Abstract: A picked-up image that is obtained from the image pickup of a subject illuminated with illumination light and auxiliary measurement light is acquired. The picked-up image includes at least two first and second spectral images having different wavelength components. A first arithmetic image from which a first noise component hindering the detection of an irradiation position of the auxiliary measurement light is removed by first arithmetic processing based on the first and second spectral images is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing adaptive lighting controls for an endoscope with multiple light emitting elements such as distinct light fibers, or distinct distal light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. The amount of light delivered to the scene can be locally adjusted on a per-light basis to manage the dynamic range of the scene. For example highly reflective metallic tools many benefit from reduced light, while cavities may benefit from increased light projected into the lumen.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a blurring amount estimation unit configured to estimate a blurring amount of a medical image including a biological body motion of a subject; and a blurring correction processing unit configured to perform blurring correction processing so as not to remove a screen motion caused by the biological body motion, on a basis of the blurring amount. This configuration makes it possible to correct blurring without removing a screen motion caused by a biological body motion. Thus, an optimum image for observing a biological body motion can be obtained.

Abstract: Provided are an endoscope system, a processor, a diagnostic support method, and a computer program. A plurality of images are captured at different focal positions on an object, an evaluation value indicating a degree of focus is calculated for each of corresponding sub-regions among the plurality of captured images, a captured image including a sub-region having the highest degree of focus is determined among the plurality of captured images based on the calculated evaluation value, a distance to a region on the object corresponding to the sub-region is calculated, distance information is generated by calculating a distance to a plurality of regions on the object corresponding to the sub-region, a feature region is extracted from the captured image, diagnostic support information for the object is generated based on the distance information and a feature parameter associated with the feature region, and the generated diagnostic support information is output.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving a single frame comprising a first set of pixel data that includes a fluorescence scene component and a second set of pixel data that includes a combination of a visible color component scene and the fluorescence scene component; and generating, based on the first set of pixel data that includes the fluorescence scene component and the second set of pixel data that includes the combination of the visible color component scene and the fluorescence scene component, a display scene.

Abstract: In an imaging element including a polarizer, accuracy of obtained polarization information is improved. The imaging element includes a polarizer and a photoelectric conversion element, from the incident light side. A plurality of types of polarizing members is arranged on the polarizer. The plurality of types of polarizing members is polarizing members having the same internal structures, and is formed as the plurality of types of polarizing members by rotationally moving or symmetrically moving one of the polarizing members. The photoelectric conversion element converts light incident through each of the plurality of types of polarizing members into electric charges.

Abstract: An image pickup system includes an image pickup device including an image pickup section, a first amplifier circuit capable of amplifying a video signal for each field, and a communication circuit configured to acquire a set gain of the first amplifier circuit, a second amplifier circuit configured to amplify the video signal outputted from the image pickup device, and a processor. According to a result of a detection indicating that the video signal is not amplified by the set gain in the first amplifier circuit, a correction gain to be set in the second amplifier circuit is calculated.

Abstract: Examples relate to apparatuses, methods and computer programs for a microscope system, more specifically, but not exclusively, to the use of two optical imaging modules to obtain image data having a first and a second field of view. The apparatus comprises an interface. The interface is suitable for obtaining first image data of a sample from a first optical imaging module. The first image data has a first field of view. The interface is suitable for obtaining second image data of the sample from a second optical imaging module. The second image data has a second field of view. The first field of view comprises the second field of view. The apparatus comprises a processing module. The processing module is configured to generate an image output signal for a display of the microscope system. In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to process the first image data to detect an abnormality outside the second field of view.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the optical imaging system involving a first camera for capturing a first image of the target, a second wide-field camera for capturing a second image of the target, at least one optional path folding mirror disposed in an optical path between the target and a lens of the second camera, and a processor for receiving the first image and the second image, the processor configured to apply an image transform to one of the first image and the second wide-field image and combine the transformed image with the other one of the images to produce a stereoscopic image of the target.

Abstract: A light source device includes: a first light source configured to emit first light including a white wavelength band or one or more wavelength bands of at least red, green, and blue; a second light source configured to emit second light including a specific wavelength band included in the first light; a first detector configured to detect an amount of the light of the specific wavelength band in the first light; a first optical member configured to multiplex light of a wavelength band different from the specific wavelength band in the first light, and the second light; and a processor configured to control the first light source based on a detection result of the first detector.

