Abstract: Disclosed are related to a dust collecting apparatus, a cleaning apparatus, and a method of controlling the cleaning apparatus. The dust collecting apparatus may comprises a dust collecting space configured to collect impurities and a variable body formed to surround the dust collecting space and having one of transparency, shape and color changed by selectively transmitting or reflecting light in response to applied electric power.

Abstract: Method for an autonomous cleaning apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: scanning a vicinity of an autonomous cleaning apparatus by means of at least one sensor; detecting an unreachable area, being unreachable by the autonomous cleaning apparatus; detecting a door in proximity to the unreachable area; detecting that the unreachable area is unreachable due to the positioning of the door wing; automatically moving the door wing, by the autonomous cleaning apparatus, in order to obtain access to and clean the unreachable area.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of more efficiently cleaning narrow spots while effectively avoiding an object. An object sensor provided in a main casing detects the presence or absence of an object within a specified distance in a plurality of directions on a forward side of the main casing. A control unit controls operation of driving wheels, based on detection of an object by the object sensor to thereby make the main casing autonomously travel. When an object is detected by the object sensor, the control unit controls the operation of the driving wheels, so that the main casing is swung to an angle corresponding to a direction of the detected object to thereby make a side portion of the main casing face the object.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaning apparatus including an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner that autonomously moves between surfaces to be cleaned and collects dust and a station fluidly connectable to the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner. The autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner includes: a container body accumulating collected dust, the container body including: a bottom wall including a disposal port; and a disposal lid opening and closing the disposal port. The station unit includes: a dust transfer pipe connected to the disposal port; a secondary dust container accumulating dust; and a secondary electric blower that generates negative suction pressure in the dust transfer pipe via the secondary dust container. At least one irregularly shaped ventilation groove that causes air to flow below the dust within the container body by the negative pressure generated by the secondary electric blower is provided to the inner surface of the bottom wall of the container body.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system including a receptacle for receiving dirt; conduits terminating in valves to which a flexible hose may be attached; a motor for generating airflow through the conduits to the receptacle; a motor control circuit controlling power to the motor; and a remote module receiving, through a communications medium from the motor control circuit, signals indicating an operating condition of the central vacuum cleaning system.

Abstract: A washing and drying unit configured to perform at least one of washing, drying, and sterilizing, or any combination thereof includes at least one sensor configured to determine a dimension and/or shape of the object, a washing and/or sterilizing apparatus and a drying and/or sterilizing apparatus configured to direct at least one apparatus or spray of a washing and/or sterilizing or a drying and/or sterilizing fluid to the object, at least one robot arm connected to at least one of the apparatuses, and a controller operable to orient and move the at least one robot arm. A separate sterilization apparatus may be included and the sterilization may include using electrified water or water that has been exposed to ultraviolet light. The controller orients the at least one robot arm based on the dimension and/or shape determined by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub, and a liquid recirculation circuit fluidly coupling the sump to the treating chamber. The liquid recirculation circuit includes at least one rotating spray tube having a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis. A plurality of spray nozzles are provided in the rotating spray tube.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub configured to accommodate one or more items to be washed, a spray arm rotatably mounted to the tub, and configured to spray water onto the one or more items to be washed, a sump disposed at a bottom surface of the tub and configured to store water and to supply stored water to the spray arm, a fixed gear unit fixed to the tub with gear teeth arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear unit, a rotary gear unit rotatably mounted on the spray arm and configured to engage the gear teeth of the fixed gear unit, and a link member connected to the rotary gear unit and the spray arm, where the spray arm may include, a main arm with a pair of arms, and a pair of auxiliary arms rotatably connected to the main arm.

Abstract: A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending along a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position.

Abstract: A lower rack assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a lower rack and a lift assembly connected to the lower rack. The lift assembly includes a gear assembly that includes an output spur gear and an input drive gear, and includes a first arm extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the first arm pivotally coupled to the lower rack, the second end of the first arm coupled to the output spur gear. Movement of the input drive gear causes movement of the lower rack along the transverse direction between a retracted position wherein the lower rack is within the wash chamber and an extended position wherein the lower rack is positioned outside of the wash chamber and along the vertical direction between a lowered position and a raised position wherein the raised position is above the lowered position along the vertical direction.

Abstract: An adapter for endoscopy can operably connect camera features and light source features of a portable electronic device with a respective viewfinder and illumination element of a medical endoscope. Systems including an endoscope, adapter, and handheld electronic device with a microphone, light source, and camera can, when connected, be used to perform stroboscopic endoscopic examinations.

