Abstract: An evacuation station for a mobile floor cleaning robot comprises a stationary base portion having an upper surface and an air treatment assembly that is rotatable from an in-use position to a removable position in which all of the air treatment assembly is removable from the stationary base portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an autonomous robot, configured to perform a cleaning function and an emptying function.

Abstract: A dust collecting assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a dust collecting member and a threaded fitting. The dust collecting member is configured to collect dust and debris. The threaded fitting is disposed in communication with the dust collecting member. The threaded fitting includes a threaded collar configured to be connected to a vacuum cleaner. At least one mounting tab is spaced from the threaded collar. The mounting tab is configured to be received by the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A robot cleaner of the present disclosure includes: a traveling unit configured to move a main body; a cleaning unit configured to perform a cleaning function; a sensing unit configured to detect a surrounding environment; and a controller configured to perform a previous cleaning, to map a cleaning zone based on information detected by the sensing unit, and to control to perform cleaning by matching different cleaning methods according to a shape of the mapped cleaning zone. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the efficiency by providing an accurate cleaning zone definition and the division of the cleaning zone, and by providing an optimum cleaning traveling mode according to the divided cleaning zone.

Abstract: Autonomous travel-type cleaner includes a main body, cleaning unit that performs operations of wiping and sweeping of a cleaning target area and sucking of dust, and driver that enables the main body to travel. Autonomous travel-type cleaner further includes person appearance region information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a person appearance region in which an appearance rate of a person is higher than a threshold in the cleaning target area and controller that controls cleaning unit and driver to cause autonomous travel-type cleaner to clean the person appearance region in the cleaning target area based on current position information acquisition unit that acquires information on a current position of the main body.

Abstract: The present disclosure analyzes the image around the main body, detects the depth of the floor surface and the height of the floor surface beyond the obstacle, and determines whether to climb the obstacle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cleaning tool includes a frame having a first plate pivotally attached to a second plate. A biasing member is mounted between the first and second plates and urges the first plate and the second plate into a first position wherein the first plate and the second plate are co-planar. The frame is movable between the first position and a second position wherein the first and second plates are positioned at about a 90 degree angle from each other.

Abstract: A domestic dishwashing machine includes a dishwashing container, a door, pivotably mounted on the dishwashing container, for closing a dishwashing chamber formed in the dishwashing container, and a dosing system, arranged at the door, for a solid detergent, for example, in tablet form. The dosing system may include an annular magazine having a rotatably arranged rotor which delimits a plurality of radially outwardly open storage compartments, distributed in the circumferential direction, which are each to receive a detergent tablet. In some embodiments, a chute is arranged beneath the rotor, and the chute allows a detergent tablet which has fallen into the chute to fall freely to an outlet opening at which the detergent tablet can pass into the dishwashing chamber. By rotation of the rotor, a storage compartment filled with a detergent tablet can move into a position radially opposite a dosing opening, at which the chute begins.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a cabinet, a cabinet door for opening and closing the cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet, the tub defining a wash chamber, an outlet defined at a first portion of the tub, an inlet defined at a second portion of the tub, an air flow duct defined between the inlet and the outlet, wherein air enters the air flow duct from the tub via the outlet and exits the air flow duct to the tub via the inlet, and an access panel removably attached to the air flow duct, the access panel defining a mounting plate protruding from an interior surface of the access panel.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing and a third rack assembly slidably positioned within the wash chamber and configured for movement along the transverse direction. The third rack assembly includes a perimeter support wire and a flat floor suspended from the perimeter support wire, the flat floor being formed from interwoven floor wire and defining a floor width that is greater than 70% of a tub width of the tub. The diameter of the perimeter support wire is about 0.17 inches, the diameter of the floor wire is about 0.06 inches, and both the perimeter support wire and the floor wire are formed from stainless steel or nylon-coated metal.

