Abstract: Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope position relative to the target is performed partially or entirely by image-based tracking by comparing features in real-time video image (52) produced by imaging arrangement with features in the reference image (51). The feature comparison may be performed visually by a user, or may be automated to offer more specific corrective suggestions to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the spatial position and the shape of a surgical instrument (1) having a deformable body (2) by: providing an elasticity model of the surgical instrument (1); defining at least one parameter which influences the shape of the instrument (1); determining the spatial position and/or orientation of at least one tracking sensor (3) of the surgical instrument (1); determining the value of the at least one parameter; calculating the position and/or orientation of at least one part of the surgical instrument (1) with the aid of the elasticity model together with the determined value of the at least one parameter and the determined spatial position and/or orientation of the at least one tracking sensor (3).

Abstract: An image-conducting optical fiber bundle extends along a central bundle axis between image input and image output ends. The bundle is twisted along a portion of its length such that an image inputted into the image input end is angularly displaced about the central bundle axis before being outputted through the image output end. Each constituent optical fiber includes a cladding with a cladding diameter corresponding with the fiber diameter of that fiber and a core with a core diameter. The ratio of the core diameter to the cladding diameter defines a core-to-clad diameter ratio relative to each fiber. In various embodiments, at least one of fiber diameter and core-to-clad diameter ratio varies as a function of a fiber's radial displacement from the central bundle axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an external power supply, memory device, camera, and/or other peripheral capabilities to a head-mounted data collection device may include a first portion releasably connecting to the data collection device. The first portion may have a first data port interface configured for connection to a corresponding data port interface of the data collection device. The apparatus may have a second portion releasably connectable to the first portion, the second portion including an internal data port interface configured for connection to a corresponding internal data port interface of the first portion, a power cell module, and a power supply interface configured for connection to a corresponding power supply input of the head-mounted wearable data collection device. The first portion and/or the second portion may include interface logic for receiving data via the first data port and command logic for issuing commands to the data collection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device (E) comprising: at least one generator (1) of structured light; an emission first image guide (5, 5?) for uplinking the structured light from the generator (1) to an object to be observed; and a return second image guide (5?, 5) for downlinking the light reflected by said object to be observed to a system (2) for capturing said reflected light. Each of the two image guides (5, 5?) is able to uplink the structured light and downlink the reflected light, and the imaging device comprises an optical switch (3) configurable into three different operating modes.

Abstract: A medical image formation apparatus includes laser emitting elements which emit laser light rays different in wavelength, an image selection circuit to select a kind of observation image, a light source controller which controls the laser emitting elements, in accordance with an observation mode corresponding to the selected kind, an imager which images return light ray from an observation target and then outputs the return light ray as an image signal, and an image processor which forms the observation images. A first laser emitting group is controlled when the kind of selected observation image is a first observation image. A second laser emitting group is controlled when the kind of selected observation image is a second observation image. The first laser emitting group and the second laser emitting group include a first common laser emitting element.

Abstract: An optics system includes at least one emitting fiber tip that transmits a divergent beam. The divergent beam includes a global maximum intensify of radiation centered with an output optical axis. The divergent beam includes central beams for collimating and periphery beams for disposing. The periphery beams include parasitic radiation of the divergent beam. The optics system includes at least one collimating lens having an output size, output shape, and output optical axis centered thereto and configured to redirect the central beams to a target and redirect the periphery beams into free-space; and at least one redirecting element positioned in between the at least one emitting fiber tip and the at least one collimating lens. The redirecting element includes a first area having an interior size and interior shape to transmit the central beams, and at least one second area outside of the first area to transmit the periphery beams.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a first beam path formed at least in a distal end region, a second beam path formed at the end region, which second beam path is arranged offset with respect to the first beam path for recording a stereoscopic image, and an image recording chip, which is configured for electronically recording images captured via the first beam path and the second beam path. A beam deflection device is provided having at least one deflection element arranged for displacement along a straight line adjustment travel path between a first position and a second position, and the beam deflection device, in the first position, guides an image captured using the first beam path to the image recording chip and, in the second position, guides an image captured using the second beam path to the image recording chip.

