Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and system for removing debris from a surface of a plate. The apparatus has a cleaning area and a pair of brushes disposed in the cleaning area with the bristles of a first brush facing toward the bristles of the second brush so that debris is scraped off the plate as the plate is pushed through the bristles. The cleaning area may be defined by a container or an opening in a work surface. Brush mounting mechanisms mount the brushes to opposing sidewalls of the container or opposing interior surfaces of the opening. Preferably, the brush mounting mechanisms and brushes are cooperatively configured so the bristles of the brushes overlap each other where the plate will be pushed through the bristles. The mounting mechanisms may comprise a clip that engages a sidewall or an attachment mechanism that engages the interior surface. The system includes the apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope system computes a distal end position of the endoscope or a position of the desired imaging target. An image taken of the desired imaging target is recorded. A position of the desired imaging target is computed and recorded. A current image taken by the imaging unit is compared with the image of the desired imaging target already recorded. A first driving amount for driving the field-of-view adjustment mechanism is computed such that the desired imaging target is positioned on an axis of sighting of the imaging unit. A second driving amount for driving the field-of-view adjustment mechanism is computed in such a way as to include a center of the image of the desired imaging target. The field-of-view adjustment mechanism is driven from either one of the first driving amount or the second driving amount.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including: an image sensor configured to acquire image data; and a first processor comprising hardware, wherein the first processor is configured to: execute a first processing to process the image data, wherein the first processing involves a first processing load; acquire an instruction to perform a second processing to process the image data, wherein the second processing involves a second processing load different from the first processing load; and in response to acquiring the instruction, control a communication interface to output the image data to a second processor comprising hardware, wherein the second processor is provided separately from the endoscopic device, and wherein the second processor is configured to execute the second processing based on the image data.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a predetermined luminal organ in a subject; an image pickup section provided in a vicinity of a distal end of the insertion portion, the image pickup section picking up an image of a predetermined range; an image pickup information acquiring section acquiring position information and gaze information about the image pickup section; a model image generating section generating a planar model image of the predetermined luminal organ; an image pasting processing section generating a pasted image obtained by pasting a subject image of an inside of the predetermined luminal organ onto the planar model image based on the position information and gaze information about the image pickup section; and an image pasting/presentation processing section presenting an image pickup range of the image pickup section on the pasted image based on the position information about the image pickup section.

Abstract: A method for visualizing a 3D dental restoration on a 2D image of the mouth of a patient includes obtaining a 3D dental model of at least a part of the patient's oral cavity, designing the 3D dental restoration, obtaining the 2D image of the mouth of the patient, estimating a virtual camera including at least one virtual camera property corresponding to at least one physical camera property of the physical camera used to obtain the 2D image, viewing the 3D dental restoration using the virtual camera, determining the visible area of the 3D dental restoration, which is not overlapped by surrounding anatomic features when viewed with the virtual camera, imaging the visible area of the 3D dental restoration with the 2D image. This advantageously provides an image which with high accuracy gives the dentist and the patient a visual presentation of the final result of a dental treatment.

Abstract: A visualization system includes a surgical microscope assembly for viewing a surgical region under magnification. The surgical microscope assembly is provided with a computer unit having a display for displaying image data. A detection arrangement is configured to detect endoscopic images in the surgical region and is operatively coupled to the surgical microscope assembly. A circuit actuable by a viewing person is configured to detect actuation data. The circuit is configured to set an operating state of the surgical microscope assembly matched to the detection arrangement in response to a presence of the actuation data for the surgical microscope assembly.

Abstract: A system comprises a housing, a light source, a light guide configured to guide a light from the light source. The light guide includes a plurality of detection target configured to provide optical effect on the light in accordance with a bend state of the light guide. A light detector is configured to detect the light emitted from the light guide and provide information of the detected light. A communication unit is configured to transmit wirelessly the information of the detected light. The communication unit is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base, configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts, connected by a webbing, that may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a light reception unit; first transfer lines; a constant current source; second transfer lines; a reading unit; a control unit; a dielectric interposed between the first and second transfer lines formed in pairs; a first chip including at least the light reception unit, the plurality of first transfer lines, and the constant current source, each being mounted on the first chip; and a second chip including at least the second transfer lines mounted on the second chip. The first chip is configured such that the second chip is stacked on a back surface of a light receiving surface of the light reception unit, and each of the second transfer lines is arranged at a position facing one of the first transfer lines with the dielectric interposed between the first and second transfer lines.

