Author: Tomás Arias-Vergara
Publisher: Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH
ISBN: 3832555617
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
This book addresses the automatic analysis of speech disorders resulting from a clinical condition (Parkinson's disease and hearing loss) or the natural aging process. For Parkinson's disease, the progression of speech symptoms is evaluated by considering speech recordings captured in the short-term (4 months) and long-term (5 years). Machine learning methods are used to perform three tasks: (1) automatic classification of patients vs. healthy speakers. (2) regression analysis to predict the dysarthria level and neurological state. (3) speaker embeddings to analyze the progression of the speech symptoms over time. For hearing loss, automatic acoustic analysis is performed to evaluate whether the duration and onset of deafness (before or after speech acquisition) influence the speech production of cochlear implant users. Additionally, articulation, prosody, and phonemic analyses show that cochlear implant users present altered speech production even after hearing rehabilitation.
Analysis of Pathological Speech Signals
Author: Tomás Arias-Vergara
Publisher: Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH
ISBN: 3832555617
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
This book addresses the automatic analysis of speech disorders resulting from a clinical condition (Parkinson's disease and hearing loss) or the natural aging process. For Parkinson's disease, the progression of speech symptoms is evaluated by considering speech recordings captured in the short-term (4 months) and long-term (5 years). Machine learning methods are used to perform three tasks: (1) automatic classification of patients vs. healthy speakers. (2) regression analysis to predict the dysarthria level and neurological state. (3) speaker embeddings to analyze the progression of the speech symptoms over time. For hearing loss, automatic acoustic analysis is performed to evaluate whether the duration and onset of deafness (before or after speech acquisition) influence the speech production of cochlear implant users. Additionally, articulation, prosody, and phonemic analyses show that cochlear implant users present altered speech production even after hearing rehabilitation.
Publisher: Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH
ISBN: 3832555617
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
This book addresses the automatic analysis of speech disorders resulting from a clinical condition (Parkinson's disease and hearing loss) or the natural aging process. For Parkinson's disease, the progression of speech symptoms is evaluated by considering speech recordings captured in the short-term (4 months) and long-term (5 years). Machine learning methods are used to perform three tasks: (1) automatic classification of patients vs. healthy speakers. (2) regression analysis to predict the dysarthria level and neurological state. (3) speaker embeddings to analyze the progression of the speech symptoms over time. For hearing loss, automatic acoustic analysis is performed to evaluate whether the duration and onset of deafness (before or after speech acquisition) influence the speech production of cochlear implant users. Additionally, articulation, prosody, and phonemic analyses show that cochlear implant users present altered speech production even after hearing rehabilitation.
Intelligent Speech Signal Processing
Author: Nilanjan Dey
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128181303
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Intelligent Speech Signal Processing investigates the utilization of speech analytics across several systems and real-world activities, including sharing data analytics, creating collaboration networks between several participants, and implementing video-conferencing in different application areas. Chapters focus on the latest applications of speech data analysis and management tools across different recording systems. The book emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the field, presenting different applications and challenges with extensive studies on the design, development and management of intelligent systems, neural networks and related machine learning techniques for speech signal processing.
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128181303
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Intelligent Speech Signal Processing investigates the utilization of speech analytics across several systems and real-world activities, including sharing data analytics, creating collaboration networks between several participants, and implementing video-conferencing in different application areas. Chapters focus on the latest applications of speech data analysis and management tools across different recording systems. The book emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the field, presenting different applications and challenges with extensive studies on the design, development and management of intelligent systems, neural networks and related machine learning techniques for speech signal processing.
