Abstract: A method of monitoring an object during a medical process includes: using one or more cameras to obtain information regarding an actual three dimensional configuration of an object involved in a medical process; obtaining a three-dimensional model of the object representing a geometry of the object; obtaining a movement model of the object; and processing the information, the three-dimensional model, and the movement model to monitor the object during the medical process, wherein the act of processing is performed using a processing unit.

Abstract: The disclosed calibration method includes a calibration phantom positioned on an adjustable table on the surface of a mechanical couch, with the phantom's center at an estimated location for the iso-center of a radio therapy treatment apparatus. The calibration phantom is then irradiated using the apparatus, and the relative location of the center of the calibration phantom and the iso-center of the apparatus is determined by analyzing images of the irradiation of the calibration phantom. The calibration phantom is then repositioned by the mechanical couch applying an offset corresponding to the determined relative location of the center of the calibration phantom and the iso-center of the apparatus to the calibration phantom. Images of the relocated calibration phantom are obtained, to which the offset has been applied, and the obtained images are processed to set the co-ordinate system of a stereoscopic camera system relative to the iso-center of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a detection unit that detects a position and an orientation of a real object with respect to a viewpoint of a user; a determination unit that determines whether the user is holding the real object; and a display control unit that displays a virtual object corresponding to the real object based on the position and the orientation of the real object. When the user is not holding the real object, the display control unit displays the virtual object in a first form in which a shape of the real object can be visually recognized. When the user is holding the real object, the display control unit displays the virtual object in a second form in which the shape of the real object on which the virtual object is superimposed cannot be visually recognized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate obtaining two dimensional (2D) ultrasound images, using two or more ultrasound imaging modes or modalities, to generate 2D multi-parametric ultrasound (mpUS) images and/or to generate a three-dimensional (3D) mpUS image. The different ultrasound imaging modes acquire images in a common frame of reference during a single procedure to facilitate their registration. The mpUS images (i.e., 2D or 3D) may be used for enhanced detection of suspicious regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of partial surface models from volumetric datasets for subsequent registration of such partial surface models to surface topology datasets. Specifically, given an object that is imaged using surface topology imaging and another volumetric modality, the volumetric dataset is processed in combination with an approach viewpoint to generate one or more partial surfaces of the object that will be visible to the surface topology imaging system. This procedure can eliminate internal structures from the surfaces generated from volumetric datasets, thus increases the similarity of the dataset between the two different modalities, enabling improved and quicker registration.

Abstract: A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance.

Abstract: A sound collecting device includes a microphone array having unit holders each of which a microphone unit is attached to. Connection of connecting portions formed on the holders to each other causes a directional axis of each microphone unit to be directed outward from a face of a regular polyhedron. The sound collecting devices further includes a frame disposed outside the microphone array so as to surround the microphone array and an even number of ring-shaped elastic bodies that connect a part of the frame and the connected holders at a plurality of positions such that the microphone array is positioned at a central portion of the frame, wherein a half of the even number of elastic bodies are connected twistedly in one direction from the frame toward the microphone array, and another half elastic bodies are connected twistedly in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for positioning a surgical device, said surgical device comprising: a base (1) designed to be held in a user's hand, an end-effector (2) for mounting a surgical tool, respectively a guide (20) for guiding a surgical tool (3), said surgical tool being designed to treat a planned volume of a part (P1) of a patient's body, an actuation unit (4) connected to said base (1) and said end-effector (2) for moving said surgical tool (3), respectively tool guide (20), with respect to the base (1) in order to treat said planned volume, said positioning system comprising: (i) a tracking unit (200) configured to determine in real time the pose of at least one of the tool (3), the end-effector (2) and the base (1) with respect to the part to be treated, (ii) a control unit (300) configured to: (a) compute in real time the working space of the surgical tool for said determined pose, (b) compute in real time the volume that remains to be treated to achieve the treatment of the planned v

Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

Abstract: A medical data processing method of determining a spatial relationship between a marker device (1, 1?, 1?, 20) and a resection plane (50, 120) associated with an anatomical structure (5, 12) of a patient's body, the marker device (1, 1?, 1?, 20) being video-detectable by an imaging unit (6), the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring imaging unit position data describing a predetermined spatial relationship between the imaging unit (6) and the resection plane; b) acquiring marker device position data describing a spatial relationship between the marker device (1, 1?, 1?, 20) and the imaging unit (6) based on imaging the marker device (1, 1?, 1?, 20) with the imaging unit (6) in order to generate an orientation-dependent image appearance of the marker device (1, 1?, 1?, 20); c) determining, based on the imaging unit position data acquired in step a) and the marker device position data acquired in step b) and based on the orientation-dependent imag

