Abstract:
A process, apparatus, and method for online control and database collection and management of a computerized detection, tracking, and feedback control system. The system tests for nutrients by Raman scattering effects on skin or other tissues to determine the content of carotenoids or other nutrients as evidenced in that skin. Serum levels of nutrients may vary dramatically with time, but skin tissues may average such nutrition over time. Skin and other tissues may be scanned with light to produce accurate measurements of carotenoids or other nutrients accumulated in the skin based on the Raman scattering affect of those nutrients in the skin. A score can be derived from a properly calibrated bio-photonic scanner to reflect an averaged effective uptake of the detected nutrient (e.g. such as the carotenoid example).

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. The Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to digital computers and photonic scanners, and more particularly, to unique apparatus and methods for timely, computerized, detection, tracking, and feedback control of the biological uptake of targeted nutrients.  
         [0003]     2. The Background Art  
         [0004]     Electronics and optical measurement systems are broad and varied. Systems exist for detection of optics by virtue of radar signatures, infrared signatures, and other spectral signatures in radio frequency ranges.  
         [0005]     In the area of optics and detectors, U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,354 B1 issued Mar. 20, 2001 to Gellerman et. al. is directed to a method and apparatus for non-evasive measurement of carotenoids and related chemical substances and biological tissue. This patent is incorporated herein by reference. The method and apparatus of Gellerman et al. provide a non-invasive, rapid, accurate, and safe determination of carotenoid levels, which, in turn, can provide diagnostic information regarding risk of disease or markers for conditions, such as levels of carotenoids or other antioxidant compounds in the body. The method and apparatus Resonance Raman Spectroscopy to measure the levels of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue.  
         [0006]     Laser light is directed upon an area of tissue of interest. A small fraction of the scattered light is scattered inelastically, producing the carotenoid Raman signal at a different frequency than the incident laser light. The Raman signal is collected, filtered, and measured. The resulting Raman signal can be analyzed such that the background fluorescent signal is subtracted and the results displayed and compared with known calibration standards.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     A system and method in accordance with the invention may provide a system for control and communication between various computer systems. The system may include a laser illumination and detection system controller and a computer to process the signals of the detector. The system make take data, remove error, compensate for background noise, fit the data to a curve, report the data, and manage a database of the data.  
         [0008]     A computer may be programmed to provide controls for the laser scanner and detection system, along with software to control the prompting and instruction of an operator, thus minimizing the skill level required of an operator. That is, much instrumentation is created strictly for the use of those highly skilled in the science to which it pertains. Moreover, much instrumentation is sufficiently complex, with only rudimentary controls, thus requiring a high level of skill and knowledge of both the science and the hardware in order to conduct operations. In a method and apparatus in accordance with the invention, a user interface programmed into a computer connected to a laser scanner may provide for simplified operation by a non-professional and non-technical operator.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, the scanner takes data, provided to the master or host computer, and processes that data to determine the intensity of a Raman-Scattering response of the skin of a subject, as a result of laser illumination in a particular spectral band. The computer thus processes the data and provides a display to a user or operator regarding the content of the skin of a subject. For example, the carotenoid level may be identified directly, or identified in a relative sense as a score that may be compared with previous and subsequent scanning results.  
         [0010]     The master computer may log data and upload it to a centrally based computer. For example, over a direct link or a world wide web link, the master computer may upload data regarding one or more scanning sessions to the central computer. Thus, many subjects over long periods of time may be tracked and recorded in a database. The central computer facility may track subjects, operators, sellers of nutritional supplements, organizations, entities, and individuals. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The drawings depict only typical embodiments in accordance with the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a digital computer system such as may be used in various components in an apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a system operable over a system of computers for managing a consumer scanning process;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a seamless, global, compensation system operating both over the Internet and through direct connection to the system;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is an alternative embodiment of a seamless, global, tracking system in accordance with the present invention, operable completely over Internet connections;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a reporting system in conjunction with a scanner system operable over the Internet and through direct connections;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of a service core including data for managing sales and scanning information;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a scanner and master processor that may operate as a scanning system and user-interface host in accordance with the invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of a process for controlling authorization and operation of a scanner in accordance with the invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a method of operation of a scanner and associated user-interface host connected thereto; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system of modules resident in memory of a computer in order to operate and integrate a system of scanning in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     The following more detailed description of the embodiments of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the invention. Like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.  
         [0023]     Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, executables, systems, servers, and the like in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, modules may be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. For example, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.  
         [0024]     Modules may also be implemented in hardware as electronic circuits comprising custom VLSI circuitry, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.  