Abstract: An operation switching mechanism includes a wire, a reciprocating movement member, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, switching members configured to switch states in which the first biasing member and the second biasing member perform biasing, and an operation member configured to operate the switching members according to operation from an outside and move the reciprocating movement member to a first movement position or a second movement position.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a video processor device that performs signal processing on an image, and an external device that is removably connected to the video processor device and can record light source correspondence information that corresponds to multiple light sources. The video processor device acquires light source correspondence information from the external device and performs signal processing that corresponds to the light source correspondence information.

Abstract: A method for determining the force applied to a tip of a medical instrument includes receiving inputs from a medical instrument having at least one elongated actuation element used to manipulate a position of the instrument while in a patient's body. The method also includes applying the inputs to a lumped model of the instrument and determining a force on a tip of the instrument based on both the inputs and the lumped model.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system includes a plotting unit which plots pixel correspondence points, which correspond to pixels that constitute a color image that has multiple color components, on a first color plane according to color components of the pixel correspondence points, the first color plane intersecting the origin of a predetermined color space; an axis setting unit which sets a predetermined reference axis in the first color plane; a transform unit which defines a second color plane that includes the reference axis, and subjecting the pixel correspondence points on the first color plane to projective transformation onto the second color plane; and an evaluation value calculating unit which calculates a prescribed evaluation value with respect to the color image based on the pixel correspondence points subjected to projective transformation onto the second color plane.

Abstract: A linear member delivery device for the endoscope includes: a nozzle including an inlet, an outlet, and an insertion path; a fitting portion fitted to an endoscope; a holding portion configured to hold a linear member; and a switching portion configured to connect the fitting portion and the nozzle such that a crossing angle of an opening of the endoscope and a center axis of the nozzle can be switched to a plurality of angles in a state that the fitting portion is fitted to the endoscope.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope (200) and system, the disposable endoscope (200) comprising: a tubular component (201), a linear drive piece (202) controlling the tubular component (201) to bend, an image pickup unit (203) installed at the front end of the tubular component (201) and a wiring harness connected thereto, a cladding layer (204) wrapping around the integral structure, and a connector head (205) and a disposable fixing piece (206) both disposed at one end of the linear drive piece (202) away from the tubular component (201). A first connector (2021) is fixed at a connector head (205) at one end of the linear drive piece (202) and is detachably engaged with a corresponding second connector (301) of an external control base (300); the first connector (2021) is fixed by the disposable fixing piece (206) with respect to the connector head (205), and can be moved in a length direction within a through hole (2051) of the connector head (205) after the disposable fixing piece (206) is removed.

Abstract: An insertion instrument includes a rotating member rotatable around a rotation axis, and adjacent portions adjacently provided on both sides of the rotating member in the direction along the rotation axis. The insertion instrument includes a cover tube forming a part of an outer surface of an insertion section and provided in an elastic deformation state so as to apply elastic force toward an inner peripheral side of the insertion section. A position of the rotating member in the direction along the rotation axis is adjusted by the elastic force, whereby a state where both ends of the rotating member in the direction along the rotation axis are located apart from the adjacent portions is maintained.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for processing and recognizing non-contact types of human input to prevent contamination are generally described herein. In example embodiments, human input is captured, recognized, and used to provide active input for control or data entry into a user interface, The human input may be provided in variety of forms detectable by recognition techniques such as speech recognition, gesture recognition, identification recognition, and facial recognition. In one example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device cleaning workflow used to obtain data and human input during cleaning procedures while minimizing cross-contamination between the contaminated device or person and other objects or persons. In another example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device tracking workflow used to obtain data and human input while tracking interactions with and locations of the contaminated or uncontaminated device.

Abstract: Color information with higher sensitivity than color information in a primary color system is detected. A laser scanning observation apparatus includes at least three light sources, a multiplexer, and a controller. The at least three light sources emit pulsed laser light with different wavelengths within the visible light spectrum. The multiplexer combines the laser light emitted from the at least three light sources. The controller causes different combinations of two light sources among the at least three light sources to emit laser light in sequence and periodically.

Abstract: Portable surgical systems, methods, and kits are described. The surgical systems may include a camera configured to capture images, viewing equipment configured to receive and display the captured images, a processor, and a stand. The camera, the viewing equipment, the processor, and the stand are configured to be housed in a case. Surgery may be performed using the surgical system by retrieving surgical components from the case, assembling the retrieved surgical components into a surgical system, positioning a patient within the surgical system for surgery, configuring the surgical system, performing the surgery with the surgical system, reconfiguring the surgical system during the surgery, disassembling the surgical system after the surgery, and placing the components in the case.

