Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for digitally imaging with area limited image sensors, such as within a lumen of an endoscope.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, when the CMOS imaging element is out of control, the soft reset and the device reset which partially initialize the CMOS imaging element are sequentially performed before the CMOS imaging element is reset by stopping the power supply where it takes long before the CMOS imaging element is restored. Thus, when the CMOS imaging element is restored to a normal state by one of the reset steps, the time to restore the CMOS imaging element can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: An observation object is imaged under irradiation with oxygen saturation level measurement light to obtain a first image signal, and the observation object is imaged under irradiation with white light to obtain a second image signal. A normal light image is produced from the second image signal. An oxygen saturation level is calculated from the first and second image signals. The calculated oxygen saturation level is imaged in an oxygen saturation image. By superimposing the normal light image on the oxygen saturation image, an emphasized oxygen saturation image is produced. In the emphasized oxygen saturation image, an abnormal area in which a calculation result of the oxygen saturation level is likely to be abnormal is emphasized by its brightness. The produced emphasized oxygen saturation image is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: An optical fiber structure according to the present application includes a cylindrical resin body, and a plurality of circumferential arrays of optical fiber bare wires disposed within the resin body and extending along a longitudinal direction of the resin body. The resin body includes a linear slit provided at a location intermediate the length of the resin body. The linear slit extends from an outer surface to an inner bore of the resin body and extending substantially parallel to the bare wires.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquiring unit that acquires an in-vivo image being a captured image of an inside of a body cavity; a feature-data calculating unit that calculates feature data corresponding to a pixel or an area in the in-vivo image; a body-tissue extracting unit that extracts, as a body tissue, a pixel or an area whose feature data corresponds to a predetermined threshold; a criterion creating unit that creates a criterion for detecting a detecting object based on the feature data of the body tissue; and a detecting unit that detects a body tissue corresponding to the criterion as the detecting object.

Abstract: A system and method may allow editing of an image stream, which may be produced by, for example, an ingestible capsule. A workstation accepts images acquired by the capsule and displays the images on a monitor as a moving image. The editing method may include, for example, selecting images which follow predetermined criteria. A shortened movie may thus be created.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a reading unit which reads video data and control data from a recording medium, the recording medium containing the video data including a plurality of image data and the control data used to control a measurement operation; a measuring unit which performs the measurement operation on the basis of the image data of the video data read by the reading unit; and a control unit which controls the measuring unit on the basis of the control data read by the reading unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of medical images at different imaging angles or different imaging positions with respect to the same region, a display unit which displays the data of the medical image read out from the storage unit, and a control unit which controls the storage unit and the display unit to play back the plurality of medical images as moving images and pause playback of the medical image.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic video system with still image capture stabilization, including a processor, an image capture device capturing a plurality of still images at a time interval, an image buffer temporarily storing a portion of the still images, and software executing on the processor for retrieving, upon receiving an image capture instruction, a first one of the still images from the image buffer, the first one of the still images representative of a still image captured a first length of time prior to the image capture instruction.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an imaging section that includes an optical system and an imaging element, an observation mode setting section that sets an object observation mode, a diaphragm control section that selects a diaphragm state based on the observation mode, and an image processing section that processes an image acquired by the imaging section. The diaphragm control section selecting a first diaphragm state when the observation mode is a first observation mode. The first diaphragm state being a state in which a resolution determined by a diffraction limit based on a diaphragm of the optical system is lower than a resolution determined by the imaging element. The diaphragm control section selecting a second diaphragm state when the observation mode is a second observation mode. The second diaphragm state being a state in which the resolution determined by the diffraction limit based on the diaphragm of the optical system is equal to or higher than the resolution determined by the imaging element.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a change-between-images calculating unit that calculates an amount of change between images in time-series images sequentially obtained, the amount of change between images indicating an amount of change between each of the time-series images and a close image temporally close to the each of the time-series images; a primary-digest-image-group extracting unit that extracts a group of primary digest images from the time-series images on the basis of the amount of change between images; a change-in-section calculating unit that calculates an amount of change between time-series sections of the time-series images, each of the time-series sections being defined by each image of the group of primary digest images; and a digest-image-group extracting unit that extracts a group of digest images from the time-series images on the basis of both the amount of change between images and the amount of change between time-series images.