         [0025]     Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus  10  may implement the invention on one or more nodes  11 , (client  11 , computer  11 ) containing a processor  12  (CPU  12 ). All components may exist in a single node  11  or may exist in multiple nodes  11 ,  52  remote from one another. The CPU  12  may be operably connected to a memory device  14 . A memory device  14  may include one or more devices such as a hard drive or other non-volatile storage device  16 , a read-only memory  18  (ROM  18 ) and a random access (and usually volatile) memory  20  (RAM  20  or operational memory  20 ).  
         [0027]     The apparatus  10  may include an input device  22  for receiving inputs from a user or from another device. Similarly, an output device  24  may be provided within the node  11 , or accessible within the apparatus  10 . A network card  26  (interface card) or port  28  may be provided for connecting to outside devices, such as the network  30 .  
         [0028]     Internally, a bus  32 , or plurality of buses  32 , may operably interconnect the processor  12 , memory devices  14 , input devices  22 , output devices  24 , network card  26  and port  28 . The bus  32  may be thought of as a data carrier. As such, the bus  32  may be embodied in numerous configurations. Wire, fiber optic line, wireless electromagnetic communications by visible light, infrared, and radio frequencies may likewise be implemented as appropriate for the bus  32  and the network  30 .  
         [0029]     Input devices  22  may include one or more physical embodiments. For example, a keyboard  34  may be used for interaction with the user, as may a mouse  36  or stylus pad  37 . A touch screen  38 , a telephone  39 , or simply a telecommunications line  39 , may be used for communication with other devices, with a user, or the like. Similarly, a scanner  40  may be used to receive graphical inputs, which may or may not be translated to other formats. The hard drive  41  or other memory device  41  may be used as an input device whether resident within the node  11  or some other node  52  (e.g.  52 ,  54 , etc.) on the network  30 , or from another network  50 .  
         [0030]     Output devices  24  may likewise include one or more physical hardware units. For example, in general, the port  28  may be used to accept inputs into and send outputs from the node  11 . Nevertheless, a monitor  42  may provide outputs to a user for feedback during a process, or for assisting two-way communication between the processor  12  and a user. A printer  44 , a hard drive  46 , or other device may be used for outputting information as output devices  24 .  
         [0031]     In general, a network  30  to which a node  11  connects may, in turn, be connected through a router  48  to another network  50 . In general, two nodes  11 ,  52  may be on a network  30 , adjoining networks  30 ,  50 , or may be separated by multiple routers  48  and multiple networks  50  as individual nodes  11 ,  52  on an internetwork. The individual nodes  52  (e.g.  11 ,  48 ,  52 ,  54 ) may have various communication capabilities.  
         [0032]     In certain embodiments, a minimum of logical capability may be available in any node  52 . Note that any of the individual nodes  11 ,  48 ,  52 ,  54  may be referred to, as may all together, as a node  11  or a node  52 . Each may contain a processor  12  with more or less of the other components  14 - 46 .  
         [0033]     A network  30  may include one or more servers  54 . Servers may be used to manage, store, communicate, transfer, access, update, and the like, any practical number of files, databases, or the like for other nodes  52  on a network  30 . Typically, a server  54  may be accessed by all nodes  11 ,  52  on a network  30 . Nevertheless, other special functions, including communications, applications, directory services, and the like, may be implemented by an individual server  54  or multiple servers  54 .  
         [0034]     In general, a node  11  may need to communicate over a network  30  with a server  54 , a router  48 , or nodes  52 . Similarly, a node  11  may need to communicate over another network ( 50 ) in an internetwork connection with some remote node  52 . Likewise, individual components  12 - 46  may need to communicate data with one another. A communication link may exist, in general, between any pair of devices.  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, a system  60  may include various elements of hardware and software in order to implement integration of marketing, tracking of management structures, tracking and execution of compensation, consumer testing and motivation, allocation and tracking of royalty payments, and delivery of nutritional supplements. In one embodiment, a system  60  may include hardware and software suitable to connect to the Internet  62 . For example, an Internet service provider  64  may connect through an Internet service provider (ISP) interface  66  to the system  60 . Alternatively, or in addition, a telecommunications interface  68  may connect to a conventional telecommunications network  69 . In either event or both, the system  60  provides for communication with a network of customers, operators, dealers, managers, suppliers, and so forth.  
         [0036]     The database system  70  may be configured to operate in any of a host of modes. For example, object-oriented databases may embed both executables and attributes (operational data) into a single object associated with a particular function, purpose, entity or the like. Similarly, relational databases may operate by virtue of tables populated and managed by independent executables or database engines.  
