Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a bending portion; an operation portion including a grasping portion and an operation portion main body; a pedestal portion protruded from the operation portion main body; a shaft member configured to be tilted; a finger contact portion on which a finger of a hand is placed, the finger contact portion being provided at an end portion of the shaft member; and a step portion on which a finger of the operator's hand, which is different from the finger placed on the finger placing portion, is placed, the step portion being provided at a position which is outside of a peripheral edge of the pedestal portion and which is an opposite side of the grasping portion across the shaft member.

Abstract: A system captures a baby's physical characteristics taken on two or more specified days since birth and sensor input from a device capturing a rhythm produced by the baby's nervous system on at least each of those two or more specified days since birth, and identify whether the baby is at risk for neuro-developmental issues. The system may estimate stochastic trajectories for each day's sensor data and, from the stochastic trajectories, determine a maximum shift amplitude and percentage of transitions within and between regions of a Gamma plane. The system may plot the change in maximum shift amplitudes over successive days against the change in physical characteristics over those successive days, and perform a linear fit for the plot to track the neuro-development and identify risk of issues for the baby.

Abstract: A patient support system for supporting a patient includes a core support structure which includes supportive foam. The support structure has an upper surface and a lower surface. A radar apparatus, including at least one antenna situated beneath the upper surface and spatially separated therefrom, is adapted to emit a pulse which travels through the support structure and is reflected, by either the upper surface or a surrogate thereof, as a reflected signal back to the radar antenna. The emitted pulse and reflected signal comprise a ranging signal. The patient support system also includes circuitry that determines a life parameter of the core support structure as a function of at least the ranging signal. The patient support system also includes an RFID tag having a memory. The RFID tag is in communication with the circuitry.

Abstract: A subject performs a sit-to-stand operation while wearing a device (SU) that contains an acceleration sensor (11) on the front of the chest. The present invention derives a muscular strength index representing the muscular strength of a human body by obtaining maximum acceleration value data from a signal expressing the size of an acceleration vector comprising a tri-axial component in detected acceleration, and using the maximum acceleration value data and the muscle mass or body fat mass of the subject. The present invention has the ability to derive a physical activity amount from the acceleration detection results, and on the basis of the activity amount (ACT) during a prescribed activity target period and the muscular strength index at the start and end times of the activity target period, obtains an activity efficiency index that corresponds to changes in the muscular strength index in response to the amount of activity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a classification model and using the trained classification model to recognize gestures performed by a user. An apparatus comprises a processor that is programmed to: receive, via a plurality of neuromuscular sensors, a first plurality of neuromuscular signals from a user as the user performs a first single act of a gesture; train a classification model based on the first plurality of neuromuscular signals, the training including: deriving value(s) from the first plurality of neuromuscular signals, the value(s) indicative of distinctive features of the gesture including at least one feature that linearly varies with a force applied during performance of the gesture; and generating a first categorical representation of the gesture in the classification model based on the value(s); and determine that the user performed a second single act of the gesture, based on the trained classification model and a second plurality of neuromuscular signals.

Abstract: Athletic activity may be tracked while providing encouragement to perform athletic activity. For example, energy expenditure values and energy expenditure intensity values may be calculated and associated with a duration and type of activity performed by an individual. These values and other movement data may be displayed on an interface in a manner to motivate the individual and maintain the individual's interest. The interface may track one or more discrete “sessions”. The sessions may be associated with energy expenditure values during a duration that is within a second duration, such as a day, that is also tracked with respect to variables, such as energy expenditure. Other individuals (e.g., friends) may also be displayed on an interface through which a user's progress is tracked. This may allow the user to also view the other individuals' progress toward completing an activity goal and/or challenge.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for image recognition in which instructions are executable by a processor to dynamically generate simulated documents and corresponding images, which are then used to train a fully convolutional neural network. A plurality of document components are provided, and the processor selects subsets of the document components. The document components in each subset are used to dynamically generate a corresponding simulated document and a simulated document image. The convolutional neural network processes the simulated document image to produce a recognition output. Information corresponding to the document components from which the image was generated is used as an expected output. The recognition output and expected output are compared, and weights of the convolutional neural network are adjusted based on the differences between them.