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for locating the parathyroid. In one aspect, temporal variation among a plurality of images is evaluated and at least one image is enhanced according to the temporal variation. The image may be enhanced to one or both of reduce conspicuity of the thyroid gland and enhance conspicuity of the parathyroid gland. Some of the plurality of images may be adjusted in order to align representations of a target portions. Adjustments may be based locations of one or more organs or one or more artificial markers affixed to a living body in the plurality of images. A local positioning system (LPS), GPS, or other locating system may be used to position a living body, align the plurality of images, or to guide the positioning of objects relative to the living body. An elastomeric gel marker for imaging applications is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for visually assisting the alignment of a medical instrument, wherein the instrument is visually displayed on an image output in a positional relationship to a part of a patient's body by means of a medical navigation system, wherein an orientation aid is displayed as a virtual model shape at the instrument or in a particular positioning with respect to a characteristic part of the instrument. It also relates to a planning method for optimized instrument alignment with the aid of such an image assisting method.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes: a display region candidate deciding unit that decides a candidate region of an additional image which shields part of a main image of a three-dimensional image on a screen; a depth suitability determination unit that determines whether a difference in depth between the main image and the additional image is within a tolerance range; an image compositing unit that superimposes the additional image upon the candidate region on the main image, and displays the composited image; and a possibly-unsuitable region deciding unit that decides, in the main image, a first region that may protrude to a near side beyond a predetermined depth range, and a second region that may recess to a far side beyond a predetermined depth range. The display region candidate deciding unit further decides a candidate region to shield the first and second regions.

Abstract: An indoor navigation method is provided and includes: providing a retro-reflective marker on an upper boundary; providing an autonomous vehicle capable having a light source and an image capturing device; emitting light toward the retro-reflective marker; capturing a target image frame including at least a part of the upper boundary and the retro-reflective marker lightened; capturing a background image frame including the part of the upper boundary and the retro-reflective marker not lightened; aligning the target image frame and the background image frame by a digital image processor; subtracting the target image frame and the background image frame for extracting a foreground image indicating the position of the retro-reflective marker; adjusting the autonomous vehicle to be aligned to the retro-reflective marker according to the foreground image by a central processor installed in the autonomous vehicle; and traveling the autonomous vehicle along the retro-reflective marker according to the foreground ima

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a number of sample container carriers adapted to move autonomously and to communicate with each other and with a central control unit.

Abstract: The marker has thereon one three-dimensional indicator 3. Based on the location and height of the three-dimensional indicator 3 relative to the plane indicator 2 as well as the estimated position of the camera relative to the marker, the center positions of the upper face and the lower face of the three-dimensional indicator 3 on the image of the camera are estimated. The estimated center position of the upper face of the three-dimensional indicator 3 is compared with that detected from the image. When the error between them has a value equal to or higher than a predetermined value, based on the posture estimated, a rotational transformation is carried out.

Abstract: The therapeutic method of an arthroscopic surgery method for osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral lesion of a talus of the embodiment carries out the cutting treatment safely, without being able to avoid non-treatment target region, being able to reach a treatment target region and doing damage to any peripheral tissues, when performing a treatment since an ultrasonic treatment device is used.

Abstract: An information processing device displays a marker serving as a sign for a display area, to the display area. An AR device detects the marker from a photographic image showing the information processing device, and selects the display area of the information processing device from the photographic image based on the detected marker. The AR device displays an AR image by superimposing an information illustration over the photographic image to avoid the display area of the information processing device. AR is an abbreviation of augmented reality.

Abstract: A method and system useful for planning a dental restorative procedure of a patient and for producing at least one dental restoration or product related thereto to be used in the dental restorative procedure are disclosed. Input data from different sources, e.g. 3D data from a CT scan of a patient with a dental impression tray including a previously prepared dental impression of the patient in the patient's mouth, is matched with data from a high resolution 3D scan of the same dental impression. The resulting data is for instance matched by fiducial markers arranged at the dental impression tray.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fiducial marker—fiducial detector based treatment room position determination/positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. A set of fiducial markers and fiducial detectors are used to mark/determine relative position of static and/or moveable objects in a treatment room using photons passing from the markers to the detectors. Further, position and orientation of at least one of the objects is calibrated to a reference line, such as a zero-offset beam treatment line passing through an exit nozzle, which yields a relative position of each fiducially marked object in the treatment room. Treatment calculations are subsequently determined using the reference line and/or points thereon. The treatment calculations are optionally and preferably performed without use of an isocenter point, such as a central point about which a treatment room gantry rotates, which eliminates mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point being an isocenter volume in practice.

