Abstract: A method of identifying the presence of a suspect region such as a polyp in a body cavity of a subject includes generating successive images of a body cavity of the subject, and comparing the successive images of the body cavity, wherein a suspect region of the body cavity is likely present when the successive images are different in terms of intensity, surroundings, registration, and/or protrusions. Also provided is an apparatus comprising a processor and an endoscope having a camera and one or more illuminators such that the processor is configured to compare the images acquired from the camera and the one or more illuminators to identify the presence of a suspect region such as a polyp.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of calorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: An imaging device, including a first longitudinal body which is configured to be inserted into a cavity, and a first linear imaging element having a first linear proximal end and a first linear distal end, which is rotatably connected at the first linear proximal end to the first longitudinal body. The imaging device further includes a second linear imaging element having a second linear proximal end and a second linear distal end, which is rotatably connected at the second linear proximal end to the first linear distal end. The device also has a second longitudinal body, slidably positioned with respect to the first longitudinal body and rotatably connected to the second linear distal end. There is a rotatable shaft that is connected to at least one of the first longitudinal body and the second longitudinal body.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of an integrated circuit (IC) die, and a circuit. The IC die includes a semiconductor substrate having a substrate plane face and a substrate edge, an imaging array formed on the substrate plane face, and a plurality of array pads mounted on the substrate plane face and connected to the imaging array. The circuit includes a circuit substrate having a circuit face and a circuit edge butted to the substrate edge, a plurality of circuit pads mounted on the circuit face, and a plurality of traces mounted on the circuit face and connected to the circuit pads. The apparatus further includes a plurality of connectors coupling the array pads to the circuit pads.

Abstract: An endoscope camera, including a cylindrical enclosure having an enclosure diameter, and an imaging array mounted within the enclosure so that a plane face of the imaging array is parallel to the enclosure diameter. The camera includes a right-angle transparent prism having a rectangular entrance face, an exit face, and an hypotenuse configured to reflect radiation from the entrance face to the exit face. The entrance face has a first edge longer than a second edge, and the prism is mounted within the enclosure so that the first edge is parallel to the enclosure diameter and so that the exit face mates with the plane face of the imaging array. The camera further includes optics, configured to receive incoming radiation from an object, which are mounted so as to transmit the incoming radiation to the imaging array via the entrance and exit faces of the prism.

Abstract: A robotic tool holder, including a housing, configured to be gripped by a human hand, and a wireless transmitter, located within the housing. The holder further includes a plurality of individual controls attached to the housing, the controls being configured, in a first mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate respective motions of a first surgical tool physically attached to the housing in response to manipulation of the controls by the human hand, and in a second mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate via the wireless transmitter respective motions of a second surgical tool remote from and disconnected from the housing in response to the manipulation.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: Medical apparatus, including a local medical tool and a remote medical tool, located remotely from the local medical tool. The apparatus includes a lockable joint, physically connected to the local medical tool, that is operable in a locked state or in an unlocked state. A handle is physically connected to the lockable joint, so that in the locked state of the joint, movements of the handle are directly transferred to corresponding movements of the local medical tool. The apparatus includes sensors that are configured, in the unlocked state of the joint, to measure motions of the handle with respect to the lockable joint. The apparatus also includes a controller, which in the unlocked state of the joint receives indications of the motions of the handle with respect to the lockable joint, and which is configured to apply the indications to generate corresponding motions for the remote medical tool.

Abstract: Medical apparatus consisting of a first imaging device including a first image sensor having a first field of view, and a second imaging device including a second image sensor having a second field of view smaller than the first field of view. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process a first image acquired by the first image sensor so as to generate a first processed image having a first image magnification, and to process a second image acquired by the second image sensor so as to generate a second processed image having a second image magnification. The processor is also configured to adjust the first image magnification to be equal to the second image magnification so as to form an adjusted first image, and to generate a stereoscopic image based on the adjusted first image and the processed second image.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus (and related methods of manufacture and use), comprising: a chassis, having an open cylindrical groove formed therein; an image sensor assembly mounted in the chassis, the image sensor assembly comprising an electronic image sensor; a plurality of lenses, which are fitted into the groove in respective positions so as to form an image on the image sensor; and a cover, which closes over the image sensor assembly and the lenses in the chassis. The imaging system is particularly suitable as a compact imaging systems for use on instruments for open surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit capable of supporting multiple input devices. The camera control unit detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes include altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of calorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, which is configured for insertion into a body cavity of a subject. An optical assembly is contained in the distal end and configured to form an image of a target region in the body cavity. A working channel passes through the insertion tube and is configured to convey a fluid from the proximal to the distal end. The working channel has a segment adjacent to the distal end that is narrowed so as to cause the fluid to exit the working channel into the target region in a diverging cone.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to an illumination system for staged illumination in an endoscopic procedure. The inventive system generally includes an illumination apparatus supporting a light source that is configured for removable assembly with an endoscope. The assembly is configured for insertion into a natural or artificial passageway in a body. The illumination apparatus has one or more light sources providing a first, relatively high level of illumination suitable for imaging a first, relatively large target area, either alone or in combination with a light source for the endoscope, and after removal of the illumination apparatus from the assembly, the endoscope provides a second relatively lower level of illumination suitable for imaging a relatively small target area.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, which is configured for insertion into a body cavity of a subject. An optical assembly is contained in the distal end and configured to form an image of a target region in the body cavity. A working channel passes through the insertion tube and is configured to convey a fluid from the proximal to the distal end. The working channel has a segment adjacent to the distal end that is narrowed so as to cause the fluid to exit the working channel into the target region in a diverging cone.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system is varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system is varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a video imaging system that includes an auto-focus mechanism wherein an input from a user of the video imaging system invokes an auto-focus procedure. Responsive to the input, the auto-focus mechanism is scanned over a range of focal distance from a first setting to a second setting indicated by the input. A sequence of images using the video imaging system is captured while scanning the auto-focus mechanism over the range. The images in the sequence are processed so as to compute a measure of focal quality with respect to each of the images. The measure of the focal quality is analyzed so as to select an optimal focal distance, and the auto-focus mechanism is set to the selected focal distance.