Abstract: A fastening device of a penis extension device includes a coupling element for exerting a tensile force on a penis and a tensile force meter, a first electronics component and a first current source. The tensile force meter electrically or electronically determines the measurement value for the exerted tension together with the first electronics component, and the first electronics component has a first radio device for transmitting the determined measurement value to an external receiver. With this device it is possible for a relevant measurement value, in particular the measurement value for the exerted tensile force, to be transmitted from the sensitive area in which the fastening device is used to an external device, for example to an app of a cell phone.

Abstract: A tracking system includes a first device and a second device. The second device comprises an optical module, an ultrasonic module and a processor. The optical module is configured to capture image data in a first detection field. The ultrasonic module is configured to collect ultrasonic data in a second detection field different from the first detection field. The processor is configured to determine a relative position of a target device relative to the tracking device in a third detection field according to the image data and the ultrasonic data. The third detection field is larger than the first detection field and larger than the second detection field.

Abstract: A system captures and displays video of surgeries. The system may include at least one digital image sensor optically coupled to one or more lenses and configured to capture a video sequence of a scene in a surgery; at least one interface configured to receive at least one region on interest (ROI) of the captured video sequence; an electronic display, selected so that at least one of the digital image sensors has a pixel resolution which is substantially greater than the pixel resolution of the electronic display; and a computer processor configured to: receive the at least one captured video sequence and the at least one received ROI and display over the at least one electronic display a portion of the captured video sequence based on the at least one selected ROI.

Abstract: An apparatus generates motor function estimation information by performing a process including calculating, using a sensor value of a subject, a feature vector corresponding to a feature value of a feature in a time segment, acquiring a first weight vector using the feature vector and a motor ability value of the subject, calculating a gradient vector with respect to the feature vector, determining a new time segment in the predetermined time period and a new feature value based on the new time segment, calculating, using the sensor value, a feature candidate vector corresponding to a feature value of the new feature in the new time segment, determining a feature candidate vector satisfying a predetermined condition associated with a gradient vector based on a difference between the feature candidate vector and the feature vector, and correcting the first weight vector to a second weight vector using the feature candidate vector.

Abstract: A platform of devices for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal is provided. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter(s) and may include a strain gauge for measuring tension on the pull wire. A number of different baskets designs are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing such baskets out of a single tube of a memory metal without the need for any welding, and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating penile aberrations include the use of traction devices. For example, this document describes devices and methods for applying longitudinal and/or contralateral penile traction forces to treat anatomical aberrations related to Peyronie's disease and other conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a body worn apparatus having a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also places the body worn apparatus onto the body of a person, and activates the at least one bundle.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for analyzing lung imaging data. A server computing device receives imaging data of a lung over a network from a client computing device and analyzes the imaging data to identify lung, airways, and blood vessels, segment the lung into lobes, subtract airways, calculate volumes, calculate emphysema scores, identify fissure locations, calculate fissure completeness scores. A reconstruction of the fissures indicating locations where the fissures are incomplete and a report comprising fissure scores, volumes, and emphysema scores are created.