Abstract: An expander includes a first handle, a second handle, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member. The first handle includes a first gripping portion, a first pivoting portion, a first connecting portion, and an expanding compass. The second handle includes a second gripping portion, a second pivoting portion, and a second connecting portion. The second gripping portion includes a thru groove, and the expanding compass passes through the thru groove. The second pivoting portion is pivoted to the first pivoting portion. The second connecting portion and the second gripping portion are extending from two ends of the second pivoting portion, and the extension direction of the second connecting portion is not parallel to the extension direction of the second gripping portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments pertain to Fourier ptychographic retinal imaging methods and systems that focus on a retina of an eye to acquire a sequence of raw retinal images, construct a full-resolution, complex retinal image from the sequence of raw retinal image and correct the aberration in the full-resolution, complex retinal image to generate a substantially aberration-free retinal image.

Abstract: Techniques for a visual disability detection system that employs virtual reality to assess visual performance of a patient based on activities of daily living are described. The virtual reality platform can integrate the testing of different components of visual function based on activities of daily living to provide a direct and clinically relevant measure of the impact of any visual disability on a patient's daily life. By simulating daily tasks for evaluation of visual disability, clinicians can better understand from a patient's perspective how visual impairment affects their daily tasks and quality of life.

Abstract: A computer, a high resolution monitor and a patient interface is utilized to implement a visual contrast sensitivity function measurement test. More specifically, a computerized video system is configured to implement a tilted-grating forced choice contrast sensitivity function test. The invention utilizes known measurement methods for the visual contrast sensitivity function and automates their use by computerizing the system and couples it with a patient-interactive user interface in order to produce an accurate quantitative result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of instruments for imaging internal structures of the human body, and in particular of the eye. More specifically it relates to an optimized process and an optical coherence tomography system thereof to measure the distances between the eye interfaces that is, the corneal surfaces, the surfaces of the crystalline lens, the retina and so on. A tiltable selection means, e.g. a titable mirror, is used to switch between different optical sample paths having different lengths, such that information relative to portions of the sample at different depths can be collected.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing declarative memory loss using mouse tracking to follow the visual gaze of a subject taking a visual paired comparison test. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing dementia such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The system comprises a sensing arrangement and a control unit. The sensing arrangement collects eye movement data of a user. The control unit is in communication with the sensing arrangement and configured to compare the eye movement data to one or more baseline measurements of eye movement dynamics. The control unit is also configured to generate an alert indicating the presence or severity of the TBI for delivery to control unit administrator if the eye movement data diverges from one or more of the baseline measurements by a threshold amount.

Abstract: A fundus analysis apparatus includes a storage, an area setting unit, and a morphological information generating unit. The storage is configured to store OCT information acquired by applying optical coherence tomography to the fundus of an eye. The area setting unit is configured to set a front area corresponding to a front surface of the lamina cribrosa and a rear area corresponding to a rear surface of the lamina cribrosa in the OCT information. The morphological information generating unit is configured to generate morphological information indicating the morphology of the lamina cribrosa based on at least the front area and the rear area.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes a measurement unit, an eye model generation unit, and a simulation execution unit. The measurement unit is configured to acquire a data set by applying optical coherence tomography to a three-dimensional region of a subject's eye including an area extending from an anterior surface of a cornea to a surface of a retina. The eye model generation unit is configured to acquire values of one or more parameters of the subject's eye by analyzing the data set acquired by the measurement unit, and to generate a three-dimensional eye model based on the values acquired. The simulation execution unit executes a simulation based on the three-dimensional eye model generated by the eye model generation unit.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus that is capable of presenting navigation information for ophthalmic surgery at high speed and with high precision. [Solving Means] An information processing apparatus according to the present technology includes a magnification acquisition unit and an image generation unit. The magnification acquisition unit acquires a magnification of a target image with respect to a reference image, the reference image being an image of an eye to be treated, the target image being an image of the eye picked up at a time different from an imaging time of the reference image. The image generation unit generates a navigation image including navigation information for guiding treatment of the eye on the basis of the magnification acquired by the magnification acquisition unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a variety of sensors, such as a pulse oximeter, configured to track a dynamic component of a sensor and take an action based on a characteristic of the dynamic component. Some embodiments may include determining a gain applied to a signal of the sensor, determining whether the gain is discontinuous, and indicating that a sensor measurement associated with the signal is low quality in response to determining that the gain applied is discontinuous. Some embodiments may include determining a peak-to-peak voltage of an output of a sensor, determining whether the peak-to-peak voltage is within an acceptable peak-to-peak voltage range, and indicating that a measurement associated with the received signal is low quality in response to determining that the peak-to-peak voltage is outside the acceptable peak-to-peak voltage range.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to an implantable device that can accommodate a vessel of a living body and can detect light transmitted across the vessel. The implantable device transmits a wireless transmitter signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected light. The intensity of the detected light correlates to patency of the vessel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) probe for monitoring one or more biological tissues. The EM probe comprises a cup shaped cavity having an opening and an interior volume, a circumferential flange formed substantially around the cup shaped cavity, in proximity to the opening, at least one layer of a material, for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, applied over at least one of a portion of the circumferential flange and a portion of the outer surface of the cup shaped cavity, and at least one EM radiation element which performs at least one of emitting and capturing EM radiation via the interior volume.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tomography system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head includes an image chamber unit, a control system, and a housing. The image chamber unit includes an antenna assembly defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber. The antennas include at least some transmitting antennas and some receiving antennas. The control system causes the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through a patient's head in the imaging chamber. A data tensor is produced that may be inversed to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the head and to create an image. The housing at least partially contains the antenna assembly and has a front entry opening into the imaging chamber. The head is inserted horizontally through the front entry opening and into the imaging chamber.

