Abstract: An electronic imaging device (27) includes an optical objective (28) for collecting optical radiation from an object, the objective having an optical axis, and an image sensor (24), including a matrix of optical detectors arranged in a plane that is substantially non-perpendicular to the optical axis, the image sensor having a lateral dimension in the plane. A turning mirror (38) has an optical surface that is positioned so as to reflect the radiation collected by the objective in order to form a focused image in the plane of the image sensor, while a maximum distance from the optical surface to the plane of the image sensor is substantially less than the lateral dimension of the image sensor.

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: Two-array color imaging systems, image processing systems and related principles are disclosed. For example, a pixel from a first single-array color image sensor and a pixel from a second single-array color image sensor can define a pair of pixels. One pixel of the pair is configured to detect luminance information and the other pixel is configured to detect chrominance information. A plurality of such pixel pairs can be illuminated by an image and, in response to such illumination, emit one or more electrical output signals carrying the luminance and chrominance information. The output signals can be transformed into a displayable image. Related computing environments are also disclosed.

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: 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: 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 includes 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: The present invention relates to a method for activating an image collecting process, comprising the step of releasing the power source of a component essential to the image collecting process from an inhibition imposed by an external magnet. In an embodiment of the invention the image collecting process is designed to image the insides of a body lumen. The present invention further relates to a packaging suitable for storing therein an imaging system, said package comprising a magnet. The imaging system comprises components essential to an image collecting process, said components operable in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for viewing through blood in situ including a flexible catheter for insertion into a blood vessel, an optical assembly positioned at the distal end of the catheter, a working channel, and a control unit for regulating the opacity level of blood in the blood vessel around the distal end of the catheter and controllably injecting quantities of fluid into the blood vessel in the vicinity of the optical assembly. A local controller located at the distal end of the catheter may control functions of the optical assembly while coordinating signals and power with the control unit. Some possible embodiments, may include an inflatable stent balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing an image enhancing effect for a photographic image of a target region within an intravascular environment. The image enhancing effects may be a physical process based upon the nature of the detected light or based upon different aspects of expected light reflection behavior, for example, by running predefined image reconstruction algorithms. The apparatus has a plurality of different embodiments, each of which reduces the ambient “noise” detected along with the light reflected from the target region in order to increase the signal/noise ratio, thereby to enhance the quality of the image produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes an invasive probe having opposite distal and proximal ends. The probe includes a transmitter, which is arranged to transmit an energy field, and a receiver, which is arranged to receive the energy field, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed at the opposite ends of the probe. A control unit is adapted to determine an orientation of the distal end relative to the proximal end responsively to the energy field received by the receiver.

Abstract: A medical wireless imaging device comprises an image sensor, a transmitter, a receiving device, and a plurality of light sources. The transmitter transmits data through a wireless communication link to a processing device. The receiving device wirelessly receives control data from a control unit. Each light source is configured to be individually controlled according to the control data. A reference image is stored for each light source. Intensities of each light source are calculated based on a reference image and on an input image.

Abstract: A device, system and method for calculating a size of an object using images acquired by a typically moving imager, for example in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A distance traveled by the moving imager during image capture may be determined, and spatial coordinates of image pixels may be calculated using the distance. The size of the object may be determined, for example, from the spatial coordinates. The moving imager may be in a swallowable capsule, or, for example, an endoscope.

Abstract: A method and system may activate an in-vivo capsule to perform image collection while the capsule is outside a body and held in a cup, the cup having a mark on its inner wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in performing an open surgical procedure on a body of a patient using a working element of a surgical instrument that has a shaft connected proximally to the working element; and capturing an image of an area of the body using a camera that is connected to the shaft.

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: Methods and systems for producing a 3D image representation of an in vivo object that include illuminating the object with at least two separate illumination sources included in a wireless imaging device, the first of the at least two illumination sources for illuminating said object from a first side of the object and the second of the at least two illumination sources for illuminating said object from a second side of the object; obtaining at least a first image and a second image of the object, whereby the first image is obtained using a first illumination source, and the second image is obtained using the second illumination source; comparing between photometry measurements of reflected light intensity in the at least first and second images; and constructing a 3D image representation of the object from the at least first and second images, based on said comparison.

Abstract: A method for imaging includes defining a set of one or more color correction parameters having values that vary over a predefined color space. For each of the pixels in an input image, the location of the respective input color is determined in the color space, and a value of the one or more color correction parameters is selected responsively to the location. The respective input color is modified using the selected value so as to produce a corrected output color of the pixel in an output image.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for activating an image collecting process, comprising the step of releasing the power source of a component essential to the image collecting process from an inhibition imposed by an external magnet. In an embodiment of the invention the image collecting process is designed to image the insides of a body lumen. The present invention further relates to a packaging suitable for storing therein an imaging system, said package comprising a magnet. The imaging system comprises components essential to an image collecting process, said components operable in accordance with the invention.