Abstract:
A computerized method includes diagnosing a patient. The diagnosing includes receiving a patient identification of the patient. The diagnosing includes determining, using one or more sensors, one or more current body characteristics of the patient. The diagnosing includes creating a current multimedia representation for each of the one or more current body characteristics determined by using the sensor. The diagnosing includes comparing the current multimedia representation to previous multimedia representations of each of the one or more body characteristics from other persons. The diagnosing includes selecting a diagnosis and a diagnosis confidence factor for the diagnosis for the patient based on the comparing of the current multimedia representation to the previous multimedia representations of each of one or more the body characteristics. The diagnosing includes determining whether the diagnosis confidence factor exceeds a high confidence factor threshold.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS(S) 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/797,206, filed on Dec. 3, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software, data, and/or screenshots which may be described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright©2013, Trinity Technical Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of medical examination, evaluation, triage, diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly to a method, system and program for making specific and unambiguous, or high confidence informed decisions on the diagnosis of medical and trauma conditions using analog, digital and/or digitizing sensors, and inputs from various interfaces to gather patient information that is then processed, analyzed, classified, characterized, recognized and compared with historical patient data if available in order to generate search criteria suitable for use with a diagnostic search engine. Expert systems, state machines or other methodologies may implemented as a diagnostic search engine or engines and such diagnostic search engines should utilize all available search criteria derived from the collected and processed patient data, vital signs, symptoms and historical data, if available, to search a diagnostic database and make a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis of an illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma afflicting the patient. In the event that a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis cannot be made based upon the collected patient data, signs and symptoms, the system may recommend additional testing that will aid in producing a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis with as few tests as possible. In the event that the diagnosis remains ambiguous, the system may refer the patient to a medical doctor or specialist for further treatment. Once a diagnosis is finalized, the system should have the capability to look up the recommended treatment regime associated with the diagnosis along with any associated prescription or non-prescription pharmaceuticals. Finally, the system may print off hard copies of the diagnosis and treatment regime, and print out a list of any associated non-prescription pharmaceuticals and/or prescriptions for any prescription pharmaceuticals. The system will then save all current patient data into the patient&#39;s file for future reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
         [0005]    The collection of medical patient signs, symptoms and data, analysis of these signs, symptoms and data, diagnosis of medical conditions, and determination of curative treatment has traditionally been provided by medical doctors or specialists who have been through many years of specialized education, training and experience. 
         [0006]    A number of devices are available to these medical doctors for use in collecting patient data which can be used to help make them make an informed decision on a diagnosis of the specific illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma afflicting the patient. Among other things, these devices may include scales, thermometers, stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, and otoscopes. Once the patient&#39;s chief complaint has been identified and other patient information gathered, these devices can be used to collect pertinent patient signs, symptoms and data that the medical doctor or specialist may utilize, along with his or her own personal education, training, experience, memory and cognitive skills to make an informed decision on a diagnosis and recommend curative treatment regimes which may or may not include prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. 
         [0007]    Additional laboratory testing including, but not limited to, blood tests, urinalysis, cultures, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), Sonogram/Ultrasounds, X-rays, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans may also be required in order to more definitively identify the illness, malady, disease, infection and/or trauma conditions affecting the patient. 
         [0008]    Notes related to patient data, examination, diagnosis, treatment and pharmaceuticals prescribed are normally written by hand and copies, if any, are put into a patient file which is physically stored in the local facility. Some associated test results such as blood tests, urinalysis and electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) may be printed out in hard copy and may be cross referenced to or included in the patient&#39;s file as well. Results of other tests such as Sonogram/Ultrasounds, X-rays, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans may be recorded in other media types and may be stored locally or in other facilities and may or may not be cross-referenced to the patient for future reference. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    In some example embodiments, a computerized method includes diagnosing a patient. The diagnosing includes receiving a patient identification of the patient. The diagnosing includes determining, using one or more sensors, one or more current body characteristics of the patient comprising at least one of pulse rate, body temperature, blood pressure, respiration, and skin condition. The diagnosing includes creating a current multimedia representation for each of the one or more current body characteristics determined by using the sensor. The diagnosing includes comparing the current multimedia representation to previous multimedia representations of each of the one or more body characteristics from other persons. The diagnosing includes selecting a diagnosis and a diagnosis confidence factor for the diagnosis for the patient based on the comparing of the current multimedia representation to the previous multimedia representations of each of one or more the body characteristics. The diagnosing includes determining whether the diagnosis confidence factor exceeds a high confidence factor threshold. The diagnosing includes in response to the diagnosis confidence factor not exceeding the high confidence factor threshold, selecting a different current body characteristic of the patient to determine to increase the diagnosis confidence factor. The diagnosing includes in response to the diagnosis confidence factor exceeding the high confidence factor threshold, selecting the diagnosis for the patient. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The embodiments are provided by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a system diagram for a medical analysis and diagnostic system, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a system diagram for possible use in a standalone mobile or facility environment, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a system diagram for possible use in a facility or remote distributed (client/server) environment, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a system diagram for possible use in a facility or remote distributed (client/server) environment, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a method for main processing in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of a method for a diagnostic mode in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of a method for a monitor mode in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of a method for a physical examination mode in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a method for a treatment determination mode in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of a method for a continuation of the diagnostic mode in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a diagram of a method for a maintenance mode in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System, according to some example embodiments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a diagram of a method for sensor operation verification in a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System mode, according to some example embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Methods, apparatus and systems for a medical analysis and diagnostic system are described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. 