Abstract: A viewing trocar assembly is provided including a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an opening provided at the distal end, and at least one imaging device positioned on an outer wall of the distal end of the tubular body, wherein the at least one imaging device is adjacent to the outer wall of the distal end of the tubular body when in an inactivated position, and wherein the at least one imaging device is extended further away from the outer wall of the distal end of the tubular body when in an activated position than when in the inactivated position.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging lens; an image sensor that includes a photodetector cell array in which a plurality of photodetector cells are disposed in an array; a lens array for generating disparity images that is provided between the imaging lens and the image sensor, and includes a plurality of lenses that are disposed in an array; and a processor including hardware, wherein the processor acquires rotation information that represents a relative direction of an image of an object formed by the imaging lens and the image sensor, and generates disparity images based on the acquired rotation information and image information obtained from the image sensor.

Abstract: A medical signal processing device receives an image signal in accordance with a result of examining inside of a subject and processes the image signal that includes a plurality of pixel data groups of respective pixels arrayed at a constant interval among pixels sequentially arrayed in a predetermined direction in an image made of pixels arrayed in a matrix. The pixel data groups are data of respective pixels that are different from each other, and the pixel data groups are input in the medical signal processing device in parallel. The medical signal processing device includes a distribution processing unit configured to generate a plurality of distributed image signals by combining, among the pixel data groups, pixel data groups of respective pixels that are separate from each other, and the distributed image signals are transmitted to an external medical control device through a plurality of respective signal transmission paths.

Abstract: A medical signal processing device processes an image signal received in accordance with a result of examining inside of a subject. The image signal includes pixel data groups that are data of respective pixels different from each other and received by the medical signal processing device in parallel. The medical signal processing device includes a distribution processing unit configured to generate distributed image signals by distributing the pixel data groups, and the distribution processing unit distributes the pixel data groups such that, among the pixel data groups, pieces of data at bit positions of most significant digits of the pixel data groups of pixels adjacent to each other are included in the respective distributed image signals different from each other. The distributed image signals are transmitted to an external medical control device through respective signal transmission paths.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope apparatus which enables to observe a three-dimensional image which is easy to view even in close observation. An endoscope apparatus, comprises: optical systems which form images for a left-eye and a right-eye respectively; an image pickup element which captures the two images and generates pictorial images for the left eye and the right eye; and at least one image processing unit which carries out processing of a pictorial image signal from the image pickup element and creates a stereoscopic image that can be displayed on a monitor, wherein the endoscope apparatus satisfies the following conditional expression (1) 0.3<CP×(1+Dt1)<7, and CP?10??(1) where, CP denotes a distance (mm) from a surface nearest to object of the optical system up to an object, when an amount of left and right shift of the left-eye pictorial image and the right-eye pictorial image becomes 0, at a center of a monitor screen, and Dt1 denotes a distortion in length at the maximum image height.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system are disclosed for a head mounted display utilizing fiber optic cables to feed a projection device. The apparatus includes a head mounted display (HMD) that includes a frame supporting at least one projection surface, the frame configured to maintain the at least one projection surface in a position adjacent to and viewable by at least one eye of a user. The apparatus also includes at least one projection device coupled to the frame and configured to project an image onto the at least one projection surface. The fiber optic cable may be coupled at a first end to the at least one projection device, and at a second end to a remote image source.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an image obtaining unit for obtaining a captured image onto which an emission graphic image including a marker serving as a reference is emitted and a correction information generation unit for generating correction information, for making an emission range and an image capturing range be the same, from a difference between the emission range onto which the emission graphic image is emitted and the image capturing range of the captured image, based on the marker in the captured image and the marker in the emission graphic image.