Abstract: Optical imaging systems configured to image object space in multiple fields-of-view (FOVs)—front and lateral FOVs—and form corresponding images that are co-oriented and co-directional regardless of mutual repositioning of the object and imaging systems. Images formed with such optical systems in which FFOV— and LFOV-image portions are co-directional. Co-directionality of formed images is achieved due to direct imaging with a system utilizing a specific involute reflective surface or as a result of radial spatial redistribution of irradiance of an initial image(s), formed with a system devoid of an involute reflective surface, while maintaining aspect ratios of dimensions of corresponding pixels of initial and transformed images. Methodology of transformation of images utilizing radial redistribution of image irradiance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endoscopic system that includes an image sensor, an emitter and an electromagnetic radiation driver. The image sensor includes a pixel array and is configured to generate and read out pixel data for an image based on electromagnetic radiation received by the pixel array. The pixel array includes a plurality of lines for reading out pixel data. The pixel array also has readout period that is the length of time for reading out all the plurality of lines of pixel data in the pixel array. The emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation for illumination of a scene observed by the image sensor. The electromagnetic radiation driver is configured to drive emissions by the emitter. The electromagnetic radiation driver includes a jitter specification that is less than or equal to about 10% to about 25% percent of the readout period of the pixel array of the image sensor.

Abstract: In an endoscope device, a light source unit is configured to sequentially emit first illumination light and second illumination light. The first illumination light includes visible light. The second illumination light includes first excitation light. At least the second illumination light out of the first illumination light and the second illumination light includes second excitation light. An excitation wavelength blocking filter has a characteristic of blocking a wavelength band of the first excitation light and a wavelength band of the second excitation light and a characteristic of transmitting a wavelength band of the visible light, a wavelength band of first fluorescence, and a wavelength band of second fluorescence. An imaging unit is configured to capture an image of the visible light, the first fluorescence, and the second fluorescence and configured to output a first imaging signal and a second imaging signal.

Abstract: An observation unit includes a printed circuit board, an image pickup device including an image pickup surface, at least one light-emitting diode, an optical frame to which optical members are fixed, and a convex portion. The printed circuit board includes a rectangular substrate on which the image pickup device is mounted, at least one strip-shaped substrate extending from a side corresponding to the one side of the rectangular substrate, the at least one strip-shaped substrate including, on an end face side, a light-emitting device arrangement portion on which the light-emitting diode is mounted, and a wiring substrate provided with a terminal on an end face side where the wiring substrate extends by a predetermined length from another side crossing the side of the rectangular substrate.

Abstract: A type acquisition unit determines the type of an endoscope connected to an endoscope connection unit. A light source control unit performs control to make the light emission balance of light in the respective wavelength ranges, which is obtained in a case where the type of the endoscope corresponds to a first endoscope, and the light emission balance of light in the respective wavelength ranges, which is obtained in a case where the type of the endoscope corresponds to a second endoscope, be different from each other.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an image pickup device, an illumination element, a power source unit, a processor, an image processing unit, and a monitor as a display unit. The illumination element is capable of executing illumination light reduction processing. The image pickup device is capable of executing frame rate reduction processing and pixel count reduction processing. When the processor selects a low power consumption operation mode, at least one of the illumination light reduction processing, the frame rate reduction processing and the pixel count reduction processing is executed, and the image processing unit performs image restoration processing relevant to the illumination light reduction processing, the frame rate reduction processing and the pixel count reduction processing.

Abstract: In a light source apparatus for endoscope, when a light-emission amount of a second light source is less than or equal to a predetermined light-emission amount, a light source control circuit performs a first light-emission amount control of changing the light-emission amounts of the first to third light sources so as to allow a color balance to be maintained at a predetermined color balance. When the light-emission amount of the second light source is greater than the predetermined light-emission amount, the light source control circuit performs a second light-emission amount control of changing the light-emission amount of the third light source by a method different from the first light-emission amount control while changing the light-emission amounts of the first and second light sources by the same method as the first light-emission amount control so as to allow the color balance to be different from the predetermined color balance.

Abstract: An endoscope system according to the present invention includes: a first illuminating portion that emits first illumination lights having low-spatial-frequency and high-spatial-frequency and changes the intensity distribution of the first illumination lights over time; a second illuminating portion that emits a second illumination light; an imaging unit that images first and second illumination images of an subject respectively illuminated by the first and second illumination lights; and an image-processing portion that processes the first and second illumination images. The imaging unit images four images including images that correspond to the first illumination lights having low-spatial-frequency and high-spatial-frequency and images in which light and dark portions of the first illumination lights are exchanged with each other.