         [0024]    Some example embodiments may utilize a mobile computer system with specialized hardware, firmware, software and databases, and a basic sensor suite such as, but not limited to analog, digital or digitizing sensors such as scales, stethoscopes, thermometers, sphygmomanometers, perfusion oxygen or hematocrit saturation monitors, ophthalmoscopes, funduscopes, and otoscopes to gather patient information such as weight, pulse rate, pulse characterization and pattern recognition, respiration rate, respiration and body sounds characterization and pattern recognition, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, perfusion, skin temperature, skin moisture level, electrocardiogram, imaging and/or video of eyes, ears, nose and throat, and imaging and/or video for skin, scalp and extremities to collect data to be transmitted to and processed by the mobile system. In some embodiments, such sensors can collect analog, digital, discrete, pressure, audio, high definition color and/or grayscale image and video, and/or other data types and convert this data to a format suitable for uploading to the mobile computer system for further processing, analyzing, classifying, characterizing, image and/or pattern recognition, comparing and generating search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine. One or more expert systems, state machines or other methodologies may implemented as a diagnostic search engine or engines and such diagnostic search engines should utilize all available search criteria derived from the collected patient data, signs, symptoms and historical data, if available, to search the diagnostic database and make a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis of an illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma afflicting the patient. In the event that a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis cannot be made based upon the collected patient data, signs and symptoms, the system may recommend additional testing that will aid in producing a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis with as few tests as possible. In the event that the diagnosis remains ambiguous, the system may refer the patient to a medical doctor or specialist for further treatment. Once a diagnosis is finalized, the system should have the capability to look up the recommended treatment regime associated with the diagnosis along with any associated prescription or non-prescription pharmaceuticals. Finally, the system may print off hard copies of the diagnosis and treatment regime, and print out a list of any associated non-prescription pharmaceuticals and/or prescriptions for any prescription pharmaceuticals. The system will then save all current patient data into the patient&#39;s file for future reference. Such mobile systems could be easily transported to or utilized in urban or remote areas which have emergency medical requirements or that are underserved by trained medical doctors and specialists. Such systems could provide medical and trauma related diagnostic services equivalent to a general practitioner or family doctor in an office environment. 
         [0025]    When connected to LAN, WAN, wireless, cellular or other network services, such mobile systems should be able to download and utilize any existing and available prior patient analog, digital, discrete, pressure, image, video, audio or other media inputs or files along with patient digital discrete, pressure, image, video, audio or other media inputs or files from results from more sophisticated laboratory and test equipment such as, but not limited to, blood tests, urinalysis, cultures, x-ray machines, contact or non-contact tonometry, Sonogram/Ultrasound, Electrocardiogram, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans which may be processed, analyzed, classified, recognized and/or characterized to identify any signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0026]    Other example embodiments might include dedicated or client/server systems in fixed locations that are capable of servicing multiple clients in one or more local or remote locations. Such systems may utilize specialized hardware, firmware, software and databases in the server systems while the client systems might utilize a basic sensor suite such as, but not limited to analog, digital or digitizing sensors such as scales, stethoscopes, thermometers, sphygmomanometers, perfusion oxygen or hematocrit saturation monitors, ophthalmoscopes, funduscopes, and otoscopes to gather patient information such as weight, pulse rate, pulse characterization, respiration rate, respiration and body sounds characterization, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, perfusion, skin temperature, skin moisture level, electrocardiogram, high definition color and/or grayscale imaging and/or video of eyes, ears, nose, throat, skin, scalp and extremities to collect data to be transmitted to and processed by the server system. Such sensors should be capable of collecting analog, digital, discrete, pressure, audio, high definition color and/or grayscale image and video, and/or other data types and converting this data to a format suitable for uploading to the mobile computer system for further processing, analyzing, classifying, characterizing, recognizing, comparing and generating search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine. One or more expert systems, state machines or other methodologies may implemented as a diagnostic search engine or engines and such diagnostic search engines should utilize all available search criteria derived from the collected and processed patient data, signs, symptoms and historical data, if available, to search the diagnostic database and make a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis of an illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma afflicting the patient. In the event that a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis cannot be made based upon the collected patient signs, data and symptoms, the system will recommend additional tests that should produce a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or an informed decision on a diagnosis with the fewest number of tests possible. In the event that the diagnosis remains ambiguous, the system will refer the patient to a medical doctor or specialist for further treatment. Once a diagnosis is finalized, the system should have the capability to look up the recommended treatment regime associated with the diagnosis along with any associated prescription or non-prescription pharmaceuticals. Finally, the system may have the capability to print off hard copies of the diagnosis and treatment regime, and print out a list of any associated non-prescription pharmaceuticals and/or prescriptions for any prescription pharmaceuticals. The system will then save all patient data into the patient&#39;s file for future reference. Such client/server systems could provide medical and trauma related diagnostic services equivalent to a general practitioner or family doctor in a hospital environment. 