Abstract: An exposure amount of at least one or more first patterns used to determine positions at the time of triangulation is set to be larger than that of other patterns, so as to reduce the influence of shot noise in the first patterns, to improve precision, and to reduce power consumption as a whole. To this end, a three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus, which measures a three-dimensional shape of an object to be measured by projecting pattern light of a plurality of types of patterns onto the object to be measured, and capturing images of the object to be measured, controls a projector unit and image capture unit to set an exposure amount of the first patterns to be larger than that of patterns other than the first patterns.

Abstract: A surgical camera system with automatic alternation between two depths of field is provided, comprising: a tunable iris configured to automatically alternate between a first depth of field (“DOF”) and a second DOF larger than the first DOF; one or more lenses configured to collect light using the iris; a body containing the iris and at least a portion of the lenses; a sensor configured to produce images from the light; a video processing unit configured to: produce an image stream from first images and second images produced by the sensor from the light, the first images acquired at the first DOF and the second images acquired at the second DOF; and adjust one or more lighting parameters of the first images and the second images prior to producing the image stream; and, a display device in communication with the video processing unit, configured to render the image stream.

Abstract: Navigation guidance is provided to an operator of an endoscope by determining a current position and shape of the endoscope relative to a reference frame, generating an endoscope computer model according to the determined position and shape, and displaying the endoscope computer model along with a patient computer model referenced to the reference frame so as to be viewable by the operator while steering the endoscope within the patient.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is used for processing of reproducing a target object by applying color onto a structure formed based on a concavo-convex signal indicating a shape of the target object. The image processing apparatus determines, based on concavo-convex data, color data, and color reproducibility, a correction area which is an area in which color reproduction represented by the color data is decreased according to the shape represented by the concavo-convex data. The image processing apparatus corrects the concavo-convex data by smoothing the concavo-convex signal corresponding to the determined correction area.

Abstract: An adapter for optically coupling a conventional 2D endoscope to a stereoscopic 3D camera so as to provide stereoscopic 3D visualization of an object imaged by the conventional 2D endoscope, the adapter comprising: a body; a mechanical mount disposed on the body for mechanically mounting the adapter to a conventional 2D endoscope; means for mounting the body to a stereoscopic 3D camera; and an optical pathway disposed within the body for receiving an image from the exit pupil of the conventional 2D endoscope and projecting the received image on an appropriate portion of the stereoscopic 3D camera, wherein the optical pathway is adjustable so as to accommodate a range of different conventional 2D endoscopes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for image-assisted navigation, wherein an imaging specification for imaging a point in a three-dimensional system of coordinates in a point in a two-dimensional system of coordinates is determined, wherein a location of the imaging device is detected, and wherein the location of the imaging device is displayed in the two-dimensional reference image (RB).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for eliminating noise in stereo image are disclosed, the method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising, obtaining a first image captured by a first sensor unit and a second imaged captured by a second sensor unit; calculating a pixel difference of the second image relative to a first image based on a predetermined reference point; determining a pixel amount of the second image to be calibrated using a reference pixel difference and the pixel difference; and generating a driving signal for driving an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) actuator using the pixel amount to be calibrated.

Abstract: Fiber scanning optical probes and medical imaging apparatuses including the same are provided. The fiber scanning optical probe includes an optical fiber; an actuator attached onto the optical fiber and configured to drive the optical fiber at a driving resonance frequency; a mass provided at a side of the optical fiber and configured to control the driving resonance frequency; and a frequency separator provided on a portion of the optical fiber between the actuator and the mass, the frequency separator being configured to separate the driving resonance frequency into separate resonance frequencies.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system includes a stereoscopic endoscope and an identification information combining section. The stereoscopic endoscope is provided with an R image pickup section and an R output section which are provided on a right side of an endoscope body, an L image pickup section and an L output section which are provided on a left side of the endoscope body, and an R memory and an L memory which store correction information for either right or left and identification information. The right and left image pickup sections and the right and left memories are correctly or incorrectly combined and are connected to the right and left output sections. The identification information combining section performs image combination of an image and identification information inputted from the R output section or an image and identification information inputted from the L output section and outputs a combined image.