Abstract: An image pickup system includes an image pickup device (CIS) provided with a TG which generates a first reference synchronization signal and includes a synchronization signal self-generating counter, and a processor provided with a TG that generates a second reference synchronization signal and a reference synchronization signal comparing section that compares the first reference synchronization signal superimposed on a video signal with the second reference synchronization signal, in which when a shift occurs between the first reference synchronization signal and the second reference synchronization signal, the processor transmits the second reference synchronization signal or phase correction amount information to the CIS, and the TG changes a timing of the first reference synchronization signal according to the second reference synchronization signal or the phase correction amount information.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The endoscope is coupled to a camera where the endoscope may be rotated relative to the camera when coupled thereto. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope which attaches irradiation time of illuminating light required to pick up an image of an object to an item of image data, a magnetic field generating apparatus which generates a guidance magnetic field, an operation section which allows at least one of position and orientation of the capsule endoscope to be changed by manipulating the guidance magnetic field, a control section which attaches posture of a subject, an operating history of the operation section, and an output history of the guidance magnetic field to the item of the image data, a storage unit which stores the item of the image data, and an image play control section which determines, based on at least one piece of the information attached to each item of the image data, whether or not it is necessary to play and display the item of the image data.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a bending operation knob inputting a bending operation of a bending section in first perpendicular directions, a touch surface which is exposed in an outer surface of a grip casing and on which a bending operation of the bending section in second perpendicular directions is input, and a positional information calculator calculating a positional information of a touched region with time, the touched region being a region that is touched in the touch surface. The endoscope includes a positional change detector detecting a positional change of the touched region when the bending operation of the bending section in the second perpendicular directions is input, and a drive controller controlling a drive state of a drive member in accordance with the positional change of the touched region.

Abstract: The current invention presents an extensible and guidable apparatus and methods to evaluate tubular or cavitary structure. The apparatus has a power, control and display unit and a flexible tubular device having a proximal end and a distal end. A stretchable conduit and a plurality of extensible channels run longitudinally inside the flexible tubular device. The flexible tubular device comprises a non-extensible tubular shaft and a reversibly extensible tubular shaft, connected longitudinally in tandem. The reversibly extensible tubular shaft comprises a plurality of reversible extension segments and is controllably longitudinally extensible and bendable by changes in pressure and volume of a medium in said reversible extension segments. Said tubular device is directionally bendable at the distal end by selective negative changes in pressure in said distal end. Said tubular device obtains visual information of target area and material samples, and is capable of manipulation of the target area.

Abstract: A solid state imaging module according to an embodiment can be attached to and detached from an information processing device, the solid state imaging module including: an imaging element formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a plurality of pixel blocks, each of the plurality of pixel blocks having a plurality of pixels; a first optical system for imaging a subject on an imaging plane; and input and output terminals that are connectable to the information processing device, which processes information from the imaging element.

Abstract: An order storage unit stores an order for a medical practice to be performed using an endoscopic system. A control unit transmits an order to the endoscopic system via a communication line and also transmits device setting information linked to at least one of a doctor and a medical practice type specified by the order. When the control unit receives a notification of a change from the endoscopic system while the medical practice specified by the order is being performed, the control unit transmits new device setting information corresponding to the change to the endoscopic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system comprising: a medical instrument (3) that is separable from a connection support (4), the separable medical instrument including an insertion tube provided with a non-volatile memory (23); an imaging appliance (11) including a processor and image display unit connected to the viewing system; and a control unit (20) enabling the operation of the imaging appliance (11) to be controlled and connected to a system (21) for detecting connection between the medical instrument (3) and the connection support (4). According to the invention, the non-volatile memory (23) contains identity data of the associated medical instrument and utilization data concerning the imaging appliance sent by the control unit (20) on each connection, and the control unit (20) authorizes operation of the imaging appliance (11) only if the user is identified and has given authorization. The medical instrument can thus be reused under the entire responsibility of the user.