         [0027]    Other example embodiments might include the capability to directly interface with and/or input patient analog, digital, discrete, pressure, image, video, audio or other media inputs or files from more sophisticated laboratory and test equipment such as blood tests, urinalysis, cultures, x-ray machines, contact or non-contact tonometry, Sonogram/Ultrasound, Electrocardiogram, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which may be processed, analyzed, classified, recognized and/or characterized to identify any signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0028]    Other example embodiments might include a touch screen, keyboard or other manual inputs for operator identification and verification, patient name and personal information, insurance, medical information including, but not limited to age, height, weight, known conditions, known drug allergies, current prescriptions, etc., and other information as required. Touch screen, keyboard or other manual inputs may also be used to input the Chief Complaint(s) and input answers to predetermined lists of questions based upon whether the patient has a trauma or is suffering from a medical condition. Finally, touch screen, keyboard or other manual inputs may be utilized to enter manual results or operator observed results including but not limited to rebound tenderness, swelling, joint swelling, joint displacement, etc. 
         [0029]    Other example embodiments of the present invention might include specialized audio processing, image processing, video processing and other processing types that may be used along with image and pattern recognition algorithms, all of which may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof. 
         [0030]    Other example embodiments might include processing, analyzing, classifying, recognizing, characterizing and/or comparing any available analog, digital, discrete, pressure, image, video, audio or other media inputs by hardware, firmware or software to identify any signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0031]    Other example embodiments might include processing, analyzing, classifying, recognizing, characterizing and comparing any available currently available and/or historical inputs or other media files such as, but not limited to age, sex, body weight, pulse rate, respiration rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, skin temperature and moisture level, and perfusion being processed, analyzed, classified, correlated, recognized, characterized and/or compared in order to identify any vital signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0032]    Other example embodiments might include currently available and/or historical audio, pressure or other inputs or media files being processed, analyzed, classified, correlated, recognized, characterized and/or compared with respect to heartbeat characterization and pattern recognition, pulse characterization and pattern recognition, respiration, breathing and other body sounds in order to identify any signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0033]    Other example embodiments might include currently available and historical image or video inputs or other media files being processed, analyzed, classified, recognized, characterized and/or compared with respect to signs or symptoms including but not limited to pupil size and relative pupil size; pupil reaction to light; eye conditions including, but not limited to conjunctivitis (pink eye), uveitis, iritis, scleritis, keratitis and stye (bump on the eye); ear canal and ear drum; nasal passages; throat; skin medical conditions including, but not limited to rashes, blisters, ulcers, acne, eczema, ringworm, psoriasis, scabies, shingles, psoriasis, rosacea, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma; skin trauma conditions including, but not limited to contusions (bruises), abrasions (scrapes), lacerations (cuts, scratches or punctures), burns (chemical or heat); serious skin trauma conditions; nail conditions including, but not limited to hangnail, fungus, ingrown nail; scalp or hair conditions including, but not limited to alopecia, head lice, dandruff, ingrown hair; and any other items of interest such as, but not limited to swellings, joint swelling or joint displacement; internal medical conditions including but not limited to tumors, growths, cysts, cancers, aneurysms, hernias, broken or dislocated bones and any other medical issues in order to identify any signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0034]    Other example embodiments might include currently available discrete, pressure, image, video, audio or other inputs or media files being processed, analyzed, classified, recognized, characterized, compared and correlated with historical discrete, image, video, audio or other media files to do a comparative analysis in order to identify any differences, signs, symptoms, potential anomalies, abnormal characteristics and/or trends, and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine. 