Abstract: A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the object and instruments in its vicinity, all bearing 3D tracking markers with at least one pattern segment. A controller spatially relates image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. Scan data and image information is used by the controller to provide the user with real time information on relative 3D locations and orientations of instruments and the non-visible structure of the body. The monitoring system may be used to model and track changes in the body itself. A model of the body and instruments is used to track contemplated actions and warn about possibly inappropriate instrument procedures.

Abstract: Rotatable, oblique-viewing stereoendoscope including a dual-pupil aperture divided to a first pupil and a second pupil, a proximal objective assembly positioned proximally to the dual-pupil aperture, a first image sensor configured to detect a first image focused by the proximal objective assembly and a second image sensor configured to detect a second image focused by the proximal objective assembly, a relay system positioned distally to the dual-pupil aperture and a front optical system positioned distally to the relay system, the front optical system including a folding prism, wherein the front optical system is configured to reimage the dual-pupil aperture at a distal end thereof, thereby producing an image of the first pupil and an image of the second pupil at a distal pupil plane and wherein the stereoendoscope does not include a negative power lens positioned distally to the folding prism.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method provide logic for processing information. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving spatial positions associated with a plurality of images. The method determines displacements of the images in opposing first and second horizontal directions, based on at least the spatial positions. The method then generates, using a processor, first and second composites of the images, based on the determined displacements.

Abstract: A hands-free wireless wearable GPS enabled video camera and audio-video communications headset, mobile phone and personal media player, capable of real-time two-way and multi-feed wireless voice, data and audio-video streaming, telecommunications, and teleconferencing, coordinated applications, and shared functionality between one or more wirelessly networked headsets or other paired or networked wired or wireless devices and optimized device and data management over multiple wired and wireless network connections. The headset can operate in concert with one or more wired or wireless devices as a paired accessory, as an autonomous hands-free wide area, metro or local area and personal area wireless audio-video communications and multimedia device and/or as a wearable docking station, hot spot and wireless router supporting direct connect multi-device ad-hoc virtual private networking (VPN).

Abstract: A periodic time-varying model of a guide wire, other device, or vessel is created from higher contrast CINE acquisition. A multivariate curve regression is used for periodic, phase dependent motion modeling. This model is then used to locate or track the guide wire, other device or vessel in lower contrast fluoroscopy images during intervention.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying media stream based on a channel limitation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a channel analyzer, a modality of interest (MOI) identification module and an inter-modality resolution modification module. The channel analyzer determines a channel limitation. The MOI identification module receives a plurality of media streams and identifies at least one MOI. The inter-modality resolution modification module modifies a resolution of at least one of the media streams based on the channel limitation and content of the media streams. In another embodiment, the system includes a region of interest identification (ROI) module and an intra-modality resolution modification module instead of, or in addition to, the MOI identification module and inter-modality resolution modification module. The ROI identification module receives a media stream and identifies at least one ROI within the media stream.

Abstract: Endoscopes, multicore endoscope fibers and configuration and operation methods are provided. The fibers may have hundreds or thousands of cores and possibly incorporate working channel(s) and additional fibers. The fiber may be used at different optical configurations to capture images of tissue and objects at the distal tip and to enhance a wide range of optical characteristics of the images such as resolution, field of view, depth of field, wavelength ranges etc. Near-field imaging as well as far-field imaging may be implemented in the endoscopes and the respective optical features may be utilized to optimize imaging. Optical elements may be used at the distal fiber tip, or the distal fiber tip may be lens-less. Diagnostics and optical treatment feedback loops may be implemented and illumination may be adapted to yield full color images, depth estimation, enhanced field of views and/or depths of field, and additional diagnostic data.