         [0037]     Regardless of whether a database engine  72  is independent from database records  74  or embedded such that the database engine  72  and database records  74  are implemented with individual objects as executables and attributes, respectively, is not determinative. The database system  70  provides the functionality of a database engine  72  capable of moving data in and out of database records  74  and providing for searching, indexing, and so forth of the database records  74 .  
         [0038]     In certain embodiments, a server  76  may be programmed in software, hardware, or both to handle uploaded data files received from operators operating in accordance with the invention. For example, data files to be received for processing, or for inclusion directly into the database  74  may be uploaded from the Internet  62  or from a telecommunications network  69  from other users (customers, dealers, operators, etc.) into the server  76 .  
         [0039]     Software updates may be needed for interacting with the system  60  or for software for operating a scanner (see  FIGS. 3-5 ,  7 , scanner  102 , for example). A server  78  may provide software updates to be downloaded to those in need, such as customers, operators especially, dealers or the like for whom software may be available. Typically, software updates may be provided by the server  78  to operators in order to provide the most recent operating characteristics for the scanner  102 .  
         [0040]     In certain presently contemplated embodiments, an authorization server  80  may manage and provide authorizations to operators, in order to properly conduct scans using the scanner  102 . That is, for example, the intellectual property associated with the scanner is the subject of various patents, licenses, ownership, and the like. Accordingly, several mechanisms may be implemented in order to obtain financial returns on the efficacious use of a scanner  102 . For example, if royalties are to be provided on the basis of use of a scanner  102 , then the authorization server  80  may allocate, track, and otherwise control use, in order that royalties may be based upon use.  
         [0041]     If machines are sold, royalties may be paid based on the sale price of a scanner  102 . Thus, an authorization server  80  may be tasked with responsibilities for allocating authorization on an ongoing or on a specific incident basis. Depending on the architecture selected, the servers  76 ,  78 ,  80  may all be connected to the database system  70 . In an alternative embodiment, the data files server  76  may be connected to the database system  70  and may communicate with the authorization server  80  in order to properly perform the controlling functions thereof. Similarly, the software update server  78  may stand independently, or may be connected to other modules or elements of the system  60  in order to integrate the providing, tracking, and accounting for various services.  
         [0042]     The system  82  may actually be another server  81  or a standalone hardware system, or simply be embodied in executables that coordinate with or are incorporated within the authorization server  80 .  
         [0043]     Similarly, the server  76  may connect to the authorization server  80 , with the authorization server  80  providing the gate keeping function, and serving to an operator with the necessary authorization in exchange for the files to be uploaded to the server  76 . Thus, a variety of connection and control schemes may be implemented.  
         [0044]     In one embodiment, the server  80  may be the web server and forward to the database  70  from the server  76  the files uploaded to the server  76  by the computer  100  and operator. The planning system  90  may incorporate the software, data, or both that allocates, manages, tracks, and accounts for the resources of the enterprise served by the system  60 .  
         [0045]     The enterprise resource planning system  90  may contain or create the plan, formula, or the control also for the allocation of payments or other resources in a system. The system  90  may provide to the database system  70  periodic updates of the plan.  
         [0046]     A royalty module  92  may be an executable, system of objects, a server, or the like that provides for royalty controls and data for licensed technology. For example, patented scanners  102  may pay royalties by a schedule provided by, contained in, stored by, created by, enforced by, or delivered by the royalty module  92 .  
         [0047]     Similarly, a commission system  94  may contain, create, store, generate, allocate, control, deliver, or enforce a schedule of commissions, bonuses, and other financial payments. The authorization server  80 , the certificate distribution system  82 , as well as the uploaded data files server  76  and the software updates  78  handle the information data resources flowing into and out of the system  60 . The volumes and genealogy module  87  is responsible for publishing the allocations of the volumes of sales, and the information regarding the relationships between networks of dealers, operators, and the like.  
         [0048]     The dealer portal  86  may be embodied in a web server as software, hardware, or both within the system  60 . The entire system  60  may be hosted on a single computer, wherein each module or element is simply a programmed functionality, such as a software application.  
         [0049]     The consumer portal  88  may likewise publish web pages  89  (e.g.  89   a ,  89   b ) for consumers. That is, the consumer portal  88  may allow a consumer to track purchases, scanning data from various inventories executed by a scanner  102 , product information, dealer contact information, and so forth. A consumer portal  88  may be available to all consumers in general, specific consumers having authorization, or a combination thereof, as allocated by software, security, rights, and so forth.  