Abstract: A system and method for objectively grading a cut of meat is provided. The system generally comprises an animal having at least one sensor associated therewith, a processor operably connected to the at least one sensor, a QR device operably connected to the processor and configured to read QR codes applied to a cut of meat, a plurality of computing entities operably connected to the processor via a network, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The system may collect lifetime data of an animal until fabrication. The system may then track and collect data about the carcass of the animal throughout the fabrication process to the point of sale. Based on this data, the system may create a quality score that a user may view prior to purchasing a cut of meat using an application of their computing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to managing user interfaces associated with physical activities. The user interface displays a scrollable list of affordances associated with physical activities. The affordances may contain physical activity and heart rate information. A user can launch a physical activity tracking function or an interface to change a workout metric using an affordance. Users can also control the music that is played in response to selecting a workout. Further, the interface can be used to compose a reply message to a received message that contains workout information. The interfaces can show a graph that includes heart data when the user's heart rate meets a heart rate alert criteria.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying a human movement state that includes: determining according to acceleration signals that are collected by a three-axis acceleration sensor that a human is in a walking state, calculating a walking step number of the human, and calculating a walking step frequency according to the number; calculating a corresponding physical sign frequency during the walking process according to a physical sign signal that is collected; and comparing the walking step frequency and the physical sign frequency that are obtained by calculating respectively with a step frequency threshold and a physical sign frequency threshold, and if the walking step frequency is greater than the step frequency threshold, and the physical sign frequency is greater than the physical sign frequency threshold, determining that the human movement state is a running state, and recording the calculated walking step number to be a running step number.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an integrated device suitable for measuring the difference between a strain in a ligament at a first point in time and said strain at a second point in time, said integrated device comprising: a ligament-attaching element adapted to be fastened on said ligament; a slider module adapted to be fastened on said ligament near said first ligament-attaching element, said slider module comprising a slider guiding channel; a slider comprising a distal slider end and a proximal slider end, said distal slider end fastened on said ligament-attaching element, said proximal slider end guided in said slider guiding channel; a sensor configured to measure a strain-indicating parameter representing a position of said proximal slider end for obtaining said difference between said strain in said ligament at said first point in time and said strain at said second point in time, wherein said sensor comprises a Hall sensor which converts a position of said proximal slider end into a conditioned el

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to managing user interfaces associated with physical activities. The user interface displays a scrollable list of affordances associated with physical activities. The affordances may contain physical activity and heart rate information. A user can launch a physical activity tracking function or an interface to change a workout metric using an affordance. Users can also control the music that is played in response to selecting a workout. Further, the interface can be used to compose a reply message to a received message that contains workout information. The interfaces can show a graph that includes heart data when the user's heart rate meets a heart rate alert criteria.

Abstract: The described knee rehabilitation device can include any suitable component. In some implementations, however, it includes a sitting surface that is configured to support a user; a knee arm that comprises a leg coupling mechanism, that is pivotally coupled to the rehabilitation device, and that is configured to pivot through a range of motion; and a drive mechanism that is configured to force the knee arm through the range of motion. In some cases, the drive mechanism includes a first hard stop that prevents the knee arm from extending past a first set point, and the drive mechanism further includes a second hard stop that prevents the knee arm from being retracted past a second set point. In some cases, the device is further configured to be programmed to electronically limit the knee arm's range of motion. Other implementations are discussed.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining load-deformation data for a joint, the load-deformation data being gathered via joint testing implemented by robotic test equipment, the robotic test equipment being configured for movement of the joint and comprising sensors to gather the load-deformation data during the movement. A load-deformation curve function for the load-deformation data is generated, the load-deformation curve function defining a curve fitted to the load-deformation data. A feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function is quantified. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is identified based on the quantified feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for providing a cavity backed antenna suitable for off-body communications. The cavity backed antenna comprising a substantially omnidirectional antenna element (11) mountable upon a user's body such that an underlying bone (17) forms the cavity back plate. The cavity between the antenna element and the underlying bone thereby being filled with soft tissue (14, 15, 16). The cavity backed antenna operating in synergy with the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the body to deliver an overall directional gain pointing away from the user's body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and, methods for measuring deformation variation in an insole to determine characteristics of a user, including weight and gait, are described herein. In some embodiments, a device includes an insole having a fluid reservoir configured to be disposed in a shoe, a deformation sensor, and a communications module. The fluid reservoir includes a first portion and a second portion. The deformation sensor is coupled to the fluid reservoir and is configured to measure a deformation in at least one of the first portion and the second portion. The communications module is configured to receive the measured deformation from the deformation sensor and transmit the measured deformation to a remote device.

