Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which enable quantitative information to be extracted regarding automated procedures, including those performed at a high speed that may require a user input, without having to interrupt the procedure. In addition, these systems and methods serve to provide information on one or more parameters of the automated procedure, whereby they may be modified, if required, to improve the automated procedure or the results from such a procedure. The systems and methods provided are especially useful in automated hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for hair transplantation and other surgical procedures on a body surface. Specifically, methods and systems for computer-implemented and/or robotic hair transplantation and other surgical procedures, using time constrained image processing techniques are described. In various examples, multiple images of a body surface may be divided into overlapping sub regions for comparison. In various other cases, a percentage of an image of a body surface to be processed may be adjusted based on a time constraint. In some implementations, the output of one of these methods may be used as input for the other method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking, identifying, labeling and/or classifying objects or features of interest, such as follicular units are provided. In some embodiments the identified and labeled features of interest, such as follicular units, may be used for planning hair harvesting, hair implantation and/or performing hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin are provided, for example, for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin. The devices and methods may incorporate suction, and/or barbs or microbarbs. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions or substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided useful in various procedures, including hair harvesting and implantation, and further including computer-implemented and/or robotic hair transplantation. Methodologies are provided which enable selection of follicular unit harvesting or implanting sites within the same row in a direction of travel of the tool, or by incrementing to another row. In various cases, such selection may be made using a lowest and closest method, overlap-based methods, position-based methods, pattern-based methods, and/or a combination of these methods. In various combinations of the methods, the output selection from one of the methods may be used as an input for one of the other methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods, systems and instruments for creating a partial model of a head for use in planning or tracking a procedure, such as hair transplantation. The methodology allows for an accurate 3D representation to be quickly and efficiently generated of an identified portion of the head, not the entire head, from two or more 2D images, such as still images. According to the methodology of the present disclosure a 3D dome representation of the top portion of the head of a subject may be created based on the data extracted from one or more 2D images and/or a certain determined height dimension.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, identifying, and labeling objects or features of interest, such as follicular units is provided. In some embodiments, tracking is accomplished using unique signature of the follicular unit and image stabilization techniques. According to some aspects pixel data of a region of interest in a first image is compared to pixel data of the regions of interest in a second image, and based on a result of the comparison of pixel data in the region of interest in the first and second images and the signature of the follicular unit, locating the follicular unit in the second image. In some embodiments the follicular unit is searched for in the direction of a motion vector.

Abstract: Comprehensive systems and methods for managing hair loss are provided which enable an individual experiencing hair loss, and/or the person consulting him or her, to manage it and to determine and efficiently plan any appropriate treatment options. Management of hair loss may comprise quantifying hair loss, determining what hair growth stimulation product or treatment to adopt and the best timing for such products and/or treatments, and allowing to track and manage any progress of the selected hair growth stimulation product or treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that determine a mapping between a first camera system's coordinate system and a second camera system's coordinate system; or determine a transformation between a robot's coordinate system and a camera system's coordinate system, and/or locate, in a robot's coordinate system, a tool extending from an arm of the robot based on the tool location in the camera's coordinate system. The disclosed systems and methods may use transformations derived from coordinates of features found in one or more images. The transformations may be used to interrelate various coordinate systems, facilitating calibration of camera systems, including in robotic systems, such as an image-guided robotic systems for hair harvesting and/or implantation.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for operating a procedure tool to perform a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) on a body are provided. One or more mechanisms are configured to produce a combination movement of the procedure tool in response to control signals. A force sensor monitors resistance as the tool moves and transmits information from the force sensor to a computer. Movement of the procedure tool is controlled at least in part based on information from the force sensor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin during various cosmetic or dermatological procedures, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The systems and methods utilize a segmented structure configured to conform to the body surface of various sizes, shapes and/or textures, thus allowing for customization in order to fit a variety of persons. In some embodiments, the tensioning device may be temporary secured, for example, to a patient chair.

Abstract: A non-coring hair implantation needle is provided which provides for a smaller opening than a conventional hypodermic needle, and comprises a bevel of shorter length. The needles are configured to provide a non-cutting feature, and aid in placement and retention of an implanted hair graft when the needle is withdrawn from the body surface. Furthermore, methods of fabricating needles comprising bevels of shorter length and non-cutting features are disclosed.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for efficient loading, indexing and replacement of cartridges for storing, for example, hair grafts. In addition, an improved urging mechanism for expelling hair grafts from a receptacle of a storage cartridge is provided, as well as a method of its operation. Furthermore, cartridges with a plurality of receptacles comprising slots for loading hair grafts are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided useful in various procedures, including hair harvesting and implantation, and further including computer-implemented and/or robotic hair transplantation. Methodologies are provided which enable selection of follicular unit harvesting or implanting sites. In various cases, such selection may be made using a lowest and closest method, overlap-based methods, position-based methods, pattern-based methods, and/or a combination of these methods. In various combinations of the methods, the output selection from one of the methods may be used as an input for one of the other methods.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which enable quantitative information to be extracted regarding automated procedures, including those performed at a high speed that may require a user input, without having to interrupt the procedure. In addition, these systems and methods serve to provide information on one or more parameters of the automated procedure, whereby they may be modified, if required, to improve the automated procedure or the results from such a procedure. The systems and methods provided are especially useful in automated hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for improving hair harvesting and extraction. The device includes a mechanism for assisting in separation of the hair graft from the surrounding connective tissue. The apparatus and methods of the current invention are such that the viability of the extracted follicular unit is substantially preserved.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for performing a procedure on multiple adjacent segments of a body surface. The methods generally involve positioning a locator device on a body surface to delineate a first body surface segment. A first portion of the locator device may be moved while leaving a second portion of the locator device in place as a reference. The second portion of the locator may then be moved to reform the locator device and delineate a second segment of the body surface. Locator devices comprising two detachable portions are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures, for example, a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The treatment plan allows user to provide input on a proposed hair element using a free-hand drawing in a two-dimensional plane, and for the proposed hair element to be generated and displayed on a three-dimensional model of a body surface. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a natural looking hair.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, identifying, and labeling objects or features of interest, such as follicular units is provided. In some embodiments, tracking is accomplished using unique signature of the follicular unit and image stabilization techniques. According to some aspects pixel data of a region of interest in a first image is compared to pixel data of the regions of interest in a second image, and based on a result of the comparison of pixel data in the region of interest in the first and second images and the signature of the follicular unit, locating the follicular unit in the second image. In some embodiments the follicular unit is searched for in the direction of a motion vector.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for improving hair harvesting and extraction. The device includes a mechanism for assisting in separation of the hair graft from the surrounding connective tissue. The apparatus and methods of the current invention are such that the viability of the follicular unit contained within the extracted plug is substantially preserved.