Abstract: A method and system for performing invasive procedures includes a surgical robot which is controlled by a guidance system that uses time of flight calculations from RF transmitters embedded in the robot, surgical instrument, and patient anatomy. Sensors around the room detect RF transmissions emitted by the RF transmitters and drive the robot according to a preprogrammed trajectory entered into the guidance system.

Abstract: An example method of generating three-dimensional visual objects representing a person based on two-dimensional images of at least a part of the person's body may include receiving a first polygonal mesh representing a human body part, wherein the first polygonal mesh is compliant with a target application topology. The example method may further include receiving a second polygonal mesh representing the human body part, wherein the second polygonal mesh is derived from a plurality of images of a person. The example method may further include modifying at least one of the first polygonal mesh or the second polygonal mesh to optimize a value of a metric reflecting a difference between the first polygonal mesh and the second polygonal mesh.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical tracking system comprising at least one sensor device which can be positioned in a fixed position relative to a target, the sensor device comprising a marker device and a marker device detector, the marker device detector being capable of obtaining information for determining a relative position between the marker device detector and another marker device, the system further comprising a control unit configured to process a medical navigation workflow and to select the function of the sensor device as either acting as a marker device detector or as a marker device in a step of the medical navigation workflow.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided. The medical navigation system includes a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a wireless communication component and a display for displaying an image. The medical navigation system further includes a sensor module attached to a medical device. The sensor module includes a housing for housing components of the sensor module and for attaching to the medical device, a processor housed in the housing, a memory coupled to the processor, a wireless communication component coupled to the processor, a battery coupled to the processor, and a sensor coupled to the processor. The sensor generates a signal to be transmitted wirelessly via the sensor module wireless communication component and receivable by the computing device wireless communication component, the signal representing movement of the medical device.

Abstract: Various aspects of a method and system to localize surgical tools during anatomical surgery are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the method is implementable in an image-processing engine, which is communicatively coupled to an image-capturing device that captures one or more video frames. The method includes determination of one or more physical characteristics of one or more surgical tools present in the one or more video frames, based on one or more color and geometric constraints. Thereafter, two-dimensional (2D) masks of the one or more surgical tools are detected, based on the one or more physical characteristics of the one or more surgical tools. Further, poses of the one or more surgical tools are estimated, when the 2D masks of the one or more surgical tools are occluded at tips and/or ends of the one or more surgical tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of performing sonasurgery may include a room coordinate system and at least one probe with localization technology. A position of the probe may be tracked continuously during the course of a procedure so that its position is known and updated relative to a preoperative MRI/CT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to compare an intended treatment plan using a radiation source with a delivered plan. This done by arranging markers at known three-dimensional (3D) positions in a detection reference system between a two dimensional radiation detector configured to acquire images generated by radiation emitted by the radiation source and an area where the radiation source is positioned during a treatment. The positions of projections of the markers on an image detected are determined when the radiation source is at a treatment position in an intended treatment plan reference system. A plurality of lines in the detection reference system are calculated, each line being defined by a 3D position of a marker and a 3D position of a corresponding projection of the marker on the detector according to the image. A 3D position of the radiation source in the detection reference system is inferred based on the calculated lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for angiographic roadmapping. In accordance with one aspect, the framework generates one or more two-dimensional (2D) digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) images from a four-dimensional (4D) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) image volume. A maximally opacified image is generated from at least one of the one or more 2D DRR images over a window of time. The maximally opacified image may then be integrated with a live fluoroscopic image and displayed for angiographic roadmapping.

