Abstract: A medical endoscopy/stereo colposcopy instrument is configured to selectively take stereo colposcopy images of a patient's uterus and endoscopy images of the patient's bladder or uterus. Any of the images can be white light images or images for a selected narrow wavelength band or fluorescence images. The images can be displayed individually or as spatially registered composite images to highlight selected features of the imaged anatomy. A cup-shaped device can be positioned at the patient's cervix and provided with a light source and a fluorescence camera module to monitor changes in fluorescence in response to a photoactivated substance.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for hyperspectral imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A light source includes a first LED to provide light of a first light wavelength spectrum along a first light path; a second LED to provide light of a second light wavelength spectrum along a second light path; a dichroic filter for passing light emitted from at least one of the first LED and the second LED and reflecting light emitted from at least one of the first LED and the second LED; an optical filter movable between a first position in which the optical filter receives light from the first light path and a second position of which the optical filter does not receive light from the first light path; a light output; a controller which is capable of switching the light source between a first mode for providing a first light to the light output and a second mode for providing a second light to the light output.

Abstract: A probe includes a working channel, at least one optical element provided in the working channel and configured to acquire a spectral image of surface information of an object, and an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the working channel and configured to acquire an ultrasonic image of depth information of the target and move with respect to the at least one optical element.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing an imaging device including a plurality of imaging elements in an imaging area, where each imaging element includes a photoelectric conversion unit in a substrate and a wire grid polarizer arranged at a light-incident side of the photoelectric conversion unit. The method generally includes forming the wire grid polarizer that includes a plurality of stacked strip-shaped portions, where each of the plurality of stacked strip-shaped portions includes a portion of a light-reflecting layer and a portion of a light-absorbing layer. The light-reflecting layer may include a first electrical conducting material that is electrically connected to at least one of the substrate or the photoelectric conversion unit. The light-absorbing layer may include a second electrical conducting material, where at least a portion of the light-absorbing layer is in contact with the light-reflecting layer.

Abstract: A method for producing an image of a body tissue surface. The method includes transforming a source 3-D model of the body tissue surface into a flattened model comprising details of the body tissue surface represented visually on an unwrapped and flattened surface, wherein the flattened model represents transformed positions of the source 3-D model of the body tissue surface defined between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is formed about a lumen defined by the body tissue surface, and the body tissue surface projects about the lumen to the second edge. The method further includes producing an image from the flattened model.

Abstract: An image capturing module includes a flexible circuit board and an image sensor. The flexible circuit board includes a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads. The first pads are disposed on a first surface of the flexible circuit board and the second pads are disposed on a second surface of the flexible circuit board, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface. The image sensor is disposed on the first surface. A distance between the image sensor and the first pads is identical to a distance between the image sensor and the second pads. The flexible circuit board is folded to align and weld the first pads with the second pads, such that a light receiving surface of the image sensor is perpendicular to surfaces of the first and second pads.

Abstract: Provided are: an image diagnosis assistance apparatus capable of assisting diagnosis of an endoscopic image captured by an endoscopist; a data collection method; an image diagnosis assistance method; and an image diagnosis assistance program. The image diagnosis assistance apparatus is provided with: a lesion assessment unit that assesses, by a convolutional neural network, the denomination and the position of a lesion which is present in a digestive system endoscopic image of a patient captured by a digestive system endoscopic imaging device and information about accuracies thereof; and a display control unit that performs control for generating an analysis result image in which the denomination and the position of the lesion and the accuracies thereof are displayed and for displaying the image on the digestive system endoscopic image.

Abstract: An open cell foam is used to create a seal between a camera and a shell piece. The shell piece, camera, seal and a transparent window form a closed front cavity. Because the cavity is closed, dust can remain away from a lens of the camera.

Abstract: An endoscope image-capturing device includes: a first case inside of which is sealed; an image sensor arranged inside the first case; an electro-optic conversion element arranged outside the first case and configured to convert an image signal output from the image sensor into an optical signal; and a sealing member sealing the electro-optic conversion element.