Abstract: A medical system for removing far-field signals from a unipolar electrical signal is disclosed. In embodiments, the medical system comprises a catheter and a processing device communicatively coupled to the catheter. The catheter comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to sense a plurality of unipolar signals transmitted through tissue. The processing device is configured to: receive the sensed unipolar electrical signals, determine an electrode having a high level of contact with the tissue, and determine an electrode having a lower level of contact with the tissue than the electrode having the high level of contact with the tissue. Further, the processing device is configured to determine a sensed near-field electrical signal based on the unipolar electrical signal received from the electrode having the high level of contact and the unipolar electrical signal received from the electrode having the lower level of contact.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and detecting the gait and other health related parameters of a user. One such parameter is monitoring of medication compliance and treatment session attendance done by a medication and liquid dispensing apparatus, which combines mechanical dispensing of medication. These parameters are provided in standard of care summaries to care providers, and are continually reported by the Optimum Recognition Blueprint as Standard of Care Summaries to care providers, as well as communicated to the end-user by the Virtual Caregiver Interface.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an operation panel including a plurality of operation input units and disposed on an X-ray imaging table, and a substrate including circuits disposed inside the operation panel and configured to output signals due to operation of the plurality of operation input units and a sensor configured to sense ingress of liquid.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a bedside system comprising an axial drive mechanism and a rotational drive mechanism. An engagement mechanism engages and disengages a percutaneous device from at least one of the axial drive mechanism and rotational drive mechanism. A remote work station includes a user interface and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface. The control system is configured to communicate a control signal to the engagement mechanism to engage and disengage the percutaneous device from one of the axial drive mechanism and rotational drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the angle and range of motion of a body joint used in the course of medical treatment. Index marks are placed on the limbs of the patient that correspond to registration indicators on the arms of the device. This allows consistent application of the device in measurement sessions over time to ensure consistent measurements of the joint. A fixed display and a wireless broadcast of the angle are for reading the angles of the joint.

Abstract: A method for imaging an object by ultrasound elastography through continuous vibration of the ultrasound transducer is taught. An actuator directly in contact with the ultrasound transducer continuously vibrates the transducer in an axial direction, inducing shear waves in the tissue and allowing for real-time shear wave imaging. Axial motion of the transducer contaminates the shear wave images of the tissue, and must be suppressed. Therefore, several methods for correcting for shear wave artifact caused by the motion of the transducer are additionally taught.

Abstract: A measurement system for installation of a prosthetic component. The measurement system comprises a housing, a slide block, a medial plate, a lateral plate, a fixed plate, and a threaded shaft. The fixed plate couples to the housing. The threaded shaft couples to the slide block. The threaded shaft is rotated to move the slide block within the housing. The slide block includes a free wheel gear. A medial plate and a lateral plate respectively couple to a medial post and a lateral post. The medial post and lateral post each have gear teeth that is configured to couple the free wheel gear. The housing retains, aligns and supports movement of the medial and lateral post parallel to the slide block. A medial brake and a lateral brake is configured to couple to the medial post and the lateral post to prevent movement under user control.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to data science and data analysis, computer software and systems, and control systems to provide a platform to facilitate implementation of an interface and one or more sensors, and, more specifically, to one or more sensors that implements specialized logic to facilitate in-situ monitoring of inventories of consumables and automatic reordering of a consumable. In some examples, a method may include receiving sensor data representing usage of a device configured to process a consumable, characterizing the usage to form a characterized value, correlating data representing a unit of the consumable processed via the device to a characterized value of the usage, adjusting an amount representing an inventory of the consumable, detecting an amount of the inventory of the consumable is associated with one or more ranges of threshold values, and generating data representing a request to replenish the inventory of the consumable.

Abstract: A system and method that acquire (i) at least a reference image including one of a preoperative image of a surgical site with skeletal and articulating bones and a contralateral image on an opposite side of the patient from the surgical site, and (ii) at least an intraoperative image of the site after an implant has been affixed to the articulating bone. The system generates at least one reference landmark point on at least one anatomical feature on the articulating bone in the reference image and at least one intraoperative landmark point on that anatomical feature in the intraoperative image. The reference and intraoperative images are compared, and differences between the orientation of the articulating bone in the two images are utilized to analyze at least one of offset and length differential.

Abstract: A method of determining a length of an object by using an electronic device includes obtaining, by the electronic device, a length, of the electronic device, between a first point and a second point on the electronic device; obtaining, by the electronic device, a tension applied to a third point on the electronic device, the third point being located between the first point and the second point; and correcting the obtained length by using the obtained tension and prestored reference tension information, the prestored reference tension information indicating a relationship of the tension applied to the third point with respect to the length of the object, and determining the corrected length as a final length of the object.