Abstract: A method tracks a tool with respect to a bone in computer-assisted surgery. A reference tracker with a MEMS unit is secured to the bone. The tracker outputs data relating to its orientation. A tool provided with a MEMS unit and secured to the bone is preset with an initial orientation. The tool outputs tracking data related to orientation of the tool once initialized. A trackable frame of reference relating the bone to the orientation of the tracker is created. The MEMS unit of the tool is initialized. A relation between the initial orientation of the tool and the orientation of the tracker at initialization of the MEMS unit of the tool is recorded. Orientational data of the tool relative to the frame of reference of the bone calculated using the relation is displayed. A computer-assisted surgery system for tracking a tool with respect to a bone after an initialization of a MEMS unit is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide markers, phantoms, and associated methods of calibration which are suitable for use in both magnetic resonance imaging and radiographic imaging systems. A marker includes a first marker component having a first hydrogen proton density and a first mass density; and a second marker component having a second hydrogen proton density different than the first hydrogen proton density, and a second mass density different than the first mass density. The first marker component and the second marker component are non-magnetic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of partial surface models from volumetric datasets for subsequent registration of such partial surface models to surface topology datasets. Specifically, given an object that is imaged using surface topology imaging and another volumetric modality, the volumetric dataset is processed in combination with an approach viewpoint to generate one or more partial surfaces of the object that will be visible to the surface topology imaging system. This procedure can eliminate internal structures from the surfaces generated from volumetric datasets, thus increases the similarity of the dataset between the two different modalities, enabling improved and quicker registration.

Abstract: A method and system for CT image correction are provided. Contour data of a scanned subject can be obtained, and a shape image of the scanned subject can be reconstructed according to the contour data, wherein the contour data of the scanned subject can be obtained by scanning the scanned subject through a piece of visual equipment. Original CT projection data of the scanned subject can be obtained, and a CT image can be reconstructed according to the original CT projection data. For determining a supervision field image, image matching can be performed between the shape image and the CT image of the scanned subject. Supervision field projection data can be obtained, and the supervision field projection data can be used to correct the CT image.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic registration of medical images includes accessing image data of a subject and plurality of elongated fiducial markers arranged in an asymmetrical orientation and analyzing the image data to detect the elongated fiducial markers by applying a line filter to treat the elongated fiducial markers as lines within the image data. The system and method also includes matching the elongated fiducial markers within the image data to a model of the elongated fiducial markers, registering the image data with a coordinate system based on the matching, and generating a report indicating at least the registered image data.

Abstract: A method for assisting in positioning the acetabular cup comprises orienting a cup positioning instrument with a cup thereon in an initial reference orientation relative to an acetabulum of a pelvis with the cup forming a joint with the acetabulum, the cup positioning instrument comprising an inertial sensor unit with pre-planned orientation data for a desired cup orientation based on at least one landmark of the pelvis, The cup positioning instrument is rotated to a desired abduction angle as guided by an interface of the cup positioning instrument, based on movements relative to at least one landmark. The cup positioning instrument is rotated to a desired anteversion angle as guided by the interface of the cup positioning instrument, based on movements relative to the at least one landmark. Upon reaching the desired cup orientation as indicated by the interface, the cup is impacted into the acetabulum.

Abstract: A method of providing information for display on a display of an immersive display. The method includes obtaining information utilized for displaying a first image in front of a first eye and a second image in front of a second eye of a user of the immersive display, excluding part of the information to yield adjusted information to occlude or replace first information from a first area of the first image and second information from a second area of a second image when displayed on the immersive display, and providing the adjusted information for displaying the first image absent the first area and the second image absent the second area on the immersive display.

Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate catheter shaft, a rotatable tip configured to rotate relative to the elongate catheter shaft, a drive shaft, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip includes a housing coupled with the elongate catheter shaft and cutting wedges extendable from the housing. The drive shaft has a central lumen extending therethrough and extends within the elongate catheter shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the wedges and is configured to rotate the rotatable tip. The OCT sensor includes an optical fiber coupled with the rotatable tip and configured to rotate therewith. The elongate catheter shaft is configured to move axially over the drive shaft to extend and retract the wedges from the housing while maintaining a fixed position of the imaging sensor relative to the cutting wedges.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a robot having a movable part with a calibration marker including: positioning the calibration marker along an optical line of a camera unit; imaging the calibration marker along the optical line to establish line positions P1 . . . PN within a tolerance k, while monitoring joint values j1 . . . jM of the robot; establishing an error function based on resulting calculated robot positions P?1 . . . P?N, for the calibration marker for joint values j1 . . . jM at each line position P1 . . . PN for the calibration marker; identifying a set of robot kinematic parameters by solving an optimization problem based on the error function; and updating a kinematic model of the robot via the identified set of robot kinematic parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a virtual display in an environment for various applications including avionic, naval, military, remote control, medical and other applications. The apparatus includes a camera and a processor system. The processor system for provides the virtual display using an orientation of the head sensed from a camera image. The camera image includes a marker image associated with a fixed marker disposed in the environment. The virtual display includes a virtual panel and an image panel from the camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reconstruction of an object from projections, more particularly to a quantitative reconstruction of an object from projection views of the object. For example, quantitative reconstruction of an image of a human breast from projection views generated by digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), computed tomography (CT), or standard mammography, and use of the reconstruction to identify densest regions.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for identifying a length of a bone screw to be inserted through a bore drilled in a predetermined drilling direction at a predetermined position through a bone. The predetermined drilling direction and the predetermined position is identified in an X-ray projection image of the bone, and the identified direction and position is transferred to a corresponding model of the imaged bone, wherein the bone model is a 3D model. The length of the bone screw is finally determined at the bone model based on the transferred direction and position.