Abstract: First illumination light having a first peak wavelength range and second illumination light having a second peak wavelength range different from the first peak wavelength range are automatically switched and emitted. Identification processing for allowing a first object to be observed and a second object to be observed to be identified in a composite display image is performed. The first object to be observed has a first absorption peak in the first peak wavelength range of the first illumination light and the second object to be observed has a second absorption peak in the second peak wavelength range of the second illumination light.

Abstract: To correct blurring without removing a screen motion caused by a biological body motion. [Solution] An image processing apparatus includes: a blurring amount estimation unit configured to estimate a blurring amount of a medical image including a biological body motion of a subject; and a blurring correction processing unit configured to perform blurring correction processing so as not to remove a screen motion caused by the biological body motion, on a basis of the blurring amount. This configuration makes it possible to correct blurring without removing a screen motion caused by a biological body motion. Thus, an optimum image for observing a biological body motion can be obtained.

Abstract: A micro-endoscope and method of making the same includes a mounting housing, a camera module received within the mounting housing, and an encapsulation material interposed between the camera module and the mounting housing for fixedly mounting the camera module within the mounting housing and/or inhibiting the passage of light between the camera module and the mounting housing. The micro-endoscope further includes a light guide having the mounting housing received therein.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endoscopic light source that includes a first emitter. The first emitter may emit light of a first wavelength at a dichroic mirror which reflects the light of the first wavelength to a plurality of optical fibers. The endoscopic light source further comprises a second emitter. The second emitter may emit light of a second wavelength at a second dichroic mirror which reflects the light of the second wavelength to the plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the first dichroic mirror may be transparent to the light of the second wavelength, allowing the light of the second wavelength to pass through the first dichroic mirror.

Abstract: A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing radio frequency communications across a patient isolation barrier having improvements to avoid interfering with surrounding equipment. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments with luminance and chrominance emitted from a controlled light source.

Abstract: A filter section uses pixel signals of a polarization image generated by an imaging section, in which polarization pixels with a plurality of polarization directions are provided in a predetermined array, to perform a filter process of the image signals arranged in a polarization order in a predetermined rotation direction to extract polarization components. Further, in the imaging section, the polarization pixels with the plurality of polarization directions may be provided in a polarization order of a predetermined rotation direction in at least one of the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. The filter section can acquire polarization components, which vary in response to a polarization cycle, with high accuracy from the polarization image generated by the imaging section.

Abstract: A video-processing assembly (1), particularly for an endoscope, including a video-processing device (2) and an expansion device (3), which is connected to the video-processing device (2) via an interface (14). The interface (14) transmits at least two video data channels (8, 13), a primary video data channel (8) processed in the video-processing device (2) and the secondary video data channel (13) being led unprocessed into the expansion device (3) and processed there. The two processed video signals are combined in a mixing unit (15) in the expansion device (3) and transmitted to an image display device (11).

Abstract: An endoscope including an elongated insertion section; a side observation window that includes a tapered part on a side circumference intersecting in a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section, a circumferential side surface formed in a cone shape; and a cleaning nozzle that includes an opening through which liquid cleaning the circumferential side surface of the side observation window is ejected. The opening is inclined to direct an ejection direction of the liquid toward a distal end of the tapered part. A center position of the opening part of the cleaning nozzle is provided on a proximal end side with respect to a center position of the side observation window in the longitudinal axis direction.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a plurality of images at different imaging time which images are captured when illumination light in different wavelength bands is emitted; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to generate a low-resolution image by lowering resolution of at least one image in the plurality of images, and detect light-absorption information at a certain depth based on a correlation between images which are in an image group including the low-resolution image and the plurality of images, which are captured with the illumination light in different wavelength bands, and at least one of which is the low-resolution image.

Abstract: Pixelated array optics for mode mixing may be used to homogenize different modes in an optical fiber used for surgical illumination. A pixelated phase array, such as a digital micromirror device or an LCD phase plate, may impart motion to an incident beam entering the optical fiber to generate a homogeneous illumination field from a coherent light source.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a processor configured to perform image processing on endoscopic image data, the processor being connectable with multiple peripherals, the processor being configured to receive an input of a first audio command; a terminal device configured to wirelessly communicate with the processor and receive an input of a second audio command; a setting circuit configured to, in a case where the processor and the terminal device can communicate with each other, make a setting such that the first audio command that is receivable by the processor and the second audio command that is receivable by the terminal device differ from each other at least partly; and a first communication controller configured to, when the first audio command or the second audio command serves as an instruction to record the endoscopic image data, transmit the endoscopic image data to the terminal device.