Pathological Voice Analysis
Author: David Zhang
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9813291966
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 181
Book Description
While voice is widely used in speech recognition and speaker identification, its application in biomedical fields is much less common. This book systematically introduces the authors’ research on voice analysis for biomedical applications, particularly pathological voice analysis. Firstly, it reviews the field to highlight the biomedical value of voice. It then offers a comprehensive overview of the workflow and aspects of pathological voice analysis, including voice acquisition systems, voice pitch estimation methods, glottal closure instant detection, feature extraction and learning, and the multi-audio fusion approaches. Lastly, it discusses the experimental results that have shown the superiority of these techniques. This book is useful to researchers, professionals and postgraduate students working in fields such as speech signal processing, pattern recognition, and biomedical engineering. It is also a valuable resource for those involved in interdisciplinary research.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9813291966
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 181
Book Description
While voice is widely used in speech recognition and speaker identification, its application in biomedical fields is much less common. This book systematically introduces the authors’ research on voice analysis for biomedical applications, particularly pathological voice analysis. Firstly, it reviews the field to highlight the biomedical value of voice. It then offers a comprehensive overview of the workflow and aspects of pathological voice analysis, including voice acquisition systems, voice pitch estimation methods, glottal closure instant detection, feature extraction and learning, and the multi-audio fusion approaches. Lastly, it discusses the experimental results that have shown the superiority of these techniques. This book is useful to researchers, professionals and postgraduate students working in fields such as speech signal processing, pattern recognition, and biomedical engineering. It is also a valuable resource for those involved in interdisciplinary research.
Automatic Speech Signal Analysis for Clinical Diagnosis and Assessment of Speech Disorders
Author: Ladan Baghai-Ravary
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461445744
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 74
Book Description
Automatic Speech Signal Analysis for Clinical Diagnosis and Assessment of Speech Disorders provides a survey of methods designed to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of speech disorders such as dysarthria and dyspraxia, with an emphasis on the signal processing techniques, statistical validity of the results presented in the literature, and the appropriateness of methods that do not require specialized equipment, rigorously controlled recording procedures or highly skilled personnel to interpret results. Such techniques offer the promise of a simple and cost-effective, yet objective, assessment of a range of medical conditions, which would be of great value to clinicians. The ideal scenario would begin with the collection of examples of the clients’ speech, either over the phone or using portable recording devices operated by non-specialist nursing staff. The recordings could then be analyzed initially to aid diagnosis of conditions, and subsequently to monitor the clients’ progress and response to treatment. The automation of this process would allow more frequent and regular assessments to be performed, as well as providing greater objectivity.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461445744
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 74
Book Description
Automatic Speech Signal Analysis for Clinical Diagnosis and Assessment of Speech Disorders provides a survey of methods designed to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of speech disorders such as dysarthria and dyspraxia, with an emphasis on the signal processing techniques, statistical validity of the results presented in the literature, and the appropriateness of methods that do not require specialized equipment, rigorously controlled recording procedures or highly skilled personnel to interpret results. Such techniques offer the promise of a simple and cost-effective, yet objective, assessment of a range of medical conditions, which would be of great value to clinicians. The ideal scenario would begin with the collection of examples of the clients’ speech, either over the phone or using portable recording devices operated by non-specialist nursing staff. The recordings could then be analyzed initially to aid diagnosis of conditions, and subsequently to monitor the clients’ progress and response to treatment. The automation of this process would allow more frequent and regular assessments to be performed, as well as providing greater objectivity.
