Abstract: A disposable protective cap and method for covering a probe in a spectral imaging apparatus are provided. The cap protects the probe from direct contact with a subject's tissues. The cap is hollow and elongated to cover the probe, having an open end and a closed end. At the closed end is an optically transparent face. This permits light to be transmitted from the probe through the closed end of the cap with minimal optical distortion. At the open end of the cap are components which interact with the probe to assure that the cap is not used more than one time. These components can use electrical interaction to assure only a single disposable use of the cap. Mechanically interacting components can also be used, either alone or in combination with electrically interacting components to assure only a single use of the cap.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-chromatic imaging that requires a single detector are described. A light source sequentially produces multiple light wavelengths for illumination of a subject. An optical filter filters the light wavelengths, and directs them to the subject, and then filters the transmitted or reflected light, and directs it to an image detector. The image detector sequentially receives each transmitted or reflected light wavelength with a different frame or field, and then produces an detected image signal for an analyzer. A video sync separator separates the composite video image signal from the image detector into the signal components necessary for sequencing the light source. A sequence driver uses these separated signal components to create sequencing signals for driving the light source.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method of calibrating a reflected spectral imaging apparatus used for analysis of living tissue. In addition to the reflected spectral imaging apparatus itself, the calibration apparatus comprises an optical filter that is placed between the light source used in the imaging apparatus and the object under analysis, and a calibration module. The filter is fabricated such that when the light is passed through the filter, an image is projected onto the focal plane where imaging is to take place within the object. The image projected by the filter comprises a plurality of areas, each having a different known optical density. For each area, the calibration module measures the intensity of the light reflected from the area and maps the light intensity measurement to the optical density known to be present at the area. This correspondence of light intensity measurements and known optical densities is then used to calibrate the reflected spectral imaging apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reflected imaging analysis. Reflected imaging is used to perform non-invasive, in vivo analysis of a subject's vascular system. A raw reflected image (110) is normalized with respect to the background to form a corrected reflected image (120). An analysis image (130) is segmented from the corrected reflected image to include a scene of interest for analysis. The method and apparatus can be used to determine such characteristics as the hemoglobin concentration per unit volume of blood, the number of white blood cells per unit volume of blood, a mean cell volume, the number of platelets per unit volume of blood, and the hematocrit. Cross-polarizers can be used to improve visualization of the reflected image.

Abstract: Reflected imaging is used to perform non-invasive, in vivo analysis of a subject's vascular system. A raw reflected image is normalized with respect to the background to form a corrected reflected image. An analysis image is segmented from the corrected reflected image to include a scene of interest for analysis. The method and apparatus can be used to determine such characteristics as the hemoglobin concentration per unit volume of blood, the number of white blood cells per unit volume of blood, a mean cell volume, the number of platelets per unit volume of blood, and the hematocrit. Cross-polarizers can be used to improve visualization of the reflected image.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically performing analytic procedural steps on a fluid contained in a disposable deformable test pack. The apparatus consists of a means for filling the test pack with sample fluid, a means for controlling the environment of the test pack, a means for initiating reactions within the test pack, a means for analyzing the fluid in the test pack, and a transport means designed to hold the test pack and to transport it between the various operating stations. Associated circuitry combining method switchng and control logic make the operation of the instrument fully automatic.

Abstract: Performing analytical tests more easily, quickly and accurately by using a specially designed pouch-like container of pliable material. The container has within it a plurality of compartments, each compartment being capable of containing a different reagent and each compartment also being capable of releasing its contained reagent, independently of any other reagents present in the other compartments, into the area of the container not occupied by compartments. This latter area of the container is also adapted to receive the test sample for reaction with any single reagent or any combination of reagents released from the compartments.