Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a label-free cell analysis based on Brillouin light scattering techniques. Combined with microfluidic technologies according to the present invention, Brillouin spectroscopy constitutes a powerful tool to analyze physical properties of cells in a contactless non-disturbing manner. Specifically, subcellular mechanical information can be obtained by analyzing the Brillouin spectrum of a cell. Furthermore, a novel configuration of Brillouin spectroscopy is provided to enable simultaneous analysis of multiple points in a cell sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for color imaging and an increased field of view using spectrally encoded endoscopy techniques. At least one of the apparatuses includes an illumination unit having two or more spectrally dispersive gratings positioned, for example, on different planes or on the same plane but having grating vectors at an angle to each other such that bands of spectrally dispersed light propagating from the gratings propagate on different planes.

Abstract: A grating element has an interface configured to cause light beams, include N visible color lights, incident to the interface to diffract at different orders. An imaging lens is configured to focus the N visible color lights diffracted by the grating element. A sensor is configured to receive and detect the focused N visible color lights. The focused N visible color lights include at least a first color light and a second color light. The first color light is diffracted in a first diffraction order and corresponds to a first wavelength resolution for the first color light. The second color light is diffracted in a second diffraction order and corresponds to a second wavelength resolution for the second color light. The first diffraction order is higher than the second diffraction order and the first wavelength resolution is smaller than the second wavelength resolution.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method is provided. The image processing apparatus has one or more processors and a memory that stores instructions for execution by the one or more processors. Upon execution of the instructions, the image processing apparatus is configured receive, from a credential source, a credential having a domain identifier identifying an authentication domain and authentication data used to authenticate with authentication domain and parse at least a portion of the domain identifier to obtain information identifying the authentication domain with which to authenticate the credential.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided. Some embodiments include, after receiving at least a portion of a file at a computing system, obtaining information about the file at a first time. First information is stored in a data structure, the first information comprising information that identifies the file and the information about the file at the first time. Then, information about the file at a second time after the first time is obtained. Second information is stored in a memory of the computing system, the second information comprising information that identifies the file and the information about the file at the second time. It is determined whether the second information matches the first information. In response to determining that the second information matches the first information, the file is sent from the computing system to a predetermined destination. In some embodiments, the file comprises a facsimile communication.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and methods are provided for analyzing a medium. The apparatus, which may be a diffusing wave spectroscopy apparatus, comprises a first beam splitter for splitting a light from the laser light source into an excitation light and a reference light. The excitation light is directed on to a first portion of the medium and then multiply scattered light is collected at a second portion of the medium, the second portion being different from the first portion. The reference light, which has been attenuated, is combined with the multiply scattered light and either a power spectrum or an autocorrelation function is calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for endoscopy which includes a probe, a first and a second optical fiber to guide light, a third optical fiber to capture light; and a switch configured to operate the first optical fiber and second optical fiber. Light dispersed by the first optical fiber at least partially overlaps light dispersed by the second optical.

Abstract: An optical probe for use in medical instrumentation where a sheath is covering the optical probe, wherein the optical probe is configured to correct astigmatism by incorporating asymmetric optical powers.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for automated detection and registration of medical images using fiducial markers and processing algorithms. By either clustering fiducial markers having a different number, size, shape, configuration, or material property or by using fiducial markers arranged in a ring shape, wherein their arrangement is asymmetric, and then applying a feature extraction to extract the fiducial marker objects, and registering the fiducial marker objects with a model of the fiducial frame, automatic registration can be achieved.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided to generate electronic document data representative of at least one physical document having at least one page. A unique document identifier value is determined to identify the at least one page, the unique document identifier being determined based on an end document identifier value associated with an electronic document project managed by a document management system. An annotated electronic document is generated by embedding data representing the unique document identifier within the at least one page of the electronic document data. An information file is generated and includes at least one characteristic associated with the annotated electronic document. The information file and annotated electronic document are communicated to the document management system for incorporation into an associated electronic document project stored therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a label-free cell analysis based on Brillouin light scattering techniques. Combined with microfluidic technologies according to the present invention, Brillouin spectroscopy constitutes a powerful tool to analyze physical properties of cells in a contactless non-disturbing manner. Specifically, subcellular mechanical information can be obtained by analyzing the Brillouin spectrum of a cell. Furthermore, a novel configuration of Brillouin spectroscopy is provided to enable simultaneous analysis of multiple points in a cell sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of temperature referencing for melt curve data collection. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting DNA melt curve data for a DNA sample and a temperature reference material.

Abstract: One or more spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for characterizing, examining and/or diagnosing, and/or measuring viscosity of, a sample or object using speckle detection are provided. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments. Preferably, the SEE devices, systems methods and storage mediums include or involve speckle intensity autocorrelation function(s). One or more embodiments involve a serial time-encoded 2D imaging system with speckle detection to reconstruct images, store reconstructed images of the sample or object, and/or measure viscosity of the sample or object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g., a well-plate); a liquid handling system comprising at least one robotic pipettor for aspirating, mixing, and dispensing reagent mixtures to the microfluidic cartridge; systems for data storage, processing, and output; and a system controller to coordinate the various devices and functions.

Abstract: Two-dimensional image acquiring apparatuses, systems, methods and storage mediums are provided herein. An apparatus includes a Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy (“SEE”) probe including a diffractive element, the diffractive element operating to separate and diffract a transmitted light into separated light beams such that the diffracted light beams are superposed or substantially superposed on a target region; an image sensor that operates to acquire one or more intensities from a detected light; and an imaging optical system that operates to image light beams separated from the detected light, wherein the diffractive element, the imaging optical system, and the sensor are disposed for each of the light beams separated from the detected light to acquire spectral data of each of the light beams separated from the detected light. The diffractive element operates to rotate such that an image of the image sensor is changed, and a two-dimensional image is acquired.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) comprising an illumination element, a detection light guiding element, a rotary element, and a two-dimensional sensor. The illumination element is configured to direct an illumination light beam towards a sample. The detection light guiding element is configured to collect a reflected light beam from the sample. At least one of the illumination element and the detection light guiding element is configured to spectrally dispersed the illumination light beam or the reflected light beam, respectively. The rotary element is configured to rotate or oscillate the reflected light beam. The reflected light beam is guided from the rotary element to the two-dimensional sensor.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a fixed guiding portion and a rotatable dispersive portion.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for performing optical coherence tomography (OCT) while reducing and/or eliminating crosstalk noise are provided. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Preferably, the OCT devices, systems methods and storage mediums include or involve a method, such as, but not limited to, a complex conjugate method or a shift method, for handling the crosstalk noise in a way to mitigate or eliminate the noise from an image field of view. For example, a reference reflection or reference arm may be positioned or re-positioned in the image field of view at different locations depending on the crosstalk noise mitigation method being employed.

Abstract: A forward-viewing spectrally encoded endoscope (SEE) probe includes a light guiding component, a light focusing component, and a grating component arranged along a longitudinal axis of a drive cable. The SEE probe is configured for guiding light from the light guiding component, through the light focusing component, and to the grating component, and then forwarding a spectrally dispersed light line from the grating component towards an image plane. One or more of the light guiding component, the light focusing component, and the grating component is arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drive cable so that at least one wavelength of the spectrally dispersed light line goes to the direction of axis of the drive cable.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus including a needle holder having a through hole for regulating needle placement and movement, a needle positioning unit, and an engagement member that fixes a position of the needle holder with respect to the needle positioning unit. The needle holder is either least partially detachably attached to the needle positioning unit or deformable. The positioning apparatus may be designed to accommodate the placement of multiple needles.