Abstract: A method of using an endoscopic system includes generating, by a light system, electromagnetic waves, the light system including a source of imaging light and a separate source of heating light; directing the electromagnetic waves from the light system to a window at a distal end of an endoscope; determining if the window of the endoscope is configured to allow a first portion of the electromagnetic waves to pass therethrough while absorbing a second portion of the electromagnetic waves in order to heat the window; allowing or not allowing activation of the source of heating light depending on if the window of the endoscope is determined to be configured to allow the first portion of the electromagnetic waves to pass therethrough while absorbing the second portion of the electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope in which an operation switch included in the endoscope can be sealed with an airtight structure having a simple structure. A cable (16) of an endoscope (10) has a skin (52) that covers an outer periphery of the cable (16), the skin (52) defines an airtight space (17) inside the cable (16), and an operation switch (50) is disposed in the airtight space (17).

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope having a lens, an actuator, and an endoscope memory, and a processor having a driving circuit and a processor memory and connected to the endoscope. The processor judges whether there is abnormality or not in at least one of the actuator or the driving circuit by using information on a signal transmitted from the driving circuit to the actuator, first judgement information read from the endoscope memory, and second judgement information read from the processor memory.

Abstract: An estimation device calculates a first perpendicular vector and a second perpendicular vector. The first perpendicular vector is a component of a vector in a movement of a first position, which is a provisional pivot position of a surgical tool, the component being perpendicular to a direction of an axis of the surgical tool. The second perpendicular vector is a component of a vector in a movement of a second position of the surgical tool, the component being perpendicular to the direction of the axis. Then, a first distance, which is a length from a reference point on a rear end side or a reference point on a front end side of the surgical tool to the first position, is updated based on an inner product of the first and second perpendicular vectors.

Abstract: Provided is a medical observation system that includes a first medical signal processing device including a first signal processing unit that acquires first image data corresponding to a result of image capturing of an affected part by a medical observation device and provides first signal processing to the first image data, and a second medical signal processing device including a second signal processing unit that acquires second image data corresponding to the result of image capturing from the first medical signal processing device through a predetermined network and provides second signal processing to the second image data. The second signal processing unit transmits information related to the second signal processing to the first medical signal processing device. The first signal processing unit controls the first signal processing based on the second signal processing.

Abstract: A washing appliance for efficient and through cleaning of medical devices and methods of using the appliance are disclosed. The appliance can clean exteriors of medical devices, and lumens of devices comprising a lumen such as cathlab devices.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and an image sensor is carried on the distal end of the shaft. A channel extends through at least a distal shaft portion and has a channel diameter, and a section of the channel is re-configurable between a constricted shape and a non-constricted shape to accommodate tools introduced therethrough. The combined diagonal dimension and channel diameter is usually greater than the outer shaft diameter. The image sensor may be connected to a connector on the housing by a first slack flex circuit and a lights source on the shaft may be connected to a connector on the housing by a second slack flex circuit.

Abstract: An insertion support system includes a state acquisition apparatus configured to acquire first information. The first information includes at least one of: a plurality of pieces of position information related to a plurality of positions of an insertion section to be inserted into an insertion target body; and a plurality of pieces of direction vector information in a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section. The insertion support system also includes a support information calculator configured to calculate second information related to a rotation quantity of the insertion section based on the first information, and an output section configured to output the second information.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a battery cell including first and second surfaces arranged at opposite sides and at which first and second electrodes are respectively located, and a side surface connecting the first and second surfaces to each other; a first circuit board arranged on the first surface and connected to the first electrode; a second circuit board arranged on the second surface; a first flexible line extending from a first side of the first circuit board to the second circuit board while surrounding a portion of the side surface of the battery cell; and a second flexible line extending from a second side of the first circuit board to the second surface of the battery cell while surrounding another portion of the side surface of the battery cell and connected to the second electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical instrument, configured to be used in conjunction with guided tools and devices under robotically controller medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters. In one embodiment, the steerable instrument includes an elongate body (100), a control wire (110) arranged in a channel (104) of the elongate body and displaceable along the channel to bend the elongate body; and a controller (320) to selectively control drive forces applied to the control wire (110) under an actively controlled mode and a passively controlled mode. In the actively controlled mode, the controller actively bends at least part of the elongate body. In the passively controlled mode, the controller (320) decreases an amount of strain or an amount of displacement of the control wire, so that the control wire becomes compliant to external forces.

