Abstract: A washing operation and a drying operation are performed while a basket which is located inside a washing tub and accommodates dishes reciprocates in a vertical direction of a washing tub due to a driving device. The basket reciprocates in order to pass through an injection nozzle which injects washing water and an air nozzle which injects air to perform the washing operation while passing through the injection nozzle and to perform the drying operation while passing through the air nozzle. Through this, a small amount of dishes may be washed and dried in a short time and the dishes may be washed using a small amount of water and energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dispenser for dosing a product in a washing machine leading to an optimized dosing result, a dispenser controller programmed with an algorithm to execute the method of the present invention as well as the use of said dispenser for controlling dosing of a product in a washing machine.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system including: an operation portion; an insertion portion including on a distal end side thereof a bending portion, and connected to the operation portion so as to be rotatable with respect to the operation portion, a bending direction of the bending portion changing depending on the rotation; an image pickup device disposed in the insertion portion, for generating an image of a subject; a physical quantity generation portion that generates a physical quantity which changes depending on the rotation of the insertion portion; a detection portion that detects and outputs the physical quantity generated by the physical quantity generation portion; a rotation angle calculation portion that receives the physical quantity outputted from the detection portion and calculates a rotation angle of the insertion portion; and a display portion that displays the image of the subject and information corresponding to the rotation angle of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus includes; a light-emitting device including a photoluminescent layer that receives excitation light and emits light including first light having a wavelength ?a in air, and a light-transmissive layer located on or near the photoluminescent layer; and an optical fiber that receives the light from the photoluminescent layer at one end of the optical fiber and emits the received light from the other end thereof. A surface structure is defined on at least one of the photoluminescent layer and the light-transmissive layer, and the surface structure has projections or recesses or both and limits a directional angle of the first light having the wavelength ?a in air.

Abstract: A sheath assembly 6 includes at least three flexible, tubular members 6a, 6b and 6c through which linear members can be inserted, a first holder 61 configured to hold one end side of the tubular members 6a, 6b and 6c, and a second holder 62 configured to hold the other end side of the tubular members 6a, 6b and 6c, wherein the first holder 61 and the second holder 62 hold the at least three tubular members 6a, 6b and 6c such that sections of the tubular members 6a, 6b and 6c orthogonal to an axial direction thereof are linearly aligned.

Abstract: A robot guiding system employs a robot unit (10) and a control unit (20). The robot unit (10) includes an endoscope (12) for generating an intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of a blood vessel tree within an anatomical region, and a robot (11) for moving the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region. The control unit (20) includes an endoscope controller (22) for generating an endoscopic path within the anatomical region, wherein the endoscopic path is derived from a matching of a graphical representation of the intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of the blood vessel tree to a graphical representation of a pre-operative three-dimensional image (44) of the blood vessel tree. The control unit (20) further includes a robot controller (21) for commanding the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region in accordance with the endoscopic path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gripping device for an endoscope, and to an assembly comprising an endoscope and a gripping device. A single use gripping device for an endoscope shaft comprises a first part; a second part, the second part being moveable relative to the first part, and at least one of the first and second parts including a channel for receiving said shaft, the second part being moveable relative to the first part between a first, open configuration in which the endoscope shaft can be placed in the channel and a second, closed configuration in which, in use, the first and second parts surround said endoscope shaft; engaging means configured to retain the first and second parts in said closed configuration and to prevent movement of the first and second parts back to said open configuration without disabling the engaging means; and detent means arranged to prevent insertion of an endoscope shaft into said channel when, in use, the first and second parts are in said closed configuration.

Abstract: An insertion device includes an insertion section extended along a longitudinal axis, and an assist tool detachably attached to the insertion section. The assist tool is actuated with being attached to the insertion section, thereby causing a propulsion force for movement along the longitudinal axis to act on the insertion section. A moving member movable between a first position and a second position is provided in one of the insertion section and the assist tool. The moving member is held at the second position due to a pressure from the other of the insertion section and the assist tool, in a state that the assist tool is located at the specific position relative to the insertion section.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a fluid channeling component for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the fluid channeling component comprising one or more fluid channels configured for flowing for insufflation and/or irrigation fluid, and one or more support elements adapted to receive, support and/or secure a flexible electronic circuit board and/or one or more of a front camera, a side camera, an optical assembly, and a light source attached thereto; and a folded flexible electronic circuit board.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes an image forming device for forming an image from an area of interest containing different image components; an illumination device for illuminating the area of interest with light containing multiple components; at least one light source coupled to the illumination device, the at least one light source providing light to the illumination device containing different components, each component having distinct spectral characteristics and relative intensity; an image analyzer coupled to the image forming device, the image analyzer decomposing the image formed by the image forming device into multiple component parts based on type of imaging; and multiple image capture devices, each image capture device receiving one of the component parts of the image. Additional systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multi-mode light source that produces light for white light and fluorescence imaging modes. A filter is positioned at the distal end of an imaging endoscope so that the endoscope can produce fluorescence and white light images of a tissue sample.