         [0050]     In certain embodiments, a modem server  84  may provide a bank of modems for access by computers connecting through a telecommunications network  69 . Accordingly, a modem server  84  may be operable within the system  60  through the telecommunication or wide area network interface  68 .  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the system  60  may include a user-interface host  100  connecting over a telecommunications network  69  to a telecommunications interface  68 . In some embodiments, the interface  68  may be referred to as a wide area network (WAN) interface  68 . Accordingly, the user interface  100  may be a computer, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other processor. The user-interface  100  may be a portable, digital computer dedicated to the control and operation of the scanner  102 .  
         [0052]     The scanner  102  may be configured in accordance with the technology in U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,354 to Gellerman et. al. incorporated herein by reference. The scanner  102  directs a radiation beam  103  in a suitable spectrum onto a subject  104 . A subject  104  may be, for example, the skin of a hand or arm. Due to Raman-Scattering, a shifted wavelength of light is returned from the input spectrum  103 , as a beam  104 . The beam  104  is accordingly detected by the scanner  102  and the data from the detector is processed accordingly, as discussed herein below.  
         [0053]     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , a user-interface host  100  connects by a telecommunication interface  68  directly to the system  60 . The information provided by the scanner to the host  100  may be received by the system  60  over a direct line, or over the Internet  62 .  
         [0054]     Meanwhile, a consumer computer  106  may connect to the Internet  62  in order to access from the system  60  the consumer portal  88 . For example, the system  60  may engage through an Internet service provider  64  to publish web pages  89  over a consumer portal  88  on the Internet  62 . These web pages  89  may be accessed by a consumer through the consumer&#39;s computer  106 .  
         [0055]     Similarly, a dealer computer  108  in possession of a dealer in nutritional supplements, for example, can connect to the Internet  62  in order to access a dealer portal  86 . The dealer portal  86  may provide to the dealer computer  108  the volumes and genealogy programs  87  or data.  FIG. 3  shows the database  70  as a “centerpiece” of the system  60 , receiving and exchanging information with the enterprise resource planning system  90  and the royalty system  92 . Similarly, the database exchanges information with the commission system  94  and the consumer portal  88 . Intervening applications or connections may be implemented as appropriate.  
         [0056]     In the illustrated embodiment, the dealer portal  86  may have access to the commission system  94  in order to publish to authorized dealers the information for which those dealers are authorized. Some methods of security may be implemented in a typical system  60  in order to provide secure access by only those entitled to receive it.  
         [0057]     The authorization server  80  may be connected over a line  109   a  to the telecommunication interface  68 . The uploaded data server  76  may connect over a line  109   b  to the telecommunication interface  68 . A suitable connection scheme and management scheme may be used to optimize the flow of data, the processing thereof, and the serving of appropriate information.  
         [0058]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in an alternative embodiment, the system  60  may connect strictly through the Internet  62 . That is, consumer computers  106 , and dealer computers  108  may access the Internet  62  in order to obtain access to the respective portals  88 ,  86  of the system  60 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the consumer computer  106  and the dealer computer  108  may either one or both be connected through the telecommunication interface  68  to the system  60 .  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in yet another alternative embodiment, the system  60  may connect through a telecommunication interface  68  to one or more user-interface hosts  100   a , supporting a scanner  102   a  for scanning a subject  104   a . By the same token, the user-interface host  100   b  may connect through the Internet  62  and an ISP  64  in order to access the system  60 . Many consider the Internet  62 , absent appropriate measures, to be less secure than a direct line  69 . Thus, in order obtain equivalent security, connecting through the Internet  62  may require additional software, signatures, and the like.  
         [0060]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a method and apparatus in accordance with the invention may include a service core  180 . In order to operate the system  60 , entities data  182  may be maintained by the database  70 . Entities data  182  may include information regarding dealers, operators, customers, licensors, manufacturers, suppliers, and others. Relationship data  184  may include genealogy (multi-level marketing relationship lines, etc., for example), rank (e.g., based on organizational size, depth, production volume, etc.) of an individual or entity on which compensation (for example) may be based. Licensure, including licensors and licensees, contracts, and other information may be included in relationship data  184 . The relationship data  184  is particularly important for communication and for compensation.  
         [0061]     Sales data  186  may include dates of events, such as presentations, sales, scans, and the like. Likewise, the data  186  may include product identification, volume amounts of particular products, a normalized volume amount that relates more to dollar volume, and cumulative data over various periods of interest in sales or other activity. Similarly, sales data  186  may include scanner identification, customer identification, certificate numbers, dealer identification, and other information that may assist in relating sales to entities  182  and relationships  184 .  
