Abstract: An image sensing device and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensing device comprises an image sensing array, multiple analog-to-digital converters, a multiplexer, a write controller, a memory, and a read controller. Each of pixel capturing areas of the image sensing array acquires multiple analog pixel data sequentially at the same time. Each of the analog-to-digital converters converts these analog pixel data into multiple digital pixel data. The write controller receives the digital pixel data generated by the analog-to-digital converters from the multiplexer, and writes the digital pixel data to the memory according to a first pixel arrangement of the digital pixel data. The read controller reads the digital pixel data from the memory according to a second pixel arrangement related to the video format, thereby generating a video signal of the video format.

Abstract: An image sensor including a semiconductor substrate, micro-lenses, color filters, an interconnection structure and a reflecting layer is provided. The semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and includes sensing pixels each including photosensitive elements. The micro-lenses are located over the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. The color filters are located between the semiconductor substrate and the micro-lenses. The interconnection structure is located over the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and is electrically coupled to the photosensitive elements. The reflecting layer is located between the interconnection structure and the photosensitive elements and is configured to reflect all or a portion of light passing through the photosensitive elements back to the photosensitive elements.

Abstract: An image sensing device and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensing device comprises an image sensing array, multiple analog-to-digital converters, a multiplexer, a write controller, a memory, and a read controller. Each of pixel capturing areas of the image sensing array acquires multiple analog pixel data sequentially at the same time. Each of the analog-to-digital converters converts these analog pixel data into multiple digital pixel data. The write controller receives the digital pixel data generated by the analog-to-digital converters from the multiplexer, and writes the digital pixel data to the memory according to a first pixel arrangement of the digital pixel data. The read controller reads the digital pixel data from the memory according to a second pixel arrangement related to the video format, thereby generating a video signal of the video format.

Abstract: An image sensing device and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensing device includes an image sensing array, multiple first signal converters, and multiple first image processing apparatuses. The image sensing array is partitioned into at least two or more first pixel capturing areas, and each of the first pixel capturing areas is compliant with a resolution of an SDTV format. Each of the first signal converters receives an analog image signal from a corresponding first pixel capturing area, converts the analog image signal from an analog format to a digital format to generate a first digital image signal, and converts the first digital image signal from an parallel format to a serial format. Each of the image processing apparatuses is configured to convert the first digital image signal in the serial format of a corresponding first signal converter to a video signal in a specific video format.

Abstract: An image transmission method and a system thereof and an image transmission apparatus are provided. The method includes: determining an estimated distortion area of at least one first image; zooming out the first image to generate a second image according to the estimated distortion area; adding the estimated distortion area around the second image to generate a transmission image and filling a transmission pattern in the estimated distortion area of the transmission image, wherein a resolution of the transmission image is equal to that of the first image; and transmitting the transmission image through at least one channel.

Abstract: An image transmission method and a system thereof and an image transmission apparatus are provided. The method includes: determining an estimated distortion area of at least one first image; zooming out the first image to generate a second image according to the estimated distortion area; adding the estimated distortion area around the second image to generate a transmission image and filling a transmission pattern in the estimated distortion area of the transmission image, wherein a resolution of the transmission image is equal to that of the first image; and transmitting the transmission image through at least one channel.

Abstract: An image sensing device and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensing device includes an image sensing array, multiple first signal converters, and multiple first image processing apparatuses. The image sensing array is partitioned into at least two or more first pixel capturing areas, and each of the first pixel capturing areas is compliant with a resolution of an SDTV format. Each of the first signal converters receives an analog image signal from a corresponding first pixel capturing area, converts the analog image signal from an analog format to a digital format to generate a first digital image signal, and converts the first digital image signal from an parallel format to a serial format. Each of the image processing apparatuses is configured to convert the first digital image signal in the serial format of a corresponding first signal converter to a video signal in a specific video format.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more foreign substances in one or more containers filled with liquid, comprising of: transporting the containers filled with liquid in a substantially straight line at relatively high speed in a production environment; —illuminating each container with content with one or more fixedly disposed light sources; and —inspecting the container with content from preferably two or more different orientations using two or more cameras, wherein cameras and lighting are disposed substantially fixedly relative to each other, while the cameras and light sources are mutually connected such that in a short time two or more images of a container filled with liquid can be recorded with mutually differing illumination and/or angle of incidence; —comparing the foreign substances in the two or more images; and —wherein a container filled with liquid is rejected on the basis of the probability distribution obtained from the comparisons, wherein above a determined probability it is concluded that the

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more foreign substances in one or more containers filled with liquid, comprising of: transporting the containers filled with liquid in a substantially straight line at relatively high speed in a production environment; —illuminating each container with content with one or more fixedly disposed light sources; and —inspecting the container with content from preferably two or more different orientations using two or more cameras, wherein cameras and lighting are disposed substantially fixedly relative to each other, while the cameras and light sources are mutually connected such that in a short time two or more images of a container filled with liquid can be recorded with mutually differing illumination and/or angle of incidence; —comparing the foreign substances in the two or more images; and —wherein a container filled with liquid is rejected on the basis of the probability distribution obtained from the comparisons, wherein above a determined probability it is concluded that the