Abstract: Endoscopic camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system. Substantially afocal light from the endoscope is manipulated and split. After passing through focusing optics, another beamsplitter is used to split the light again, this time in image space, producing four portions of light that may be further manipulated. The four portions of light are focused onto separate areas of two image sensors. The manipulation of the beams can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems when individually displayed, analyzed and/or combined by an image processor.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a light source that is configured to emit primary light; plural illuminators that are configured to be irradiated with the primary light to emit plural respective illumination light generated based on the radiated primary light toward an observation object so that at least part of the plural illumination light overlap on the observation object; and an adjuster that is configured to desirably adjust a ratio of light quantities of the primary light that travels from the light source to the respective illuminators, so as to distribute the primary light to the respective illuminators.

Abstract: A method includes grasping a user input device in communication with a surgical tool of a robotic surgical system, the surgical tool including an end effector with opposing jaws, squeezing the user input device and thereby actuating a motor that closes the jaws and clamps down on tissue at a surgical site, and calculating with a computer system in communication with the surgical tool work completed by the motor to close the jaws and clamp down on the tissue. The computer system generates one or more effort indicators when the work completed by the motor meets or exceeds one or more predetermined work increments corresponding to operation of the motor, and communicates the one or more effort indicators to an operator.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: a support substrate that includes a first surface, a second surface on an opposite side of the first surface, and a first mounting terminal disposed on the first surface; a planar light emitter including a light-emitting face, and a light-emitter terminal disposed on the first surface of the support substrate and connected to the first mounting terminal; and a solid-state image sensing device disposed adjacent to the planar light emitter and that includes a light-incident surface that has a quadrangular shape in plan view and that captures an image of an imaging object that is irradiated with light emitted from the light-emitting face.

Abstract: Improved fluorescent imaging and other sensor data imaging processes, including hyperspectral imaging, devices, and systems are provided to enhance endoscopes with multiple wavelength capabilities and providing sequential imaging and display. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an imaging unit including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device using one or more deformable, variable-focus lenses, wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the light collected at distinct wavelength bands caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Further variable spectrum imaging is enhanced with the use of adjustable spectral filters.

Abstract: A left atrium appendage (LAA) isolator, including: a body sized and shaped to fit an at least partially inverted LAA of a human adult, wherein a distal end of said body defines a two-state sealing adaptor interface configured in a first state to apply a radially outward force against a wall of said LAA or against a wall of said LAA opening sufficient to anchor said body to the LAA wall, and in a second state the sealing adaptor interface is configured to apply a radially inward force on a portion of the inverted LAA positioned within said body.

Abstract: A method of reading a pixel value from an image sensor housed with a set of components includes determining a current state of the set of components; adjusting, at least partly responsive to the current state of the set of components, a correlated double sampling (CDS) time; and performing, in accordance with the adjusted CDS time, a CDS readout of at least one pixel in a pixel array of the image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses access devices and methods to create an access channel for introduction of one or more working devices into an anatomical region. The access channel is created using a visualization modality that is later removed before inserting one or more working devices through the access channel. This allows the methods and devices of the present invention to be used even in small sized natural or surgically created insertion tracts leading to the anatomical region. The access channel can be made of a device such as a sheath, a guidewire, and an elongate device comprising a lumen. Examples of visualization modalities are endoscopes and body insertable ultrasound imaging devices. The working devices can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedures. Endometrial ablation devices and procedures have been used as an example to describe various aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup module, and the image pickup module includes: an image pickup device an external electrode being disposed on a back surface of the image pickup device; a wiring element provided with a through-hole passing through a first main surface and a second main surface, a first electrode on the first main surface being bonded with the external electrode; a signal cable bonded with a second electrode on the second main surface of the wiring element; and a first resin that seals a first bump bonding the first electrode and the external electrode and a second bump bonding the second electrode and the signal cable, and fills the through-hole.

Abstract: A method for measuring objects in a digestive tract based on an imaging system is provided. The imaging system captures a detection image in the measurement stage. The depth distance zi from a target point P? to a board is calculated, a correction factor is obtained according to the predicted brightness g?1(zi) of a reference point P in the detection image. The depth image z(x, y) from the actual position of each pixel to the board is calibrated by the correction factor. The scale r of each pixel is calculated according to the depth image z(x, y). The actual two-dimensional coordinates Si? of each pixel are calculated by the scale r, and the actual three-dimensional coordinates (Si?, z(x, y)) of each pixel are obtained. The distance between any two pixels in the detection image or the area within any range are calculated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for laser scanning in a light deficient environment. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter, wherein the controller synchronizes timing of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation during a blanking period of the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser scanning pattern.