Abstract: Method for leveraging battery residue energy and a capsule endoscope using the method are disclosed. The capsule endoscope is capable of performing one or more functions at a first throughput or a first peak current when the battery has sufficient energy. According to this method, whether the battery energy is sufficient is determined. Upon determining the battery energy being insufficient, at least one function of the one or more functions is performed at a second throughput lower than the first throughput, or at least one function of the one or more functions is switched to another function requiring a second peak current lower than the first peak current.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical microscope includes detecting a position of a user, and setting a rotation angle of a camera about its main axis such that it is between a first angle and a second angle. The first angle is the rotation angle required to display a first straight object as a vertical line, and the second angle is the rotation angle required to display a second straight object as a horizontal line. The first object extends along a first line arranged in a vertical plane containing a line connecting the position of the user with the field of view. The first line is horizontal and traverses the field of view. The second object extends along a second line traversing the field of view. The second line is horizontal and perpendicular to the first line.

Abstract: An in-scale display device is provided. The in-scale display device includes at least one flexible electronic display screen that is configured to display at least one reference image in-scale with a subject. A medical device position guidance system including the in-scale display device and an invasive medical device system, and a method of using the medical device position guidance system, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control method, system, electronic device and readable storage medium for a capsule endoscope. The method includes: providing a working apparatus, comprising a capsule endoscope, and an external data recorder for cooperating with and controlling the capsule endoscope; monitoring the received ambient power by the external data recorder before wireless transmission of the capsule endoscope or during an intermittence between two transmissions, and/or monitoring the output power of the capsule endoscope by the external data recorder as data is transmitted during wireless transmission; adjusting the operating state of the working apparatus according to the ambient power and/or output power.

Abstract: An endoscope and lens cleaning device assembly includes a tubular body, a visualization device including a lens, and a lens cleaning device. The visualization device is supported on a distal portion of the tubular body. The lens cleaning device is supported on the distal portion of the tubular body and includes an iris mechanism having a plurality of vanes. The vanes are movable between a first position in which the vanes are positioned radially outwardly of the lens of the visualization device and a second position in which the vanes cover the lens of the visualization device. Each of the vanes has a cleaning surface that is positioned to contact the lens of the visualization device as the vanes move between the first and second positions to clean the lens of the visualization device.

Abstract: A light source device includes: a first optical element that generates transmitted light obtained by removing a first wavelength band component from incident light and generates reflected light obtained by extracting the first wavelength band component from the incident light; a first light source that emits light that includes at least a component of the first wavelength band and that causes the light to be incident on the first optical element so as to be reflected light of the first optical element; a second light source that emits light so that light including a component of a wide second wavelength band including the first wavelength band to be transmitted light of the first optical element; and a control unit that controls driving of the first light source and the second light source. The control unit controls on/off of emission of the first and second light source emission light.

Abstract: An endoscope system for delivering a fluid to a patient and retrieving for diagnostic purposes from the patient a specimen. The system includes an endoscope, a fluid container containing a fluid, and a first specimen container for receiving a specimen. The endoscope system has a first user selectable state and a second user selectable state, where the endoscope system in the first user selectable state is configured to automatically deliver the fluid from the fluid container to the patient and in the second user selectable state is configured to automatically retrieve a specimen from the patient and provide the specimen to the first specimen container.

Abstract: A system for providing a generic query interface for industrial systems of different customers includes an interface configured to input customer queries of customer industrial systems. The system also includes a query processing unit that is configured to automatically perform a query decomposition of the input customer query into query parts based on a query reformulation model stored in a database of the system. For each decomposed query part, it is determined whether the decomposed query part is available in an application semantic model stored in the database of the system. Query parts not available in the application semantic model are automatically reformulated based on the query reformulation model, and a query recomposition of the query parts available in the application semantic model and the reformulated semantic query parts is automatically performed to generate a generic query applied to an application logic of the system to provide a query result.

Abstract: An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch for outputting a driving control signal to the motor, a container case containing the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position covering a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position, and a dummy switch provided in the switch case and configured to operate a remote switch arranged in the operation portion in the first position via the switch case.

Abstract: An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel configured to be engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch configured to output a driving control signal for the motor, a container case that contains the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, and a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position that covers a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position.

