Abstract: A method of causing a mobile robotic device, such as an automated cleaning device, to navigate an area includes using a video camera to collect visual information associated with an area in which a mobile robotic device is located. A system receives information from the video camera, wherein the information comprises a value associated with a detected color in the area. The system compares the value associated with the detected color to a value of a requested color, and the system determines whether the value associated with the detected color is within a tolerance range of the value of the requested color. If the value associated with the detected color is within a tolerance range of the value of the requested color, the system accepts the color. The system uses the received information to adjust a position of the mobile robotic device in the area.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360E turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360E turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system. The fluid distribution system includes a steam generator, a fluid distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose that applies steam to above-floor surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.

Abstract: A diverter for a dishwasher appliance that can be used to provide more options for directing fluid among various spray arms or spray devices in a dishwasher appliance. The diverter can be used e.g., to select between fluid delivery to both the upper and lower spray arm assemblies or to both the upper and middle spray arm assemblies.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a rack assembly. A bracket of the rack assembly has a post and a support projection that defines a plurality of slots. The post of the bracket extends through a tub of the dishwasher appliance, and a sleeve engages the post such that the sleeve hinders the post from retracting through the tub. A slide rail is mounted on the support projection of the bracket.

Abstract: A medical system includes a treatment tool including a treatment portion, a joint portion, a flexible tube portion, and a drive unit; an endoscope device including an outer sheath that holds the treatment tool and an imaging unit that is capable of acquiring an image including at least the joint portion; and a control unit that controls an operation of the treatment tool. The control unit includes a table that has a parameter for causing the joint portion to move, a controller that issues a command for controlling the drive unit based on the parameter to the drive unit, an image processing unit that calculates at least one of a position and an orientation of the joint portion based on the image, and a compensation value calculating unit that detects displacement of the joint portion, generates a compensation value, and incorporates the compensation value into the parameter.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a light source that generates illuminating light to be emitted from a distal end of an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; an illumination controller that receives a light control signal and to control emission of the illuminating light according to the light control signal; a light receiving unit in which pixels is provided in a matrix form, each pixel being configured to perform photoelectric conversion on light from the subject irradiated with the illuminating light to generate an electrical signal; a reading unit that sequentially reads, for each line, the electrical signal; and an imaging controller that performs imaging control that alternately repeats read processing for causing the reading unit to sequentially read, for each line, the electrical signal from the light receiving unit, and exposure processing for exposing the light receiving unit.

Abstract: The slack correction mechanism includes a distal-end pulley that is rotatable with respect to a given axis, a distal-end wire wound around the distal-end pulley, a first supporting part including a first base, a first friction portion around which the distal-end wire is looped on one side and a first biasing portion that biases the distal-end wire in a pulling direction on one end side with respect to the first friction portion, the first supporting part being adapted to support one side of the distal-end wire, and a second supporting part including a second base, a second friction portion around which the distal-end wire is looped on the other side and a second biasing portion that biases the distal-end wire in a pulling direction on the other side with respect to the second friction portion, the second supporting part being adapted to support the other side of the distal-end wire.

Abstract: The medical instrument a wire, a flexible sheath through which the wire is inserted, a wire driving unit for driving the wire, a passive unit that is put into operation as the wire is driven, a sheath pulling unit for pulling the sheath, a sheath lock unit for locking movement of the sheath, and a control unit for switching among a run-up mode in which the passive unit and the wire driving unit are still disconnected, a sheath free mode in which the sheath is not locked and so set free, a sheath slack adjustment mode in which a slack in the sheath is adjusted to lock the sheath in place and a master/slave mode in which the passive unit connected to the wire driving unit is put into a drivable state.

Abstract: When a predetermined range of a bend member is divided into a plurality of segments which neighbor in order in a longitudinal direction and are estimation units each having at least information of a length, a curvature and a direction for estimating a bend shape of the bend member, a shape estimation unit includes a segment shape estimation unit which estimates a shape of each of the segments by using segment information including at least one piece of curvature information with respect to each segment, and a bend member shape estimation unit which estimates the bend shape in the predetermined range by connecting end portions of each two neighboring segments, such that tangent directions of end portions of the shapes of the two neighboring segments coincide and directions around the tangent directions coincide.

