Abstract: Apparatus, including a retaining structure (54), positioned near a subject's eye that has a pupil with a diameter, an optical combiner (52A) mounted on the structure before the eye, and a pixelated screen (60A) having an array of variably transparent pixels coating the combiner. There is an image capturing device (68A) mounted on the structure to capture an image of a scene viewed by the eye, and a projector (64A) is mounted on the structure to project at least one of a portion of the captured image and a stored image onto a section of the screen at a selected location thereof. A processor (26) renders the screen section at least partially opaque, selects the section location in response to a region of interest in the scene identified by analysis of the captured image, and determines a dimension of the section in response to the pupil diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a hinge, defining a hinge axis, and a pair of opposing jaws terminating at respective proximal regions and distal regions. The proximal regions are connected to the hinge so that at least one of the jaws is configured to rotate about the hinge between a closed state and an open state of the jaws. In addition, the jaws are curved in respective planes parallel to the hinge axis, and terminate in respective narrowed ends at the respective distal regions, wherein in the closed state the jaws are configured to grip one or more sections of vertebrae. The apparatus also has a support structure that is configured to retain the hinge and the pair of opposing jaws. A multiplicity of sharp teeth are disposed on respective inner surfaces of the opposing jaws.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a retaining structure (54), positioned near a subject's eye that has a pupil with a diameter, an optical combiner (52A) mounted on the structure before the eye, and a pixelated screen (60A) having an array of variably transparent pixels coating the combiner. There is an image capturing device (68A) mounted on the structure to capture an image of a scene viewed by the eye, and a projector (64A) is mounted on the structure to project at least one of a portion of the captured image and a stored image onto a section of the screen at a selected location thereof. A processor (26) renders the screen section at least partially opaque, selects the section location in response to a region of interest in the scene identified by analysis of the captured image, and determines a dimension of the section in response to the pupil diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a retaining structure (54), positioned near a subject's eye that has a pupil with a diameter, an optical combiner (52A) mounted on the structure before the eye, and a pixelated screen (60A) having an array of variably transparent pixels coating the combiner. There is an image capturing device (68A) mounted on the structure to capture an image of a scene viewed by the eye, and a projector (64A) is mounted on the structure to project at least one of a portion of the captured image and a stored image onto a section of the screen at a selected location thereof. A processor (26) renders the screen section at least partially opaque, selects the section location in response to a region of interest in the scene identified by analysis of the captured image, and determines a dimension of the section in response to the pupil diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a retaining structure (54), positioned near a subject's eye that has a pupil with a diameter, an optical combiner (52A) mounted on the structure before the eye, and a pixelated screen (60A) having an array of variably transparent pixels coating the combiner. There is an image capturing device (68A) mounted on the structure to capture an image of a scene viewed by the eye, and a projector (64A) is mounted on the structure to project at least one of a portion of the captured image and a stored image onto a section of the screen at a selected location thereof. A processor (26) renders the screen section at least partially opaque, selects the section location in response to a region of interest in the scene identified by analysis of the captured image, and determines a dimension of the section in response to the pupil diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a retaining structure (54), positioned near a subject's eye that has a pupil with a diameter, an optical combiner (52A) mounted on the structure before the eye, and a pixelated screen (60A) having an array of variably transparent pixels coating the combiner. There is an image capturing device (68A) mounted on the structure to capture an image of a scene viewed by the eye, and a projector (64A) is mounted on the structure to project at least one of a portion of the captured image and a stored image onto a section of the screen at a selected location thereof. A processor (26) renders the screen section at least partially opaque, selects the section location in response to a region of interest in the scene identified by analysis of the captured image, and determines a dimension of the section in response to the pupil diameter.

Abstract: A method, including receiving signals, from a rectangular array of sensor elements arranged in rows and columns, corresponding to an image captured by the array. The method also includes analyzing the signals along a row or a column to identify one or more local turning points, and processing the signals at the identified local turning points to recognize fixed pattern noise in the captured image. The method further includes correcting values of the signals from the sensor elements at the identified local turning points so as to reduce the fixed pattern noise in the image.