Abstract: A surgery assisting apparatus for controlling a posture of a first surgical tool to be inserted into a body cavity and mechanically driven, by using a second surgical tool to be inserted into the body cavity, comprises: a mode switch configured to switch a first mode and a second mode, the second surgical tool being used to control the first surgical tool in the second mode; one or more sensors configured to measure an angle and depth of insertion of a shaft of the second surgical tool into the body cavity; and at least one memory and at least one processor which function as a computing unit configured to determine a target position of a control point that is a point for specifying the posture of the first surgical tool in order to control the posture of the first surgical tool.

Abstract: In an imaging system according to an embodiment, a camera unit and an information-processing unit are connected to each other by differential-signal transmission lines. The camera unit includes a solid-state imaging device and an output driver. The solid-state imaging device is configured to operate on the basis of a power source voltage higher than a substrate voltage and generate imaging data. The output driver is configured to output a differential signal of the imaging data to the differential-signal transmission lines. The information-processing unit includes a voltage generator and a de-emphasis circuit. The voltage generator is configured to generate a reference voltage higher than the substrate voltage and lower than the power source voltage. The de-emphasis circuit is configured to control an amplitude of the differential signal by using the substrate voltage and the reference voltage.

Abstract: A bending operation device includes a bending operation lever, a wire pulling member, bending operation wires, and tubular members. The bending operation lever is tiltably supported to have an angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of an operation unit of an endoscope. The wire pulling member includes arm portions displaced in conjunction with tilt motion of the bending operation lever. The bending operation wires are connected to the arm portions. The bending operation wires cause bending motion of a bendable part disposed in an insertion section of the endoscope. A respective one of bending operation wires is inserted in each of the tubular members. The tubular members (i) change extension directions of the plurality of bending operation wires and (ii) guide the plurality of bending operation wires to the plurality of arm portions.

Abstract: A medical device may include a plurality of links reciprocally movable between a loose configuration having a first rigidity and a compact configuration having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity, wherein application of a force to a distalmost link of the plurality of links when the plurality of links are in the loose configuration causes the plurality of links to change orientation relative to one another, and application of the force to the distalmost link when the plurality of links are in the compact configuration does not cause the plurality of links to change orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided. The endoscope system includes an insert tube and a handle. The insert tube includes a first connector, a first controller, a first parameter and an insert-tube data. The first parameter and the insert-tube data are corresponding to each other. The handle includes a second connector and a second controller. The second connector electronically connects to the first connector, and the second controller receives and accords to the first parameter to generate at least one first control signal to the first controller to control the insert tube.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for fluorescence imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: A motor assembly and method of operating the motor assembly include a motor, a memory to store calibrated parameters of the motor, and electronics coupled to the memory and the motor. The electronics are configured to retrieve the calibrated parameters from the memory, provide the calibrated parameters to an external system, and receive control signals for driving the motor from the external system. The control signals are based on the calibrated parameters. The calibrated parameters include a motor speed versus no-load current relationship for the motor determined by a procedure that includes performing an initial calibration of the motor, wearing in the motor after performing the initial calibration, performing a final calibration of the motor after wearing in the motor, and storing the calibrated parameters in the memory based on the initial calibration and the final calibration.

Abstract: A surgical port assembly for use with surgical instruments includes a body including an exterior surface and an interior space defined by an interior surface of the body. The surgical port assembly includes a control interface including a plurality of drive members coupled to the body and controllable to apply a force to a different portion of a shaft of an surgical instrument, when the shaft is disposed within the interior space, to move a distal portion of the surgical instrument to a desired position within a body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a dynamic preload tension feature for a tensioning element that actuates a distal end component of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a chassis at a proximal end of the surgical instrument, drive components mounted in the chassis, a distal end component at a distal end of the surgical instrument, a flexible tensioning element coupled between a first of the drive components and the distal end component, and a dynamic preload tensioner mounted in the chassis and coupled to a second of the drive components. The flexible tensioning element extends along a path. The dynamic preload tensioner is configured to be driven by the second of the drive components to be moved relative to the chassis and is positioned to change the path of the flexible tensioning element as the dynamic preload tensioner moves relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an elongated insertion portion, a self-propelling mechanism configured to be rotatably driven to advance and retract the insertion portion, and a motor configured to supply a drive force to the self-propelling mechanism. A control apparatus for the endoscope apparatus includes a current controller configured to supply a motor current to the motor to control driving of the motor, a motor current detector configured to detect a value of the motor current, a motor current change amount detector configured to detect an amount of change in the value of the motor current, and a limit controller configured to stop a supply of the motor current by the current controller according to the amount of change.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided. The video imaging system is configured to maintain a video image displayed on a display unit in a predetermined orientation based upon a use. The video imaging system includes an endoscope, a camera head unit, a camera control unit configured to determine a focal distance, and a display control unit. The display control unit is configured to process the focal distance to determine a use. The use is processed by the display control unit so as to maintain the video image in the predetermined orientation. The contextual information may be focal distance, image data or endoscopic orientation.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope system capable of maintaining a constant light amount ratio for each wavelength of light emitted from an endoscope. The endoscope system has: an endoscope that has a light guide; two or more light sources that supply light to the light guide and have different main wavelengths; a light source driving unit that supplies a driving signal to each of the light sources; a light source control unit that makes the light source driving unit generate a driving signal corresponding to the light amount setting value; and a light source information storage unit that stores information of the main wavelength. The endoscope has a scope information storage unit that stores information of a scope type.