         [0062]     Likewise, volume data  188  may be thought of as any and all information that may be useful in determining sales performance of individuals and entities. Since relationship data  184  includes genealogy relationships between dealers in the organization, the volume data  188  associated with each of those individuals may depend on those relationships. For example, the commission for a sale directly to a consumer dealer may be a higher, typically, than a commission paid to that same dealer on the same sale.  
         [0063]     Nevertheless, as volumes increase within a particular dealer or manager&#39;s organization, the rates of compensation for volumes may increase, as an incentive. Thus, the volume data  188  may be intermediate information from sales data  186  to identify key information that may be required for compensation schemes and schedules. Volume data  188  may be the inputs, outputs, or both for compensation equations. The volume data  188  may be raw data, or may be intermediate data incorporating both sales data  186  and relationship data  184 , or may be a combination thereof.  
         [0064]     Inasmuch as marketing is becoming a global enterprise, currency data  189  may be important. For example, in the service call  180 , currency data  189  will be needed in order to provide compensation between individuals or other entities who have relationships defined by the relationship data  184  that span different countries. For example, Asia has several currencies. Similarly, Europe has had various currencies, although it is now trying to standardize on the Euro.  
         [0065]     Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for individuals to have contacts across national boundaries and language boundaries, due to the availability of travel, and the communication of language. Thus, Latin American countries may have relationships spanning one or more countries. Similarly, dealers or others within the United States may have relationships with Europeans, Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, and so forth. Thus, the currency data  189  and the service call  180  provides for manipulation of compensation schemes in order to account for credits of payments in proper currencies.  
         [0066]     The data  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  189  may be maintained in the database  70 . Presentation systems  190  provide presentation graphics, data, formatting thereof, and the like. A presentation engine  192  may be programmed to provide presentation data  194  to any visitor to a consumer portal  88  or a dealer portal  86 .  
         [0067]     A presentation engine  192  interacts with an operator. The presentation data  194  may be thought of as including formatting  196 , and content  198 .  
         [0068]     Likewise, processing systems  200  are important for handling information transfer. For example, a database engine  72  often contains very sophisticated programming in a number of different library or other executable programs in order to intake, output, and manage database records  74 . Some of the requirements presently contemplated for a processing system  200  may include a processing engine  202  programmed to process information such as financial information  204  and report information  206 .  
         [0069]     Financial information  204  may include raw data, partially processed data, personal data, and the like for any individual consumer, dealer, organizational person, entity, or the like. Similarly, report information  206  may include information regarding sales volumes, marketing affiliations and individuals, and the like.  
         [0070]     Typically, Internet systems available widely benefit from a security system  210 . Executables  212  or algorithms  212  implementing security may operate in accordance with data  214  such as passwords, rights, classifications or classes of entities and individuals, classes of information, and the like. Thus, a security system  210  may execute algorithms  212  in order to verify, obtain, or operate in accordance with data  214  on which a security system  210  depends.  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a user-interface host  100  or simply a host  100  may operate in conjunction with a scanner  102  as a system  260  for taking a survey or inventory of the hand, arm or other part of the skin of a subject  104 . The subject  104  is typically a prospective consumer. The details of operation of the scanner  102  are disclosed by Gellerman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,354). A simplified schematic will suffice here. In general, a master processor  262  may be thought of as the CPU or processor within a host computer  100 . Typically, the master processor  262  needs to accomplish several functions.  
         [0072]     For example, a management module  264  may execute on a processor  262  in order to manage the entire process. A presentation  190  may be programmed to run on the processor  262  of the host  100 . A processing system  200  may be programmed into the processor  262  to handle various information.  
         [0073]     Primarily technical information is processed from the scanner  102 , and information available to a user is presented. Accordingly, a management module  264  may manage the order of presentation information, may include the control in order to process both the information received from the scanner  102 , and the input and output information to a user (operator). In one embodiment, the management module  264  is responsible for any of the functionality and allocation of resources of the processor  262 .  
         [0074]     Meanwhile, a user interface module  266  provides the presentation graphics, the information, the prompts, and the intake and outflow of information required to step through the sequence of events in which the host  100  and scanner  102  operate together. Similarly, a detector module  268  may be allocated any or all of the processing of information coming from the scanner  102 , as well as processing the information to be provided to the user interface module  266  as output.  