Abstract: A method includes providing a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The method further includes processing the captured image and creating a processed image for display on a monitor, and processing and displaying a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a retaining structure (54), positioned near a subject's eye that has a pupil with a diameter, an optical combiner (52A) mounted on the structure before the eye, and a pixelated screen (60A) having an array of variably transparent pixels coating the combiner. There is an image capturing device (68A) mounted on the structure to capture an image of a scene viewed by the eye, and a projector (64A) is mounted on the structure to project at least one of a portion of the captured image and a stored image onto a section of the screen at a selected location thereof. A processor (26) renders the screen section at least partially opaque, selects the section location in response to a region of interest in the scene identified by analysis of the captured image, and determines a dimension of the section in response to the pupil diameter.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, including an imaging unit, which consists of an image sensor, configured to capture images of a region and to output image signals in response to the captured images and an illumination source, configured to illuminate the region. The unit further includes a driver circuit, which is coupled to receive a digital value indicative of a target luminous flux of the illumination source and to generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal to drive the illumination source with a duty cycle of the signal determined by the value. The apparatus includes a camera control unit, which is configured to process the image signals so as to generate images of the region and to output the digital value indicative of the target luminous flux based on the images. A single cable connects the imaging unit to the camera control unit so as to convey the image signals and the digital value.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The medical apparatus further includes an image processor which is configured to process the captured image and create a processed image for display on a monitor, and which is also configured to process and display a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The medical apparatus further includes an image processor which is configured to process the captured image and create a processed image for display on a monitor, and which is also configured to process and display a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The medical apparatus further includes an image processor which is configured to process the captured image and create a processed image for display on a monitor, and which is also configured to process and display a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, including a pattern projecting device that projects a pattern onto a wall of a body cavity, the pattern including at least a first section and a second section. The apparatus also includes an illumination device that directs an illumination light onto the wall of the body cavity and an imaging device that, while in a first orientation directed to the first section of the pattern projected onto the wall, acquires a first image of the first section, and while in a second orientation directed to the second section of the pattern projected onto the wall, acquires a second image of the second section. The apparatus further includes a processor controlling the pattern projecting device and the illumination device such that the imaging device acquires the first and the second images during the use of the illumination light, and stitching the first image to the second image.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, including an imaging unit, which consists of an image sensor, configured to capture images of a region and to output image signals in response to the captured images and an illumination source, configured to illuminate the region. The unit further includes a driver circuit, which is coupled to receive a digital value indicative of a target luminous flux of the illumination source and to generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal to drive the illumination source with a duty cycle of the signal determined by the value. The apparatus includes a camera control unit, which is configured to process the image signals so as to generate images of the region and to output the digital value indicative of the target luminous flux based on the images. A single cable connects the imaging unit to the camera control unit so as to convey the image signals and the digital value.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, including a pattern projecting device that projects a pattern onto a wall of a body cavity, the pattern including at least a first section and a second section. The apparatus also includes an illumination device that directs an illumination light onto the wall of the body cavity and an imaging device that, while in a first orientation directed to the first section of the pattern projected onto the wall, acquires a first image of the first section, and while in a second orientation directed to the second section of the pattern projected onto the wall, acquires a second image of the second section. The apparatus further includes a processor controlling the pattern projecting device and the illumination device such that the imaging device acquires the first and the second images during the use of the illumination light, and stitching the first image to the second image.

Abstract: An endoscope, consisting of an image sensor which is configured to generate an image signal and a control circuit which is mounted on the endoscope. The control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from a processor. The endoscope includes a connector which is connected to the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit. In addition, the connector includes a memory storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor. The control circuit adjusts the image signal, based on the calibration data stored in the memory, to form a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the processor.

Abstract: A method, including receiving signals, from a rectangular array of sensor elements arranged in rows and columns, corresponding to an image captured by the array. The method also includes analyzing the signals along a row or a column to identify one or more local turning points, and processing the signals at the identified local turning points to recognize fixed pattern noise in the captured image. The method further includes correcting values of the signals from the sensor elements at the identified local turning points so as to reduce the fixed pattern noise in the 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: An electrical surgical cautery device for delivering thermal energy to cauterize and provide hemostasis to a bleeding tissue comprises an electrically powered flexible thermal delivery element having a substantially planar resistive coil embedded in a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material comprises a tissue contact surface and a non-tissue contact surface. A power source is connected to the resistive coil of the thermal delivery element and provides an electrical current to heat the thermal delivery element being pressed against the tissue. A method for providing hemostasis to a bleeding tissue surface comprises providing and pressing an electrical cautery device having a thermal delivery element, against the hemorrhaging tissue at a predetermined temperature for an interval sufficient to cauterize the tissue and provide hemostasis.