         [0035]    Other example embodiments might include the implementation of a diagnostic search engine or engines as expert systems, state machines or other methodologies that utilize currently available geographic and point in time information, patient chief complaint(s), patient interviews, search criteria generated from patient basic sensor data, search criteria generated from patient advanced sensor data and search criteria generated from patient historical data to produce a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis, the best treatment regimen associated with that diagnosis and which over-the-counter or prescription pharmaceuticals, if any, should be prescribed as part of the treatment regimen for the patient&#39;s medical or trauma condition, without the participation or intervention of a medical doctor. 
         [0036]    Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology wherein if a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis cannot be obtained with the available patient information and data, the diagnostic engine should produce a list of possible diagnoses with confidence factors for each one and based upon the current circumstances and available patient data, the system will either select the highest probability diagnosis consistent with approved medical protocols, recommend additional testing or refer the patient to a medical doctor or specialist for further treatment. In the event that additional testing is required to finalize a diagnosis, specific tests should be recommended in an order designed to minimize the amount of testing required and data acquisition interfaces are provided to accept these test results as they become available. 
         [0037]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology to standardize patient interviews, data collection, diagnostics, treatment regimens and dispensing of prescriptions according to defined and previously approved guidelines. 
         [0038]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology for sharing patient medical information via cellular, wireless, Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity and using that information from different sources to improve the patient&#39;s diagnostic results and resulting health care. 
         [0039]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology for processing, analyzing, classifying, correlating, recognizing, characterizing and/or comparing multiple patient signs, symptoms, and/or diagnoses based on geographic areas to determine if there is a potential for related medical issues in specific geographic areas (e.g. outbreaks, epidemics, Lyme Disease, Legionnaires Disease, etc). 
         [0040]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides the ability to update diagnostic, treatment and pharmaceutical databases and search algorithms system wide using encrypted data and controlled software approval and release methodologies. 
         [0041]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology for storing patient data and utilizing both currently available and historical patient data in making a diagnosis or in identifying trends that may be detrimental to the health of the patient. 
         [0042]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology for processing, analyzing, classifying, correlating, recognizing, characterizing and/or comparing heart beat, pulse data and/or breathing sounds or other data to identify signs, symptoms, latent or potential anomalies, abnormal characteristics and/or trends that may require further investigation or treatment. 
         [0043]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a method for continuously monitoring patient sensor data while the patient is being treated, transported or is under care in a facility, hospital, emergency room or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and continuously evaluating the patient&#39;s condition based upon the collected and analyzed data. Should the patient&#39;s data exceed approved medical standards, the system should take predetermined actions including alerting on-duty medical personnel. 
         [0044]    Another illustrated embodiment of the present invention provides a methodology for using a Certified Self Test Unit (CSTU) to ensure that the basic sensor suite is correctly calibrated and all sensors are reading within specified parameters. 
         [0045]    Such embodiments are in contrast to conventional techniques for identifying, diagnosing and treating the illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma afflicting the patient. In particular, using conventional techniques, identifying, diagnosing and treating illnesses, diseases, infections or trauma must be done by or under the direction or supervision of licensed and certified medical doctors or specialists, whereas these embodiments may utilize a trained operator such as an EMT, nurse, paramedic or corpsman without the participation, supervision or intervention of a medical doctor or specialist. . 
         [0046]    A more detailed description of the systems, apparatus and methods for gathering, processing, analyzing, classifying, recognizing, characterizing and/or comparing patient data and utilizing the results to make a unique and unambiguous or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis and the associated treatment regimen is now described. 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  is a system diagram for a medical analysis and diagnostic system, according to some example embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  that includes a medical analysis and diagnostic system. The medical analysis and diagnostic system  102  may be a mobile system or a fixed base client/server system serving both local and remote systems. In some example embodiments, the medical analysis and diagnostic system  102  may operate in a semi-autonomous manner without being directly connected to additional laboratory test equipment. In other example embodiments, the medical analysis and diagnostic system  102  may operate in a semi-autonomous manner and may or may not be directly connected to additional laboratory test equipment. Moreover, as further stated below, the various modules of the medical analysis and diagnostic system may all reside within a single processing unit. 
