With Camera Or Solid State Imager Patents (Class 600/109)
  • Patent number: 10665345
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for eye health and vision examinations. A customer diagnostic center is configured to generate customer examination data pertaining to an examination of a customer's eye. The customer diagnostic center provides a user interface for communicating with a customer and ophthalmic equipment for administering tests to the customer. A diagnostic center server is configured to receive the customer examination data from the customer diagnostic center over a network and allow the customer examination data to be accessed by an eye-care practitioner. A practitioner device associated with the eye-care practitioner is configured to receive the customer examination data from the diagnostic center server and display at least a portion of the customer examination data to the eye-care practitioner. Customer evaluation data is generated pertaining to the eye-care practitioner's evaluation of the customer examination data. An eye health report is provided to the customer via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: 20/20 Vision Center, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph S. Seriani
  • Patent number: 10660504
    Abstract: In a flexible tube insertion apparatus, at least one circuit determines whether an S-shape is formed in an insertion section based on a shape information of the insertion section detected by a detector, determines whether an intersection angle between an extension line of a central axis of the insertion section and a tangential line for the insertion section at an inflection point is enlarged or not based on the shape information, and determines whether or not the stiffness variable portions are provided in a position of the S-shape in the insertion section when it is determined that the S-shape is formed and the intersection angle is enlarged. A stiffness controller increases a stiffness of the stiffness variable portions included in the position of the S-shape in accordance with the determination of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuji Nakamura, Takeshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10653375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying medical image data of a body part. It is described to provide (12) medical data of a body part, and subsets of medical image data from the medical data are determined (14). A plurality of measures of information content for the subsets of medical image data is determined (16), wherein a measure of information content is associated with a subset of medical image data. A plurality of weighting factors for the subsets of medical image data is determined (18), wherein a weighting factor is associated with a subset of medical image data and the weighting factor is determined as a function of the measure of information content for that subset of medical image data. Data representative of the subsets of medical image data is output (22) as a function of the plurality of weighting factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Klaus Erhard
  • Patent number: 10653296
    Abstract: An insertion device includes a thin and elongated insertion section, a rotating body which is rotated to advance or retreat the insertion section, a driving force supply source which supplies a driving force to the rotating body, a variable stiffness section provided for the insertion section and permitting stiffness of the insertion section to be varied, a stiffness detector which detects the stiffness of the insertion section varied by the variable stiffness section, and a controller which controls the driving force supply source in accordance with the stiffness of the insertion section detected by the stiffness detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keijiro Omoto, Yasuaki Natori, Takashi Suzuki, Yoshitaka Umemoto, Takashi Yamashita, Fumiyuki Onoda
  • Patent number: 10649450
    Abstract: Described is a method of providing an augmented reality (AR) scene of pipe inspection data, including: obtaining, using a processor, pipe inspection data derived from a pipe inspection robot that traverses through the interior of an underground pipe, the pipe inspection data including one or more sets of condition assessment data relating to an interior of the underground pipe; obtaining, using a processor, real-time visual image data of an above-ground surface; combining, using a processor, the pipe inspection data with the real-time visual image data in an AR scene; and displaying, using a display device, the AR scene. Other examples are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Kueny, Justin Starr, Timothy Renton, Antony van Iersel
  • Patent number: 10639104
    Abstract: Image guided surgery includes capturing a primary modality image of a surgical field of a patient with a camera system, obtaining a secondary modality image of the surgical field registered to the primary image, generating a surgical guidance image based at least in part upon the secondary modality image, and projecting the surgical guidance image onto the patient. The surgical guidance image presents visual augmentations on or over the patient to inform a medical practitioner during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Joëlle K. Barral, Blake Hannaford, Eden Rephaeli, Christine Denise Ching
  • Patent number: 10631720
    Abstract: A biological observation system includes: a light source apparatus configured to supply a first illuminating light, and a second illuminating light, while switching between the first illuminating light and the second illuminating light; an image pickup device configured to receive light from an object at each of a plurality of pixels having different sensitivities, and picks up an image; a color separation processing portion configured to separate, from respective color components, a color component obtained when an image of light of a predetermined wavelength band is picked up by a pixel having the greatest sensitivity to the light in the predetermined wavelength band; and a control portion configured to cause different processing to be performed between a case where an inputted image pickup signal corresponds to the first illuminating light and a case where an inputted image pickup signal corresponds to the second illuminating light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Igarashi, Kenji Yamazaki, Kotaro Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 10631716
    Abstract: An endoscope (1) having an operating handle (2). The operating handle (2) comprises a handle housing adapted to accommodate a number of movable parts, respect to said handle housing. The housing comprises at least two shell parts (9, 10) forming the outer housing walls. Furthermore, the operating handle (2) comprises a chassis (17) adapted to support said at least two shells parts (9, 10) forming the outer housing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: AMBU A/S
    Inventor: Kaspar Mat Matthison-Hansen
  • Patent number: 10636555