         [0075]     Numerous details are discussed later with respect to  10 . Nevertheless, as a general proposition, the detector module  268  is responsible for data processing of information coming from the scanner  102 . The user-interface module  266  is responsible for information presented to and retrieved from an operator. The management module  264  may control the operation of the processor  262 , including control of the sequence of events conducted by the scanner  102 , and may provide management of the interface between the user, the host  100 , and the scanner  102 .  
         [0076]     A user-interface  270  may include any input and output systems. For example, keyboards, a mouse, data input and output devices, drives, screens, printers, and the like, may all be used in suitable arrangement as input, output, or both devices for interacting with an operator.  
         [0077]     In general, a scanner  102  includes a laser source  272 , which may be provided by any suitable means. For example, lasers may be large or small. Light emitting diodes can produce laser light. A laser source  272  may have some degree of control embedded in it or a controller  274  or controller  100 . Typically, a laser source  272  may have some degree of local low level physical control. Other hardware in the scanner  102  or the host  100  may provide additional instructions at a higher level.  
         [0078]     Eventually, the laser source  272  is controlled by signals received through a port  276  connecting the host  100  to the scanner  102 . The module  264  may handle inputs, outputs, or both of the controller  274 . Meanwhile, the laser source  272  projects a beam  278  to a director  280 . The director  280  may or may not be necessary in various embodiments. In several embodiments, a splitter mirror may operate as a director  280  in order to pass the beam  278  through to become a beam  282  impinging on a subject  184 .  
         [0079]     As a result of the beam  282  striking the subject  184 , a re-radiated or scattering beam (e.g. according to Raman scattering principles) returns as a beam  284  redirected by the director  280 . The director  280  directs the beam  284  to become a beam  286  impinging on a director  288 . Many intervening pathways, splitters, directors, filters, polarizing elements, and the like, may be implemented to meet the optical requirements of the beams  278 ,  282 ,  284 ,  286 , any derivatives thereof, or contributions thereto. The Gellerman patent provides additional details of various embodiments for implementing a scanner  102 .  
         [0080]     Ultimately, a beam  286  impinges on a detector  288  providing a representation or signal output corresponding to intensities and frequencies of energy contained in the beam  286 . As with the controller  274  on the laser source  272 , the detector  288  typically will have some low level hardware controller  292  connected thereto in order to facilitate communication with other hardware within the scanner  102 , the host  100 , or both.  
         [0081]     The detector  288  provides a signal  289  that may pass through a pre-processor  290 . That is, depending on the sophistication desired to be programmed into hardware, firmware, or software within the scanner  102  proper, a pre-processor  290  may execute analysis of the information that is output as raw electrical signals  289  from the detector  288 . Typically, a pre-processor  290  may include functions such as sampling, smoothing, filtering, and the like. Information from a pre-processor  290  is ultimately passed to the host  100 , and specifically to the detector module  268 . The detector module  268  is responsible for processing data originating with the detector  288 . Again, the schematic of the system  260  of  FIG. 7  is for logical and gross representation of the functionality. Many separate components in multitudinous arrangements can be used to implement the functional requirements of the system  260  in order to provide a reading. That reading or output may be characterized as a body defense score (BDS) corresponding to the carotenoid content in the subject  104 .  
         [0082]     In general, the device of Gellerman is directed toward detection of carotenoids in the skin. Nevertheless, other systems  260  may scan different parts of subjects  104 , including other tissues, and the like. Thus, although one embodiment of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention would include a licensure of the Gellerman technology for implementation in the system  260  as the scanner  102 , other technologies may also be applied in other embodiments.  
         [0083]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , operation methods  324  for the scanner  260  may include powering up  326  or turning on  326  the scanner  102 . Although certain calibrations occur during manufacture, field calibration  328  may be valuable with each test, or each power up event  326 , or periodically over time. Presentation  330  of a subject may or may not involve presentation of a certificate, shown in brackets as an optional step.  
         [0084]     The prompts  332  may include various commands or images to direct the user, subject, or both. For example, indications of starting, locating a subject, or moving a subject&#39;s hand or arm closer, further, laterally about, in order to obtain a proper and reliable scan may be provided through prompts  332 . Similarly, an operator may be provided indications of steps, waiting periods, operations to be conducted, keys to be struck, and other actions to be taken during, before, after, or in relation to the operation of the scanner. For example, prompted operational sequences may include operation of the scanner  102  as well as interaction with the SCG system  60 , or even the sequence of dialing up the home system  60  in order to upload data.  