         [0048]    Medical analysis and diagnostic system  102  comprises a sensor verification module  103 , a mode of operation module  104 , a data acquisition module  105 , a data analysis module  106 , a diagnostic engine  107 , a regimen lookup module  108  and a data retention module  109 . Mode of operation  104  receives manual inputs  110  to identify and verify the operator, determine the mode of operation and uniquely identify the patient. Data acquisition module  105  receives additional manual inputs  110  to provide unique identification of the patient, chief complaint(s) and other patient information, local sensor data  111 , historical patient data  116  if available and lab test data  117  if requested and available. Data acquisition module  105  will then pass the collected data onto the data analysis module  106  for further processing. Data analysis module  106  will process, analyze, classify, correlate, characterize, recognize and/or compare audio data  112 , discrete data  113 , image and video data  114  and any other data types, files and media collected from the manual inputs  110 , local sensor data  111 , historical patient data  116  and lab test data  117  as it becomes available and utilize it to identify any signs, symptoms, potential anomalies or abnormal characteristics and produce search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic engine  107 . It is understood that the data analysis module  106  may consist of hardware, software and/or firmware components or a mixture thereof. The diagnostic engine or engines  107  may consist of one or more expert systems, state machines or other methodologies and utilizes all available search criteria derived from currently available geographic and point in time information, patient chief complaint(s), patient interviews, processed patient sensor data, processed patient inputted data and any available patient historical data to search a diagnostic database that is populated with all known illnesses, diseases, infections and traumas, along with their associated data, signs and symptoms, and generate a unique and unambiguous diagnosis or a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis of the specific illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma afflicting the patient. If the diagnostic engine  107  is able to identify a unique and unambiguous diagnosis, then this diagnosis  118  will be selected. Otherwise, if a high confidence informed decision on a diagnosis can be made, then this diagnosis  118  will be selected. If the diagnosis is ambiguous and not high confidence, then the diagnostic engine  107  will determine additional tests to remove the ambiguity and/or increase the confidence factor and pass this information back to the data acquisition module  105 . Once an unambiguous or high confidence diagnosis  118  is identified, the diagnostic engine  107  will pass that information to the regimen lookup module  108 , which will identify the corresponding treat regimen  119  and any associated pharmaceutical requirements  120 . The regimen lookup module  108  will then pass the diagnosis  118 , the corresponding treatment regimen  119  and any associated pharmaceutical requirements  120  to output results  115  to be made available to the operator and/or the patient. Save and close patient files  109  is then accomplished and the analysis and diagnostic session is ended. 
         [0049]    Operations, according to example embodiments, are now described. In certain embodiments, the operations are performed by instructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g., software or firmware), while in other embodiments, the methods are performed by hardware or other logic (e.g., digital logic). 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  is a detailed block diagram for a computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system, according to some example embodiments, and is now described. In particular,  FIG. 2  illustrates a computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system that may be used in a standalone mobile or facility environment, according to some example embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the computer system  200  comprises processor(s)  202  which also includes any necessary memory, internal bus, input/output controllers, various interfaces, one or more disk drive(s), one or more database(s), storage facilities, sensors, network connections, printers, console(s) and a certified self test unit. The processor(s)  202  may comprise any suitable processor architecture. The computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system  200  may comprise one, two, three, or more processors, any of which may execute a set of instructions in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         [0051]    Various local analog, digital or digitizing sensors  203  are utilized to collect analog, digital, discrete, pressure, audio, high definition color and/or grayscale image and video, and/or other data types and convert this data to a format suitable for uploading to the mobile computer system through interface  215  for further processing, analyzing, classifying, correlating, characterizing, pattern recognition and/or comparing, and generation of search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0052]    Laboratory test equipment  204  may or may not be connected through interface  216  to download analog, digital, discrete, pressure, audio, image and/or video data, and other data types, files and media as they become available for further processing, analyzing, classifying, correlating, characterizing and/or pattern recognition, comparing and generation of search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that interfaces  215  and  216  may be implemented using LAN, WAN, USB, Bluetooth, wireless, cellular, proprietary or other network communication protocols, or a combination thereof in order to maximize connectivity, efficiency and throughput, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0053]    According to some example embodiments, one or more databases may be implemented to provide access to required information. Patient database  205  will contain all available local data and files on the patient currently being examined or treated. The diagnostic database  206  will contain the most currently available medical information on all known illnesses, diseases, infections, traumas and other maladies. The treatment database  207  will contain the most currently available recommended treatment regimens associated with the illnesses, diseases, infections, traumas and other maladies contained in the diagnostic database  206 , including whether over-the-counter or prescription pharmaceuticals are indicated as part of the treatment regimen. The pharmacy database  208  will contain the most currently available list of over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals and if they are indicated as part of the treatment regimen, the patient&#39;s digital folder or record will be accessed to determine if there are any known redundancies, drug reactions, allergies or potential interactions with other prescribed medications. The physician database  209  will contain the most currently available list of medical doctors and specialists by specialty and geographic area and will be accessed in the event that referral to a medical doctor or specialist is required. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that two or more of these databases may be consolidated into a single database. 