Abstract: A medical light source device includes: a light emitting element; and a processor comprising hardware. The processor is configured to: determine a light source control value; and control the light emitting element to emit light with a light emission amount according to the light source control value by controlling at least one of a supply time of a current and a current value that are supplied to the light emitting element. The processor is further configured to: turn off the light emitting element in the readout period, when the light source control value decreases from a first value to a second value; and turn on the light emitting element in the readout period, when the light source control value increases from a third value, different from the second value, to a fourth value.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes a brightness aperture configured to determine a brightness of an observation optical system and a light shielding aperture, and the light shielding aperture is configured to block some of predetermined light fluxes that pass through the brightness aperture when a movable lens frame moves toward a telephoto side.

Abstract: A motorized surgical system includes at least one support positionable within a sterile field in proximity to a patient positioned on a surgical table. An instrument driver is carried by the support and includes a steerable distal end positionable in a body cavity. A user input device is carried by the support and is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of a portion of the user input device by a user. One or more steering motors are operably coupled to the instrument driver and are operable to deflect the steerable distal end of the instrument driver in response to the movement signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved control feedback of medical scopes. Buttons on a scope include both touch sensors and button press sensors. The touch sensors activate independently of a button press when a mere touch is applied to the button, causing a function indication to be displayed, preferably on the scope video display, showing which function will activate if the button is pressed. Touch indications may also be displayed identifying the button that is pressed. The buttons may be reconfigured along with the function and touch indications. Such a feedback scheme allows improved operation and safety as the operator does not need to look away from the display to identify a button to be pressed.

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing device includes: receiving image data of a user transmitted by an endoscope, storing and splicing to obtain spliced image data; determining the block corresponding to the spliced image data, determine the position of the block in the stored three-dimensional image contour of the user, reconstructing the spliced image data at the corresponding determined position in the three-dimensional image contour of the user to obtain reconstructed three-dimensional image data and update the currently stored three-dimensional image model of the user, according to the stored three-dimensional image frame database; and displaying the updated three-dimensional image model of the user. The three-dimensional image of the oral cavity can be reconstructed without continuous and orderly scanning of the oral cavity, the dynamic display can be performed, the user interaction effect can be improved, and the self-service three-dimensional true color model selection can be supported.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing remote traction to tissue may include a grasper and a control element. The grasper may have a first jaw, a second jaw, a main body, and a first magnetic element. The control element may include a second magnetic element. The first and second magnetic elements may attract the grasper to the control element such that the grasper is oriented parallel, perpendicularly, or at an angle between parallel and perpendicular with respect to the control element and/or a body. In some instances, the grasper may include first and second magnetic elements and the control element may include third and fourth magnetic elements.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by employing bi-directional pads used for both image data issuance and configuration command reception and internal supply voltage generation, for reducing the number of conductors in an endoscope system.

Abstract: A control unit attachable to a flexible endoscope having a shaft deflectable via two rotatable knobs is provided. The control unit includes a user interface including a first interface being mounted on a pivotal support attached to a housing of the control unit, the first interface being engageable by a palm of a hand. The control unit further includes a drive unit operable via the user interface, the drive unit including a first drive mechanism for engaging the two rotatable knobs thereby allowing a user to control deflection of the shaft of the endoscope via the first interface.