Abstract: An introduction device includes, a grip portion which has a first wall portion, and a second wall portion, a curving portion which is configured to curve in a first surface and in a second surface that intersects at right angles with the first surface, a first dial portion which is rotatably provided in the first wall portion and which curves the curving portion in the first surface in accordance with a rotation amount, and a dial unit includes a shaft rotatably provided on the second wall portion, and a second dial portion which is fixed to the shaft and which curves the curving portion in the second surface in accordance with a rotation amount, the shaft being oblique to the longitudinal axis when seen from the side of the second wall portion.

Abstract: A manipulator includes: an operating unit, and a bending assembly that is bent by operation of the operating unit, wherein: the bending assembly includes: a first link member having a first arc portion, a second link member having a second arc portion, an intermediate link member that includes a first intermediate arc portion and a second intermediate arc portion in opposition to the first intermediate arc portion, and is mounted between the first link member and the second link member.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing and reclaiming a single use imaging device for sterile environments is disclosed and described. The system may include a single use high definition camera used for general purpose surgical procedures including, but not limited to: arthroscopic, laparoscopic, gynecologic, and urologic procedures, may comprise an imaging device that is a sterile and designed to ensure single use. The imaging device may have a single imaging sensor, either CCD or CMOS, encased in a housing.

Abstract: Ring illuminated surgical cameras and scopes having a ring lens and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs set behind an electronic imaging sensor (camera) and positioned radially about the longitudinal axis of the lens and/or scope.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of micro-optical surgical probes and micro-optical probe tips and methods of manufacture therefor. In some embodiments, multichannel micro-optical probe tip structures are directly manufactured upon respective optical channel waveguides, or again manufactured to integrally define respective optical coupling to these waveguides. In some embodiments, micro-optical probe tip structures are manufactured via a 3D laser printing process. Specific embodiments include, but are not limited to, spectroscopic or particularly Raman spectroscopy probes and their associated multichannel probe tip structures, and multichannel endoscopes.

Abstract: Provided are methods of immunizing a viewport of a medical device against fogging before or during a medical procedure, and related apparatuses and devices. The methods comprise applying plasma to the viewport prior to use, thereby rendering a surface of the viewport highly hydrophilic. The methods eliminate or at least significantly reduce blur due to fogging.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen.

Abstract: Through the present invention, a perimetry result is obtained for a position on a retina surface designated as a position to be tested. As illustrated in the drawing, “the position of a ganglion cell (RGC)” and “the position of a photoreceptor cell (C) for sending information to the ganglion cell (RGC)” are offset on the retina surface (macular part). Here, when position (P1) is designated as a test position for testing the functioning of a ganglion cell at position (P1), the perimeter of the present invention finds “the position (P2) of the photoreceptor cell for sending information to the ganglion cell at position (P1),” presents a visual target at position (P2) rather than position (P1), and tests a visual field. The information of the visual target is sent to the ganglion cell at position (P1), and the functioning of the ganglion cell can therefore be tested.

Abstract: An ophthalmic method and apparatus for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative assessment of cataract development and/or color blindness is provided. The method and apparatus with direct feedback from the subject, or historical data, provides a quantitative method for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative assessment of cataract development. Also included is a mobile apparatus comprising a set of executable instructions that configures the mobile apparatus to determine an opacity of a cataract lens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the visual acuity of person using a computerized consumer device are described.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, arrangement and method can be provided for obtaining information associated with an anatomical structure or a sample using optical microscopy. For example, a light radiation can be separated into first light radiation(s) directed to an anatomical sample and second light radiation directed to a reference. A wavelength of the radiation can vary over time, and the wavelength can be shorter than approximately 1150 nm. An interference can be detected between third and fourth radiations associated with the first and second radiations and fourth radiation, respectively. At least one image corresponding to portion(s) of the sample can be generated using data associated with the interference. In addition, source(s) can be provided which can be configured to provide an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that varies over time.

Abstract: An inattention measurement device, system, and method wherein an index value indicating an inattention level of a subject is calculated based on information relating to a history of a gazing point of a subject when presented with a task of searching for a prescribed target.