Abstract: An article holder assembly for use in a dishwasher appliance includes a first attachment arm for securing to a first side wall of a rack of the dishwasher appliance, a second attachment arm for securing to an opposing, second side wall of a rack of the dishwasher appliance, and at least one article positioning arm secured between the first and second attachment arms. The article positioning arm(s) is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Thus, the article positioning arm(s) defines a predefined geometry configured to receive a portion of one or more articles for cleaning in the dishwasher appliance. Further, when the article positioning arm(s) is in the engaged position, the predefined geometry positions and secures one or more of the articles on a rack of the dishwasher appliance for cleaning.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber, a door that permits selective access to the wash chamber, a rack assembly within the wash chamber and receiving articles for cleaning, and a stemware holder assembly. The rack assembly includes an upper rack and a lower rack. The stemware holder assembly has at least one arm member secured to a side wall of the lower rack. The arm member(s) is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Further, the arm member(s) includes at least one arm having a hook at a distal end thereof for receiving a stem of a stemware. As such, when the stemware holder assembly is in the engaged position, the hook orients the stem of the stemware in a direction away from the side wall of the lower rack.

Abstract: An article holder assembly for use with a dishwasher appliance includes a base portion adapted to fit onto at least one of an upper rack or a lower rack of the dishwasher appliance. Further, the article holder assembly includes at least one arm member removably coupled to the base portion, a first attachment location for the at least one arm member, and a second attachment location for the at least one arm member. Further, the article holder assembly is adjustable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Thus, in the engaged position, the arm member(s) is secured to the first attachment location such that the arm member(s) extends outward from the base portion to support one or more of the articles during a wash cycle of the dishwasher appliance. Moreover, in the disengaged position, the arm member(s) is secured to the second attachment location such that the arm member(s) rests against the base portion.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a processor including one or more hardware components. The processor is configured to obtain a classification result that a kind of an insertion shape of an endoscope insertion portion inserted into a subject is classified as one of a plurality of predetermined kinds, and output the classification result.

Abstract: An endoscope with a rotating drum or a rotation module, in particular for use as a sterile disposable instrument, having an elongate rigid and/or flexible shaft tube which at a distal end mounts the rotating drum, so as to be rotatable about at least one first axis of rotation, an optical imaging system being arranged in the rotating drum, with the at least one first axis of rotation running approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft tube and with the endoscope having at least one control line for rotating the rotating drum. Here, the at least one control line of the rotating drum runs on an outer side/outer face of the shaft tube, and is fastened to the rotating drum at at least one lever distance (a) from the at least one first axis of rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the aft balloon; a pair of hollow push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve, the pair of hollow push tubes being connected to one another at their distal ends with a raised push tube bridge, the raised push tube bridge being configured to nest an endoscope therein; and a fore balloon secured to the distal ends of the pair of hollow push tubes, the interior of the fore balloon being in fluid communication with the interiors of the pair of hollow push tubes, wherein the fore balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein (i) when the fore balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and (ii) when the fore balloon is in its inflated condition, the ax

Abstract: According to one aspect, a balloon-equipped treatment tool for an endoscope includes a balloon, and a sheath connected to a proximal end side of the balloon and configured to introduce fluid to the balloon. The balloon includes a body portion having a first wall thickness, a cylindrical tail portion arranged on a proximal end side of the body portion and connected to the sheath, a cone portion located between the body portion and the tail portion, and a thick portion forming a second wall thickness larger than the first wall thickness. The thick portion whose distal end is arranged in the cone portion and whose proximal end is arranged in the tail portion.

Abstract: An endoscope with a rotation drum or a rotation module and an elongated rigid and/or flexible shaft tube which, at a distal end, by means of a bearing fork, rotatably bears the rotation drum about a first axis of rotation, and wherein an optical imaging system is disposed within the rotation drum. The bearing fork here has at least one first fluid conduit and at least one nozzle in order to clean and/or to cool the imaging system.