Abstract: A focus control device, an endoscope system, a focus control method, and the like can implement an autofocus operation in an appropriate state by setting a focus mode of an imaging optical system. The focus control device includes a focus control section that controls a focus of an imaging optical system that includes at least a zoom lens that adjusts an optical magnification, and sets a focus mode of the imaging optical system, and an image acquisition section that acquires an image through the imaging optical system, the focus mode including a fixed focus mode and an autofocus (AF) mode, and the focus control section switching the focus mode between the fixed focus mode and the AF mode corresponding to whether the zoom lens is positioned on a wide-angle side or a telescopic side relative to a reference point that is situated between a wide-angle end and a telescopic end.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope signal-processing device is provided that includes a gradation compensation processor. The gradation compensation processor compensates for R, G and B gradations by controlling R, G and B tone curves defining relationship between input values and output values of each of the R, G and B signals. The R tone curve is shaped so as to squash the output values of the R signal when the R signal input values are in a relatively low range and to expand the output values when the input values are in a relatively high range. The G and B tone curves are shaped so squash the output value of the respective signals when the input signals are in high or low ranges, and the G tone curve and the B tone curve are identical.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: an insertion portion which is inserted into a device under inspection; a projection unit which projects a striped pattern including a plurality of linear patterns onto an object; an imaging unit which is provided in the insertion portion and images the object onto which the striped pattern is projected and generates image data; a specification unit which specifies an area of interest of the object in an image based on a position of the striped pattern in the image based on the image data; and a measurement unit which measures the area of the object using the image data.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes: a first light source unit including a plurality of light sources arranged therein, the plurality of light sources each emitting illuminating light in a first wavelength band; a second light source unit including a plurality of light sources arranged therein, the plurality of light sources each emitting illuminating light in a second wavelength band; an in-light source light guiding channel that guides the light emitted from the first light source unit and the light emitted from the second light source unit to a proximal end-side input end of a light guiding channel in an endoscope; and a light source control section that, based on endoscope information from an endoscope information storing section, divides the plurality of light sources in the first light source unit into a first light source group, light from which enters a vicinity of an optical axis of the proximal end-side input end of the light guiding channel in the endoscope, and a second light source group in a perip

Abstract: An endoscopic image reproducing apparatus has an image pickup section that picks up an image of an object, an image generating unit that generates image data based on an image signal, an acceleration measuring section that measures accelerations of the image pickup section, a moving image file generating section that generates a moving image file including the image data and the acceleration data, a reading section that reads the image data and the acceleration data from the moving image file, a calculating section that calculates a position and a direction of the image pickup section at a certain time of a moving image based on an acceleration, an associating section that associates the position and direction of the image pickup section with the image data at that time, and an insertion path calculating section that calculates an insertion path based on the position of the image pickup section.

Abstract: A sample and hold circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, a network of switches and a control circuit. The control circuit is operable to control the network of switches so as to sample an incoming signal onto at least some of the plurality of capacitors. In such an operation, each capacitor takes a sample of the incoming signal at a different time. The sample and hold circuit outputs a signal corresponding to an average of the samples.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and method of multi-spectral imaging to obtain and analyze information contained in the spectral distribution (reflection, absorption, or emission) of components within the image. The spectral information is captured in a series of images from differing spectral regions. This series of images are then combined into a composite image using re-colorization and image stabilization algorithms for display in real time. The process can be repeated continuously allowing spectral changes over time to be captured and analyzed. In the alternative one sequence of images can be captured for use as a still image.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus (and related methods of manufacture and use), comprising: a chassis, having an open cylindrical groove formed therein; an image sensor assembly mounted in the chassis, the image sensor assembly comprising an electronic image sensor; a plurality of lenses, which are fitted into the groove in respective positions so as to form an image on the image sensor; and a cover, which closes over the image sensor assembly and the lenses in the chassis. The imaging system is particularly suitable as a compact imaging systems for use on instruments for open surgery.

Abstract: An image processing device for processing image information including light reception value information obtained by imaging an inside of a living body includes: a distance information obtainment unit that obtains, at a bright region in the image information, information on a distance to a surface of the living body on the basis of the light reception value information on light in a first wavelength range, and obtains, at a dark region in the image information, information on a distance to the surface of the living body on the basis of the light reception value information on light in a second wavelength range which is a longer wavelength range than the first wavelength range.

Abstract: The depth of field is extended by using a simple structure. Provided is an imaging device comprising: an objective optical system that comprises an aperture stop that is disposed at an intermediate position on an optical axis and that has an opening that allows incident light from an object to pass therethrough; and an imaging element that acquires an optical image of the object, which is formed by the objective optical system, wherein pixels of the imaging element are arranged in a square along two mutually orthogonal axial directions, and the aperture stop includes a light-blocking portion at a portion aligned with the optical axis, the light-blocking portion having a square shape with sides inclined at 45° relative to the directions in which the pixels are arranged.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control device includes an image acquisition section that acquires an image that has been captured by an imaging optical system that receives reflected light, and includes an image of an object, the reflected light being light that has been applied to the object, and reflected by the object, an angle-of-view information acquisition section that acquires angle-of-view information that indicates an angle of view of the imaging optical system when the image has been captured, and an automatic exposure control section that performs an automatic exposure control process based on the acquired angle-of-view information.