Abstract: There is provided an eyeball observation device, which can stably detect a line of sight, the eyeball observation device including: at least one infrared light source configured to radiate polarized infrared light onto an eyeball of a user; and at least one imaging device configured to capture an image of the eyeball irradiated with the polarized infrared light and to be capable of simultaneously capturing a polarization image with at least three directions.

Abstract: A self-adhering, flexible gonioscopic lens for adhering to cornea and scleral regions of an eye includes a central lens having a body including a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact surface having a radius of curvature that approximates the radius of curvature of the cornea, an eye fixation system configured for fixing the central lens to the eye, wherein the eye fixation system is attached to the annular perimeter of the contact surface of the central lens, extending around only a portion of the annular perimeter of the contact surface of the central lens to define a cut-out portion in the eye fixation system of the gonioscopic lens.

Abstract: A fundus imaging system is used to generate fundus images when a patient has not received mydriatic pharmaceuticals. The fundus imaging system includes a processor and memory, an infrared light source, and an image sensor array. The infrared light source illuminates the patient's fundus using only infrared light. The fundus imaging system uses one or more different near-infrared wavelengths to illuminate the patient's fundus, and the fundus imaging system captures images during infrared light illumination. Then the fundus imaging system generates a color image of the patient's eye fundus based on generated lightness maps of the infrared-illuminated images.

Abstract: Systems and methods of obtaining and recording fundus images by minimally trained persons, which includes a camera for obtaining images of a fundus of a subject's eye, in combination with mathematical methods to assign real time image quality classification to the images obtained based upon a set of criteria. The classified images will be further processed if the classified images are of sufficient image quality for clinical interpretation by machine-coded and/or human-based methods. Such systems and methods can thus automatically determine whether the quality of a retinal image is sufficient for computer-based eye disease screening. The system integrates global histogram features, textural features, and vessel density, as well as a local non-reference perceptual sharpness metric. A partial least square (PLS) classifier is trained to distinguish low quality images from normal quality images.

Abstract: A head health care device and a head care system are provided. The head health care device includes: a body; a plurality of sensing components provided and projected on an outer surface of the body, in which each sensing component is configured to sense head information of a user; and a plurality of health care components provided and projected on the outer surface of the body, in which the health care components are configured to perform health care operations on a head of the user according to a control signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form a biometric based information communication system are described. In some examples, the biometric based information communication system comprises biomedical devices with sensing means, wherein the sensing means produces a biometric result. In some examples the biometric based information communication system may comprise a user device such as a smart phone paired in communication with the biomedical device. A biometric measurement result may trigger a communication of a biometric based information communication message.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an insertion device that includes: a plunger coupled with a lock collar. The insertion device houses contents including: a striker including self-locking striker snap arm(s) where the striker is kept from firing by a striker spring captured between the plunger and the striker when the insertion device is in a cocked position; a sensor assembly; and a needle carrier that holds a piercing member, the needle carrier captured between the striker and a needle carrier spring where a self-releasing snap(s) keeps the needle carrier cocked, where the plunger prevents the self-releasing snap(s) from repositioning and releasing the needle carrier. The striker fires the needle carrier such that the self-locking striker snap arm(s) are positioned to allow the striker to snap down. The needle carrier is then retracted when the user releases the plunger and the piercing member is encapsulated within the insertion device.

Abstract: A system may include emitters configured to emit radiation at a first wavelength of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and a second wavelength of EM radiation towards a biological tissue, and receivers configured to receive responses to the first and second wavelengths of EM radiation after the wavelengths of EM radiation interact with the biological tissue. The system may also include a signal mixer unit configured to perform operations that include replicate and mix first signals representative of the responses to the first wavelength of EM radiation received by the receivers and second signals representative of the responses to the second wavelength of EM radiation received by the receivers to generate a set of spectro-spatial responses, replicate and mix the spectro-spatial responses to generate markers, and replicate and mix the markers and user-selected markers to output a sequence associated with characterization of the biological tissue.

Abstract: Methods and system for atrial fibrillation ablations utilizing cardiac mapping based on medical image(s). The method and system also adapted for any balloon based catheters including cryoballoon catheter, laser balloon catheter, or “hot balloon” catheter, as well as circular catheters. The methods and system includes overlaying of two or more images on top of each other (where the images are of various types) and aligning the images, where the transparency between the images can be adjusted as an aid for optimal placement of the balloon based catheters or circular catheters. 3D volumetricTags and markers are also placed on 3D images such as CT and MRI images which are indicative of where the tissue has been ablated. The method and system also comprises the ability to monitor esophageal temperature, and to activate alarms and/or energy delivery interrupt based on pre-determined esophageal temperature parameters.