Biomedical Signal Analysis
Author: Rangaraj M. Rangayyan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119825857
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 724
Book Description
Biomedical Signal Analysis Comprehensive resource covering recent developments, applications of current interest, and advanced techniques for biomedical signal analysis Biomedical Signal Analysis provides extensive insight into digital signal processing techniques for filtering, identification, characterization, classification, and analysis of biomedical signals with the aim of computer-aided diagnosis, taking a unique approach by presenting case studies encountered in the authors’ research work. Each chapter begins with the statement of a biomedical signal problem, followed by a selection of real-life case studies and illustrations with the associated signals. Signal processing, modeling, or analysis techniques are then presented, starting with relatively simple “textbook” methods, followed by more sophisticated research-informed approaches. Each chapter concludes with solutions to practical applications. Illustrations of real-life biomedical signals and their derivatives are included throughout. The third edition expands on essential background material and advanced topics without altering the underlying pedagogical approach and philosophy of the successful first and second editions. The book is enhanced by a large number of study questions and laboratory exercises as well as an online repository with solutions to problems and data files for laboratory work and projects. Biomedical Signal Analysis provides theoretical and practical information on: The origin and characteristics of several biomedical signals Analysis of concurrent, coupled, and correlated processes, with applications in monitoring of sleep apnea Filtering for removal of artifacts, random noise, structured noise, and physiological interference in signals generated by stationary, nonstationary, and cyclostationary processes Detection and characterization of events, covering methods for QRS detection, identification of heart sounds, and detection of the dicrotic notch Analysis of waveshape and waveform complexity Interpretation and analysis of biomedical signals in the frequency domain Mathematical, electrical, mechanical, and physiological modeling of biomedical signals and systems Sophisticated analysis of nonstationary, multicomponent, and multisource signals using wavelets, time-frequency representations, signal decomposition, and dictionary-learning methods Pattern classification and computer-aided diagnosis Biomedical Signal Analysis is an ideal learning resource for senior undergraduate and graduate engineering students. Introductory sections on signals, systems, and transforms make this book accessible to students in disciplines other than electrical engineering.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119825857
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 724
Book Description
Biomedical Signal Analysis Comprehensive resource covering recent developments, applications of current interest, and advanced techniques for biomedical signal analysis Biomedical Signal Analysis provides extensive insight into digital signal processing techniques for filtering, identification, characterization, classification, and analysis of biomedical signals with the aim of computer-aided diagnosis, taking a unique approach by presenting case studies encountered in the authors’ research work. Each chapter begins with the statement of a biomedical signal problem, followed by a selection of real-life case studies and illustrations with the associated signals. Signal processing, modeling, or analysis techniques are then presented, starting with relatively simple “textbook” methods, followed by more sophisticated research-informed approaches. Each chapter concludes with solutions to practical applications. Illustrations of real-life biomedical signals and their derivatives are included throughout. The third edition expands on essential background material and advanced topics without altering the underlying pedagogical approach and philosophy of the successful first and second editions. The book is enhanced by a large number of study questions and laboratory exercises as well as an online repository with solutions to problems and data files for laboratory work and projects. Biomedical Signal Analysis provides theoretical and practical information on: The origin and characteristics of several biomedical signals Analysis of concurrent, coupled, and correlated processes, with applications in monitoring of sleep apnea Filtering for removal of artifacts, random noise, structured noise, and physiological interference in signals generated by stationary, nonstationary, and cyclostationary processes Detection and characterization of events, covering methods for QRS detection, identification of heart sounds, and detection of the dicrotic notch Analysis of waveshape and waveform complexity Interpretation and analysis of biomedical signals in the frequency domain Mathematical, electrical, mechanical, and physiological modeling of biomedical signals and systems Sophisticated analysis of nonstationary, multicomponent, and multisource signals using wavelets, time-frequency representations, signal decomposition, and dictionary-learning methods Pattern classification and computer-aided diagnosis Biomedical Signal Analysis is an ideal learning resource for senior undergraduate and graduate engineering students. Introductory sections on signals, systems, and transforms make this book accessible to students in disciplines other than electrical engineering.