Abstract: The medical instrument 1 includes a wire 5, a flexible sheath 6 through which the wire 5 is inserted, a wire driving unit 4 for driving the wire 5, a passive unit 2 that is put into operation as the wire 5 is driven, a sheath pulling unit 14, 17, 21, 51, and a sheath lock unit 12, 13, 20 for locking movement of the sheath 6.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lens having a single imaging path operable to direct light captured within a field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens. The apparatus also includes a polarizer located proximate the aperture plane, the polarizer including a first portion disposed to transmit light having a first polarization state through a first portion of the single imaging path and a second portion disposed to transmit light having a second polarization state through a second portion of the single imaging path, the first and second portions of the single imaging path providing respective first and second perspective viewpoints within the field of view of the lens.

Abstract: An imagery system includes: a camera having a field of view; a light source including a source of structured light, the light source movable relative to the camera; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is programmed to determine, at least, estimated locations of points on a surface exposed to the structured light according to image data received from the field of view of the camera. The light source may include at least one fiducial marker, and the at least one processor may be programmed to determine the estimated position of the source of structured light according to the at least one fiducial marker in the image data. Also, the camera may be a stereoscopic camera.

Abstract: The present invention is a Laparoscopic Eye Cleaner that can be used intra-abdominally. This laparoscopic instrument will save time and money. The instrument is a handle connected to a flat, thin stem and made of plastic or stainless steel with a soft absorbable tip. It only takes two fingers to use it. The tip that cleans the eye of the lens without the need for the laparoscope having to be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a light output to an optical guide for illumination of an imaged object including a plurality of solid state light-emitting sources each of which are independently powered and independently controlled, each light-emitting source emitting light at a wavelength which is different from the wavelength emitted by the other light-emitting sources. The apparatus also includes a heat sink configured to thermally couple the plurality of solid state light-emitting sources and provide conduction of heat generated by the plurality of solid state light-emitting sources. The apparatus further includes an optical elements to collect, collimate, and combine the emissions from the plurality of solid state light-emitting sources into a combined beam of light to be optically coupled to the light guide.

Abstract: A mouth mirror apparatus is adapted to be connected to a suction device and includes a mounting frame, an elongated handle, and a mirror member. The mirror member is rotatably mounted on a major wall of the mounting frame and can be driven to rotate when the suction device is actuated. When the mirror member rotates, a centrifugal force is generated to fling off water drops and/or debris on a reflecting surface of the mirror member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ophthalmic examination apparatus includes an examination unit and an analyzer. The examination unit is used to optically examine a subject's eye. The analyzer is configured to analyze examination data obtained by the examination unit, and thereby generate risk information indicating the risk of a specific disease.

Abstract: An OCT tracking system includes an imaging unit operable to generate a fundus image of a patient's eye and a tracking system operable to process the fundus image to determine a location of a surgical instrument inserted into the patient's eye. The OCT tracking system further includes an OCT system including an OCT light source operable to generate an OCT imaging beam and a beam scanner. Based at least in part on the determined location of the surgical instrument, the beam scanner directs the OCT imaging beam to a particular region within the patient's eye, the particular region within the patient's eye including the determined location of the surgical instrument inserted into the patient's eye.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system includes a laser source, a ranging subsystem, an integrated optical subsystem, and a patient interface assembly. The laser source produces a treatment beam that includes a plurality of laser pulses. The ranging subsystem produces a source beam used to locate one or more structures of an eye. The ranging subsystem includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) pickoff assembly that includes a first optical wedge and a second optical wedge separated from the first optical wedge. The OCT pickoff assembly is configured to divide an OCT source beam into a sample beam and a reference beam. The integrated optical subsystem is used to scan the treatment beam and the sample beam. The patient interface assembly couples the eye with the integrated optical subsystem so as to constrain the eye relative to the integrated optical subsystem.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam.

Abstract: An anterior ocular segment optical coherence tomographic imaging device and an anterior ocular segment optical coherence tomographic imaging method that can accurately analyze the shape of a crystalline lens by identifying the boundary of each layer of the crystalline lens in a tomographic image of an anterior ocular segment of a subject's eye, which is taken by optical coherence tomography. A layer boundary detector calculates brightness gradients from brightness values in a tomographic image of an anterior ocular segment of a subject's eye, which is taken by optical coherence tomography, in a depth direction of the tomographic image from a cornea to a retina, detect edges b1, b2, b3, and b4 that are larger than a predetermined threshold, and identify a boundary of each layer of the crystalline lens L from positions of the edge b1, b2, b3, and b4.