Abstract: A neural imaging system may include an imaging array, an image data processor operably coupled to the imaging array to process image data received from the imaging array, and a beam angle separator disposed between the imaging array and an object being imaged. The beam angle separator may be configured to separate an object beam reflected from the object being imaged into a plurality of reference beams each having different angular separation with respect to the object beam. The image data processor may be configured to generate image data of the object for each one of the reference beams to correspond to a respective different depth within the object.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a technology for further improving scanning performance. Provided is an optical scanning device including: a scanning unit including an optical waveguide configured to guide incident light and emit the light from an emission end, and a vibration unit configured to generate a vibration and vibrate the emission end; and a signal transmission unit configured to transmit a signal to the scanning unit and cause the scanning unit to scan an object, characterized in that the scanning unit includes a first bonding and vibration attenuating unit configured to bond, with an elastic member, an end surface of the vibration unit closer to the emission end and the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A method is described to enhance the ability to evaluate the depth of a tissue component or a lesion having optical properties different from a surrounding tissue using time resolved optical methods. This invention may be particularly suitable for the evaluation of lesion depth during RF ablation (irreversible tissue modification/damage) using specially designed devises (catheters) that deliver heat in a localized region for therapeutic reasons. The technique allows for increased ability to evaluate the depth of the ablated lesion or detect the presence of other processes such as micro-bubble formation and coagulation with higher sensitivity compared to that offered by steady state spectroscopy. The method can be used for in-vivo, real-time monitoring during tissue ablation or other procedures where information on the depth of a lesion or tissue is needed. Exemplary uses are found in tissue ablation, tissue thermal damage, lesion and tissue depth assessment in medical applications.

Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring whether organic matter is present or whether or not organisms (cells or tissue) are alive using infrared absorption spectroscopic analysis. The measurement apparatus of the invention includes an infrared light source for radiating infrared rays on a sample, an infrared detection unit for detecting the infrared rays transmitted or reflected from the sample, and a determination unit for identifying an amide infrared absorption peak of the sample using the detected infrared rays and for determining whether organic matter is present or whether organisms are alive or not in the sample using the identified amide infrared absorption peak. In this invention, a reagent is not used, simple measurement is performed, quantification is feasible, and the presence or absence of cells or tissues and changes in the life and death can be consecutively measured for the same sample.

Abstract: A housing containing an electrical energy source is coupled between a first end cap comprising a control and an interstitial member comprising an LED selectively electrically couplable to the electrical energy source by the control, and a second end cap coupled to the interstitial member comprises an optical filtering component in optical alignment with light emitted by the LED. At least a portion of an exterior of at least one of the housing, the first end cap, the interstitial member, and the second end cap may have a cross-sectional shape that is not substantially circular. The end caps, housing, interstitial member, and optical filtering component may each be sealingly interconnected. A method of using the apparatus may comprise directing light emitted by the apparatus into a human oral cavity without inserting the apparatus into the human oral cavity.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus, including: a light source; a detecting unit that detects an acoustic wave generated from an object which has received an irradiation light from the light source; a processing unit that generates characteristic information on the inside of the object by using the acoustic wave; and a memory unit that records the characteristic information in association with information on the irradiation light.

Abstract: In a photoacoustic apparatus, a light source irradiates an inspection target with pulsed light; a detector detects acoustic waves generated in the inspection target due to interaction of the pulsed light with the inspection target, and outputs detection signals corresponding to the detected acoustic waves; a light-quantity measurement unit measures the quantity of the light output from the light source; and a signal processor obtains information on an inside of the inspection target by using the detection signals output from the detector. The signal processor also corrects intensities of the detection signals so as to suppress variations in intensities of the detection signals caused by a temporal change in the quantity of the light.