Abstract: The use of a transdermal Raman spectrum to measure glucose or other substance concentration can give an inaccurate result if the Raman signals originate at a wrong skin depth. To predict whether a spectrum of Raman signals received transdermally in a confocal detector apparatus and having at least one component expected to have an intensity representing the concentration of glucose or another skin component at a point of origin of the Raman signals below the surface of the skin will accurately represent the concentration, peaks in the spectrum at 883/4 cm?1 and 894 cm?1 are measured to determine whether the Raman signals originate primarily within the stratum corneum so that the spectrum will be less likely to represent the concentration accurately or originate primarily below the stratum corneum so that the spectrum will be more likely to represent the concentration accurately.

Abstract: A system to detect a position of a cannula may include a cannula, which may include a distal tip and an inner lumen. Also, the system may include an optical fiber, which may be disposed within the inner lumen of the cannula and may include a first end, a second end, and a U-shaped portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The U-shaped portion may be at least proximate the distal tip. Further, the system may include a light emitter, which may be coupled with the first end of the optical fiber, and a light receiver, which may be coupled with the second end of the optical fiber. Moreover, the system may include an electronic processor. The electronic processor may be coupled with the light receiver and configured to detect a decrease in an intensity of light received at the light receiver.

Abstract: A guidewire with a cross section of at least a part of its length, comprising a filling material (PLM), a lumen (LM) arranged inside the filling material (PLM) for accommodating an optical fiber (OF) with optical shape sensing properties. One or more stiffening elements (RD) are arranged inside the first material (PLM), wherein the stiffening element(s) (RD) is formed by a material having a higher axial stiffness than the filling material. A braiding structure (BR) encircles all of: the filling material (PLM), the lumen (LM), and the stiffening element(s) (RD). Such guidewire can be designed with a circular symmetric bending behavior, and is thus suitable as an interventional medical device, e.g. for endovascular procedures, and still it can provide optical shape sensing properties.

Abstract: An imaging system for acquisition of NIR and full-color images includes a light source providing visible light and NIR light to an area under observation, such as living tissue, a camera having one or more image sensors configured to separately detect blue reflectance light, green reflectance light, and combined red reflectance light/detected NIR light returned from the area under observation. A controller in signal communication with the light source and the camera is configured to control the light source to continuously illuminate area under observation with temporally continuous blue/green illumination light and with red illumination light and NIR excitation light. At least one of the red illumination light and NIR excitation light are switched on and off periodically in synchronism with the acquisition of red and NIR light images in the camera.

Abstract: A photoacoustic apparatus comprises a light source; an acoustic wave receiver receives an acoustic wave and converts into an electric signal; a first acquisition unit acquires a first absorption coefficient distribution inside the object using a first method; a second acquisition unit acquires a second absorption coefficient distribution inside the object using a second method; a third acquisition unit calculates the distribution of functional information on the interior of the object; and an image generation unit generates an image by masking the distribution of the functional information based on the second absorption coefficient distribution, wherein the second method is a method that can implement higher visibility than the first method when the absorption coefficient distribution is imaged.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of a lower extremity of a subject in need of such monitoring. The device is especially suited for monitoring the foot temperature of a subject with diabetes or another condition that could lead to lower blood circulation and temperature in the lower extremities of the subject. Methods of preventing complications from such diseases, disorders, syndromes, or conditions are provided. The past recorded temperatures of the subject may be stored for comparisons and trends analyses.