Abstract: A wearable otoscope may be capable of wireless or wired communication with a second device, such as a smart phone. Some dual-ear otoscope implementations may be provided in a headphone-like configuration, which may include a headband attachable to earbuds of the dual-ear otoscope. However, some alternative implementations do not include a headband. At least a portion of the dual-ear otoscope may be a disposable component in some examples. In some implementations, functionality of the dual-ear otoscope (such as an illumination angle of light, imaging functionality, etc.) may be controlled according to commands received from the second device. Some examples may include one or more additional sensors, such as temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method of aiding the diagnosis of otitis media in a patient includes obtaining image data in a processor apparatus of a computing device, the image data being associated with at least one electronic image of a tympanic membrane of the patient, calculating, a plurality of image features, each image feature being calculated based on at least a portion of the image data, classifying the at least one electronic image as a particular type of otitis media using the plurality of image features, and outputting an indication of the particular type of otitis media. Also, a system for implementing such a method that includes an output device and a computing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided endotracheal intubation endoscope. A guide catheter is used to position an endoscope and a tube for intubation of a patient. The endoscope can include a steering device for steering the endoscope in at least two directions, as well as suction, irrigation and retraction devices for maintaining a clear field of view.

Abstract: A monitor/display is used to display a vision test. A patient is spaced a predetermined distance from the monitor/display during the testing procedure, and individual, multiple LED housings are equally spaced about a center point of the monitor/display to direct light toward the patient during at least a portion of the test procedure. The light emanating from the individual housings is a diffuse, unfocused light to simulate glare, and the intensity of the light may be selectively altered. Conducting vision testing under glare conditions determines if there is any reduction or fall off in the patient's vision under such circumstances and provides an indication of whether the patient may require cataract surgery or has another ocular problem. An assembly allows an existing vision testing system to be easily modified to provide glare light testing capabilities.

Abstract: A method for improving an OCT image of an object such as the retina of an eye, using optical coherence tomography by an imaging beam path. In order to suppress shadowing effects due to a surgical instrument moved in the imaging beam path, a time series of OCT images is produced. For an OCT image to be corrected, an area of the object lying in the image and shadowed by the instrument is determined. Another earlier OCT image in which the area of the object is not shadowed is searched in the time series. Image information for the area of the object is read from the earlier OCT image. A corrected OCT image is produced by inserting the read-image information into the OCT image to be corrected, wherein in the OCT image to be corrected, the image information replaces the area of the object which is shadowed by the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing a patient's visual field, the apparatus comprising: means for recording the results of the patient's responses to one or more visual field targets (5) presented during a visual field test; and a fixation loss switch activatable by an observer observing the patient during the visual field test for identifying periods of fixation loss by the patient. The results recorded during periods of fixation loss are identified as being unreliable. Also disclosed is a method of testing a patient's visual field.

Abstract: A method for evaluating retinal function and testing the visual field of a patient by monitoring how the patient tracks a target image on a display that comprises displaying the target image on the display such that it is located at a first position on the display and visible to the patient. The process continues by identifying what portion of the display the patient is looking at, selecting a location of the patient's retina to test, and calculating, based at least in part on what portion of the display the patient is looking at, a second position on the display corresponding to the selected location of the patient's retina. The target image is displayed at the second position on the display and the process identifies how many eye movements the patient made to look at the target at the second position. Based at least in part on the number of eye movements, the process determines whether the patient was able to see the target at the second position.

Abstract: Mobile computer devices and systems for refraction determination of an eye, for example for objective refraction determination and/or subjective refraction determination, are provided. Here, a display of the mobile computer device can be driven to display an image for refraction determination.

Abstract: A method of determining tear film lipid layer thickness. The method includes the steps of measuring a tear film aqueous plus lipid layer relative reflectance spectrum using a wavelength-dependent optical interferometer; converting the measured tear film aqueous plus lipid layer relative reflectance spectrum to a calculated absolute reflectance spectrum; and comparing the calculated absolute reflectance spectrum to a theoretical absolute lipid reflectance spectrum to determine a tear film lipid layer thickness.