Abstract: An endoscope for quantitatively determining dimensions of an object in a cavity is provided. The endoscope has a projector connected to a light guide that can be introduced through the instrument channel. In the introduced position the projector projects a pattern at a defined illumination angle onto the object to be examined. The endoscope has a camera that captures the projected pattern at a fixed viewing angle in a distorted from corresponding to the object. The distorted form is used for quantitatively determining dimensions of the object by a triangulation method.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a special light image acquisition section that acquires an image including an object image that includes information in a specific wavelength band as a special light image, an attention area detection section that detects an attention area based on a feature quantity of each pixel of the special light image, a disappearance determination section that determines whether or not the attention area has disappeared from a display target area based on a detection result for the attention area, the display target area being an area displayed on an output section, a guide information generation section that generates guide information about the attention area that has disappeared based on a determination result of the disappearance determination section, and an output control section that controls output of information including the guide information generated by the guide information generation section.

Abstract: An image pickup device mounted at a distal end portion of an endoscope is provided that can make joining work more efficient and simplified, improve maintenance performance and reduce the size and diameter. A distal end portion 44 of an endoscope is provided with an objective optical system 54, a prism 62 continuing to the objective optical system 54, a solid-state image pickup element 66 receiving observation light through the prism 62, a circuit board 68 electrically connected to the solid-state image pickup element 66, and a signal cable having a plurality of cable cores 78, and the circuit board 68 and the signal cable are electrically connected through a connection portion 74 and a joining member 76.

Abstract: In this invention, an image pickup unit for endoscope including an image pickup device includes, in an optical black region of the image pickup device, a phase reference pixel region in which a pixel that outputs a signal capable of being used for phase adjustment of the video by receiving light is disposed, and an optical axis of an objective optical system member having an image circle which is narrower than an effective pixel region of the image pickup device is arranged at a position closer to the phase reference pixel region with respect to a center of the effective pixel region such that light transmitted through the objective optical system member can reach the phase reference pixel region.

Abstract: A narrow-band observation image and a spectral estimation image are automatically switched based on the type of a subject. In an endoscopic image obtained by a scope, judgment is made as to whether the endoscopic image was obtained by close-up imaging or by distant-view imaging. When it is judged that the endoscopic image was obtained by distant-view imaging, white light is output from a light source unit and a spectral estimation image is output. When it is judged that the endoscopic image was obtained by close-up imaging, narrow-band light is output from the light source unit and a narrow-band observation image that has been obtained when the narrow-band light was output is output.

Abstract: A medical image recording apparatus includes: a storage unit that records, at a first compression rate, moving image data acquired by a modality apparatus; a control section that determines degrees of importance of individual frame images constituting the moving image data; and a compression processing section that, if a situation of the moving image data recorded in the storage unit satisfies a prescribed condition, (i) compresses the moving image data at a second compression rate that is smaller than the first compression rate and (ii) compresses each frame image of the moving image data at a compression rate that is smaller than the first compression rate and larger than the second compression rate and that decreases as the degree of importance decreases.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a motion-vector detecting unit that detects motion vectors between an image and another image at a plurality of positions on the image, the image being at least a part of a plurality of images making up an image sequence; a pattern categorizing unit that categorizes the images into pattern groups each indicating a predetermined motion pattern, on the basis of the plurality of the motion vectors detected in the image; a group-based image-change detecting unit that detects, in each of the pattern groups, an image change between the images in the pattern group; and a group-based scene-change detecting unit that detects scene change in each of the pattern groups on the basis of the image change between the images in the pattern group.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a calibration method and apparatus for calibrating an imaging assembly for use with any given one of a plurality of working assemblies.

Abstract: A method, system and program product are provided for planning an intervention procedure in a body lumen. A CT scan of the body lumen is performed. A virtual rendering is created of the inside of the body lumen corresponding to an interventional camera image. Then a virtual tape corresponding to a planned path for the intervention procedure is projected onto a wall of the body lumen. The virtual tape is projected onto the lumen wall, which is relatively distant from the camera point on the virtual rendering, so the tape does not appear to oscillate like a central thread. Also, since the virtual tape is located on the lumen wall, it does not occlude the center of the lumen, allowing a user to better visualize the lumen during planning, during fly through, and even during an actual intervention.