Abstract: A housing (1) for the tip of a disposable insertion endoscope includes a circumferential side wall (2) having a first end and a second end, and a front wall (3) arranged at the first end to provide an internal compartment (4) in the housing (1), the front wall (3) including at least one transparent part made of a polymer material and adapted to protect a camera (10) arranged in the housing behind the at least one transparent part and a front surface (15) having at least one area provided with a nano-structure.

Abstract: Hybrid endoscope, in particular for sterile medical applications, wherein the endoscope comprises a receiving device for an imaging system and a shaft tube, wherein the receiving device is arranged, in a mounted state, on a distal end of the shaft tube. The endoscope is divided into at least two sub-assemblies, wherein a first sub-assembly comprises at least the receiving device, the imaging system and preferably a supply line of the imaging system as re-usable parts, and a second sub-assembly comprises at least the shaft tube as a part for single use, wherein the two sub-assemblies are able to be brought into releasable operative connection by means of an interface.

Abstract: An endoscope tip part including a tip housing at least partially enclosing an interior cavity and including a window, and a vision assembly accommodated in the interior cavity and including an imaging subassembly including an image sensor viewing in an optical direction through the window of the tip housing, a light source comprising an illumination surface for emitting light, a separate frame component including a light shielding wall made of an opaque material and extending between the image sensor and the light source so as to at least partially shield the image sensor from light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an endoscope is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertical arm mounted on a platform, a gas spring arm unit moves up and down in a space when fitted on a movable horizontal arm, a connecting means configured to lock the position of gas spring arm unit and the horizontal arm in order to obtain a predetermined position of the endoscope using one or more screws, a rail slider configured to move the endoscope in forward and backward direction in the space, a clamping unit configured to hold the endoscope by one of a clamp and a holding tube, wherein the vertical arm is configured to support the apparatus for holding the endoscope.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems. The system includes first and second main bodies. First main body includes first end section, which includes a first anchor assembly and first proximal portion. First anchor assembly includes first and second expandable members and first negative pressure opening. First and second expandable members are each configured to transition between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. First negative pressure opening is configured to apply negative pressure. First proximal portion is secured to the first anchor assembly. First proximal portion includes a bendable portion configured to selectively move the first anchor assembly in a plurality of directions. Second main body includes first and second end sections and main cavity. First end section of second main body includes a second anchor assembly, which includes third and fourth expandable members and second negative pressure opening.

Abstract: A nervous tissue imaging system and a method therefor. The system includes: a housing containing an excitation light source, optically coupled with a source optical train, the excitation light source emits excitation light in a first wavelength range, which can be in a near ultraviolet light range, to illuminate a tissue region of interest including healthy nervous tissue and healthy non-nervous tissue. The excitation light in the first wavelength range causes the healthy nervous tissue, in response to being illuminated with the excitation light, to endogenously autoflouresce and emit first autofluorescence light at a first luminance in a second wavelength range. The healthy non-nervous tissue, in response to being illuminated with the excitation light, either avoids emitting any autofluorescence light in the second wavelength range; or endogenously autoflouresces and emits second autofluorescence light in the second wavelength range at a second luminance that is lower than the first luminance.

Abstract: Techniques for multi-mode imaging device control include determining, by a controller, if an orientational mode command or a translational mode command is entered; in response to determining that the orientational mode command is entered, constraining, by the controller, movement of an imaging device so that a focal point of the imaging device moves along a concave virtual surface in response to translational movement of one or more input devices; and in response to determining that the translational mode command is entered, causing, by the controller, translational movement of the imaging device in a three-dimensional space in response to the translational movement of the one or more input devices.

Abstract: A multi-organ imaging system including a camera lens, a stationary, multi-examination illumination unit (SMEIU), and an attachment holder is provided. An industrial camera unit (ICU) for imaging multiple organs, for example, ear, nose, throat, and skin, is housed in a camera body. The camera lens has a fixed focal length and an iris for optimizing examination and imaging of the organs. The SMEIU is integrated to the camera body and includes illuminators arranged in a geometrical configuration. The attachment holder accommodates an organ examination attachment selected for examining an organ. The illuminators, in optical communication with one or more reflective surfaces in the organ examination attachment, produce shadowless illumination during examination and imaging of each organ, without requiring replacement of the SMEIU for examining each organ. A display unit, accommodated in a display holder detachably attached to the camera body, assists in aiming the camera lens and visualizing each organ.