         [0054]    The system console  211  may be a console, keyboard, touch screen or other manual input device and is used for system dialog and maintenance functions, as well as a data acquisition module to input manual inputs to provide unique identification of the patient, chief complaint(s) and other patient information. System disk  210  holds all operating system and application software, according to some example embodiments. Printer  212  may be used to print off patient information, diagnosis, treatment regimens, pharmaceuticals and any other required information, according to some example embodiments. Secure printer  213  is utilized to print off prescriptions and other secure documents as required, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0055]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that interfaces  221 ,  222  and  223  may be implemented using LAN, WAN, USB, Bluetooth, wireless, cellular, proprietary or other network communication protocols, or a combination thereof in order to maximize connectivity, efficiency and throughput, and may be connected to remote patient data files  219 , backup, restore or update  220 , facility mass storage  217 , or allow for video conferencing  218 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0056]    A certified self test unit  214  may be implemented in order to ensure that the local sensor suite is correctly calibrated and all sensors are reading within specified parameters, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  is a detailed block diagram for a computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system, according to some example embodiments, and is now described. In particular,  FIG. 3  illustrates a computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system that may be used as the server in a facility or remote distributed (client/server) environment, according to some example embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the computer system  300  comprises processor(s)  302  which also includes any necessary memory, internal bus, input/output controllers, various interfaces, one or more disk drive(s), one or more database(s), storage facilities, sensors, network connections, printers, console(s) and a self test unit. The processor(s)  302  may comprise any suitable processor architecture. The computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system  300  may comprise one, two, three, or more processors, any of which may execute a set of instructions in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         [0058]    Multiple local or remote client systems  324  and  325  may be connected to the server through interfaces  326  and  327  for downloading client sensor analog, digital, discrete, pressure, audio, high definition color and/or grayscale image and/or video, and/or other data types for further processing, analyzing, classifying, characterizing, pattern recognition and/or comparing, and generating search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine, according to example embodiments. 
         [0059]    Laboratory test equipment  304  may or may not be connected through interface  316  to download analog, digital, discrete, audio, pressure, image and/or video data, and/or other data types, files and media as they become available for further processing, analyzing, classifying, characterizing, pattern recognition and/or comparing, and generating of search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that interfaces  316 ,  326  and  327  may be implemented using LAN, WAN, USB, Bluetooth, wireless, cellular, proprietary or other network communication protocols, or a combination thereof in order to maximize connectivity, efficiency and throughput, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0060]    According to some example embodiments, one or more databases may be implemented to provide access to required information. Patient database  305  will contain all available data and files on the patient currently being examined or treated. The diagnostic database  306  will contain the most currently available medical information on all known illnesses, diseases, infections, traumas and other maladies. The treatment database  307  will contain the most currently available recommended treatment regimens associated with the illnesses, diseases, infections, traumas and other maladies contained in the diagnostic database  306 , including whether over-the-counter or prescription pharmaceuticals are indicated as part of the treatment regimen. The pharmacy database  308  will contain the most currently available list of over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals and if they are indicated as part of the treatment regimen, the patient&#39;s digital folder or record will be accessed to determine if there are any known redundancies, drug reactions, allergies or potential interactions with other prescribed medications. The physician database  309  will contain the most currently available list of medical doctors and specialists by specialty and geographic area and will be accessed in the event that referral to a medical doctor or specialist is required. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that two or more of these databases may be consolidated into a single database. 
         [0061]    After the diagnostic session is complete, any results, including required patient information, diagnosis, treatment regimens, pharmaceuticals and any other information is passed back to the appropriate local or remote client system  324  or  325  through interface  326  or  327 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0062]    The system console  311  may be a console, keyboard, touch screen or other manual input device and is used for system dialog and maintenance functions, as well as a data acquisition module to input manual inputs to provide unique identification of the patient, chief complaint(s) and other patient information. System disk  310  holds all operating system and application software, according to some example embodiments. Printer  312  may be used to print off patient information, diagnosis, treatment regimens and any other required information, according to some example embodiments. Secure printer  313  is utilized to print off prescriptions and other secure documents as required, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0063]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that interfaces  321 ,  322  and  323  may be implemented using LAN, WAN, USB, Bluetooth, wireless, cellular, proprietary or other network communication protocols, or a combination thereof in order to maximize connectivity, efficiency and throughput, and may be connected to remote patient data files  319 , backup, restore or update  320  facility mass storage  317 , or allow for video conferencing  318 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  is a detailed block diagram for a computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system, according to some example embodiments, and is now described. In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates a computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system that may be used as the client in a facility or remote distributed (client/server) environment, according to some example embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the computer system  400  comprises processor(s)  402  which also includes any necessary memory, internal bus, input/output controllers, various interfaces, one or more disk drive(s), one or more database(s), storage facilities, sensors, network connections, printers, console(s) and a self test unit. The processor(s)  402  may comprise any suitable processor architecture. The computerized semiautonomous medical analysis and diagnostic system  400  may comprise one, two, three, or more processors, any of which may execute a set of instructions in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         [0065]    According to some sample embodiments, various analog, digital or digitizing sensors  403  may be utilized to collect analog, digital, discrete, audio, pressure, image, video and/or other data types and converting this data to a format suitable for uploading to the client computer system through interface  415  for further processing, analyzing, classifying, characterizing, pattern recognition and/or comparing, and generation of search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0066]    The client system may be connected to server  424  or  425  through interface  426  or  427  for uploading client sensor analog, digital, discrete, audio, pressure, high definition color and/or grayscale image and video and/or other data types to the server for further processing, analyzing, classifying, characterizing, pattern recognition and/or comparing, and generation of search criteria suitable for use with the diagnostic search engine, according to example embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that interfaces  415 ,  426  and  427  may be implemented using LAN, WAN, USB, Bluetooth, wireless, cellular, proprietary or other network communication protocols, or a combination thereof in order to maximize connectivity, efficiency and throughput, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0067]    After the diagnostic process is complete, any required patient information, diagnosis, treatment regimens, pharmaceuticals and any other required information is downloaded from the server back to the appropriate local or remote client system  424  or  425  through interface  426  or  427 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0068]    The system console  411  may be a console, keyboard, touch screen or other manual input device and is used for system dialog and maintenance functions, as well as a data acquisition module to input manual inputs to provide unique identification of the patient, chief complaint(s) and other patient information. System disk  410  holds all operating system and application software, according to some example embodiments. Printer  412  may be used to print off patient information, diagnosis, treatment regimens and any other required information, according to some example embodiments. Secure printer  413  is utilized to print off prescriptions and other secure documents as required, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0069]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that interfaces  421  and  423  may be implemented using LAN, WAN, USB, Bluetooth, wireless, cellular, proprietary or other network communication protocols, or a combination thereof in order to maximize connectivity, efficiency and throughput, and may be connected to backup, restore or update  420  or allow for video conferencing  418 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0070]    A certified self test unit  414  may be implemented in order to ensure that the basic sensor suite is correctly calibrated and all sensors are reading within specified parameters, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0071]    A method  500  is described with reference to  FIG. 5 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 5  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system that includes block  502  for verifying local sensor operation; block  503  for determining the mode of operation as either maintenance or patient; if mode of operation is maintenance at block  503  then proceed to  FIG. 11(A)   504 ; if mode of operation is patient then entering patient identifiers at block  505  to determine if this is a new or existing patient  507 ; either opening a new patient file at block  508  and populating it at block  509  or opening the existing patient file at block  510 ; determining the mode of operation as either monitoring at block  511  then proceed to  FIG. 7(G)   512 , performing a physical examination at block  511  then proceed to  FIG. 8(C)   513  or performing diagnostics on the patient  511  then proceed to  FIG. 6(B)   514 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0072]    A method  600  is described with reference to  FIG. 6 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 6  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system diagnostic mode that includes acquiring patient information including unique identification of the patient, chief complaint(s)  602 ; determining whether the problem is medical or trauma related  603  and setting the mode to medical  605  or trauma  605 ; performing the patient interview, updating or storing the patient information  606 ; connecting all currently available local and required sensors to the patient  607 ; collecting, storing, processing, analyzing, classifying, comparing, recognizing and correlating the currently available local sensor and laboratory test data to generate search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine  608 ; importing, processing, analyzing, classifying, comparing, recognizing and correlating patient test results from other sources to generate search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine  612 ; locating, retrieving, processing, analyzing, classifying, comparing, recognizing and correlating historical data related to the patient to generate search criteria suitable for use in the diagnostic search engine  609 ; utilizing all available patient information, currently available local sensor and laboratory data search criteria, imported test results search criteria and historical patient data search criteria to query a diagnostic database and make a diagnosis  612 ; determining whether the diagnosis is ambiguous or unambiguous  613 ; proceeding to  FIG. 10(D)   614  if the diagnosis is ambiguous; or proceeding to  FIG. 9(F)   615  if the diagnosis is unambiguous or a high confidence diagnosis, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0073]    A method  700  is described with reference to  FIG. 7 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 7  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system monitoring mode that includes connecting all local and required sensors  702 ; collecting, processing, analyzing, classifying, comparing, recognizing, correlating and/or comparing the currently available local sensor and laboratory test data  703  to determine if patient data is within established parameters  704  and, if so, check to see if monitoring is still required  708 ; if patient data is outside parameters and critical, initiate emergency procedures  706 ; if patient