Abstract: A method for detecting refractive errors in the eye that are attributable to a suboptimal surface shape of the front surface and/or rear surface of the cornea. An OCT volume scan and/or one or more OCT line scans of the front eye section are carried out; using the measured values, the front and rear surface of the cornea are detected by an edge detection process; the topography of the front and rear surface of the cornea are determined; and refractive errors are determined from said topographies.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that use eye gaze as a pointing or selection tool, which enables hands-free operation of a display such as a television. wherein the use of eye gaze as an input can also lead to easier and faster interactions when compared to traditional remote controls. A system and method are also provided that use eye tracking on displays such as televisions to determine what content was viewed and, by association, what content was of most interest to the user. Systems and methods are also described that enable interaction with elements displayed in an augmented reality environment using gaze tracking and for controlling gaze tracking on a portable electronic device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fundus imaging apparatus includes a light source, an optical scanner, an optical fiber, a light guide system, a photodetector unit, and an image forming unit. The optical scanner scans the fundus of a subject's eye with light from the light source. The optical fiber includes a plurality of optical waveguides. The light guide system guides the light returning from the fundus to the entrance end of the optical fiber. The photodetector unit detects light output from each of at least three regions at the exit end of the optical fiber. The image forming unit forms a first image based on a detection result of light output from a first region of the at least three regions, and a second image based on detection results of light output from two or more regions of the at least three regions other than the first region.

Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for monitoring physiological electrical activity of an individual include a first electrode unit for receiving a first signal indicative of electrical activity at a first location on a body of the individual and a second electrode unit for receiving a second signal indicative of electrical activity at a second location on the body of the individual. Each of the first and second electrode units may be operated in a field-sensing mode wherein the electrode unit is placed on or in proximity to the individual's skin. The first and second electrode units comprise a capacitive sensor element, and the capacitive sensor element of each of the electrode units comprising an electrodynamic sensor which is sensitive to electromagnetic waves; and an antenna comprising an electrically conductive radiating element for receiving electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) system that includes a planarizing transparent material is provided. The OCT system comprises: an OCT probe comprising: a body having a distal end and a proximal end; a positioner adapter located at the proximal end; a connector to an OCT analysis device, the connector located at the proximal end; and, an OCT scan lens located at the distal end; and, a transparent material configured to planarize tissue at a scan plane of the OCT scan lens.

Abstract: Heat sensors can be positioned within an anatomical vessel of a patient so as to monitor temperature changes, such as during ablation procedures in the heart. Some heat sensors can include a wire that defines an extended heat sensing region capable of detecting a change in the local temperature. Some heat sensors can be conformable to an inner surface of a wall of an anatomical vessel to maintain contact therewith or to be in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: Continuous monitoring of a plurality of physiological data may be used for health and fitness improvements for a user. To this end, a physiological monitoring and measurement device may include a wearable strap that receives heart rate data for a user including a time series of heart rate data, a maximum heart rate, and a resting heart rate. A processor may transform the heart rate data into a time series of heart rate reserve data that is weighted, e.g., to account for cardiovascular efficiencies at different intensity levels, to provide a weighted time series of heart rate reserve values. An intensity score that provides an indicator of cardiovascular intensity for an exercise routine may be generated from the weighted time series of heart rate reserve values and displayed to the user on the wearable strap.

Abstract: A pneumocardial function monitor includes a carrier configured to be mounted about at least a part of a trunk of a body of a subject. A sensing arrangement is mounted on the carrier, the sensing arrangement including at least one element for monitoring changes in volume of the part of the subject's body. A signal processing module is in communication with the sensing arrangement for processing signals output from the sensing arrangement, the signal processing module having at least one output for outputting a signal related to respiratory function and/or cardiac function.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and non-transitory processor-readable storage media are disclosed for determining one or more biometric properties of a subject using multiple sensors positioned along a flexible backing. At least one processor of the multi-sensor device may be configured to receive output signals from the multiple sensors, identify at least one output signal from the received output signals that exhibit measurements of a targeted biological structure, determine the one or more biometric properties of the subject based on the identified at least one output signal received from at least one of the multiple sensors, and provide the determined one or more biometric properties.

Abstract: The exemplary systems and methods may monitor one or more signals to be used to assess the hemodynamic status of a patient. The one or more signals may be used to calculate, or determine, a plurality of pulse transit times. The plurality of pulse transit times may be used to determine hemodynamic status values that may be indicative of a patient's aggregate hemodynamic status.