Abstract: Distribution information of examination results of eye fundus is displayed. An imaging part carries out movie imaging of fundus. A tomographic image forming part comprises an optical system that generates and detects interference light by superposing signal light from fundus on reference light and a scanner that scans fundus with signal light, and forms tomographic image of fundus based on detection results of interference light acquired by the scanning. A setting part sets scan-target location of signal light on distribution information. A specifying part specifies image region in fundus image obtained by the movie imaging that corresponds to the scan-target location. A controller controls the scanner based on the specified image region to carry out scanning of signal light. The tomographic image forming part forms tomographic image from the detection results of interference light acquired by the scanning of signal light based on the control.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ophthalmic examination system includes a plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the operational status of the ophthalmic examination apparatuses. The ophthalmic examination system includes a receiver, a counting unit, a storage device, and a storage controller. The receiver receives first identification information for identifying a subject. The counting unit includes a counter provided for each apparatus group including at least one ophthalmic examination apparatus, and counts the number of times of use of the apparatus group in units of the first identification information of the subject examined with the ophthalmic examination apparatus included in the apparatus group. The storage controller acquires a counter value indicated by the counter from the counting unit, associates the counter value with second identification information for identifying the apparatus group, and stores them in the storage device.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more wireless nodes forming a wireless mesh network; a user activity sensor including a wireless mesh transceiver adapted to communicate with the one or more wireless nodes using the wireless mesh network; and a digital monitoring agent coupled to the wireless transceiver through the wireless mesh network to request assistance from a third party based on the user activity sensor.

Abstract: A method of performing an optical examination on a test object and an optical examination device. The method includes obtaining a first detection light quantity distribution that is a detection light quantity distribution obtained for each of a plurality of optical models that simulate the test object, obtaining, using the optical sensor, a second detection light quantity distribution that is a distribution of an amount of light detected on the test object, and selecting based on the first light quantity distribution and the second detection light quantity distribution, an optical model suited to the test object from the plurality of optical models. The optical examination device includes an optical sensor, and a control system to control the irradiation system to obtain an amount of light detected by the detection system.

Abstract: A light detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a light detector having a main surface and including at least one first detector and at least one second detector disposed along the main surface; a light coupling layer disposed on or apart from the light detector and including a first low-refractive-index layer, a first high-refractive-index layer disposed on the first low-refractive-index layer and including a first grating, and a second low-refractive-index layer disposed on the first high-refractive-index layer, the first high-refractive-index layer having a higher refractive index than the first and second low-refractive-index layers; and a light shielding film disposed on the light coupling layer and including at least one light transmitting region and at least one light shielding region adjacent to the at least one light transmitting region.

Abstract: Disclosed are sensor assemblies and a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. A sensor assembly includes at least one a motor configured to vibrate a sensing optode at a first frequency. A system includes a plurality of sensor assemblies and a controller for processing signals from the sensor assemblies.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring and displaying dental plaque are provided, and the method includes the steps of dividing near infrared light output from a light source into measurement light and reference light, applying the measurement light toward a tooth in an oral cavity and scanning the tooth with the measurement light, producing interference light from reflected light and back-scattered light from the tooth and the reference light, generating an optical coherence tomographic image based on a scattering intensity value of the interference light, extracting a dental plaque region having a specific scattering intensity value from the optical coherence tomographic image, and quantifying the dental plaque. A method and an apparatus for measuring and displaying gingiva and/or alveolar bone are further provided. A method and an apparatus for quantifying dental plaque, digitizing the dental plaque, and generating an image of the dental plaque in a noncontact, noninvasive manner are thereby provided.

Abstract: Wearable devices for taking symmetric thermal measurements. One device includes first and second thermal cameras physically coupled to a frame worn on a user's head. The first thermal camera takes thermal measurements of a first region of interest that covers at least a portion of the right side of the user's forehead. The second thermal camera takes thermal measurements of a second ROI that covers at least a portion of the left side of the user's forehead. Wherein the first and second thermal cameras are not in physical contact with their corresponding ROIs, and as a result of being coupled to the frame, the thermal cameras remain pointed at their corresponding ROIs when the user's head makes angular movements.