         [0085]     Similarly, browsers, wizards, menus, steps through processes, and the like, may all be implemented with prompts  332  in order to reduce the level of complexity, and the degree of training required. In certain embodiments, the problems  332  may be largely graphical in order to transcend languages, and provide universal information.  
         [0086]     A fundamental purpose of the scanner  102  is to scan  334  a subject  104 . The scanner  102 , may illuminate the subject, detect a response (illumination re-radiating or scattering back according to the Raman scattering theory from the subject  104 ), to provide a detectible result. The host  100  will process  336  the information in conjunction with the scanner  102 . Data may be adjusted or filtered or the like. Similarly, data may be fit to a curve in order to provide a statistically reliable integration of multiple laser scans accomplished within a single scan  334  of a subject  104 .  
         [0087]     Extraction of data in the target frequency most commonly associated with the Raman scattering or other scattering technique that might be used by a scanner  102 , may result in an ability to evaluate the intensity. Of most interest are the base and peak values of a particular portion of the charted intensity.  
         [0088]     One objective is the correlation of the data to a score that is repeatable and meaningful to a subject  104 . Accordingly, the correlation process and output on the BDS score or other meaningful output to a user may be part of the processing  336  of the significant data. Thus, an output  338  of a body defense score or other output metric may be done by a printed writing, a displayed image on a screen, a picture, a graph, or the like. If a new subject  104  is to be scanned, then a test  340  may return the process  324  to present  330  subject for scanning. Otherwise, the system may be shut down and end  342  its operation.  
         [0089]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a user-interface host  100 , used to interface a scanner  102  to the global system  60 , may be implemented using a laptop, notebook, personal digital assistant, such as a Palm Pilot or Ipaq, a digital tablet, or other dedicated computing device. In certain embodiments, the user-interface host  100  is an independent computing device that is physically separate from the scanner  102 . However, in other contemplated embodiments, the user-interface host  100  may be integrated with the scanner  102  into a single device.  
         [0090]     The user-interface host  100  may include various memory modules  14 , including volatile memory such a RAM, or more permanent memory such as ROM, or magnetic storage such as floppy disks or hard drives. Memory  14  may contain executable and operational data  352 ,  354 ,  356  effective to control and operate the scanner  102 , provide a graphical interface  358  for an operator, and communicate back to the seamless global compensation system  60 .  
         [0091]     For example, in certain embodiments, memory  14  may include an operating system  352  to perform basic system tasks, operate a file system, and provide an interface between applications and hardware components. The operating system  352  may be a common operating system  352 , such as Windows or Linux, or may be a dedicated operating system  352  designed specifically to operate the scanner  102 .  
         [0092]     In certain embodiments, memory  14  may optionally include a browser  354 . The browser  354  may be used in web-based systems to communicate with a central server  60 , or servers  60 . The browser  354  may also be used to directly communicate with a dealer portal  86 , a consumer portal  88 , or other Internet sites.  
         [0093]     In accordance with the invention, a scanner interface module  356  may be provided in memory  14  to interface with the scanner  102 . For example, a scanner interface module  356  may include a graphical user interface  358  for use by an operator. The graphical user interface  358  may display data to the operator, and may include forms or templates to receive inputs such as subject demographic information, operating variables, and the like.  
         [0094]     An initialization module  360  may be used to initialize the scanner  102  before operation. For example, an initialization module  360  may read in parameter files and initialize key coefficients and variables used to operate the scanner  102 . Some of these files may be created during a factory calibration process and copied to the user-interface host  100  upon “mating” a scanner  102  thereto. Selected files may be used while operating the scanner  102 . Since every scanner  102  may have distinct characteristics and calibration specifications, a serial number may assigned to each scanner  102 . When a scanner is operated, the serial number thereof may be compared to serial numbers stored in a configuration file to ensure that files correspond to the scanner  102  connected. Moreover, the initialization module  360  may verify that a scanner  102  is compatible with a version of software used in conjunction therewith.  
         [0095]     The initialization module  360  may also initialize one or several communication ports between the user-interface host  100  and the scanner  102 . In addition, coefficients and parameters may be read from the scanner&#39;s memory for analysis on the user-interface host  100 .  
         [0096]     A status checking module  362  may retrieve various status from the scanner  102 . For example, a status checking module  362  may retrieve the serial number, or other identifying value, of an attached scanner  102  to verify that the scanner  102  is the device originally, initialized. Additionally, the status checking module  362  may check various status of the laser  272 , such as temperature, or may verify that the scanner  102  is sufficiently “warmed up.” Certain returned values may indicate that a scanner  102  is connected and communicating with the user-interface host  100 . Other values may indicate that operation parameters are within prescribed limits, thus ensuring that subsequent scans will return accurate and consistent data. The status checking module  362  may be primarily dedicated to checking values of key indicators at any selected point in time.  
