class P condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class A condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class C condition. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a viral infection. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a bacterial infection. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class D condition. Each case described above in this paragraph is an example of the method described in the first sentence of this paragraph and is also an example of an embodiment of the present invention that can be combined with other embodiments of the present invention.

[0226] In some embodiments, the present invention includes: (a) calculating a prototype current state for a diagnostic session based on a set of measurements of current in a patient; (b) using a look-up table to identify a medical condition associated with the prototype current state, the condition being a prototype medical condition; and (c) outputting a recommendation that the patient undergo a medical examination to (i) diagnose whether the patient has the medical condition or (ii) evaluate whether the patient has the medical condition. In some cases, different measurements in the set are made (a) while a probe electrode contacts the patient's skin one location at a time at different prototype measurement locations and (b) while current flows between a ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body. In some cases, each of the respective measurements in the set is made (a) while current flows between a ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body, (b) while the ground electrode contacts the skin of the hand of the patient's forearm, and (c) while the probe electrode contacts the skin of another limb of the patient at a prototype measurement location. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is a Class B condition, a Class M condition, a Class N condition, or a Class P condition. Each case described in this paragraph is an example of the method described in the first sentence of this paragraph and is also an example of an embodiment of the invention that can be combined with other embodiments of the invention.

[0227] In some embodiments, the present invention is a system comprising: (a) a current sensor including a ground electrode and a probe electrode; and (b) one or more computers, wherein: (i) the current sensor is configured to perform a set of current measurements during a diagnostic session such that: (A) the measured current flows between the ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body; (B) different measurements within the set are made while the probe electrode contacts the patient's skin one location at a time at different prototype measurement locations; and (C) each respective measurement in the set is made while: (I) the ground electrode contacts the skin of the patient's hand on the forearm; and (II) the probe electrode contacts the skin of another limb of the patient at one of the prototype measurement locations; and (ii) the one or more computers are programmed to: (A) calculate a prototype current state for the diagnostic session based on the set of measurements; (B) use a lookup table to identify a medical condition associated with the prototype current state, wherein the medical condition is a prototype medical condition; and (C) output a recommendation that the patient undergo a medical examination to: (I) diagnose whether the patient has the medical condition; or (II) evaluate whether the patient has the medical condition. In some cases, the ground electrode and the probe electrode are part of a single rigid structure and are thus in fixed positions relative to each other. In some cases: (a) the system further comprises one or more pressure sensors each configured to measure the pressure exerted on the ground electrode or the probe electrode; and (b) the ground electrode and the probe electrode are in fixed positions relative to each other except for any movement due to displacement occurring within the one or more pressure sensors. In some cases: (a) the system further comprises an electronic display screen and an audio transducer; and (b) the one or more computers are programmed to cause the screen and the audio transducer to output together a visual and auditory cue providing information as to whether the ground electrode and the probe electrode are accurately positioned on the patient.In some cases, (a) the ground electrode and the probe electrode are part of a single rigid structure and are in fixed positions relative to each other, and (b) the rigid structure is configured to partially surround a smartphone or other mobile computing device. In some cases, the prototype medical condition is in a Class B state, a Class M state, a Class N state, or a Class P state. Each of the cases described in this paragraph is an example of the system described in the first sentence of this paragraph and is also an example of an embodiment of the invention that can be combined with other embodiments of the invention.

[0228] Each description in this specification regarding any method, apparatus, or system of the invention is illustrative of a non-limiting example of the invention. The invention is not limited to these examples and may be practiced in other ways.

[0229] Each description in this specification regarding any prototype of the invention is illustrative of a non-limiting example of the invention. The invention is not limited to these examples and may be practiced in other ways.

[0230] Each description in this specification regarding any embodiment, example, or instance of the invention (or any usage scenario of the invention) is illustrative of a non-limiting example of the invention. The invention is not limited to these examples and may be practiced in other ways.

[0231] Each figure, diagram, schematic, or drawing in this specification showing any feature of the invention shows a non-limiting example of the invention. The invention is not limited to these examples and may be practiced in other ways.

[0232] The above description (including, but not limited to, any accompanying drawings and figures) describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways. The methods and apparatuses described herein are merely exemplary applications of the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present invention. Numerous modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the present invention includes, without limitation, each combination and permutation of one or more of the items described herein (including any hardware, hardware components, methods, processes, steps, software, algorithms, features, and techniques).