    Abstract: A video probe is disclosed herein that includes an elongated probe including an articulating portion, and a controller functionally coupled with the elongated probe. The articulating portion may include at least two interconnected links and each link may include opposing electromagnetic coils disposed within the link. The controller may be configured to stimulate the opposing electromagnetic coils to attract/repulse corresponding opposing electromagnetic coils of an adjoining link thereby causing the link to pivot about the axis of the single-axis joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Seyed Mostafa Zareei, Mahdi Barekatain Fard, Mohammad Hossein Kalbasi Ashtari
  • Patent number: 10638068
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: pixels arranged in a matrix form and configured to generate an imaging signal according to an amount of received light, and output the imaging signal through one of vertical lines in the pixels, each two pixels adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction sharing a single vertical line; dummy pixels, each provided for each vertical line in the pixels; a determination unit for determining whether output values of dummy signals having been output multiple times from a dummy pixel of the dummy pixels, are within a range of a threshold; a correction data generator configured to: calculate, for each vertical line, a statistic of the output values of the dummy signals determined to be within the range of the threshold; and generate, for each vertical line, correction data based on the calculation; and a correction unit for correcting the imaging signal based on the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Shin
  • Patent number: 10627615
    Abstract: An endoscope distal end portion includes a longitudinal axis and is provided at a distal end of an insertion section, and the endoscope distal end portion includes an observation window provided on a side with respect to an insertion direction of the insertion section, an illumination window disposed on proximal end side of the observation window, and a reflector disposed on distal end side of the observation window to include a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and configured to reflect illumination light outputted from the illumination window, to a rear observation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10610089
    Abstract: A wireless imaging system comprising a head unit and a light cable is provided. The head unit comprises a head unit case, a head unit electrical connector, an image sensor, a wireless transceiver, a central processing unit, and a user-input component. The light cable comprises a light cable electrical connector, a power cable, and an integrated light source. The integrated light source comprises an emissive radiation source having a first spectrum, an optical element located to direct emissions from the emissive radiation source, a volumetric spectrum converter, and an optical reflector located about the converter. The converter converts emissions directed from the emissive radiation source to emissions having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum. The reflector reflects the converter emissions towards the output filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: INFINITE ARTHROSCOPY, INC. LIMITED
    Inventors: Eugene Malinskiy, Ilya Malinskiy, Howard Fein, Brad Roskoph, Daniel Dudley
  • Patent number: 10595718
    Abstract: The endoscope includes an imaging device that is provided in a tip portion of an insertion part capable of being inserted into a body cavity. The imaging device includes an image sensor that photoelectrically converts imaging light incident on an image receiving surface thereof through an imaging lens provided in a lens barrel, and a circuit substrate including a connecting surface facing a terminal face that is a surface opposite to the image receiving surface of the image sensor. A plurality of terminals are uniformly arranged longitudinally and laterally in a two-dimensional matrix form on the terminal face of the image sensor, and the connecting surface of the circuit substrate and the terminal face of the image sensor are connected to each other through the plurality of terminals. The total area of the plurality of terminals on the terminal face occupies 10% or more of the area of an imaging area of the image receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Kitano, Shinichiro Sonoda, Takashi Yano, Eiji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10602049
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscopy system including: an image signal generator connected to one side of a cable, including a signal transmitter for amplifying and transmitting an image signal so as to transmit the image signal of inner body through the cable; a signal processor connected the other side of the cable, for damping and receiving the image signal which is transmitted through the cable; a central processing unit for outputting an operation control signal to perform an user interface for the image signal; and an image processing unit for overlapping the user interface into the image signal outputted from the signal processor and for processing the image signal in accordance with the operation control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: INTHESMART CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Uk Kang, Ilhyung Shin
  • Patent number: 10588636
    Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a filter valve coupled to the catheters. The filter valve is dynamically reconfigurable to automatically block and permit fluid flow through a vessel based on a local fluid pressure conditions about the filter valve. In embodiments, the filter valve has a proximal end fixed to the catheter, and a distal end which may be movable over the catheter. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Surefire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Pinchuk, James E. Chomas, David Benjamin Jaroch
  • Patent number: 10591706
    Abstract: An imaging lens for use with an operational waveband over any subset of 7.5-13.5 ?m may include a first optical element of a first high-index material and a second optical element of a second high-index material. At least two surfaces of the first and second optical elements may be optically powered surfaces. A largest clear aperture of all optically powered surfaces may not exceed a diameter of an image circle of the imaging lens corresponding to a field of view of 55 degrees or greater by more than 30%. The first and second high-index materials may have a refractive index greater than 2.2 in the operational waveband, an absorption per mm of less than 75% in the operational waveband, and an absorption per mm of greater than 75% in a visible waveband of 400-650 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: FLIR Systems Trading Belgium BVBA
    Inventor: Jeremy Huddleston
  • Patent number: 10580157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating or measuring a physical area or physical volume of an object of interest in one or more images captured using an endoscope are disclosed. According to the present method, an object of interest in an image or images is determined. Also, the endoscope captures one or more structured-light images to derive distance information associated with the object of interest with respect to the camera of the endoscope. The physical area size or physical volume size of the object of interest is then determined based on the image or images, and the distance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: CAPSOVISION INC
