Abstract: An endoscope tracker that measures the endoscope's motion using a pair of trackballs and two video cameras is provided. The trackballs measure real-time changes in the scope's position and rotation during an endoscopic procedure. The cameras detect scale lines on the scope's surface to correct accumulated trackball measurement errors. A dual modality tracking method measures the motion of the endoscope's insertion tube in real time, including insertion length, rotation angle, and their velocities. Optical trackballs measure the endoscope insertion tube's motion, and cameras correct cumulative errors. A purely optical endoscope tracker that measures the endoscope's motion is also provided, using video cameras and software that processes the images obtained from the video cameras to determine how the endoscope moves over time.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for detecting a presence of an analyte in a fluid sample are described herein. The devices include a microfluidic module having a microfluidic channel configured to receive the fluid sample at an inlet thereof and direct the fluid sample towards an outlet thereof. The devices also include an image sensor positioned removably abutting the microfluidic module. The image sensor is positioned laterally between the inlet and the outlet of the microfluidic channel and below a lower surface of the microfluidic channel. The image sensor is communicatively coupled to a processor that is configured to receive signal data from the image sensor. The devices also include a light source configured to direct light through the fluid sample and towards the image sensor as the fluid sample passes through the microfluidic channel. The image sensor receives the light and outputs the signal data to the processor.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system for analyzing images and speech obtained during a medical diagnostic procedure for automatically generated annotated images using annotation data for one or more images 5 having at least one object of interest (OOI) and a classification where the annotation data includes text that is generated from speech provided by the user commenting on the one or more images having the at least one OOI.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for detecting a presence of an analyte in a fluid sample are described herein. The devices include a microfluidic module having a microfluidic channel configured to receive the fluid sample at an inlet thereof and direct the fluid sample towards an outlet thereof. The devices also include an image sensor positioned removably abutting the microfluidic module. The image sensor is positioned laterally between the inlet and the outlet of the microfluidic channel and below a lower surface of the microfluidic channel. The image sensor is communicatively coupled to a processor that is configured to receive signal data from the image sensor. The devices also include a light source configured to direct light through the fluid sample and towards the image sensor as the fluid sample passes through the microfluidic channel. The image sensor receives the light and outputs the signal data to the processor.

Abstract: The present disclosure claims an apparatus, a method and a system for the calibration of a streak camera. A plurality of fiber optic cables is bundled together such that the input ends and the output ends of the fibers are grouped together. Each fiber in the bundle has a distinct and characteristic time taken for light to traverse from the input end to the output end known by the observer. This characteristic time depends on the physical and optical properties of the fibers selected. Calibration light is collected by the fiber input face and travels through the individual fibers in a characteristic time. Individual light pulses will subsequently be detected by the streak camera which converts the time profile of the incoming light pulses into a spatial profile. An observer can compare the observed spatial separation profile to an expected spatial separation profile for calibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing foci array scanning using at least one adjustable or tilting medium is disclosed. The medium can be controllably tilted in order to translate a beam of electromagnetic radiation perpendicularly to its propagation, and upon exiting the medium, will propagate in the original, incoming direction. This allows the apparatus that emits the radiation, such as a laser, to remain stationary and still scan a 2D array. Additionally, the reflected fluorescence light undergoes the opposite shift to “reverse” the scanning shift and bring the beamlets back in line with a lenselet array. So the collection fibers can remain static and collect light from different spots on the sample from during the scan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing foci array scanning using at least one adjustable or tilting medium is disclosed. The medium can be controllably tilted in order to translate a beam of electromagnetic radiation perpendicularly to its propagation, and upon exiting the medium, will propagate in the original, incoming direction. This allows the apparatus that emits the radiation, such as a laser, to remain stationary and still scan a 2D array. Additionally, the reflected fluorescence light undergoes the opposite shift to “reverse” the scanning shift and bring the beamlets back in line with a lenselet array. So the collection fibers can remain static and collect light from different spots on the sample from during the scan.

Abstract: The present disclosure claims an apparatus, a method and a system for the calibration of a streak camera. A plurality of fiber optic cables is bundled together such that the input ends and the output ends of the fibers are grouped together. Each fiber in the bundle has a distinct and characteristic time taken for light to traverse from the input end to the output end known by the observer. This characteristic time depends on the physical and optical properties of the fibers selected. Calibration light is collected by the fiber input face and travels through the individual fibers in a characteristic time. Individual light pulses will subsequently be detected by the streak camera which converts the time profile of the incoming light pulses into a spatial profile. An observer can compare the observed spatial separation profile to an expected spatial separation profile for calibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of coordinated in-pixel light detection is provided. In one aspect, the method includes implementing an N-number of avalanche photodiodes inside a pixel circuit of a light detection circuit. The method also includes coordinating an output of the N-number of avalanche photodiodes through a counter circuit. The method further includes reducing a deadtime of the light detection circuit by a factor of ‘N’ through the N-number of avalanche photodiodes and the counter circuit operating in concert. The method furthermore includes measuring an intensity of a light through the light detection circuit. N-number of avalanche photodiodes is in a common well of a semiconductor technology. N-number of avalanche photodiodes is fabricated on a deep submicron semiconductor technology. A fill factor of the pixel circuit improves and a deadtime reduces through fabrication of the avalanche photodiodes in a common well. Also, a photon count rate increases through reducing the deadtime.

Abstract: A single photon counting image sensor and method is provided. In one aspect, the method of an image sensor includes counting through a counter circuit a number of photons detected through a photodiode when a light is incident on the photodiode. The method also includes storing in a memory circuit a time a count of the number of photons take to match a reference count of the number of photons. In another aspect, an image sensor device includes a pixel circuit. The image sensor device also includes a photodiode circuit of the pixel circuit to detect photons when a light is incident on the photodiode circuit. The image sensor device further includes a counter circuit of the pixel circuit coupled to the photodiode circuit to count a number of photons detected when a light is incident on the avalanche photo diode.