         [0097]     A noise filtering module  364  may be used to filter noise from data gathered by a scan. For example, in certain embodiments, a “dark scan” may be used to filter noise from subject  104  scans. Raw data values collected during a dark scan may be subtracted from raw data values collected during a subject  104  scan, pixel by pixel, thereby producing a “dark corrected” scan.  
         [0098]     The noise filtering module  364  may perform a “dark scan” in response to various conditions such as to see if it is sufficiently warm and stable, whenever a scanner  102  is recalibrated, or when it seems to be drifting.  
         [0099]     A reference measuring module  366  may perform scans used in a calibration process. For example, a reference scan may establish variable and coefficient values, such that results (e.g. scores provided to scanned customers) are substantially equivalent to values that would have been produced at the factory.  
         [0100]     A calibration module  368  may be provided to calculate, modify, and test important parameters used in the computation of a subject score. A subject score refers to an assessment or measurement of the health of some aspect of a subject  104  (customer). For example, in accordance with the present invention, a scanner  102  may provide a score indicating the amount of carotenoids present in the skin of a subject  104 . However, the score need not refer to carotenoids, but may refer to any measurement or assessment of the health of a patient.  
         [0101]     The scanner  102  may compute a score, such as a body defense score of a subject  104 . In addition to raw data measured from the subject  104 , the score may be calculated using inputs generated by the factory calibration process, the reference measurements  366 , and the noise filtering  364 .  
         [0102]     A verification module  370  may be used to verify that a scanner  102  is properly calibrated. For example, a reference material, such as a card or other material having a known concentration or level of carotenoids, may be used to calibrate the scanner  102 . The scanner  102  may be calibrated with the reference material at the factory. In one embodiment, a synthetic material giving the same response as carotenoids has been shown to serve as a calibration material. It may be compounded to behave as if no carotenoids are present, a low value, or a high value. When recalibrated, the scanner  102  may again measure the concentration in the reference material.  
         [0103]     A subject scanning module  372  may be responsible for performing scans on subjects  104 . For example, the subject scanning module  372  may enable a normal scan on the skin of a subject&#39;s hand in order to return a body defense score. The subject scanning module  372  may also verify that the serial number from an attached scanner  102  is the same as the scanner  102  originally initialized to further ensure accuracy of the score. Various operating parameters such as temperature, laser status, and the like, may be checked to verify that the scanner  102  is ready to produce reliable data.  
         [0104]     In certain embodiments, the subject scanning module  372  may perform a pre-scan for a prescribed period, such as 20 seconds, to “bleach” the subject&#39;s skin. Next, a data acquisition scan may be performed various times, with a body defense score calculated after each. These scores may be averaged.  
         [0105]     An operation may be performed to check for scan transmission errors. The scan may also be “dark corrected” using data calculated by the noise filtering module  364 . If excessive luminescence is detected that is out of range of the scanner  102 , a scan may be stopped. If a scan is successful, data obtained therefrom may be analyzed to calculate a body defense score. A test may be performed on data received from a scan to determine if there is a significant difference in any of the several body defense scores taken of a subject  104 . If a significant difference is detected, an error message may notify an operator.  
         [0106]     A diagnostic module  376  may diagnose problems, settings, or status of the scanner  102 , such as a communications rate, or baud rate, of the scanner  102 . Various commands may be sent to the scanner  102  to monitor the response thereof, in order to ascertain that the scanner  102  is operating correctly.  
         [0107]     Other commands may be sent to retrieve the serial number of the scanner  102 , or to retrieve the version numbers of scanner firmware and hardware components. Yet other commands may retrieve the temperature, set integration times, set coefficients, turn a laser  272  on or off, return a recently computed body defense score, return raw data, or return peak data computed from raw data.  
         [0108]     An upload/download module  376  may function to upload subject data, such as body defense scores or demographic data, to a remote server, such as to the uploaded data files server  76 . The module  376  may further coordinate the download, from remote servers such as the software update server  78 , of newer versions of software to operate the scanner  102 .  
         [0109]     The scanner interface module  356  may be further programmed to store data  378 . Data  378  may include raw data gathered by the scanner  102 , processed data such as body defense scores and the like, and subject data, such as demographic data corresponding to each subject  104 .  
         [0110]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essence or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.