data is outside parameters and not critical, notify medical personnel  707 ; if monitoring is no longer required  708 , disconnect all sensors and data connections  709 ; store patient data and close patient files  710 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0074]    A method  800  is described with reference to  FIG. 8 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 8  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system physical examination mode that includes connecting all local and required sensors  802 ; collecting, processing, analyzing, classifying, recognizing, comparing and/or correlating the currently available local sensor and laboratory test data  803 ; querying any remote databases  804 ; receiving, processing, analyzing, classifying, recognizing, correlating and/or comparing the local and remote data  805 ; determining if patient data is within established parameters  806  and if not within established parameters begin diagnostic mode  807  at  FIG. 6(E) ; if patient data is okay then run a trend analysis  808 ; if trend analysis is not okay  809  then begin diagnostic mode  810  at  FIG. 6(E) ; if trend analysis is okay then format and store all patient data  811 ; disconnect all sensors and data connections  812 ; and close patient files  813 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0075]    A method  900  is described with reference to  FIG. 9 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 9  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system treatment determination mode that includes accessing a treatment database  902 ; determining if a medical specialist is required  903  and if so, identifying a medical specialist  904  and making a referral  905 ; if a medical specialist is not required then determining if medications are required  906 ; if medications are not required then printing out the treatment regime  910 ; if medications are required then accessing a pharmaceutical database  907  to determine which medications are the most beneficial drug or drugs available to treat the diagnosed illness, malady, disease, infection, condition or trauma; printing out the treatment regime with medications  908 ; if a prescription is required  909  then print out the prescription  911 ; then storing patient data and closing patient files  912 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0076]    A method  1000  is described with reference to  FIG. 10 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 10  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system which is a continuation of the diagnostic mode that includes determining whether the diagnostic result is unique or a high confidence diagnosis  1002  and if so it proceeds to  FIG. 9(F)   1003  to determine the appropriate treatment regimen; if the diagnostic result is not a unique or high confidence diagnosis, then a determination is made as to whether additional testing would produce an unambiguous or high confidence result  1004  and if so, additional tests are identified and run  1005 , test results are received, processed, updated and stored  1006 , and proceeds to  FIG. 6(E)   1007 ; if additional testing is not indicated then a determination is made as to whether medical specialist is required  1008  and if so, identifying a medical specialist  1009  and making a referral  1010 ; if a medical specialist is not required then referring to a medical doctor for a resolution  1011 ; disconnecting all sensors and data connections  1012 ; storing patient data and closing patient files  1013 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0077]    A method  1100  is described with reference to  FIG. 11 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 11  is a diagram of a method for a Medical Analysis and Diagnostic System maintenance mode that includes selecting the machine diagnostics to be run  1102 , running the selected machine diagnostics  1103 , and determining if more diagnostics need to be run  1104 , according to some example embodiments. 
         [0078]    A method  1200  is described with reference to  FIG. 12 . In some sample embodiments,  FIG. 12  is a diagram of a method for a medical analysis and diagnostic system mode for verification of sensor operation that includes connecting all basic sensors to a certified self test unit  1202 ; activating the self test mode  1203 ; determining whether all readings are within preset parameters  1204  and if so, record a successful verification  1207 ; if all readings are not within preset parameters then determining if the sensor in question has already been replaced  1205  and if so, taking the system down for maintenance  1208 ; if all readings are not within preset parameters and the sensor in question has not already been replaced, then replacing the defective sensor  1206  and repeating the test, according to some example embodiments. 
         [0079]    In the foregoing description, numerous specific details such as logic implementations, opcodes, means to specify operands, resource partitioning, sharing, and/or duplication implementations, types and interrelationships of system components, and logic partitioning/integration choices are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated, however, by one skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, control structures, gate level circuits and full software instruction sequences have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included descriptions will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation. 
         [0080]    References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
         [0081]    Embodiments of the invention include features, methods or processes that may be embodied within machine-executable instructions provided by a machine-readable medium. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism which provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form accessible by a machine (e.g., a computer, a network device, a personal digital assistant, manufacturing tool, any device with a set of one or more processors, etc.). In example embodiments, a machine-readable medium includes volatile and/or non-volatile media (e.g., read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.). 
         [0082]    Such instructions are utilized to cause a general purpose or special purpose processor, programmed with the instructions, to perform methods or processes of the embodiments of the invention. Alternatively, the features or operations of embodiments of the invention are performed by specific hardware components which contain hard-wired logic for performing the operations, or by any combination of programmed data processing components and specific hardware components. Embodiments of the invention include software, data processing hardware, data processing system-implemented methods, and various processing operations, further described herein. 
         [0083]    In view of the wide variety of permutations to the embodiments described herein, this detailed description is intended to be illustrative only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. What are claimed as the invention, therefore, are all such modifications as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.