Abstract: Provided is a system, method, and computer program product for tracking an object based on skin images. A method includes capturing, with at least one computing device, a sequence of images with a stationary or movable camera unit arranged in a room, the sequence of images including the subject and an object moving relative to the subject, and determining, with at least one computing device, the pose of the object with respect to the subject in at least one image of the sequence of images based on computing or using a prior surface model of the subject, a surface model of the object, and an optical model of the stationary or movable camera unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for capturing environmental image data and providing tactile feedback about the visual environment to a user. One or more image sensing devices are mounted on various appendages of a user and are used to sense the environment. The image data is sent to a computer vision system where it is processed in order to identify specific objects within the environment. When the computer vision system makes such an identification it may send a signal to a haptic stimulator mounted on a user's appendage or may be used to control an object in the environment.

Abstract: An improved system for magnifying forces perceived by an operator performing delicate procedures with a tool. The system senses forces between the tip and handle of the tool and actuates forces between the handle held by the operator and a brace contacting some other portion of the operator's anatomy. Magnifying the forces felt at the tip provides the ability to perceive forces that are smaller than could otherwise be felt and to perform procedures that are more delicate than possible without such enhanced perception. In at least one embodiment, the device is completely hand-held and thus can easily be adapted to a wide variety of locations, orientations, and applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for combining tomographic images with human vision. The systems preferably include a first assembly located proximal to an object to be imaged and a second assembly remote from the target. The first assembly is preferably able to collect a tomographic image from a target object and superimpose that tomographic image onto a direct view of the target object. The first assembly also includes components that allow the transmission of the tomographic image to the remote assembly. At the remote location, a highly trained expert may interact with the captured image by placing electronic markers on the image via an electronic interface. The captured image plus electronic marker are then preferably transmitted back to the local site via a second transmitter-receiver. The local user may use the electronic marker to guide his actions during the appropriate task.

Abstract: A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may be enclosed in a sterile container (e.g., a probe bag) and a mirror and mirror housing may be separately attachable to the image capture device and display. In these embodiments, the mirror may be disposable and the sterility of the overall imaging device is maintained.

Abstract: One embodiment of a fluid mobilizing vessel shown in FIG. 1 comprises a hull (14) impervious to a surrounding fluid (12), a solar cell (16) capable of converting light (18) into electrical energy, an electromechanical actuator (24), and a mobile weight (28) movable with respect to the hull, whereby the electromechanical actuator moves the weight relative to the hull, causing compensatory motion of the hull within the surrounding fluid and thereby motion (32) of the surrounding fluid.

Abstract: A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may or may not be fixed to the semi-transparent mirror. If not fixed, the imaging device may provide a compensation device that adjusts the reflection of the displayed ultrasound on the half-silvered mirror to account for any change in the image capture device orientation or location.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for capturing environmental image data and providing tactile feedback about the visual environment to a user. One or more image sensing devices are mounted on various appendages of a user and are used to sense the environment. The image data is sent to a computer vision system where it is processed in order to identify specific objects within the environment. When the computer vision system makes such an identification it may send a signal to a haptic stimulator mounted on a user's appendage or may be used to control an object in the environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for combining tomographic images with human vision. The systems preferably include a first assembly located proximal to an object to be imaged and a second assembly remote from the target. The first assembly is preferably able to collect a tomographic image from a target object and superimpose that tomographic image onto a direct view of the target object. The first assembly also includes components that allow the transmission of the tomographic image to the remote assembly. At the remote location, a highly trained expert may interact with the captured image by placing electronic markers on the image via an electronic interface. The captured image plus electronic marker are then preferably transmitted back to the local site via a second transmitter-receiver. The local user may use the electronic marker to guide his actions during the appropriate task.

Abstract: A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may or may not be fixed to the semi-transparent mirror. If not fixed, the imaging device may provide a compensation device that adjusts the reflection of the displayed ultrasound on the half-silvered mirror to account for any change in the image capture device orientation or location.

Abstract: A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may or may not be fixed to the semi-transparent mirror. If not fixed, the imaging device may provide a compensation device that adjusts the reflection of the displayed ultrasound on the half-silvered mirror to account for any change in the image capture device orientation or location.