Abstract: A lead for active implantable medical devices comprising a chip, notably for electrode multiplexing. The lead includes an insulating supporting tube interposed in a flexible elongated tube, with a central bore coaxial with the lumen of the lead. The supporting tube comprises on its surface at least one crossing conductive strip extending in the axial direction. A chip on a flexible substrate is disposed with a bent or curved conformation in a receptacle of the supporting tube isolated from the conductive strip. An electrode, e.g., for cardiac sensing/pacing, carried by the supporting tube is electrically connected to an outer conductive pad of the chip. The conductive strip is connected (i) at each end, face to face to a conductive connection, housed in the sheath, and (ii) in a central region, to an inner conductive pad of the chip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical electrode comprising a conductive metal base comprising a plate element and a boss formed on the plate element and a conductive support cylinder separate from the conductive metal base. The conductive support cylinder is rotatably mounted to the conductive metal base while remaining in electrical communication with said conductive metal base. The present invention also provides a limb clamp for an ECG device. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent bending of the cable connecting with the medical electrode, thereby avoiding cable failure.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for monitoring heart muscle activity of an individual include a first electrode unit, for receiving a first signal indicative of electrical, activity at a first location on a body of the individual and a second electrode unit for receiving a second, signal indicative of electrical activity at a second location on the body of the individual. Each of the first and second electrode units is configurable to operate in a field-sensing mode wherein the electrode unit is placed on or it! proximity to the individual's skin, and a current-sensing mode wherein the electrode unit is coupled to a resistive sensor sensing element placed directly on the individual's skin. The field-sensing mode can be either non-contact field-sensing mode.

Abstract: A fiberoptic waveguide connectable to an optical receiver, and a plurality of electro-optical elements optically coupled to the waveguide. The electro-optical elements each have a first electrode with a first polarity, and a second electrode with a second polarity. A light-emitting diode is linked to the first electrode and configured for illuminating the waveguide responsively to an electrical potential between the first electrode and the second electrode at a respective wavelength. The waveguide may be incorporated into a catheter for insertion into a subject, such as a cardiac catheter.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends. An electrode assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly including a porous electrode arrangement that is generally transverse to the catheter body. The porous electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrodes electrically connected to a suitable energy source and a porous sleeve mounted in surrounding relation to the one or more electrodes and defining an open space between the porous sleeve and the one more electrodes. One or more irrigation openings fluidly connect the open space to a lumen extending through the catheter through which fluid can pass. In use, fluid passes through the lumen in the catheter, through the one or more irrigation openings, into the open space and through the porous sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) such as atrial fibrillation (AF) are disclosed. A medical system can include a cardiac signal sensor circuit to sense a cardiac electrical signal and a heart sound (HS) sensor to sense heart a HS signal. A cardiac electrical signal metric, including a cycle length variability or a detection of atrial electrical activity, can be generated from the cardiac electrical signal. A HS metric can be generated from the HS signal, including a status of detection of S4 heart sound or a S4 heart sound intensity indicator. The system can include an AT detector circuit that can detect an AT event, such as an AF event, using the cardiac electrical signal metric and the HS metric. The system can additionally classify the detected AT event as an AF or an atrial flutter event.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for acquiring and analyzing physiological signals. In one aspect, a physiological sensor device includes a substrate formed of an electrically insulative material and structured to allow physical contact of the device with the frontal region of the head of a user, a recording electrode configured at a first location on the substrate to acquire an electrophysiological signal of the user, a reference electrode configured at a second location on the substrate to acquire a reference signal to the electrophysiological signal, and a ground electrode configured at a third location at least partially between the first and the second locations on the substrate, in which the first location is posterior to the second and third locations, and in which the device is operable when electrically coupled to an electrical circuit to detect physiological signals of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a first layer including first and second measurement electrodes disposed at a distance from one another, wherein the first and second measurement electrodes are skin electrodes that measure an electric physiological property from a skin; and a second layer disposed on top of the first layer including first and a second shielding elements that are electrically conductive and arranged to cover at least partially both the first and second measurement electrodes to protect the first and second measurement electrode against electromagnetic interference. Each of the shielding elements are connected to a skin electrode. The first shielding element and the second shielding element extend adjacent with respect to one another between the first and second measurement electrodes on a plane defined by the second layer. The second shielding element is electrically isolated from the first shielding element.