Abstract: A wearable monitoring apparatus for monitoring at least one biological parameter of an internal tissue of an ambulatory user. Said wearable monitoring apparatus comprises at least one transducer configured for delivering electromagnetic (EM) radiation to said internal tissue and intercepting a reflection of said EM radiation said reform in a plurality of transmission sessions during at least 24 hours, a processing unit configured for analyzing respective said reflection and identifying a change in said at least one biological parameter accordingly, a reporting unit configured for generating a report according to said change, and a housing for containing said at least one transducer, said reporting unit, and said processing unit, said housing being configured for being disposed on said body of said ambulatory user.

Abstract: A balloon assembly for an anorectal manometry catheter may include a three-part tube and a balloon mountable on the tube. The three-part tube may include a flexible proximal connection tube (PCT), a flexible distal connection tube (DCT), and a semi-flexible transfer tube that is interposed between and connected to each of said PCT and said DCT. The balloon may have a first opening connected to a first end of the transfer tube and a second opening connected to a second end of the transfer tube which is opposite the first end of the transfer tube. The three-part tube may be configured to be slidable along and over a catheter in a first direction, with the DCT slid first. The three-part tube may also be configured to be slidable over the catheter in the opposite direction such that the PCT is folded onto itself and completely contained in the transfer tube.

Abstract: A process according to certain embodiments includes generating a distal femur model including an intercondylar surface model, receiving information related to user-selected points on the intercondylar surface model, generating a datum line extending between the points, generating an axis line, and determining an AP axis based upon the axis line. Generating the axis line includes performing an axis line procedure including generating a plurality of planes along the datum line, generating a plurality of contours at intersections between the intercondylar surface model and the planes, generating saddle points at local extrema of the contours, and fitting the axis line to the saddle points. The process may further include generating an updated datum line based upon the axis line, and performing a subsequent iteration of the axis line procedure using the updated datum line.

Abstract: In personalized object creation, for implants, medical imaging is used to derive a model personalized to a patient. The model may be of a dynamic structure, such as part of the cardiovascular system, and is used to print the implant itself. The model may be used to print a mold to create the implant, a scaffold on which to grow tissue, and/or tissue itself. In another or additional approach, the medical imaging information is used to determine tissue properties. Differences in a material property of the anatomy is mapped to different materials used by a multi-material 3D printer, resulting in a printed object reflecting the size, shape, and/or other material property of the anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a first plurality of circumference measurements, each of the first plurality of circumference measurements corresponding to a first circumference around a limb of a person at a respective one of a plurality of locations of the limb, each of the first plurality of circumference measurements being obtained from a respective one of a plurality of elastic measurement elements that is positioned at a respective one of the locations; determining, based upon the first plurality of circumference measurements, a first geometric profile along a length of the limb; and outputting data representing the first geometric profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Exoskeleton kinematic chain arranged to pivotally connect a first element to a second element, said first element comprising two pivot points A1 and B1 located at a distance A1B1, said second element comprising two pivot points A2 and B2 located at a distance A2B2. The exoskeleton kinematic chain comprises a first external link pivotally connected to the first element at the pivot point A1 and a first end link pivotally connected to the first external link at a pivot point D1, said pivot point D1 being located at a distance A1D1 by the pivot point A1. The exoskeleton kinematic chain comprises then a second external link pivotally connected to the second element at the pivot point A2, and a second end link pivotally connected to the second external link at a pivot point D2, said pivot point D2 being located at a distance A2D2 by the pivot point A2.