Abstract: Endoscopes and methods of their use, where the endoscopes provide a low profile or cross-section which facilitates introduction through small body passages, such as patient's cervix, and into body cavities, such a patient's uterus.

Abstract: An arrangement for sterile handling of a non-sterile endoscope in a sterile environment. The arrangement includes a sterile endoscope sheath, and the non-sterile endoscope. The sterile endoscope sheath has an optical element arranged at a distal end of the sterile endoscope sheath. The non-sterile endoscope has an endoscope shaft with an optical element arranged at a distal end of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: A medical system includes: an endoscope and at least one treatment tool; a treatment-tool coordinate calculating unit that extracts the treatment tool by processing two or more images acquired at different times by the endoscope, that determines directions of longitudinal axes of the extracted treatment tool, and that calculates a coordinate of an intersection of the determined two or more longitudinal axes; and a judgment unit that judges whether the treatment tool serves as a follow target, on the basis of the coordinate of the intersection calculated by the treatment-tool coordinate calculating unit.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: a light source configured to emit illumination light; an imager configured to store an electric charge corresponding to an amount of received light and read out the stored electric charge as a signal value by using a rolling shutter method; a frequency detector configured to detect a vibrational frequency of a predetermined site of a subject; and an illumination controller configured to control emission of the illumination light during a readout period of the signal value. The illumination controller is configured to set a phase for an emission timing of the illumination light in an exposure period during which the imager stores the electric charge to be an identical phase at the frequency in each frame, and refer to respective phases set in exposure periods of chronologically adjacent frames to set an emission timing of the illumination light in the readout period.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a flexible tube having flexibility and configured to be inserted into an object to be inserted, one or more external force detectors disposed on the flexible tube and configured to detect a force of an external force applied to the flexible tube when the flexible tube is twisted in at least one direction, and a providing device configured to provide twisting information regarding a twisting direction of the flexible tube for releasing a loop section formed in the flexible tube, according to a direction in which the flexible tube is twisted and the detected force of the external force.

Abstract: An optical fibre having a functionalised distal exploration end including a sheath, and a ferrule rigidly connected to the sheath at the distal exploration end, characterised in that the distal exploration end has a functionalised head which is removably attached on the ferrule. Also, a method of assembling the optical fibre.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding system are provided. The method comprises steps of providing 2D images and subsequently detecting outlines of a primary structure in each of the images. A visual representation of the 2D images is generated and the 2D images are then arranged as 2D slices in a 3D visual representation. To this end, at least two of the 2D images are taken at different imaging angles. The method provides a 3D visual representation of a region of interest comprising a primary structure to support a spatial sense of a user.

Abstract: An endoscope system and an operation method therefor in which information regarding a residual liquid is obtained to efficiently remove the residual liquid are provided. On the basis of image signals in a plurality of wavelength ranges, baseline information that is information regarding a light scattering characteristic or a light absorption characteristic of an observation target and that does not depend on specific biological information is calculated. A baseline correction value for adjusting the baseline information to reference baseline information that is a reference for evaluating the baseline information is calculated. From the baseline correction value, residual liquid information regarding a residual liquid included in the observation target is calculated.

Abstract: A capsule core and a capsule endoscope are provided. The capsule core includes a printed circuit board module, connecting structures and functional units. The printed circuit board module includes more than more printed circuit boards connected through flexible circuit boards and spaced apart. The connecting structures connect adjacent printed circuit boards. The functional units are mounted on the printed circuit boards or the connecting structures, and at least part of the functional units communicates with the printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An endoscope is proposed with a shaft (2) that is designed as a flexible or rigid elongated hollow body with a main body (3) which houses the shaft (2) on its proximal end (5) with an image guide (7) and a working channel (10) which extend through the shaft (2) from the distal to the proximal end, continuing into the main body (3) wherein the working channel (10) receives an instrument with a distal end (11) of the working channel (10) which is located in the area of the distal end (6) of the shaft (2) with a proximal end (12) of the working channel (10) which is located in or on the main body (3) wherein the cross-section of the working channel (10) is circular at its proximal end (12) and non-circular at its distal end (11) and wherein the working channel (10) has a transitional area (18) in which the circular cross-section transitions into the non-circular cross-section.