[0233] It is considered that the above merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the present invention to the exact structures and operations illustrated and described. Although preferred embodiments have been described, details can be changed without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. (a) In a diagnostic session, performing a set of measurements of a current flowing between a ground electrode and a probe electrode through a patient's body, wherein the measurements are (i) performed such that different measurements within the set are performed one at a time at different prototype measurement locations while the probe electrode is in contact with the patient's skin at each location, (ii) each of the respective measurements in the set being (A) while the ground electrode is in contact with the skin of the patient's hand on the forearm, and (B) while the probe electrode is in contact with the skin of another limb of the patient at one of the prototype measurement locations, (b) calculating a prototype current state for the diagnostic session based on the set of measurements; (c) using a look-up table to identify a medical condition associated with the prototype current state, the medical condition being a prototype medical condition; (d) (i) diagnosing that the patient has the medical condition, or (ii) outputting a recommendation that the patient undergo a medical examination to evaluate whether the patient has the medical condition. A method comprising these steps.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class B condition.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class M condition.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class N condition.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class P condition.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class A condition.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class C condition.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a viral infection.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a bacterial infection.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class D condition.

11. (a) calculating a prototype current state for a diagnostic session based on a set of measurements of current in a patient; (b) identifying, using a look-up table, a medical condition associated by the look-up table with the prototype current state, the medical condition being a prototype medical condition; (c) (i) diagnosing that the patient has the medical condition, or (ii) outputting a recommendation that the patient undergo a medical examination to evaluate whether the patient has the medical condition. (Claim 12) The different measurements in the set are (a) while the probe electrode is contacting the patient's skin one location at a time at different prototype measurement locations, and (b) while the current is flowing between the ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body, performed The method according to claim 11. (Claim 13) Each of the respective measurements in the set is (a) while the current is flowing between the ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body, (b) while the ground electrode is contacting the skin of the patient's hand on the forearm, and (c) while the probe electrode is contacting the skin of another limb of the patient at the prototype measurement location, performed (Claim 14) The method according to claim 11, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class B condition, a Class M condition, a Class N condition, or a Class P condition. (Claim 15) (a) a current sensor including a ground electrode and a probe electrode, and (b) one or more computers, (i) the current sensor is configured to take a set of current measurements during a diagnostic session (A) such that the current being measured flows between the ground electrode and the probe electrode through the patient's body, (B) such that different measurements in the set are taken while the probe electrode is contacting the patient's skin one location at a time at different prototype measurement locations, and (C) each of the respective measurements in the set is (I) while the ground electrode is contacting the skin of the patient's hand on the forearm, and (II) while the probe electrode is contacting the skin of another limb of the patient at one of the prototype measurement locations, (ii) the one or more computers are configured to (A) calculate a prototype current state for the diagnostic session based on the set of measurements, (B) identifying, using a look-up table, a medical condition associated with the prototype current state, the medical condition being a prototype medical condition, and (C) (I) diagnosing that the patient has the medical condition, or (II) recommending that the patient undergo a medical examination to evaluate whether the patient has the medical condition, a system programmed to do so. [

16. ] The system of claim 15, wherein the ground electrode and the probe electrode are part of a single rigid structure and are in fixed positions relative to each other. [

17. ] (a) The system further comprises one or more pressure sensors each configured to measure the pressure exerted on the ground electrode or the probe electrode, (b) The ground electrode and the probe electrode are in fixed positions relative to each other, except for any movement due to displacement occurring within the one or more pressure sensors. The system of claim 15. [

18. ] (a) The system further comprises an electronic display screen and an audio transducer, (b) The one or more computers are programmed to cause the screen and the audio transducer to output together a visual cue providing information as to whether the ground electrode and the probe electrode are correctly positioned on the patient. The system of claim 15. [

19. ] (a) The ground electrode and the probe electrode are part of a single rigid structure and are in fixed positions relative to each other, (b) The rigid structure is configured to partially surround a smartphone or other mobile computing device. The system of claim 15. [

20. ] The system of claim 15, wherein the prototype medical condition is a Class B state, a Class M state, a Class N state, or a Class P state.

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