Abstract: A method for determining an arteriovascular condition of a subject having an arterial blood flow is shown. The method involves determining a temporal progression of an instantaneous blood flow condition of the arterial blood flow as well as deriving a slew rate of the temporal progression during an increase of the temporal progression. In addition, an arteriovascular condition indicator device is shown, which comprises: an input for receiving an input signal representing an instantaneous arterial blood flow condition of a subject and a slew rate monitor connected to the input. A corresponding control device for providing an activation signal is also shown. The control device comprises a maximum detector connected to the slew rate monitor. A method for stimulation of arteriogenesis is also shown, wherein a temporal progression of an instantaneous blood flow condition is monitored, a slew rate of the temporal progression is derived, and the maximum of the slew rate is determined.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device for reporting a heart failure status of a patient comprises: a parameter acquisition module configured to acquire at least one trended heart failure parameter; a predetermined event acquisition module configured to acquire at least one predetermined event corresponding to the at least one trended heart failure parameter, wherein each of the at least one predetermined event represents an event condition where a predetermined event definition is satisfied; an alert acquisition module configured to acquire at least one heart failure status alert associated with the at least one predetermined event, wherein each of the at least one alert represents an alert condition where a predetermined alert definition is satisfied; and an output communication module configured to communicate the at least one heart failure status alert.

Abstract: Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element is provided on a film unit configured to be deformed. The strain sensing element includes a functional layer, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a spacer layer. The functional layer includes at least one of an oxide and a nitride. The second magnetic layer is provided between the functional layer and the first magnetic layer. A magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable in accordance with a deformation of the film unit. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. At least a part of the second magnetic layer is amorphous and includes boron.

Abstract: An adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening formed at least in part by an inner wall of the body, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening. The distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal. The adapter also includes a seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.

Abstract: An implantable vital sign sensor including a housing including a first portion, the first portion defining a first open end, a second open end opposite the first end, and a lumen there through, the first portion being sized to be implanted substantially entirely within the blood vessel wall of the patient. A sensor module configured to measure a blood vessel blood pressure waveform is included, the sensor module having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being insertable within the lumen and the proximal portion extending outward from the first open end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor catheter and method for measuring pressure on a distal side of a flow constriction, such as a stenosis, in a body lumen or measuring a pressure difference over the flow constriction. The catheter includes a pressure transfer tube for passing through the constriction, the tube being connected to and extending from a pressure sensor for transferring the pressure at the distal side of the constriction via the tube to the sensor, and a catheter body for introduction of the catheter into the body lumen, wherein the catheter body comprises the sensor at a sensor position, such that the sensor in use is positioned in the body lumen, and wherein a distal end region of the catheter including the distal end region of the pressure transfer tube has a smaller maximum outer diameter than the outer diameter of the catheter at the sensor position.

Abstract: A biosensor includes: a flexible base, a first sensor includes a first sensor main body, and a second sensor includes a second sensor main body that is detachably installed on the side face of the flexible base installed with the first sensor main body, and is arranged at intervals on the first sensor main body. The second sensor is detachably installed on the flexible base installed with the first sensor, and does not overlap with the first sensor, thereby allowing the second sensor to work together with the first sensor, thereby obtaining different physiological parameters. The second sensor can also be detached from the flexible base and used independently to increase user convenience.

Abstract: Some method examples may include pacing a heart with cardiac paces, sensing a physiological signal for use in detecting pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation, performing a baseline level determination process to identify a baseline level for the sensed physiological signal, and detecting pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation using the sensed physiological signal and the calculated baseline level. Detecting pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation may include sampling the sensed physiological signal during each of a plurality of cardiac cycles to provide sampled signals and calculating the baseline level for the physiological signal using the sampled signals. Sampling the sensed physiological signal may include sampling the signal during a time window defined using a pace time with each of the cardiac cycles to avoid cardiac components and phrenic nerve stimulation components in the sampled signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus for a brain computer interface (BCI) including a feature extraction filter trainer for training a feature extraction filter which minimizes an influence of a background brain wave while maximizing a difference between intended brain waves; and a classifier trainer for training a classifier for classifying the intended brain waves by using a feature vector obtained by filtering the intended brain wave at the feature extraction filter. With the apparatus, only the background brain wave is additionally measured, such that previous intended brain wave data can be reused and the brain wave can be classified more quickly and accurately.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through an actigraphy sensor imbedded into an electrocardiography monitor, which correlates movement and electrocardiographic data. Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum. The patient can place an electrode patch anywhere within the general region of the sternum. The occurrence of actigraphy events are monitored by the monitor recorder through an actigraphy sensor. Actigraphy becomes a recordable actigraphy event occurrence when the movement of the wearable monitor and, therefore, the patient, exceeds a certain criteria threshold of acceleration or deceleration as detected by the actigraphy sensor.