Abstract: Synchronized capture of image and non-image sensor data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a device for synchronized capture comprises a synchronization signal generator to generate a synchronization (sync) signal for each of a plurality of heterogeneous capture devices and timestamping logic coupled to the synchronization signal generator to assign timestamp information to each set of data captured by individual capture devices of the plurality of capture devices to indicate when the data was captured, wherein the timestamp information is assigned based on when the sync signal is generated for its corresponding capture device and based on a first delay between when the sync signal is generated for a corresponding capture device and when processing of captured data, by a processing device, has been completed.

Abstract: A relay optic adapter system for imaging stereoscopic images with a single lens optic device and methods of producing stereoscopic images using such a relay optic adapter are provided herein. The relay optic adapter system utilizes an active stereoscopic shutter mounted along the optical path of the single lens optic device, such as, for example, a still or video camera, to provide a stereoscopic image to imaging plane of the device.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope system includes: a fiber that guides illuminating light emitted from a light source; a first actuator provided on a side of the fiber, the first actuator expanding/contracting according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a second actuator disposed at a position facing the first actuator across the fiber, the second actuator expanding/contracting according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; and a drive signal output section that applies a first drive signal that varies with reference to a first voltage that brings the first actuator into a contracted state to the first actuator and applies a second drive signal that varies with reference to a second voltage that brings the second actuator into a contracted state to the second actuator.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to identifying an object in a field of view of a camera. In particular, it relates to identifying a display in the field of view of the camera. This is achieved by monitoring a space including acquiring a series of image frames of the space using the camera and detecting one or more light sources in the series of image frames. Further, one or more frequencies of periodic intensity or brightness variations, also referred to as ‘refresh rate’, of light emitted from the light sources is measured. Based on the one or more frequencies of periodic intensity variations of light emitted from the light sources, at least one display that includes the light sources is identified.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system includes: first and second image pickup sections including first and second image pickup devices, respectively, arranged on an endoscope distal end portion and configured to acquire a common subject; a reference member integrally provided on the endoscope distal end portion and serving as a reference in adjusting the first and second image pickup sections such that images are picked up in first and second image pickup ranges that can be picked up by the first and second image pickup devices, respectively; and an adjustment section configured to adjust the image picked up by at least one of the image pickup sections to generate substantially horizontally symmetrical images when the first image and the second image obtained by picking up the images of the reference member by the first and second image pickup devices, respectively, are displayed as left and right images on a display apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rendering of image data for a multi-view display, such as image data for a lenticular auto-stereoscopic display, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving an image signal representing a first image, the first image comprising 3D image data, and spatially filtering the first image signal to provide a second image signal. The second image signal represents a second image, the spatial filtering being, e.g., a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter or a combination of a low-pass and a high-pass filter. A strength of the spatial filter is determined by a reference depth of the first image and a depth of an image element of the first image. The second image is sampled to a plurality of sub-images, each sub-image being associated with a view direction of the image.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a head-mounted display is provided. The head-mounted display includes a casing having an opening portion; and a movable member movable between a first position in which the movable member covers the opening portion, and a second position in which the movable member does not cover the opening portion.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope connector for connecting any given one of a plurality of working assemblies to an imaging assembly.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus may include converter device(s), a matrix switch, processor(s), and memory(s), where one or more of the converter devices provide video input signals to the matrix switch. A processor may determine if one of a plurality of video signals input to the matrix switch includes data representative of identification information overlain on a video image derived from one of the plurality of video signals. The determination may be based on a flag value stored in the converter device(s). The flag value may be retrieved by a server coupled to the matrix switch. If the information is included in the video signal, the video signal may be passed through a path in a matrix switch configured by the processor. If the information is not included in the video signal, the data representative of identification information may be retrieved from the converter device and then overlain on the video image.

Abstract: A polyp detection apparatus and a method of operating the same are provided. The method of operating a polyp detection apparatus includes: generating an image of an object; detecting a polyp candidate region based on the generated image; detecting a reflected light region within the detected polyp candidate region; and displaying a final polyp region by excluding the detected reflected light region from the polyp candidate region.