Abstract: A method and systems for monitoring health status of chronically ill people are provided. An example system includes a wearable device with sensors, with the wearable device being designed to be worn on a wrist of a patient. The wearable device is operable to continuously collect, via sensors, sensor data from a single place on body of the patient. The sensor data are processed to obtain electrocardiogram data and photoplethysmogram data. The electrocardiogram data and the photoplethysmogram data are analyzed to obtain medical parameters associated with a chronic disease. Based at least partially on the changes in the medical parameters over time, a progression of the at least one chronic disease can be determined. Based on the progression, messages regarding a current health condition are sent to the patient. The messages include advice to take medicine or contact a medical professional if a chronic condition is worsening.

Abstract: A biological information measurement device includes a pulse wave detector having a light emitter for irradiating a living body with light and a light receiver for receiving reflected light of the light emitted from the living body when the light emitter irradiates the living body with the light, and detecting pulse wave information of the living body based on the reflected light received in the light receiver; an operator for determining an autonomic nerve function based on the pulse wave information of the living body detected by the pulse wave detector; and a controller configured so as to control the pulse wave detector and the operator. The pulse wave detector, the operator, and the controller are provided in a measuring device main body case.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a light emitter configured to emit light beams of different wavelengths to living tissue, a light detector configured to detect the light beams of different wavelengths emitted from the light emitter, an acquiring section that calculates absorbances of arterial blood for the respective light beams of different wavelengths based on the light beams detected by the light detector, that acquires a pulse waveform based on the absorbances, and that acquires a parameter corresponding to an oxygen saturation from a ratio of the absorbances, a detecting section that detects variation of the parameter corresponding to the oxygen saturation acquired by the acquiring section, and an evaluating section that evaluates the pulse waveform acquired for a purpose of pulse wave analysis by the acquiring section based on a result of the detection by the detecting section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a blood pressure measurement are provided. An example method includes simultaneously recording, by a wearable device, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG). PPG is measured at a blood artery. The method also includes analyzing ECG and PPG to determine a pulse transit time (PTT), a pulse rate (PR), and a diameter parameter. The diameter parameter includes a diameter of the blood artery or a change thereof. The method also includes determining, based on PTT, PR, and the diameter parameter, a blood pressure (BP) using a pre-defined model. The pre-defined model establishes a relationship between PTT, PR, the diameter parameter, and BP. The pre-defined model may be trained using statistical data obtained in a calibration process. The statistical data includes PTT, PR, and the diameter parameter measured with the wearable device and corresponding values of BP measured with an external device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for analyzing posture-induced changes to physiological parameters of a patient (e.g., ejection time, heart rate, etc.) to provide an assessment of one or more conditions of the patient.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus employ a time-varying spectral analysis approach for reconstructing an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal that includes motion artifacts. The motion artifacts are produced by motion of an ECG sensor relative to a sensing location. The time-varying spectral analysis based approach enables the ECG signal to be reconstructed with accuracy by suppressing the motion artifacts.

Abstract: This application discloses a potable, easy-to-use miniature cardiovascular sensor that is capable of monitoring heart rate, blood flow and blood pressure 24/7, using optical non-invasive method. It utilizes interferometric detection to improve signal to noise ratio. It also utilizes phase controlled focusing beam to reduce the optical power needed and therefore minimizing the power consumption, making it practical for continuous monitoring. The integrated optical chip assembly shrinks the total sensor size and makes it suitable for wearable devices, hence, this device will be portable and removable.

Abstract: The invention provides for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) for acquiring magnetic resonance data (141) from an imaging zone (108). The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a memory (134, 136) for storing machine executable instructions (150, 152, 154, 156) and pulse sequence commands (140). The pulse sequence commands cause the magnetic resonance imaging system to provide at least one spatially selective saturation pulse (408, 410) to at least one selected volume (124, 124?). The at least one selected volume is at least partially outside of a region of interest (123). The at least one selected volume is within the imaging zone. The region of interest is within the imaging zone, wherein the pulse sequence commands further cause the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform a non-selective inversion (412) of spins in the region of interest.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for assessing cardiovascular disease in a user with a body region using a mobile computing device including a camera module, includes receiving a time series of image data of a body region of the user, the time series of image data captured during a time period; generating a photoplethysmogram dataset from the time series of image data; generating a processed PPG dataset; determining a cardiovascular parameter value of the user based on the processed PPG dataset; fitting a chronobiological model to (1) the cardiovascular parameter value, and (2) a subsequent cardiovascular parameter value, characterizing a cardiovascular parameter variation over time of the user based on the fitted chronobiological model; and presenting an analysis of the cardiovascular parameter variation to the user at the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus and a method of operating the same are provided. The blood pressure measuring apparatus includes: a strap; and a main body that is rotatably connected to the strap, wherein the main body includes: a first pulse wave measurer configured to measure a first pulse wave; a second pulse wave measurer that is spaced apart from the first pulse wave measurer at a regular interval and is configured to measure a second pulse wave; and a blood pressure measurer configured to analyze the first pulse wave and the second pulse wave and determine a blood pressure based on the analyzed first pulse wave and the analyzed second pulse wave.