Abstract: Method and related system for marker-based navigation. A first image is capturing (S530) with a medical imaging apparatus (ENDO), whilst a light source (LS1) of an implanted marker device (MD) is in a low intensity state and a second light source (LS2) of the medical imaging apparatus (IA) is in a high intensity state, higher than the low intensity state of the marker. A second image is captured (S560) with the medical imaging apparatus (ENDO), whilst the light source (LS1) of the implanted marker device is in a high intensity state and the second light source (LS2) of the medical imaging apparatus (IA) is in a low intensity state, lower than the high intensity state of the marker. The two images may then be combined to obtain a combined image that represents the location of the marker at high signal-to-noise-ratio.

Abstract: In some embodiments, endoscopy systems and/or methods of using endoscopy systems are described. In some embodiments, an endoscopy system comprises a shaft having an image sensor within a distal tip of the shaft. The shaft can have an expandable cuff disposed on an outer surface of the shaft. The expandable cuff can be moved from a contracted configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, an outer surface of the expandable cuff can inhibit, reduce, or prevent fluid (e.g., blood) flow in the vessel. Inhibiting or preventing the fluid flow can permit direct visualization of the interior of the vessel by the image sensor without interference from the fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates and extends to a light source having a strobing or pulsing sequence suitable for use with a CMOS sensor that does not require, have, or use a global shutter. Instead, the CMOS sensor synchronizes the strobing input with the blanking portion of the sensor readout pattern and disables the strobing during sensor readout, or when the strobing would otherwise leave artifacts in the image. The CMOS sensor freezes its readout during the strobing.

Abstract: Endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, and devices and methods for cleaning endoscopic instruments are provided. A cleaning device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a cleaning member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The cleaning element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force of a cleaner or detergent against the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively clean all internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument, including crevasses, scratches or other irregularities, without further damaging these surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: The present utility model is related to the medical field, and more specifically to a new arrangement applied to rigid endoscopes (1), which comprises the arrangement of two channels superior upper (3) and lower (4) longitudinally arranged on the rigid shaft (11) of the endoscope (1), with the upper channel (3) receiving a piece of equipment (5) on its proximal end capable of releasing, in a controlled way, an amount of crystalloid solution, which is directed by gravity to the distal end (12), lubricating the objective lens of the endoscope, and with the lower channel (4) connected to suction device (7), through a hose (43) with valve (8), which when activated, sucks the saline, cleaning the lens (2) during the video-surgery procedure, removing blood or body secretions, and improving the visibility of this procedure for the surgeon.

Abstract: An endoscope including: an elongated shaft comprising at least a first shaft tube with a window inserted in its distal end, and an electrical heating device arranged proximate to the window at or in the first shaft tube; wherein the heating device includes a flexible printed circuit board on which a resistive heating element configured as a conductor loop and a temperature sensor are arranged, and a heat-conducting structure connected in a thermally conductive manner to the temperature sensor is applied to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ergonomically designed vaginal speculum. The speculum includes a body portion comprising a handle configured to be grasped by a user of the speculum, a lower bill, and a transition portion between the handle and the lower bill. The speculum further includes an upper bill rotatably coupled to the lower bill at the transition portion, allowing the upper bill to move relative to the lower bill to move the speculum into an open position, a window frame coupled to the upper bill defining a viewing window, and an actuation mechanism coupled to the upper bill to cause separation of the upper bill from the lower bill. The transition portion creates an angle greater than 90 degrees between the handle and the lower bill. The speculum may further include a locking mechanism and an illumination source.