Abstract: An endoscope system according to the present invention includes: an illumination unit that radiates illumination light onto a subject, the illumination light having a spatially non-uniform intensity distribution including a light section and a dark section in a beam cross section orthogonal to an optical axis; an imaging unit that images an illumination image of the subject irradiated with the illumination light; and a separation processor that generates two separate images from the illumination image. Among intensity values of pixels within the illumination image respectively corresponding to the light section, the dark section, and a section having intermediate intensity between the light section and the dark section, the separation processor generates the two separate images based on at least two of the intensity values.

Abstract: A method of using a robotic guidance system for performing surgery on a spine is provided. The method includes utilizing a computerized tomographic scan image of a location on a spinal column of a patient, such that the computerized tomographic scan image is connected to a computer and visible on a monitor connected to the computer. The method also includes attaching a coupling component to the spinal column of the patient, coupling a marker to the coupling component, and imaging, with a fluoroscope, the view of the spinal column of the patient, wherein the fluoroscope image is transmitted to the computer and visible on the monitor and the at marker is clearly visible in the fluoroscope image.

Abstract: There is provided a medical image processing device and an image processing method. The medical image processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires application information indicating an application related to a display, and an image processing unit that performs image processing based on the application information to acquire an output image.

Abstract: A processor device includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a static image of an object to be observed; an embedding unit that embeds a correction profile, which is created by a creation unit according to tone change-related information about a change in the tone of the static image, in the static image; and an output unit that outputs the static image, in which the correction profile is embedded, to the outside. In an image display device, a static image in which a correction profile is embedded is received and correction is performed on the static image by using the correction profile. Then, the static image on which the subjected has been performed is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a scene processing module configured to receive a single frame comprising a first set of pixel data comprising a first combined scene including a fluorescence scene component and a second set of pixel data comprising a second combined scene including a combination of a visible color component scene and the fluorescence scene component. The scene processing module is further configured to extract a display fluorescence scene component from the first combined scene and extract a display visible scene component from the second combined scene. The system further includes a display unit configured to generate, based on the display fluorescence scene component and the display visible scene component, a displayed scene.

Abstract: An optical probe (2) for optically examining an object (1) is described, said optical probe having a first optical beam path for a scanning imaging method and a second optical beam path for a spectroscopic method. The optical probe comprises a first optical fibre (9) in the first optical beam path and a scanning apparatus (10) that is configured to laterally deflect the first optical fibre (9) or illumination light (31) emerging from the first optical fibre (9) for the purposes of scanning the object (1) during the scanning imaging method. The optical probe comprises a second optical fibre (11) in the second optical beam path, said second optical fibre being configured to guide excitation light or detected object light for the spectroscopic method, and a beam splitter filter (15), wherein the beam path of the scanning imaging method and the beam path of the spectroscopic method are brought into partial overlap in the probe (2) by means of the beam splitter filter (15).

Abstract: A method of using a robotic guidance system for performing surgery on a spine is provided. The method includes utilizing a computerized tomographic scan image of a location on a spinal column of a patient, such that the computerized tomographic scan image is connected to a computer and visible on a monitor connected to the computer. The method also includes attaching a coupling component to the spinal column of the patient, coupling a marker to the coupling component, and imaging, with a fluoroscope, the view of the spinal column of the patient, wherein the fluoroscope image is transmitted to the computer and visible on the monitor and the at marker is clearly visible in the fluoroscope image.

Abstract: The image processing system generates a plurality of separated images based on a first image acquired by photographing an object and a second image acquired by photographing the object in a state of receiving light of a first specific wavelength band. The image processing system specifies, from among the plurality of separated images, a separated image in which reflection on the object is reduced as compared to the first image. The image processing system outputs the separated image.

Abstract: There is provided herein an integrated manifold for the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope which combines the functionalities of the front holder, side holder/cage and fluid channeling components into a single part. The manifold includes square slots that are equipped with tracks. Square shaped lens assemblies having protrusions are used in the endoscope tip, such that the protrusions allow the optical assemblies to slide into the tracks of the square slots. This ensures gapless placement of viewing elements with no deviation in their position and field of view.