Innovations in Biomedical Engineering
Author: Marek Gzik
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030991121
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
This book presents the latest developments in the field of biomedical engineering and includes practical solutions and strictly scientific considerations. The development of new methods of treatment, advanced diagnostics or personalized rehabilitation requires close cooperation of experts from many fields, including, among others, medicine, biotechnology and finally biomedical engineering. The latter, combining many fields of science, such as computer science, materials science, biomechanics, electronics not only enables the development and production of modern medical equipment, but also participates in the development of new directions and methods of treatment. The presented monograph is a collection of scientific papers on the use of engineering methods in medicine. The topics of the work include both practical solutions and strictly scientific considerations expanding knowledge about the functioning of the human body. We believe that the presented works will have an impact on the development of the field of science, which is biomedical engineering, constituting a contribution to the discussion on the directions of development of cooperation between doctors, physiotherapists and engineers. We would also like to thank all the people who contributed to the creation of this monograph—both the authors of all the works and those involved in technical works.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030991121
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
This book presents the latest developments in the field of biomedical engineering and includes practical solutions and strictly scientific considerations. The development of new methods of treatment, advanced diagnostics or personalized rehabilitation requires close cooperation of experts from many fields, including, among others, medicine, biotechnology and finally biomedical engineering. The latter, combining many fields of science, such as computer science, materials science, biomechanics, electronics not only enables the development and production of modern medical equipment, but also participates in the development of new directions and methods of treatment. The presented monograph is a collection of scientific papers on the use of engineering methods in medicine. The topics of the work include both practical solutions and strictly scientific considerations expanding knowledge about the functioning of the human body. We believe that the presented works will have an impact on the development of the field of science, which is biomedical engineering, constituting a contribution to the discussion on the directions of development of cooperation between doctors, physiotherapists and engineers. We would also like to thank all the people who contributed to the creation of this monograph—both the authors of all the works and those involved in technical works.
Signals and Systems for Speech and Hearing
Author: Stuart Rosen
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
This book introduces speech and hearing sciences students to the principles of "signal" and "system" analysis. Beginning with an examination of what signals and systems are, the book develops a thorough background from which many of the most important issues in speech and hearing can be tackled. Numerous illustrations.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
This book introduces speech and hearing sciences students to the principles of "signal" and "system" analysis. Beginning with an examination of what signals and systems are, the book develops a thorough background from which many of the most important issues in speech and hearing can be tackled. Numerous illustrations.
Professional Voice, Fourth Edition
Author: Robert Thayer Sataloff
Publisher: Plural Publishing
ISBN: 1597567108
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 2213
Book Description
The most comprehensive reference on voice care and science ever published! Substantially revised and updated since the previous edition published in 2005, Professional Voice: The Science and Art of Clinical Care, Fourth Edition provides the latest advances in the field of voice care and science. In three volumes, it covers basic science, clinical assessment, nonsurgical treatments, and surgical management. Twenty new chapters have been added. These include an in-depth chapter on pediatric voice disorders, chapters detailing how hormonal contraception, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid disorders affect the voice, as well as chapters on the evolution of technology in the voice care field, and advances in imaging of the voice production system. The appendices also have been updated. They include a summary of the phonetic alphabet in five languages, clinical history and examination forms, a special history form translated into 15 languages, sample reports from a clinical voice evaluation, voice therapy exercise lists, and others. The multidisciplinary glossary remains an invaluable resource. Key Features With contributions from a Who's Who of voice across multiple disciplines120 chapters covering all aspects of voice science and clinical careFeatures case examples plus practical appendices including multi-lingual forms and sample reports and exercise listsComprehensive indexMultidisciplinary glossary What's New Available in print or electronic format20 new chaptersExtensively revised and reorganized chaptersMany more color photographs, illustrations, and case examplesFully updated comprehensive glossaryMajor revisions with extensive new information and illustrations, especially on voice surgery, reflux, and structural abnormalities New Chapters 1. Formation of the Larynx: From Hox Genes to Critical Periods 2. High-Speed Digital Imaging 3. Evolution of Technology 4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Voice Production System 5. Pediatric Voice Disorders 6. The Vocal Effects of Thyroid Disorders and Their Treatment 7. The Effects of Hormonal Contraception on the Voice 8. Cough and the Unified Airway 9. Autoimmune Disorders 10. Respiratory Behaviors and Vocal Tract Issues in Wind Instrumentalists 11. Amateur and Professional Child Singers: Pedagogy and Related Issues 12. Safety of Laryngology Procedures Commonly Performed in the Office 13. The Professional Voice Practice 14. Medical-Legal Implications of Professional Voice Care 15. The Physician as Expert Witness 16. Laryngeal Neurophysiology 17. The Academic Practice of Medicine 18. Teamwork 19. Medical Evaluation Prior to Voice Lessons 20. Why Study Music? Intended Audiences Individuals While written primarily for physicians and surgeons, this comprehensive work is also designed to be used by (and written in language accessible to) speech-language pathologists, singing voice specialists, acting voice specialists, voice teachers, voice/singing performers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others involved in the care and maintenance of the human voice. Libraries It is a must-have reference for medical and academic libraries at institutions with otolaryngology, speech-language pathology, music, nursing and other programs related to the human voice.