Abstract: A method is provided for correcting a curvature or deformity in a patient's spine based on the digitized locations of implanted screws and tracking the placement of the rod as it is placed in a minimally invasive fashion. The method is implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, accept one or more correction outputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to fit at locations distinct from the implanted screw locations.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array with at least one transducer element. The system further includes an echo processor that processes ultrasound echo signals received by at least one transducer element, producing an image of scanned tissue of interest. The system further includes memory that stores a plurality of 3D pictogram, each representing different anatomical regions of a subject. The system further includes a pictogram processor that identifies a 3D pictogram of the plurality of 3D pictogram corresponding to the scanned tissue of interest. The 3D pictogram includes a 3D pictorial representation of an anatomical region including the scanned tissue of interest. The system further includes a display monitor. The system further includes a rendering engine that displays the image and the 3D pictogram via the display monitor. The 3D pictogram is overlaid over a pictogram region of the displayed image.

Abstract: In a medical viewing system having an X-ray image acquisition device a data processing unit is adapted for generating two different views on a three-dimensional image set, wherein a first view is corresponding to the viewing direction of the X-ray image acquisition device and a second view has a rotational offset to the first viewing direction. The first view may include live X-ray images, e.g. for monitoring a stent placement. The second view 10 supports a clinician to unambiguously judge whether ostia connection points may be blocked that are not clearly visible in anterior-posterior images.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products provide user-defined messages. In one embodiment, user-defined messaging configurations can be defined. Then, a record queue can be monitored for the entry of new records. New records can be evaluated to determine whether they are associated with user-defined messaging configurations. For the records so associated, reports defined in the user-defined messaging configurations can be requested and used to create user-defined messages.

Abstract: A method and system for registering pre-operative images and intra-operative images using biomechanical simulations is disclosed. A pre-operative image is initially registered to an intra-operative image by estimating deformations of one or more segmented anatomical structures in the pre-operative image, such as the liver, surrounding tissue, and the abdominal wall, using biomechanical gas insufflation model constrained. The initially registered pre-operative image is then refined using diffeomorphic non-rigid refinement.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to convert a video input from a surgical microscope into a three-dimensional video.

Abstract: A method of determining bone fragment navigation may include receiving pre-operative 2D image data of a reference bone structure and a bone fragment. The reference bone structure may include a first set of fiducial markers provided thereon, and the bone fragment may include a second set of fiducial markers provided thereon. The method may further include performing a 2D-3D registration between the pre-operative 2D image data and a 3D model of the reference bone structure and the bone fragment, after manual repositioning of the bone fragment, receiving second 2D image data, performing 2D-2D registration of the first set of fiducial markers and the second set of fiducial markers between the pre-operative 2D image data and the second 2D image data, and determining 3D movement of the bone fragment based at least in part on the 2D-2D registration.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a digital zoom and panning system for digital video includes an image acquisition device to capture digital video images; an image buffer to store one or more frames of digital video images as source pixels; a display device having first pixels to display images; a user interface to accept user input including a source rectangle to select source pixels within frames of the digital video images, a destination rectangle to select target pixels within the display device to display images, and a region of interest within the digital video images to display in the destination rectangle; and a digital mapping and filtering device to selectively map and filter source pixels in the region of interest from the image buffer into target pixels of the display device in response to the user input.

Abstract: A method for determining a change over time in a biomarker in a region to be examined of a patient is provided. The change is determined from magnetic resonance data using a magnetic resonance measuring system with sequences and protocols for measuring the biomarkers by functional resting state connectivity by rsfMRI, perfusion values, magnetic resonance spectra of voxels, or morphometry of organs. A control unit has programs which evaluates the biomarker and a data memory which stores the results of the evaluation and additional data. During a first examination, a quantity result of the biomarkers is determined and stored in the data memory. During a follow-up examination, at least one previous item of the result and additional data from the first examination stored in the data memory are used for determining a quantitative change in the biomarker.