Abstract: An appropriate stereoscopic image of a subject is readily acquired. Provided is a stereoscopic endoscope device including two image capture elements spaced apart from each other and disposed at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into a subject; an angle changing mechanism that changes a relative angle between optical axes of the image capture elements; a distance sensor that detects the distance from the image capture elements to the subject; and a controller that controls the angle changing mechanism on the basis of the distance detected by the distance sensor.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a head-mounted display is provided. The head-mounted display includes a casing; and a reference portion provided on the casing for observing an eye of a wearer of the head-mounted display such that a relative position between the casing and the eye of the wearer is adjustable.

Abstract: Provided is a stereoscopic endoscope device enabling precise observation based on a 3D-image and observation of a wide field of view range based on a 2D-image and enabling the change of the field of view range according to the situation with a simple structure without increasing the size of an imaging unit or complicating the configuration. An imaging unit 50 disposed in a distal portion of a stereoscopic endoscope includes a pair of left and right imaging units 50L, 50R that capture a parallax image of a subject of a part of interest. The left and the right imaging unit 50L, 50R include a left and a right imaging optical system 60L, 60R, which form a subject image, and reflecting mirrors 302L and 302R located on the rear end sides of the left and the right imaging optical system 60L, 60R, respectively.

Abstract: An optical unit includes a condensing lens which condenses light from an object; a pupil splitting polarization separation element which separately outputs two linearly polarized light beams of which polarizing directions are different from the condensed light using a left eye polarization separation region and a right eye polarization separation region which are formed by having a pupil splitting line which is orthogonal to an optical axis as a border; a polarizing direction conversion element which converts polarizing directions of the two linearly polarized light beams which are output from the pupil splitting polarization separation element; and a rotation driving unit which rotates the pupil splitting polarization separation element and the polarizing direction conversion element in an optical axis rotational direction.

Abstract: A projection apparatus for projecting an image of a display unit by emitting light from a light source includes a detection unit configured to detect flicker information indicating how easily flicker occurs based on input image information, and a control unit configured to control the number of light emissions of the light source in a time period during which an image in one frame is displayed by the display unit based on the flicker information detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting an interpolation coefficient for stereo matching includes: an interpolation coefficient generator configured to generate an interpolation coefficient ?; a correction value calculator configured to calculate a parameter and a weight value based on a position of an object in an image; and an interpolation coefficient corrector configured to correct the generated interpolation coefficient by multiplying the calculated parameter and the calculated weight value by the generated interpolation coefficient.

Abstract: An electric endoscope includes a motor that generates a rotational driving force, a torque shaft that transmits the rotational driving force from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, a connecting section for bending a bending portion by the rotational driving force transmitted by the torque shaft, an input section that instructs a target rotation amount of the motor, a detecting section that detects rotation information of the motor in a rotating state thereof, an estimating section that estimates a rotation state of the motor based on the rotation information, a motor physical model, a torque shaft physical model and a connecting section physical model, and a control section that performs control so that the rotation state of the distal end portion matches with a rotation state of the target rotation amount based on the estimated rotation state of the motor.

Abstract: A blade inspection apparatus inspects a plurality of blades periodically disposed on a periphery of a rotating shaft of a rotor of an engine and rotated on the rotating shaft. The blade inspection apparatus has a borescope having an insertion portion in which an observation optical system is provided, fixtures attached to one of a plurality of external access ports provided on the engine and fixing the borescope, and dedicated for each of the external access ports, and an identification information output portion for outputting identification information for identifying the external access port to which the fixtures are attached.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system includes: a corresponding point detection section that detects a position of an object in each of an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye based on right and left video signals; a horizontal position moving section that moves, based on a parallax between the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye and depth information of a stereoscopic video which are obtained from the detected positions, horizontal positions of the right and left video signals, by an amount of the parallax, respectively in directions determined according to the depth information; a vertical/horizontal inversion section that vertically and horizontally inverts the right and left video signals whose horizontal positions have been moved; and a stereoscopic signal combining section that combines the right and left video signals subjected to the vertical/horizontal inversion, and generates a stereoscopic video signal.