Abstract: A system for biomechanical analysis of user posture and automatic customized manufacture of bicycle parts includes a servo-assisted simulator having a handlebar, a saddle, pedal cranks, and actuators, a device detecting input data that includes a 3D scanner for automatically detecting the position of body segments of the user and the angular ranges therebetween and generating three-dimensional physical data units, an electronic platform detecting pressure data of the user, a pair of insoles detecting plantar pressure, a computer connected to the actuators and to the detection device, a memory unit storing optimized initial data and instantaneous data, software comparing the optimized initial data and the instantaneous data and generating final data of the characteristics of the main parts, a spatial representation device spatially representing the final data, and a device for immediate manufacture of the parts using 3D printers. A method of biomechanical analysis and custom manufacture of bicycle parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic knee joint, on which a lower leg component is arranged and which is assigned a resistance device having at least one actuator, by means of which the bending resistance is modified depending on sensor data that is determined during use of the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint by means of a sensor, wherein the absolute angle of the lower leg component is determined exclusively by means of at least one inertial sensor, the angle determined is compared with at least one threshold value, and the bending resistance is modified when the threshold value is reached.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein to calculate implant orientation measurements of an acetabular cup implant in hip replacement surgery, such surgery performed with minimally invasive incisions. Surgeons may obtain real-time updated implant orientation measurements that compensate for pelvic tilt of a patient, such tilt measured pre-operatively. Implant orientation measurements may be measured from the patient's anterior pelvic plane, supine coronal plane, standing coronal plane or any other reference plane that the surgeon may find useful. Also disclosed are systems, methods and devices to measure hip center of rotation and provide leg length and offset measurements in hip replacement surgery.

Abstract: A palpation assisting apparatus includes a synchronization controller configured to synchronize a timing of acquiring pressure data output from a pressure sensor attached to a position in contact with a lesion part with a timing of acquiring positional information of a marker attached to a position corresponding to the pressure sensor, and an entering part configured to store, in a storage part, the pressure data and the positional information of the marker that are acquired at the synchronized timing in association with time information indicating a time at which the pressure data and the positional information are acquired.

Abstract: There is provided a method of indirectly estimating muscle strength ratio, comprising: receiving images and associated body part locations of a target individual, wherein the images depict the target individual performing a first and a second defined movement, identifying first image(s) depicting the first defined movement, and obtaining an associated first set of body part locations, identifying second image(s) depicting the second defined movement, and obtaining an associated second set of body part locations, computing a first image-metric according to the first set of body part locations, computing a second image-metric according to the second set of body part locations, computing an image-parameter according to the first and second image-metrics, and converting the image-parameter to an estimate of a measured-parameter indicative of strength measurement ratio of the target muscle(s) obtained by a dynamometer, according to correlation between image-parameters and measured-parameters obtained based on the

Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus including a fixing module to be attached to a waist of a user, a driving module provided in the fixing module to provide a torque to assist a motion of the user, a supporting module connected to the driving module to support a portion of a circumference of a leg of the user, and a controller configured to control the driving module to provide a torque to maintain a close contact between the supporting module and the leg of the user while the user is not walking.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and monitoring a neurological disorder using key action cadence is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous monitoring of central nervous system diseases are provided in which typing cadence is used to measure cognitive function at a very granular level, providing hard, specific and detailed data to the neurologists about the central nervous system diseases. The system may also be used by a patient with a central nervous system disease to experiment with changes to diet, exercise and other things and test the effectiveness of those changes and patients can understand better why an unexpected improvement or worsening occurred.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of detecting activity by a wheelchair user. In one aspect, a method comprises collecting motion data of a user device located on an appendage of the user; detecting, by a processor circuit, that one or more activities by the wheelchair user occurred based on the motion data; calculating, by a processor circuit, an energy expenditure by the user based the one or more activities by the wheelchair user occurred; and outputting, by a processor circuit, the energy expenditure estimation.

Abstract: A palpation device for palpation of tissues for characterization (e.g., qualification and/or quantification) of subcutaneous structures is provided. The palpation device includes a frame formed from a substantially rigid material and comprising an opening; a tonometric lens extending through the opening of the frame; and a radiation source. The lens is configured to at least partially impinge a tissue of interest to identify an object embedded therein. The lens includes a body having a reflective coating on an outer surface thereof. The radiation source is positioned to illuminate the reflective coating such that a topography of the coating can be observed. The body includes a body material that is as stiff or stiffer than the tissue of interest and less stiff than the embedded object to be characterized. A system including the palpation device and an image device for obtaining an image through the lens is also provided.