Abstract: A portable sensing system device and method for providing microwave or RF (radio-frequency) sensing functionality for a portable device, the device comprising: a portable device housing configured to be carried by a user; and a sensing unit within said housing configured to characterize an object located in proximity to the portable system, said sensing unit comprising: a wideband electromagnetic transducer array said array comprising a plurality of electromagnetic transducers; a transmitter unit for applying RF signals to said electromagnetic transducer array; and a receiver unit for receiving coupled RF signals from said electromagnetic transducers array.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic resonance imaging system using magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography comprising: a current generation controller configured to control an electric current which is applied to a measurement target; a converter configured to perform analog-digital conversion of data which are obtained by a RF pulse and a gradient pulse applied to the measurement target every repetition time according to a sequence for steady state free precession (SSFP) and, also, by the applied electric current; and an image generator configured to generate an image upon a conductivity distribution of the measurement target by using output data of the converter, wherein the current generation controller controls the electric current to be applied for a preset time within a certain repetition time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and computer readable media for measuring sub-epidermal moisture in patients to determine damaged tissue for clinical intervention. The present disclosure also provides methods for determining damaged tissue.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a device for positioning an examination object when using an imaging system. The device includes a positioning device for the purpose of positioning the examination object for data capture by the imaging system, and at least one sensor fixed to the positioning device. The at least one sensor is configured to capture a movement of the examination object relative to the positioning device. The device is configured to provide the movement to the imaging system.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing electrode-tissue contact before the delivery of ablation energy. The system may include a control unit programmed to determine a difference between a maximum impedance magnitude at a low frequency for a given electrode and an absolute minimum impedance magnitude at the low frequency across all electrodes, determine a difference between a maximum impedance magnitude at a high frequency for a given electrode and an absolute minimum impedance magnitude at the high frequency across all electrodes, and determine a difference between a maximum impedance phase at the high frequency for a given electrode and an absolute minimum impedance phase at the high frequency across all electrodes. Differences may be correlated to one another using a linear model, the results determining electrode-tissue contact status. The results may be displayed in a graphical format for easy communication to the user.

Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is a mobility assessment device which is easy to use and which will aid practitioners in evaluating a patients' mobility. The mobility assessment device of the present invention is preferably constructed from a skid resistant high contrast material that can easily be folded, rolled or stored in a compact space. The mobility assessment device of the present invention may include markings or indicia to aid a patient in properly performing one or several mobility assessment tests. The included indicia may have measurements and other marking for aiding a medical professional in evaluating a patient's mobility.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. The electrodes and the force sensitive resistive material may have multi-lobed shapes. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may have slits therethrough, and may have a defined peripheral shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cavity determination apparatus for determining a cavity (3) within an object (2), in particular, for determining the location and dimensions of a heart chamber within a person. A bendable segment of an introduction element (5) is arranged within the cavity in different arrangements, wherein curves defined by the bendable segment in the different arrangements are determined by a curve determination unit (7). A cavity reconstruction unit (8) reconstructs the cavity based on the determined curves. Thus, not only single locations within the cavity are acquired and used for reconstructing the cavity, but larger curves. A lot of spatial information can therefore be acquired and used very fast. This allows reconstructing the cavity with improved quality in a relatively short time.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for decoupling a wearable sensor's location on a user from the body movements desired to be measured by the sensor. Sensor data can be dynamically analyzed to determine a reference event (e.g., a static pose), which can be used to generate or update a transformation parameter (e.g., a quaternion or a rotational matrix). The transformation parameter can be applied to sensor data to transform the sensor data from the sensor's frame of reference to a global frame of reference. Once transformed, the movement data in the global frame can be analyzed to identify sensor-location-agnostic biomechanical features (e.g., body movements or movement trends), which can be further analyzed to identify probable or potential diagnoses correlated with the identified biomechanical features.

Abstract: A device for measuring of urine production of a patient carrying a urine catheter, the device comprising a replaceable self-emptying chamber (120), provided with a siphon for self emptying when the burette becomes filled up to a predetermined volume, the self-emptying chamber further comprises an inlet and an outlet for the urine whose volume is to be measured, further, the device comprises a base unit (105) provided with attachment organs for removably attaching the self-emptying chamber (120) to the base unit, which station having measurement organs for sensing the level of urine in the self-emptying chamber and for keeping track of number of self-emptyings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self monitoring device for attachment to the body, which incorporates real-time and correlated measurement of body movement and physiological analytes of metabolism (e.g. glucose) that can be modulated by physical activity. The system enables real time and personalized modulation of the selected physiological analyte(s) through appropriately selected cued activities and other evidence based clinical guidance dependent on previous and current analyte levels correlated with previous and current patterns of movement. The system also allows for personalization of the outputs with regular calibration to the user.