Abstract: An image processing device for an endoscope in which an operation of bending a distal end portion only within one endoscope bending plane including an axis of the distal end portion is allowed, the image processing device having a processor configured to acquire information of a course along which the endoscope travels in the luminal structure, the course being set based on a three-dimensional image indicating the luminal structure, and calculate a first rotation angle of the endoscope at a first branch in the course, the first rotation angle being an angle to match the one endoscope bending plane where the distal end portion is allowed to bend with a plane of the first branch, by a operation of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical maneuvering system, in which movement of a moving element is used to control a surgical device such as a surgical tool or an endoscope. The moving element can be a tool or a portion of an operator's body. The relationship between the moving element and the surgical device can be any of: motion of a moving element controlling motion of a surgical device, motion of a moving element controlling an action of a surgical device, a command of a moving element controlling motion of a surgical device, or a command of a moving element controlling an action of the device. Commands are typically arbitrary movements such as shaking a tool. Actions are changes in a surgical device that do not change its overall position, such as closing a grasper.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a display, and a control circuit coupled to the motor and the display. The control circuit is configured to measure distance traveled by the displacement member over a predetermined period of time, cause the display to present a selection menu indicia that is indicative of a velocity mode, receive a user input corresponding to the velocity mode, and set the motor velocity of the displacement member based on the measured distance traveled by the displacement member over the predetermined period of time and the user input.

Abstract: Medical software tools platform utilizes a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist those in the operating room, such as a surgeon or surgical team, with a surgery. For various embodiments, the medical software tools platform and its associated medical software tools are presented on a surgical display (e.g., being utilized in an operating room) over an image stream provided by a surgical camera (e.g., in use in the operating room or with other endoscopic procedures). Various medical software tools can provide features and functions that can facilitate integration of equipment in an operating room or add medical context awareness to anatomic structures presented in the image stream from the surgical camera and provide archived information pertaining to the same.

Abstract: A video processor receives first and second images respectively acquired by an endoscope at first and second timings before and after a predetermined function is applied to a subject, generates first and second correction images respectively using first and second images, generates first and second post-correction images respectively obtained by causing the first and second correction images to act on the first and second images, extracts color components in the second post-correction image to find first and second distribution characteristic values, and calculates a degree of change of the second distribution characteristic value from the first distribution characteristic value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and tools for tool tracking using image-derived data from one or more tool-located references features. In some embodiments, a medical system includes a tool having a distal end that is insertable into a patient body, an image capture device insertable into the patient body so that the image capture device captures an image of at least a portion of a two-dimensional marker at least partially surrounding a portion of the tool, and a processor coupled to the image capture device and configured to determine a pose of the tool by processing the image.

Abstract: Featured is a medical instrument driver, a robotic apparatus embodying such a medical instrument driver and methods related thereto for inserting a medical instrument into tissue of a mammal (e.g., human). Such medical instruments include medical needles, biopsy needles, trocars, cutters and introducers. Such a medical instrument driver according to the present invention is configured and arranged so that medical instrument is rotated as it is being moved longitudinally for insertion into the tissue such that the medical instrument is spiraling as it pierces and traverses the tissue to the target area.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a mechanical arm, an endoscope and a control unit. The endoscope is held by the mechanical arm, and is configured to capture an image. The control unit is electrically connected to the mechanical arm and the endoscope, and is configured to receive and process the image captured by the endoscope, to determine whether the image has at least two specific instruments that are arranged in a specific configuration, and to drive the mechanical arm to move the endoscope when the determination is affirmative.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning with a reference target includes a computer-assisted device. The computer-assisted device includes a link, one or more first joints coupled proximally to the link, an articulated arm comprising one or more second joints coupled distally to the link, the articulated arm configured to couple to an instrument, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to position or orient the link, using the one or more first joints, based on at least one reference of the instrument selected from the group consisting of a reference point associated with the instrument and a reference orientation of the instrument. The control unit is further configured to maintain, while positioning or orienting the link and by using the one or more second joints, a position or an orientation of the instrument relative to a workspace in accordance with the at least one reference of the instrument.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable distribution box has an interface compartment for interfacing a first set of fibers when routed inside the compartment, with a second set of fibers associated with a fiber optic cable that is routed to the box. A drum region is disposed beneath the interface compartment. The drum region includes a cylindrical wall for supporting a fiber optic cable wound about the wall. The drum region is formed so that the box can turn about the axis of the cylindrical wall when a cable is paid out from the drum region. The interface compartment and the drum region are constructed so that the first set of fibers inside the interface compartment, originate from an inside end portion of the cable wound on the drum region.