Publisher: Plural Publishing
ISBN: 1597567108
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 2213
Book Description
The most comprehensive reference on voice care and science ever published! Substantially revised and updated since the previous edition published in 2005, Professional Voice: The Science and Art of Clinical Care, Fourth Edition provides the latest advances in the field of voice care and science. In three volumes, it covers basic science, clinical assessment, nonsurgical treatments, and surgical management. Twenty new chapters have been added. These include an in-depth chapter on pediatric voice disorders, chapters detailing how hormonal contraception, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid disorders affect the voice, as well as chapters on the evolution of technology in the voice care field, and advances in imaging of the voice production system. The appendices also have been updated. They include a summary of the phonetic alphabet in five languages, clinical history and examination forms, a special history form translated into 15 languages, sample reports from a clinical voice evaluation, voice therapy exercise lists, and others. The multidisciplinary glossary remains an invaluable resource. Key Features With contributions from a Who's Who of voice across multiple disciplines120 chapters covering all aspects of voice science and clinical careFeatures case examples plus practical appendices including multi-lingual forms and sample reports and exercise listsComprehensive indexMultidisciplinary glossary What's New Available in print or electronic format20 new chaptersExtensively revised and reorganized chaptersMany more color photographs, illustrations, and case examplesFully updated comprehensive glossaryMajor revisions with extensive new information and illustrations, especially on voice surgery, reflux, and structural abnormalities New Chapters 1. Formation of the Larynx: From Hox Genes to Critical Periods 2. High-Speed Digital Imaging 3. Evolution of Technology 4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Voice Production System 5. Pediatric Voice Disorders 6. The Vocal Effects of Thyroid Disorders and Their Treatment 7. The Effects of Hormonal Contraception on the Voice 8. Cough and the Unified Airway 9. Autoimmune Disorders 10. Respiratory Behaviors and Vocal Tract Issues in Wind Instrumentalists 11. Amateur and Professional Child Singers: Pedagogy and Related Issues 12. Safety of Laryngology Procedures Commonly Performed in the Office 13. The Professional Voice Practice 14. Medical-Legal Implications of Professional Voice Care 15. The Physician as Expert Witness 16. Laryngeal Neurophysiology 17. The Academic Practice of Medicine 18. Teamwork 19. Medical Evaluation Prior to Voice Lessons 20. Why Study Music? Intended Audiences Individuals While written primarily for physicians and surgeons, this comprehensive work is also designed to be used by (and written in language accessible to) speech-language pathologists, singing voice specialists, acting voice specialists, voice teachers, voice/singing performers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others involved in the care and maintenance of the human voice. Libraries It is a must-have reference for medical and academic libraries at institutions with otolaryngology, speech-language pathology, music, nursing and other programs related to the human voice.
Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies
Author: Ana Fred
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642117201
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
This book contains the best papers of the Second International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies (BIOSTEC 2009), organized by the Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information Control and Communi- tion (INSTICC), technically co-sponsored by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMB), IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (CAS) and the Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC), in cooperation with AAAI and ACM SIGART. The purpose of the International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering S- tems and Technologies is to bring together researchers and practitioners, including engineers, biologists, health professionals and informatics/computer scientists, int- ested in both theoretical advances and applications of information systems, artificial intelligence, signal processing, electronics and other engineering tools in knowledge areas related to biology and medicine. BIOSTEC is composed of three co-located conferences; each specializes in one of the aforementioned main knowledge areas, namely: • BIODEVICES (International Conference on Biomedical Electronics and - vices) focuses on aspects related to electronics and mechanical engineering, - pecially equipment and materials inspired from biological systems and/or - dressing biological requirements. Monitoring devices, instrumentation sensors and systems, biorobotics, micro-nanotechnologies and biomaterials are some of the technologies addressed at this conference.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642117201
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
This book contains the best papers of the Second International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies (BIOSTEC 2009), organized by the Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information Control and Communi- tion (INSTICC), technically co-sponsored by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMB), IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (CAS) and the Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC), in cooperation with AAAI and ACM SIGART. The purpose of the International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering S- tems and Technologies is to bring together researchers and practitioners, including engineers, biologists, health professionals and informatics/computer scientists, int- ested in both theoretical advances and applications of information systems, artificial intelligence, signal processing, electronics and other engineering tools in knowledge areas related to biology and medicine. BIOSTEC is composed of three co-located conferences; each specializes in one of the aforementioned main knowledge areas, namely: • BIODEVICES (International Conference on Biomedical Electronics and - vices) focuses on aspects related to electronics and mechanical engineering, - pecially equipment and materials inspired from biological systems and/or - dressing biological requirements. Monitoring devices, instrumentation sensors and systems, biorobotics, micro-nanotechnologies and biomaterials are some of the technologies addressed at this conference.
Information Technologies in Biomedicine, Volume 4
Author: Ewa Piętka
Publisher: Springer Science & Business
ISBN: 3319065963
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 419
Book Description
New computerized approaches to various problems have become critically important in healthcare. Computer assisted diagnosis has been extended towards a support of the clinical treatment. Mathematical information analysis, computer applications together with medical equipment and instruments have become standard tools underpinning the current rapid progress with developing Computational Intelligence. We are witnessing a radical change as technologies have been integrated into systems that address the core of medicine, including patient care in ambulatory and in-patient setting, disease prevention, health promotion, rehabilitation and home care. Computer aided diagnosis and treatment systems increase the objectivity of the analysis and speed up the response to pathological changes. This book presents a variety of state-of-the-art information technology and its applications to the networked environment to allow robust computerized approaches to be introduced throughout the healthcare enterprise. Patient's safety and shortening of the rehabilitation time requires a more rapid development of minimally invasive surgery supported by image navigation techniques. Home care, remote rehabilitation assistance, safety of the elderly requires new areas to be explored in telemedicine and telegeriatrics. This book is a great reference tool for scientists who deal with problems of designing and implementing processing tools employed in systems that assist clinicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business
ISBN: 3319065963
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 419
Book Description
New computerized approaches to various problems have become critically important in healthcare. Computer assisted diagnosis has been extended towards a support of the clinical treatment. Mathematical information analysis, computer applications together with medical equipment and instruments have become standard tools underpinning the current rapid progress with developing Computational Intelligence. We are witnessing a radical change as technologies have been integrated into systems that address the core of medicine, including patient care in ambulatory and in-patient setting, disease prevention, health promotion, rehabilitation and home care. Computer aided diagnosis and treatment systems increase the objectivity of the analysis and speed up the response to pathological changes. This book presents a variety of state-of-the-art information technology and its applications to the networked environment to allow robust computerized approaches to be introduced throughout the healthcare enterprise. Patient's safety and shortening of the rehabilitation time requires a more rapid development of minimally invasive surgery supported by image navigation techniques. Home care, remote rehabilitation assistance, safety of the elderly requires new areas to be explored in telemedicine and telegeriatrics. This book is a great reference tool for scientists who deal with problems of designing and implementing processing tools employed in systems that assist clinicians in patient diagnosis and treatment.