Abstract: [Object] An observation device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes an emission unit, an imaging unit, a polarization control unit, and a calculation unit. The emission unit sequentially emits a plurality of polarization light beams of mutually different polarization directions to a biological tissue. The imaging unit includes a plurality of pixels capable of outputting pixel signals respectively. The polarization control unit considers a predetermined number of pixels of the plurality of pixels as one group and causes mutually different polarization components of reflection light beams reflected by the biological tissue to be respectively incident upon respective ones of the predetermined number of pixels included in the one group. The calculation unit calculates biological tissue information regarding the biological tissue on the basis of the pixel signals output from the respective ones of the predetermined number of pixels.

Abstract: A borescope for use within an unlit, closed conduit can include an elongated probe, an artificial light source illuminating the conduit, and a microlens array mounted to the probe. An imaging device can be in data communication with the microlens array.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, an endoscope system, and a program that enable motion detection with higher accuracy. The endoscope system includes: a light source capable of performing a pulsed-light emission; a light-source control unit that controls the light source such that the light source performs the pulsed-light emission a plurality of times in an exposure time period of each captured image; an imaging unit that takes the captured images; and a motion detection unit that detects a motion of a photographic subject in the captured images. The present technology is applicable to the endoscope system.

Abstract: A system (11) includes a medical probe (36) for insertion into a cavity of an organ, which includes a position and direction sensor (60) and a camera (45), both operating in a sensor coordinate system (62). The system further includes a processor (44) configured to: receive, from an imaging system (21) operating in an image coordinate system (28), a three-dimensional image of the cavity including open space and tissue; receive, from the medical probe, signals indicating positions and respective directions of the medical probe inside the cavity; receive, from the camera, respective visualized locations inside the cavity; register the image coordinate system with the sensor coordinate system so as to identify one or more voxels in the image at the visualized locations, and when the identified voxels have density values in the received image that do not correspond to the open space, to update the density values of the identified voxels to correspond to the open space.

Abstract: Provided are an image reconstruction method, a device and a microscopic imaging device. The method includes calculating a gray value at each fiber center in a fiber bundle (04) in a reconstructed image according to a gray value at a center position of each fiber, determined in one or more sample images; performing a spatial interpolation using the gray value at the fiber center to obtain gray values of other pixel points in the fiber bundle (04) in the reconstructed image, so as to form the reconstructed image. This image reconstruction method greatly accelerates the speed of image reconstruction, and is helpful to remove the grating (022) and fiber bundle (04) cellular grid residues in the reconstructed image and improve the imaging quality of the reconstructed image.

Abstract: A laparoscopic medical device includes an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows the making of oxygen saturation measurements laparoscopically. The device can be a unitary design, wherein a laparoscopic element includes electronics for the oximeter sensor at a distal end (e.g., opposite the tip). The device can be a multiple piece design (e.g., two-piece design), where some electronics is in a separate housing from the laparoscopic element, and the pieces (or portions) are removably connected together. The laparoscopic element can be removed and disposed of; so, the electronics can be reused multiple times with replacement laparoscopic elements. The electronics can include a processing unit for control, computation, or display, or any combination of these. However, in an implementation, the electronics can connect wirelessly to other electronics (e.g., another processing unit) for further control, computation, or display, or any combination of these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid colonic purgative for oral application, containing anhydrous magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, anhydrous sodium sulfate, and, additionally, simethicone. The present invention is more satisfactory in the colon cleansing effect even with the doses reduced by up to about 20 percent compared to those of a conventional colonic purgative consisting of anhydrous magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate and anhydrous sodium sulfate. Besides, the present invention, due to the reduced doses, has less unpleasant taste or odor caused by the main ingredients and requires a less intake of the preparation and water, improving drug compliance significantly. Further, unlike the conventional solid colonic purgative, the present invention can be prepared into tablets without using a water-soluble lubricant.

Abstract: A landmark estimating method estimates a position of a landmark that is a hole existing in an object and is a site through which an insertion portion penetrates, in an endoscope image obtained by picking up an image of the object by an endoscope with the insertion portion bent. The landmark estimating method includes estimating an axis of the insertion portion, estimating a boundary of the insertion portion and the object, and estimating the position of the landmark based on the axis and the boundary that are estimated.

