Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting whether an illumination source of an endoscope is in use (inside the body of a patient) versus not in use (outside the body of a patient). The disclosure relies on the fact that the working environment is lit solely by the endoscope and its components. Thus, communication between the illumination or light source controller and the imaging device, such as a surgical camera, is required. When the illumination or light source is turned off and the endoscope is outside the body, a sensor will detect ambient light alerting the illumination source controller that it is outside the body, which then keeps the illumination source off or at a low intensity level. Conversely, when the illumination source is turned off and the endoscope is inside the body, the sensor will not detect any light (or will detect only a very low level of light).

Abstract: A tissue detection system includes a probe having a body and an emission optical fiber extending from an input end through the probe body to an output end at a distal end portion of the probe body. The emission optical fiber defines a Numerical Aperture (NA). The tissue detection system further includes an emitter configured to output electromagnetic radiation and an optical coupler optically coupling the emitter with the input end of the emission optical fiber such that, in response to receiving the output from the emitter, electromagnetic radiation is input to the input end of the emission optical fiber. The optical coupler modifies the electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagnetic radiation input to the input end of the emission optical fiber defines an NA about equal to or less than the NA of the emission optical fiber.

Abstract: In one aspect, an optical system is disclosed, which comprises a lens having an input surface for receiving light from at least one light source and an output surface through which the light exits the lens, said lens further comprising a peripheral surface extending between said input surface and said output surface and configured to direct, via total internal reflection, at least a portion of the light incident thereon through said output surface to an output focal point. The optical system can further include a tapered light pipe optically coupled to the lens and a light guide (e.g., one or more optical fibers) that is optically coupled to the tapered light pipe. The lens directs the received light to an output focal point that is disposed within the tapered light pipe.

Abstract: A three-dimensional information generation unit generates a three-dimensional map (D(X, Y, Z)) (three-dimensional information) regarding a surgical field, based on a surgical field image (K(x, y)) captured by an imaging device. A region-of-interest setting unit (setting unit) then sets at least one region-of-interest in the surgical field image (K(x, y)) captured at a predetermined timing. Based on the three-dimensional map (D(X, Y, Z)) and the position of the region-of-interest set by the region-of-interest setting unit, a region-of-interest estimation unit (estimation unit) estimates an existence position of the region-of-interest from within the surgical field image (K(x, y)) captured at a timing different from the predetermined timing.

Abstract: A channel unit for an endoscope includes a conduit, a mounting member and a connection member having one end connected to the mounting member and another end connected to a distal end of the conduit, the connection member having flexibility and a variable length in a longitudinal direction, and a proximal end side fixing portion of the connection member is movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction with respect to a distal end side fixing portion of the connection member as the conduit moves back and forth in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An endoscope can include a substantially rigid elongate body. A visualization channel can extend through the elongate body. An elongate viewing instrument that can advance distally and retract proximally through a visualization channel of the elongate body. The elongate viewing instrument can include a distal portion that is pre-biased to assume a curved shape when the distal portion is unconfined. The distal portion can curve when the distal portion is advanced distally to exit the visualization channel and can straighten when the distal portion is retracted proximally to enter the visualization channel. A distal end of the elongate viewing instrument can further include a light port that is configured to illuminate a target and provide an image of the illuminated target.

Abstract: The intraoral imaging system described herein may comprise an intraoral adapter. The intraoral adapter may be operably coupled to a mobile device. The intraoral adapter may comprise an elongated housing comprising a viewing channel. The viewing channel may define a field of view of an intraoral region of a subject's mouth for intraoral scanning using a camera of a mobile device. The elongated housing may comprise a flange that is positioned outside of the field of view of the intraoral region of the subject's mouth. The intraoral imaging system may further comprise an image processing unit configured to (i) process a plurality of intraoral images and/or videos captured using the camera of the mobile device, and (ii) determine a dental condition of the subject based at least in part on the plurality of intraoral images and/or videos.

Abstract: An optical system for an endoscope, the optical system including: a distal optical assembly; a proximal optical assembly; and at least one elongated bar-shaped fixing element; wherein the proximal optical assembly is fastened to the distal optical assembly by the fixing element.

Abstract: A medical image processing device includes a processor, in which the processor acquires an examination image of a subject captured by an endoscope, and identifies an incision suitable site in the subject included in the examination image and performs control for outputting incision suitable site information regarding the incision suitable site on the basis of the examination image, and the identification of the incision suitable site information is performed by using a learning image associated with a position of a muscular layer in the subject.