Abstract: A device for evaluating a performance of a target visual equipment for a visual task includes: at least one input adapted to obtain data) representative as a function of time of measurements of at least one parameter associated with an initial wearer of an initial visual equipment performing the task in a scene, obtain a model of the scene, of a target wearer; at least one processor configured for virtually performing the task with the target equipment by using the scene and target wearer models, and by applying the representative data) as a function of time to the target wearer model; determining, on the basis of the virtual performing, at least one parameter of interest; providing the same, to determine to which extent the target equipment is appropriate for the target wearer, by evaluating the performance of the target equipment as a function of the parameter of interest.

Abstract: A retina viewing system and method of using the same includes an ophthalmic microscope, a disposable lens attachment, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The microscope has an optical head and a set of internal focusing lenses, the latter providing the microscope with a variable working distance or focal length. The disposable lens attachment includes a resilient body with a proximal end connected to the optical head and a distal end connected to a high-power/high-diopter distal lens. The ECU executes instructions for viewing a retina or other intraocular anatomy of a patient eye. Execution of the instructions causes the ECU to automatically adjust the variable working distance or focal length of the microscope when viewing an image of the retina through the distal lens.

Abstract: A visual perception function evaluation system 10 includes: a display device 12 configured to three-dimensionally display a three-dimensional test image 20 including an object 22 to a subject; a processing device 13 connected to the display device 12; and an input device 11 through which a reply related to whether the object 22 can be perceived is input from the subject to the processing device 13. The processing device 13 includes a display control means 15 for controlling the state of display of the test image 20 on the display device 12, and a neglect region specifying means 16 for specifying a neglect region in a three-dimensional space based on the reply. The display control means 15 controls display so that the three-dimensional position of a display point P varies over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses, computer programs, and methods for visual ametropia correction. In a first example, a position of a desired focusing point relative to a retina of an individual eye may be determined, based on obtained topographic information of the anterior surface and of the posterior surface of the cornea, and refractive aberration information for the eye. In a second example, correction information relating to the anterior surface of the cornea may be determined, such as to optimize focusing onto a retina of the eye, based on the obtained topographic information of the anterior surface and of the posterior surface of the cornea and based on obtained topographic information of an anterior surface and of a posterior surface of a lens of the individual eye.

Abstract: A laser system that includes a laser source emitting a laser beam along an axis and a keratometer. The keratometer includes a first set of individual light sources that are equally spaced from one another along a first ring and that direct a first light toward an eye and a second set of individual light sources that are equally spaced from another along a second ring and direct a second light toward the eye, wherein the first ring and said second ring are co-planar and concentric with one another about the axis. The laser system includes a telecentric lens that receives the first light and second light reflected off of the eye and a detector that receives light from the telecentric lens and forms an image. The laser system also includes a processor that receives signals from said detector representative of the image and determines an astigmatism axis of the eye based on the signals.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an eye examination attachment, a control device, and an ophthalmic microscope system, by which an image of an eye to be examined that is suitable for observation can be provided. [Solving Means] An eye examination attachment according to the present technology includes a joining unit, a front optical system, and a communication unit. The joining unit is capable of being joined to an ophthalmic microscope. The front optical system includes a front lens capable of being placed in front of an eye to be examined. The communication unit sends information regarding the front optical system to an external device.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes an irradiation optical system, an optical scanner, an optical splitting and combining unit, and a detector. The irradiation optical system includes a light source and is configured to generate measurement light using light from the light source. The optical scanner is configured to deflect the measurement light and to guide the deflected measurement light to a subject's eye. The optical splitting and combining unit is configured to guide the measurement light to the optical scanner and to generate interference light between reference light that is generated from the light from the light source and returning light of the measurement light from the subject's eye. The detector is configured to detect the returning light and the interference light via the optical splitting and combining unit.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes: an objective lens that faces a subject's eye; an alignment light emitting unit that irradiates the subject's eye with alignment light to perform measurement of alignment between the objective lens and the subject's eye; an alignment reflection light receiving unit that receives alignment reflection light, which is a reflection of the alignment light from the subject's eye; an anterior segment camera that receives corneal reflection light; and a holder positioned between the anterior segment camera and the objective lens to hold the anterior segment camera, wherein the holder includes an imaging transmissive portion that transmits the corneal reflection light to the anterior segment camera, a first light-transmissive portion that transmits the alignment light from the alignment light emitting unit, and a second light-transmissive portion that transmits the alignment reflection light from the subject's eye.