Abstract: A living-body information measuring device includes a first light-emitting unit that emits a single-mode laser beam, a second light-emitting unit that emits a multi-mode light beam or an LED light beam, a light-receiving element that receives reflected or transmitted light beams reflected or transmitted by a living body when the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit emit the beams toward the living body, a control unit that controls light-emission periods of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit, and a measurement unit that measures plural types of living-body information about the living body by using each of the reflected or transmitted light beams that are successively received by the light-receiving element.

Abstract: Impedance systems and methods of using the same to obtain luminal organ measurements. Such impedance systems include a device for insertion into a mammalian luminal organ and one or more external electrodes that are independent of the device. The device of the system comprises at least two electrodes positioned thereon—at least one of which comprises an excitation electrode and at least one of which comprises a detection electrode. The one or more external electrodes may comprise excitation electrodes, detection electrodes, or a combination of both. The methods hereof generate an electric field using the excitation electrodes of the impedance system, obtain one or more conductance values from a mammalian luminal organ within the electric field using the detection electrode(s), and calculate a parameter of the luminal organ based at least in part on the measured one or more conductance values.

Abstract: A method of determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) in a blood vessel having stenosis includes injecting fluid into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using a power fluid injector, measuring pressure drop across the stenosis, and calculating FFR from measured pressure drop. The injected fluid may comprise a contrast medium. Further actions may include placing a pressure sensor proximal of the stenosis, injecting fluid into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using the power fluid injector, and measuring pressure in the blood vessel proximal of the stenosis. The pressure sensor may then be repositioned to a position distal of the stenosis, fluid may be reinjected into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using the power fluid injector, and pressure may be measured in the blood vessel distal of the stenosis.

Abstract: In a method and breathing apparatus for prediction of fluid responsiveness of a subject connected to a breathing apparatus, at least one parameter is monitored that is indicative of a degree of carbon dioxide elimination of the subject, and a positive end expiratory pressure PEEP regulator of the breathing apparatus is operated to apply a PEEP maneuver in which a PEEP applied to the subject is changed from a first PEEP level to a second PEEP level. A processor predicts the fluid responsiveness of the subject based on a change in the monitored parameter, following the change in PEEP.

Abstract: A wearable physiological measuring device has a torso-worn module and a limb-worn module configured to communicate in a wireless way with each other. The torso-worn module is configured to be coupled with a torso of a user to obtain an R-peak from an electrocardiac signal. The limb-worn module is configured to be coupled with at least one limb of four limbs of the user to obtain a pulse wave peak from a plethysmograph signal. There are no physical connections (neither wire nor cable) between the torso-worn module and the limb-worn module. The wearable physiological measuring device is configured to use the R-peak time and the pulse wave peak time to generate a pulse transit time data.

Abstract: Provided is a living-body information measurement device including a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element each that emits different light in wavelength, a light receiving element that receives the light emitted from the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element, a control unit that controls an emission period of each of the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element so that the number of times of emission of the second light emitting element per unit time is less than the number of times of emission of the first light emitting element per unit time, and a measuring unit that measures plural living-body information based on the light received in the light receiving element.

Abstract: A living-body information measuring device includes plural light-emitting elements, a light-receiving element that is disposed at a position at different distances from the light-emitting elements and that receives reflected light beams that are reflected from a living body when the light-emitting elements emit light beams toward the living body, a control unit that controls the light-emitting elements so that the light-emitting elements successively emit the light beams, and a measurement unit that measures living-body information at plural depths in the living body by using the reflected light beams that are successively received by the light-receiving element.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for analyzing images from a magnetic resonance (MR) system. The device includes at least one hardware processor coupled with a storage system accessible to the at least one hardware processor. The device further includes a display in communication with the at least one hardware processor. The device receives a plurality of non-contrast MR images in a region of interest (ROI). The device obtains blood flow signals from the plurality of non-contrast MR images. The device identifies an abnormal segment by analyzing the blood flow signals. The device displays the non-contrast MR images by a highlighted segment in at least one of the non-contrast MR images to indicate the abnormal segment on the display.

Abstract: 3D cine MR angiography systems and methods are disclosed for use during the steady state intravascular distribution phase of ferumoxytol. The 3D cine MRA technique enables improved delineation of cardiac anatomy in pediatric patients undergoing cardiovascular MRI.