Abstract: An endoscope including: a handle, a distal tip unit, an endoscope shaft connecting the handle and the distal tip unit, a working channel provided in the endoscope shaft, and a suction valve configured to control a suction through the working channel and having a valve closed state and a valve open state. The suction valve includes a housing having an inlet opening connected to the working channel and an outlet opening; and a piston unit inserted in the housing. The piston unit comprises a movable piston, a button attached to the piston, a fixation ring arranged stationary in the housing and a spring arranged and acting between the fixation ring and the button or piston. The button is a one-piece or integral part having an integrated sealing portion contacting the housing and providing a sealing between the button and the housing in the valve open state.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features is disclosed and described. The features of the system may include controlling a light source through duration, intensity or both; pulsing a component controlled light source during the blanking period; maximizing the blanking period to allow optimum light; and maintaining color balance.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a medical diagnosis support device, an endoscope system, and a medical diagnosis support method where the visibility of a recognition result of a medical image is high. A medical diagnosis support device according to an aspect of the invention includes an image acquisition section that acquires medical images in time series, a detection section that detects a region of interest included in the medical images, a discrimination section that performs the discrimination of the medical images, a display control section that causes a display device to display any one of a result of the detection or a result of the discrimination, and a setting section that sets a waiting time required until the display is performed after the detection or the discrimination is performed.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, an operation portion, a power transmission unit, a power relay unit, a power generation unit configured to apply power to the power relay unit in a second power transmission shaft direction which is non-parallel to a first power transmission shaft direction, an elastic member configured to perform either one of urging the power relay unit against the power generation unit or urging the power generation unit against the power relay unit, and a cable configured to extend from the operation portion in the second power transmission shaft direction which is a direction different from a longitudinal direction, wherein the power generation device is attached such that the power generation device is disposed to extend in an extending direction of the cable after being mounted.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use for an endoscopic accessory device that can be assembled and advanced over an endoscope positioned at a site within the body, the endoscopic accessory device including a body structure having seam structures on opposite sides of an elongate body structure, where the seam structures can be releasably joined to transform the body structure from a planar configuration to a tubular configuration.

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

Abstract: An endoscopic task supporting system including: an image storage that stores a plurality of endoscopic images acquired in a time series; a three-dimensional data generation unit that generates three-dimensional data indicating a three-dimensional shape of a predetermined part subject to observation, based on the plurality of endoscopic images stored in the image storage; a two-dimensional image generation unit that generates, from the three-dimensional data generated by the three-dimensional data generation unit, a two-dimensional image corresponding to a viewpoint position and a direction of line of sight entered; and a display control unit that causes a predetermined display unit to display the two-dimensional image generated by the two-dimensional image generation unit.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a light source apparatus, an illumination-light setting section capable of setting, as illumination light for illuminating an object including a biological tissue, first illumination light obtained by combining light in one or more wavelength bands selected from the light in plural wavelength bands and second illumination light obtained by combining light in one or more wavelength bands different from the first illumination light, selected out of the light in the plural wavelength bands, a light-source control section, and an image analyzing section configured to acquire an analysis result related to presence or absence of an abnormal finding. The illumination-light setting section sets, based on the analysis result of the image analyzing section for the first image acquired by the first illumination light, a combination of light in wavelength bands included in the second illumination light to be irradiated next.

Abstract: A current having a light emission period current value for emitting first illumination light or second illumination light is caused to flow through a V-LED in a first light emission period for emitting the first illumination light or a second light emission period for emitting the second illumination light. A current having a light non-emission period current value for applying a VF voltage is caused to flow through a pseudo load in a light non-emission period that is provided between the first light emission period and the second light emission period, or between the second light emission periods and in which the first illumination light and the second illumination light are not emitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting visible and infrared light using a medical imaging system, said medical imaging system comprising a camera module configured to receive a visible light signal and at least one infrared light signal from an object image. The medical imaging system for detecting visible and comprises an input for visible light for illuminating a tissue; an input for excitation light for exciting a fluorescence agent in the tissue; a camera module configured to receive a visible light signal and at least one infrared light signal from an object image in the tissue. The camera module comprises at least a first, second, and third optical path for directing light from the object image to a first, second, and third filter and sensor combination respectively. In any order, the first, second, and third filters are a green filter, an infrared filter, and a red/blue patterned filter comprising red and blue filters in alternating pattern.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: an image sensor; and a mounting board on which the image sensor is mounted together with a plurality of passive components. The mounting board includes: a first surface on which the image sensor is surface-mounted; a second surface that is located on an opposite side to the first surface and on which the passive component is mounted; a third surface that is continuous with the second surface via a step and on which the passive component is mounted; and a columnar cable connection block that rises from the second and third surfaces and to which a cable is connected.