Abstract: A high speed analog photon counter and method is provided. In one aspect, the method includes delivering an electric charge to a circuit of the high speed analog photon counter through a current source of the circuit. The method also includes accumulating the electric charge in a capacitor of the circuit electrically coupled to the current source. The method further includes comparing the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit with a reference voltage through a comparator of the circuit electrically coupled to an output of the capacitor. The output of the capacitor of the circuit is coupled to an input of the comparator of the circuit, and the reference voltage is coupled to another input of the comparator of the circuit. The method furthermore includes resetting the capacitor of the circuit when the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit matches the reference voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method and an apparatus of reduction of delay between subsequent capture operations of a light-detection device. In one embodiment, a light-detection circuit includes an avalanche photodiode implemented in a deep submicron CMOS technology. In addition, the light-detection circuit includes a passive quench control circuit to create an avalanche current that generates a high voltage at an output of a second inverter gate of the circuit. The light-detection circuit further includes an active quench control circuit to reduce a dead time of the circuit. The light-detection circuit also includes a reset circuit to create a low voltage at an output of the second inverter gate and to create an active reset through a PMOS transistor of the light-detection circuit.

Abstract: A high speed analog photon counter and method is provided. In one aspect, the method includes delivering an electric charge to a circuit of the high speed analog photon counter through a current source of the circuit. The method also includes accumulating the electric charge in a capacitor of the circuit electrically coupled to the current source. The method further includes comparing the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit with a reference voltage through a comparator of the circuit electrically coupled to an output of the capacitor. The output of the capacitor of the circuit is coupled to an input of the comparator of the circuit, and the reference voltage is coupled to another input of the comparator of the circuit. The method furthermore includes resetting the capacitor of the circuit when the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit matches the reference voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of coordinated in-pixel light detection is provided. In one aspect, the method includes implementing an N-number of avalanche photodiodes inside a pixel circuit of a light detection circuit. The method also includes coordinating an output of the N-number of avalanche photodiodes through a counter circuit. The method further includes reducing a deadtime of the light detection circuit by a factor of ‘N’ through the N-number of avalanche photodiodes and the counter circuit operating in concert. The method furthermore includes measuring an intensity of a light through the light detection circuit. N-number of avalanche photodiodes is in a common well of a semiconductor technology. N-number of avalanche photodiodes is fabricated on a deep submicron semiconductor technology. A fill factor of the pixel circuit improves and a deadtime reduces through fabrication of the avalanche photodiodes in a common well. Also, a photon count rate increases through reducing the deadtime.

Abstract: A high speed analog photon counter and method is provided. In one aspect, the method includes delivering an electric charge to a circuit of the high speed analog photon counter through a current source of the circuit. The method also includes accumulating the electric charge in a capacitor of the circuit electrically coupled to the current source. The method further includes comparing the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit with a reference voltage through a comparator of the circuit electrically coupled to an output of the capacitor. The output of the capacitor of the circuit is coupled to an input of the comparator of the circuit, and the reference voltage is coupled to another input of the comparator of the circuit. The method furthermore includes resetting the capacitor of the circuit when the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit matches the reference voltage.

Abstract: A single photon counting image sensor and method is provided. In one aspect, the method of an image sensor includes counting through a counter circuit a number of photons detected through a photodiode when a light is incident on the photodiode. The method also includes storing in a memory circuit a time a count of the number of photons take to match a reference count of the number of photons. In another aspect, an image sensor device includes a pixel circuit. The image sensor device also includes a photodiode circuit of the pixel circuit to detect photons when a light is incident on the photodiode circuit. The image sensor device further includes a counter circuit of the pixel circuit coupled to the photodiode circuit to count a number of photons detected when a light is incident on the avalanche photo diode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method and an apparatus of high speed imaging through in-pixel storage. In one embodiment, an image sensor includes an event sensor to detect events in a process. In addition, the image sensor includes an in-pixel storage to increase an event capture rate of the events through a separation of an event capture operation from other operations of the image sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method and an apparatus of reduction of delay between subsequent capture operations of a light-detection device. In one embodiment, a light-detection circuit includes an avalanche photodiode implemented in a deep submicron CMOS technology. In addition, the light-detection circuit includes a passive quench control circuit to create an avalanche current that generates a high voltage at an output of a second inverter gate of the circuit. The light-detection circuit further includes an active quench control circuit to reduce a dead time of the circuit. The light-detection circuit also includes a reset circuit to create a low voltage at an output of the second inverter gate and to create an active reset through a PMOS transistor of the light-detection circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of fluorescence emission spectroscopy data and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy data are described. A unique Laguerre expansion can be found for fluorescence intensity decays of arbitrary form with convergence to a correct solution faster than with conventional methods. The Laguerre expansion technique includes expansion coefficients highly correlated with intrinsic fluorescence lifetimes, allowing direct characterization of fluorescence dynamics. For complex systems, conventional analysis of fluorescence intensity decay in terms of discrete exponential components can not readily provide a true representation of underlying fluorescence dynamics. Utilizing the Laguerre expansion technique, an alternative non-parametric method for analysis of time-resolved fluorescence data from various systems is described, facilitating characterization and discrimination of a sample.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods described herein enable an operator to simultaneously collect images and spectroscopic information from a region(s) of interest using a multiple modality imaging and/or spectroscopic probe, configured as a catheter, endoscope, microscope, or hand held probe. The device may incorporate, for example, an ultrasonic transducer and a fiber optic probe to translate images and spectra. The apparatus and methods may be used in any suitable cavity, for example, the vascular system of a mammal.