Abstract: A general-purpose mobile communication device, general-purpose computer user-interface device, and other non-health-related electronic devices with cardiovascular monitoring capability. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise a general-purpose mobile communication device (e.g., a cellular telephone, portable email device, personal digital assistant, etc.) comprising a communication interface module adapted to communicate with a general-purpose communication network, and at least one module operational to acquire cardiac information from a user of the general-purpose mobile communication device. The general-purpose communication device may, for example, comprise a cardiac sensor (e.g., electrodes) disposed on the mobile communication device, which may be utilized to acquire cardiac information during use of the mobile communication device. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise a non-health related electronic device (e.g.

Abstract: A wireless patient monitoring device can be fully functional stand-alone patient monitoring device capable of various physiological measurements. The patient monitoring device is small and light enough to be comfortably worn on the patient, such as on the patient's wrist or around the neck. The patient monitoring device can have a monitor instrument removably engaging a disposable base. The base can have outlets for connecting to an acoustic respiration sensor and an oximeter sensor. The patient monitoring device can have pogo pin connectors connecting the monitor instrument and the disposable base so that the monitor instrument can receive sensor data from the sensors connected to the disposable base.

Abstract: A wavelength converter includes a first phosphor activated with Cr3+; and a second phosphor activated with at least one ion of Ce3+ or Eu2+. A fluorescence spectrum of a fluorescence emitted by the second phosphor has a peak where a fluorescence intensity shows a maximum value in a wavelength range of 500 nm or more to less than 580 nm. The wavelength converter emits a fluorescence having a light component over an entire range of 500 nm or more to less than 580 nm. The wavelength converter emits a light having a spectrum in which a ratio of a minimum light emission intensity to a maximum light emission intensity is 40% or less in a wavelength range of 550 nm or more to 700 nm or less.

Abstract: Described herein is an optical device that is arranged to emit electromagnetic radiation and a method of forming an optical device. In one embodiment, the optical device comprises an optical fibre that is arranged to transmit electromagnetic radiation between a source of electromagnetic radiation and an area of interest of a sample material. The optical device also comprises an optical element coupled to an end portion of the optical fibre. The optical element comprises a graphene lens that is arranged to focus the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the optical fibre to a focal region within the area of interest of the sample material.

Abstract: A method, implemented on a machine having at least one processor, storage, and a communication platform capable of connecting to a network for characterizing a tumor embedded inside a medium, comprising: measuring at least one of a mechanical property and a spectral property of the tumor.

Abstract: Reversibly switchable photoacoustic tomography (RS-PAT), a photoacoustic technique with enhanced sensitivity and resolution, is disclosed. RS-PAT utilizes a subtractive process for the formation of a photoacoustic image of a region containing a plurality of switchable photoacoustic probes. In various aspects, the photoacoustic detection in RS-PAT imaging occurs minimally twice: a first image obtained when the photoacoustic probe is in active (absorbing or ON) state and a second image obtained when the photoacoustic probe is in an inactive (less-absorbing or OFF) state. Subtraction of the second image from the first image is used to obtain the RS-PAT image.

Abstract: Near-field coherent sensing (NCS) methods and systems are described herein. The techniques may be used to monitor vital signs is introduced herein. Multiple-input, multiple output near-field techniques may be used to characterize motion. In some embodiments, the methods and systems are used to measure cardiac motion. In some embodiments, the disclosed system is integrated into a seat, such as, for example, a car seat. The system be configured to monitor the vital signs of a seat occupant with multiple sensing points. The sensor can be integrated into the cushion and hence “invisible” to the user.