Abstract: A method of constructing a three-dimensional model of an internal surface of a tubular structure comprises obtaining image data from an area of the internal surface of the structure, obtaining measured height profile data from the internal surface in a plurality of sub-regions of the area, for example using a multi-finger caliper tool, determining image properties from the image data, correlating the measured height profile data with the image properties in the sub-regions, and constructing expected height profile data for at least part of the area outside the sub-regions using the correlated measured height profile data and image properties.

Abstract: An endoscope including an image pickup module in a distal end section, wherein the image pickup module including an image pickup unit including an image pickup device, a light emitting element configured to emit an optical signal from a light emission surface, and a ferrule disposed in the image pickup unit, in which the light emission surface is inclined at a first angle of not less than 35 degrees nor more than 55 degrees to the distal end section central axis, a fiber distal end portion is inclined at a second angle of not less than 35 degrees nor more than 55 degrees to the distal end section central axis, and the optical fiber extends toward the distal end section central axis, and is arranged along a bending section central axis in a bending section.

Abstract: An image data generating block 72 of an image capturing apparatus 12 generates polarized images having two or more resolutions from luminance of polarization in two or more directions acquired by a luminance data acquiring block 70. A pixel value converting block 74 generates new image data with a predetermined parameter being a pixel value on the basis of the polarized luminance in two or more directions. A transmission image generating block 76 connects image data of two or more types on a predetermined pixel line basis and then crops the requested data, thereby stream-transferring the cropped data from a communication block 78. A target object recognizing block 80 of an information processing apparatus 10 recognizes the state of a target object by use of the transmitted data and an output data generating block 82 generates output data by use of the recognized state.

Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing images use a contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) algorithm in a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The images may be obtained by the imaging elements of a multiple imaging elements endoscope of an endoscopy system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for digital imaging in an ambient light deficient environment are described. The methods, systems, and computer program products described include an imaging sensor with an array of pixels for sensing electromagnetic radiation, an emitter that is configured to emit a pulse of electromagnetic radiation, and a control unit that includes a processor. The control unit is in electrical communication with the imaging sensor and the emitter. The control unit is configured to synchronize the emitter and the imaging sensor so as to produce a plurality of image reference frames. The plurality of image reference frames include a luminance frame with luminance image data and a chrominance frame with chrominance data, where the plurality of image reference frames are combined to form a color image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an observation image input section in which a plurality of observation images is input, an emphasis information input section that inputs information to be emphasized, a storage section that defines a plurality of conversion functions that converts the plurality of observation images into a converted image on the basis of a function for conversion and takes, as a parameter, a gradation value of each pixel in the plurality of observation images and a plurality of emphasis functions that takes, as a parameter, a gradation value of each pixel in the conversion functions, an image calculation section that calculates an image in which information to be emphasized is emphasized on the basis of the plurality of input observation images, the input information of the information to be emphasized, the conversion functions, and the emphasis functions, and an emphasized image output section that outputs the emphasized image.

Abstract: An image processor calculates diagnosis support parameters on the basis of the state of blood vessels of an observation object. The image processor includes an image acquisition unit that acquires an endoscopic image, a blood vessel extraction unit that extracts blood vessels, using the endoscopic image, a blood vessel information calculation unit, and a blood vessel parameter calculation unit. The blood vessel information calculation unit calculates a plurality of items of blood vessel information including at least two or more among the number of pieces, the number of branches, a branch angle, a distance between branch points, the number of intersections, thickness, a change in thickness, the degree of complexity of a change in thickness, length, intervals, depth with a mucous membrane as a reference, and the like. The blood vessel parameter calculation unit calculates blood vessel parameters by calculating using the plurality of items of blood vessel information.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus which is connected to a camera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye image having parallax on one screen based on light at a target site incident on an optical instrument, the apparatus including: an image processor that performs the signal processing of the left eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by the camera head; and an output controller that outputs the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to a monitor, in which the image processor adjusts an extraction position of at least one of the left eye image and the right eye image in accordance with a user operation based on the left eye image and the right eye image which are displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope processor has a configuration including: a converting means for converting pieces of pixel data that are made up of n (n?3) types of color components and constitute a color image in a body cavity into pieces of pixel data that are made up of m (m?2) types of color components, m being smaller than n; a color component correcting means for correcting the converted pieces of pixel data made up of m types of color components with use of a predetermined color component correction coefficient; and an acquiring means for acquiring an evaluation result related to a target illness based on the corrected pieces of pixel data made up of m types of color components.