Abstract: Scleral implants are provided having structure that locks the implant into incisions in the sclera and provide a stress thereto. In several embodiments, such structure includes a foot that extends laterally from a bottom of the implant, as well as an opening through which suture may be passed. Furthermore, the foot of the implant may be contoured to conform to the natural curvature of the sclera. In other embodiments, the implant is generally disc-shaped and includes a tab and a suture opening. With this implant, one or two pockets are defined in the sclera, preferably at eleven o'clock and/or one o'clock, the implant is placed therein, and the pocket incision may be closed with suture. The implant may also include a system for measuring and transmitting the intraocular pressure. With all the implants, the eye pressure is increased and/or the sclera is lifted to treat a disorder of the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for treating animals, such as humans and dogs, with primary glaucoma by draining or diverting aqueous humor extraocularly comprising a shunt implant wherein the length and tubing of the shunt ensure fluid flow from the eye directly into the frontal sinus cavity via tubing. The device has crossbeam aids in anchoring the device; four slit valves to control fluid flow at required volume; and bulb that anchors in the frontal sinus cavity. The device is preferably made of medical grade radiopaque silicone rubber, and is flexible. Other improvements and a method for implanting the device are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Scleral implants are provided having structure that locks the implant into incisions in the sclera and provide a stress thereto. In several embodiments, such structure includes an upstanding rib that registers the implant within a scleral incision. The implant also includes an upper convex contour and a lower flatter surface. When implanted, the implant operates to increase the eye pressure and/or provide volumetric expansion of the eye to treat a disorder of the eye.

Abstract: A punctum plug generally includes a shaft and a head at a proximal end of the shaft. The shaft is provided with at least one circumferentially radiating flexible anchoring arm of varying radial extension at at least two locations along its length which is adapted to secure the punctum plug within the punctum of a wearer. The head has a concave proximal surface and a distal surface which tapers toward the shaft. A diameter of the head is substantially larger than a diameter of the shaft. According to a first embodiment of the invention, a plurality of anchoring arms in the form of symmetric circumferential rings are spaced a distance apart along a length of the shaft and define spaces therebetween. One or more of the rings has a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the head of the plug, and different rings preferably have different diameters.

Abstract: A monocanalicular stent includes a plug and a tubing molded with or coupled to the plug portion at an angle. The plug portion preferably includes a body portion, a neck portion, and a head portion. The tubing extends substantially longer than the plug portion. A delivery stylet is also provided and extends into a pathway of the tubing and provides a device by which the physician may handle the stent and insert it into the canaliculus. The tubing portion may be cut to length and closed. The stylet is then maneuvered to deliver the stent into a dilated punctal opening and then advanced through the canaliculus until the position of the plug portion is immediately above the punctal opening. The stylet is then removed, and the plug portion is then manipulated into the punctal opening until the head portion is flush with the surface of the punctal opening.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a lacrimal punctum plug and a method of manufacturing the instrument. A body having an insertion portion, a flexible portion, and a handle portion is molded around a shaft. Deforming the flexible portion reduces the effective length of the shaft to draw the shaft into the instrument. A plug supported on the shaft is released when the shaft is withdrawn. Finger pads on the flexible portion properly position fingers of medical personnel using the instrument.

Abstract: A canalicular plug includes a throughbore provided with a valve. Preferably, the plug has a proximal occluding head, a central shaft and a distal body portion. The throughbore is preferably stepped and includes a large proximal portion for receiving an insertion tool and a smaller distal portion. The valve is preferably integrally molded with the canalicular plug, and the plug is preferably made from a resilient biocompatible material. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the distal body portion includes at least one slot dividing the distal portion into a plurality of resilient portions which are biased apart and coupled by a foldable curtain portion extending between the resilient portions. The resilient portions are inwardly compressible about the slot. When compressed together, the distal ends of the resilient portions together form a generally conical or frustoconical shape which facilitates insertion through the punctal opening.

Abstract: The collagen forceps includes two elongate members coupled at a proximal live hinge. The elongate members are each provided with a knurled finger pad ergonomically contoured to stably receive a finger or thumb of a physician, and a manipulation tip having an interior collagen rod gripping surfaces. The manipulation tip of the collagen forceps includes two gripping channels preferably oriented substantially orthoganally relative to each other. In addition, the manipulation tip is preferably angled relative to an axis of the collagen forceps. The proximal end of the forceps includes a shaft which is also preferably angled relative to the axis, and thereby facilitates grip and balance of the collagen forceps in the hand of the physician.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a distal body, and a thin-walled flexible shaft between the head and the body. The thin wall of the shaft of the plug is preferably provided with accordion-like folds, thereby permitting the length of the shaft to vary depending upon the degree to which the accordion-like folds are folded or unfolded. In addition, the accordion-like folds permit the thin wall of the shaft to easily bend, permitting the head and body of the plug to lie along different axes. As a result, the plug is shaped to accommodate both relatively long and short vertical puncta and the body of the plug may be angled relative to the head to accommodate a variety of anatomical structures. According to another aspect of the invention, the body of the plug may be provided with a thread which rotationally guides the plug into the small punctal opening when insertional and rotational forces are applied to the plug. As a result, a relatively larger body size may be used.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a distal body, and a shaft between the head and the body. The head and shaft are provided with a bore to facilitate insertion of the plug through the punctal opening with an insertion tool. According to one aspect of the invention, the head is provided with a lower portion having a frustoconical shape which, in situ, reduces the external profile of the head, without sacrificing the thickness of the head. Preferably, the head includes peripheral upper and lower surfaces which are both non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a more central upper surface which is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. According to a second aspect of the invention, the head has an oblong cross-section such that long and short lateral dimensions are defined across the head. According to a third aspect of the invention, at least a proximal portion of the shaft is provided with an oblong cross-section.

Abstract: An MRI contrast medium of improved safety and efficacy is disclosed. The composition includes a source of calcium ions and a source of manganese ions in a ratio of from 2:1 to 40:1 in a vehicle suitable for parenteral administration. A method of enhancing an MRI signal in a mammalian tissue with the foregoing composition is also provided.