Abstract: An in-vitro diagnostics system arranged is presented. The system comprises a track, carriers to carry samples with data carriers, and a control station comprising a camera to detect sample images, a data carrier reader, a relocation device to relocate the sample, and a controller. The data carrier reader reads the data carrier through a read-out window. Measurement data indicates data carrier characteristics on a sample in a starting position determined from the camera images. Obscuring data indicates obscuring of part of the data carrier when the images are detected in the starting position. The controller determines, from the measurement data and the obscuring data, characteristics of the data carrier comprising location and size of the data carrier. Based on the data carrier characteristics, the sample is relocated relative to the read-out window from the starting position into a read-out position optimizing visibility of the data carrier through the read-out window.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a plurality of light sources which emits light having different wavelengths, a photodetector which is provided in each of the plurality of light sources, and which receives a part of the light of the plurality of light sources and obtains information on a light emitting quantity of the plurality of light sources, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image to be observed for each illumination light using at least first illumination light and second illumination light, composed of the light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light sources, and a control unit that makes a mutual image signal ratio constant in the plurality of images acquired by the image acquisition unit.

Abstract: Speckle removal in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes a coherent light source for emitting pulses of coherent light, a fiber optic bundle connected to the coherent light source, and a vibrating mechanism attached to the fiber optic bundle. The system includes and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of coherent light emitted by the coherent light source comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a control device, an endoscope system, a processing method, and a program which can select a region other than the center region in an image to perform a predetermined process. An endoscope system includes an image generation unit which processes an image signal generated by an imaging unit to generate a display image to be displayed, a display controller which overlaps a plurality of select regions selectable according to an external operation to the display image and outputs the overlapped image to the display device, and an autofocus controller which performs a predetermined process on at least one select region selected according to the external operation.

Abstract: A medical device includes a snare wire advanceable and retractable inserted through a channel in an insertion portion that is inserted through an endoscope; a substantially tubular cap member including a first portion and a second portion connected to a distal end of the insertion portion, the cap member having an annular distal end surface, the first portion being attachable to the distal end of the insertion portion in phase with the channel, and the cap member having an internal space formed by the first portion and the second portion; and a guide member being linearly extended along an internal surface of the distal end side of the cap member at a side of the second portion, the guide member being configured to guide the snare wire to form a loop and to restrict a retraction of the snare wire toward the side of the insertion portion.

Abstract: Speckle removal in a pulsed hyperspectral imaging system is described. A system includes a coherent light source for emitting pulses of coherent light, a fiber optic bundle connected to the coherent light source, and a vibrating mechanism attached to the fiber optic bundle. The system includes and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of coherent light emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A master-slave system that includes a first manipulator supporting a first end effector; a second manipulator supporting a second end effector; an input device configured to concurrently receive from a hand of an operator a first movement command to effect a desired movement of the first end effector and a second movement command to effect a desired movement of the second end effector; and a processor configured to determine a desired movement of the first and the second end effectors in response to the first and second movement commands received from the input device respectively.

Abstract: To enable calculation a wavelength shift amount more accurately. A light source system is provided including a light source unit configured to emit a light beam, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a wavelength shift amount of the light beam on the basis of an output from a color sensor that detects the light beam.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a camera head including a first sensor having a first number of pixels, the first sensor being configured to receive green (G) light that is light with a G wavelength band, a second sensor having a second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels, the second sensor being configured to receive red (R) light that is light with a R wavelength band, and a third sensor having a third number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels, the third sensor being configured to receive blue (B) light that is light with a B wavelength band.

Abstract: A magnetically controlled digestive tract liquid collection system and a capsule are provided. In an assembled state, with the constraint of a limit structure formed by a rotation limiting pin on an inner shell of the capsule and a rotation limiting slot in an outer shell of the capsule, and an angle exists between the N-S directions of a first magnetic cylinder and a second magnetic cylinder, a torque is present between the two magnetic cylinders, which makes parts inside the capsule tightly coupled. When an external magnetic field is applied, at least one or both of the two magnetic cylinders rotate under the action of the external magnetic field. When the external magnetic field is applied, the liquid inlets are in opened state, and when the external magnetic field is removed, the liquid inlets are in closed state.

Abstract: An endoscope illumination unit includes: an incident part into which illuminating light guided via a light guide enters; a light guide body that includes an annular section having an inner peripheral surface and that guides the illuminating light having entered via the incident part and emits the illuminating light from an outer surface of the annular section; and a reflective sheet that has opposite end portions and that is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the annular section and scatters the illuminating light, having entered the light guide body, within the annular section. The opposite end portions of the reflective sheet bent in conformity to the inner peripheral surface of the annular section is positioned at a portion of the inner peripheral surface remote from the incident part.