Abstract: Provided are a blood pressure estimation device, and the like, the device being capable of accurately estimating blood pressure. The blood pressure estimation device includes a blood pressure estimation unit which estimates a blood pressure on the basis of a pressure in a specific time period and differences between a plurality of pulse wave signals measured in the specific time period due to the pressure.

Abstract: In a system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information, pairs of cardiac signals obtained from a patient are accessed. The pairs have a first cardiac signal that is common among the pairs and second cardiac signals that are different among the pairs. The first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signals are processed to identify points of change in the first cardiac signal at which a derivative of the first cardiac signal diverges with respect to derivatives of the second cardiac signals. An activation onset time is assigned at a point in the first cardiac signal based on correspondence of the points of change to define a cardiac activation indicating a beat.

Abstract: A system is described for providing the value of a biological characteristic. The system includes a sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a time domain photoplethysmogram (PPG) input signal. The system further includes a first computation module coupled to the sensor. The first computation module is configured to evaluate portions of the generated time domain PPG signal against predetermined quality criteria. The system further includes a second computation module coupled to the first computation module. The second computation module is configured to use portions of the generated time domain PPG signal that meet the predetermined quality criteria to generate an output value. The output value characterizes a biological characteristic at a point in time.

Abstract: Embodiments provide physiological measurement systems, devices and methods for continuous health and fitness monitoring. A lightweight wearable system is provided to collect various physiological data continuously from a wearer without the need for a chest strap. The system also enables monitoring of one or more physiological parameters in addition to heart rate including, but not limited to, body temperature, heart rate variability, motion, sleep, stress, fitness level, recovery level, effect of a workout routine on health, caloric expenditure. Embodiments also include computer-executable instructions that, when executed, enable automatic interpretation of one or more physiological parameters to assess the cardiovascular intensity experienced by a user (embodied in an intensity score or indicator) and the user's recovery after physical exertion (embodied in a recovery score). These indicators or scores may be displayed to assist a user in managing the user's health and exercise regimen.

Abstract: Provided are a method and systems for measuring an electrocardiogram (ECG) using a wearable device. An example system includes the wearable device in a shape of a band worn on a limb (e.g., a wrist) of a patient. The wearable device includes an electrical sensor. The wearable device is operable to record, via the at least one electrical sensor, an electrical signal from the limb of the patient. The wearable device is operable to split the electrical signal into segments based on a reference signal. The reference signal includes an indication of onset times of heart beats. The segments are averaged to derive average ECG data of low signal-to-noise ratio. The wearable device includes an optical sensor operable to measure skin color beneath a pulsating artery of the limb. The reference signal includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal recorded via the optical sensor simultaneously with the electrical signal.

Abstract: A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field from a subject, a table on which the subject is mounted, a shape measurement device that measures a surface shape of the subject, an average plane calculation unit that calculates an average plane of the surface shape, and a control unit that controls the table so that an opposing surface of the magnetic sensor is parallel to the average plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive identification of each ECG lead (12,16), both visually under varying illumination conditions as well as by touch only, including identification with gloved hands. In addition, in several embodiments (20, 24) the lead anthropomorphic shape unambiguously indicates the lead placement on patient's body. This construction and features of the present invention enable fast and accurate identification of the ECG leads and ensure their correct placement on the patient's body.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including one or more conductive pathways is disclosed. The conductive pathways assist with initial placement of the catheter assembly into a patient's vasculature by enabling ECG signals emanating from the patient's heart to be detected. In addition, the conductive pathways are configured to be used to reconfirm via ECG signal detection proper placement of the catheter assembly at a time subsequent to initial catheter placement into the vasculature. In one embodiment, therefore, a catheter assembly is disclosed, comprising an elongate catheter tube defining at least one lumen, a first conductive pathway extending distally from a proximal point on the catheter assembly to a predetermined distal location on the catheter tube, and a second conductive pathway at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the catheter tube and extending distally from a proximal point of the catheter assembly to a predetermined distal location on the catheter tube.