Abstract: An endoscope system may include: an insertion section that is inserted into an object under examination, having an image capturing unit that successively outputs a pixel signal of a strength responsive to the amount of light of the pixel, and a time converter that converts the intensity of the pixel signal to time information representing a time interval by a time width and that transmits the converted time information; a transfer section that guides the outside of the object under examination the time information transmitted from the time converter; and an external apparatus positioned outside the object under examination, having a time interval converter that receives the time information guided by the transfer section and converts to a digital signal and outputs the intensity of the pixel signal represented by the received time information and an image processing unit that outputs an image responsive to the pixel signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit capable of supporting multiple input devices. The camera control unit detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes include altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration.

Abstract: An image capturing device and an assembling method thereof are provided. The assembling method includes the following steps. Firstly, a lens holder, a lens module and a casing are provided, wherein the lens holder includes a containing cavity. Next, the lens module is disposed in the containing cavity of the lens holder. Then, the casing is disposed on the lens holder and the lens module, wherein the casing covers a part of the lens module. Finally, an Ultrasonic Welding is applied on the lens holder and the casing for forming a melting interface between the lens holder and the casing so as to fix the casing to the lens holder.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup section that acquires an image by image pickup of an object and acquire digital data of the image, a determining section that determines whether there are a predetermined number or more of consecutive bits with a first bit value or a second bit value in data per pixel included in the digital data, a bit value inversion processing section that inverts, when a determination result that there are the predetermined number or more of consecutive bits with the first or the second bit value is obtained, the bit values so that a ratio between the first bit value and the second bit value included in the corresponding pixel data becomes a predetermined ratio, and a serial conversion section that serializes and outputs the respective bit values of the digital data obtained as the processing result of the bit value inversion processing section.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, a first color separation section separates an image picked up by an image pickup section into a first luminance signal and a first color difference signal, then a first color conversion section and a second color separation section convert the first luminance signal and the first color difference signal to first three primary color signals and second three primary color signals respectively, a signal intensity ratio calculation circuit calculates a signal intensity ratio among the first three primary color signals, matrix coefficients of the second color separation section are changed based on the calculated signal intensity ratio and the second color separation section converts the first luminance signal and the second color difference signal to the second three primary color signals.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes an insertion portion including an insulative distal end hard portion main body at a distal end thereof, an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion and including a connector connection electrically connected to a ground portion, a ground metal member provided between the main body and the operation portion, forming a structure of the insertion portion, and being electrically conductive to the ground portion through the connector connection, an observation optical system including an optical element and a frame member having conductive properties and holding the optical element, and being extended from the distal end of the insertion portion toward the operation portion, and a conductive connecting portion allowing the frame member of the observation optical system to become electrically conductive with respect to the ground metal member.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a video compiler, a still-image compiler, a monitor, and a recorder. The video compiler continuously receives image signals and creates a video file with the image signals. The still-image compiler receives the image signals, and creates a still image. The monitor receives the video file from the video compiler and continuously displays the video. The recorder receives the video file from the video compiler and receives the still image from the still-image compiler, and stores the video file and the still image.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an objective optical section including a first barrel; an image pickup optical section including a solid image pickup device, an optical member forming an optical image through the objective optical section on an image pickup surface of the solid image pickup device, and a second barrel housing the optical member and the solid image pickup device, the second barrel fixed to the first barrel after positional adjustment in an axial direction relative to the first barrel; a holding member formed of material having a linear expansion coefficient lower than linear expansion coefficients of the first and second barrels, and fixed to outer surfaces of the first and second barrels; a first adhesive that bonds the first barrel and the second barrel; and a second adhesive having a bonding strength higher than that of the first adhesive, which bonds the holding member to the first and second barrels.

Abstract: A head separated type imaging apparatus includes a head unit and a main unit which are separated, the head unit imaging a subject and the main unit processing an imaging signal transmitted from the head unit. The head unit includes an imaging unit having a plurality of pixels and imaging the subject, and a storage unit storing correction information for pixels for which a data amount of correction information is larger than a predetermined threshold out of correction information correcting noise of the plurality of pixels and remaining correction data.

Abstract: A stereoscopic optical system includes, at a distal end of an insertion part of an endoscope, a two-path forming optical system for forming two paths of rays involving a parallax, an image forming optical system for forming images out of light travelling along the respective paths of rays in the two-path forming optical system onto a common region, and an image sensor arranged at an image forming position of the image forming optical system. The stereoscopic optical system is further provided with a time-division path switching means that is capable of switching between the two paths of rays in a time-division manner so that only light coming from either one of the two paths of rays formed by the two-path forming optical system enters the image forming optical system.