    Inventors: Kang-Huai Wang, Mark Hadley, Chenyu Wu
  • Patent number: 10575713
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses a medical imaging device, comprising a rigid housing, at least two camera units located within said rigid housing, capturing images of different directions of view and a maneuver mechanism configured to change the physical orientation of a camera of the at least two camera units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: 270 SURGICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Avraham Levy
  • Patent number: 10575721
    Abstract: An image pickup system includes a light source unit configured to perform illumination; an image pickup unit configured to output an image pickup signal; a pre-processing unit configured to generate a first image signal, a second image signal, and a third image signal, each corresponding to one field, and sequentially output the image signals; and a synchronization processing unit configured to selectively assign the image signals sequentially outputted to a first color channel, a second color channel, and a third color channel. The synchronization processing unit switches first assignment processing for assigning the first image signal to the first color channel and further assigning the second image signal to the second and third color channels and second assignment processing for assigning the first image signal to the first color channel and further assigning the third image signal to the second and third color channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryuichi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10568495
    Abstract: Provided is a scanning endoscope system including: an illumination-light emitting portion that is inserted into a body of a patient and that emits illumination light emitted from a light-source portion toward an imaging subject in the body in a spot-like manner; a light scanner that scans the illumination light on the imaging subject; and a light detector that is disposed at a body surface of the patient, and that detects reflected light coming from the scanning position in the imaging subject, at which the illumination light is scanned by the light scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Yamada, Atsuyoshi Shimamoto, Mitsuru Namiki, Keiichiro Nakajima, Takamitsu Sakamoto, Mikihiko Terashima, Yoko Okabe, Yu Kondo
  • Patent number: 10572997
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an anomaly in an image from a set of images captured in vivo by an in-vivo imaging system may include, for each pixel of the image, associating the pixel with a color histogram value from a color histogram database; determining, for each pixel, whether the color histogram value associated with the pixel exceeds a histogram value threshold; assigning a pixel status to each pixel indicating whether the pixel is anomalous or normal; identifying one or more groups of adjacent anomalous pixels, the one or more groups of adjacent anomalous pixels each having a pixel size that exceeds a pixel size threshold; generating, using at least the one or more groups of adjacent anomalous pixels, a binary mask for the image; and determining an image anomaly score for the image based at least in part on the binary mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Yaron Hakuk, Dori Peleg
  • Patent number: 10572755
    Abstract: An image analysis apparatus includes a region extraction unit configured to determine, as analysis target regions, respective predetermined regions in a first image and a second image that are acquired at timings before and after execution of a predetermined action to a subject and inputted through an image input unit in a state where an endoscope is continuously inserted in the subject, a distribution characteristic value calculation unit configured to obtain a first distribution characteristic value by extracting a color component of the analysis target region in the first image, and to obtain a second distribution characteristic value by extracting a color component of the analysis target region in the second image, and an image analysis unit configured to calculate the degree of change in the second distribution characteristic value with respect to the first distribution characteristic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Momoko Yamanashi, Tetsuhiro Yamada, Toshio Nakamura, Ryuichi Toyama
  • Patent number: 10561300
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor to: sequentially acquire plural subject images; select a detection target image from the plural subject images; detect the location of interest in the detection target image; generate spatial information of a superimposed object indicating the location of interest on one of the plural subject images; select a superimposition target image to be superimposed, from the plural subject images; generate inter-image correspondence information between the detection target image and the superimposition target image; correct the spatial information of the superimposed object, based on the inter-image correspondence information; and superimpose the superimposed object on the superimposition target image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoichi Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 10548464
    Abstract: In an endoscope including a rear grasping portion extending along a second longitudinal axis that is a direction flexed relative to a first longitudinal axis along which the operation portion body extends, a bend preventing portion covering a universal cable extending out from the proximal end side of the rear grasping portion is joined to the proximal end side of the rear grasping portion via a movable joint portion so that a direction of the bend preventing portion can be changed by the movable joint portion to a first direction oriented to the inner side in the flexion direction of the rear grasping portion relative to the operation portion body and a second direction oriented to the outer side in the flexion direction of the rear grasping portion relative to operation portion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eijiro Sato, Chikayoshi Meguro, Kenji Takatsuji
  • Patent number: 10542868
    Abstract: A medical instrument system comprises an imaging probe including a distal tip terminating at a first distal end of the imaging probe and a lens disposed at the first distal end. The imaging probe including a first sealing feature on an external surface of the imaging probe. The medical instrument also comprises an elongated medical instrument including a distal portion terminating at a second distal end and including a working channel configured to slidably receive the imaging probe. The working channel including a second sealing feature on a surface of the working channel. The first sealing feature and the second sealing feature are shaped and configured to contact one another to prevent the passage of fluid between the first and second sealing features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lucas S. Gordon, Randall L. Schlesinger
  • Patent number: 10542878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal member, LM, guide (300) for guiding a set of LMs (110) for a mechanical transmission system, MTS, (100) for a steerable tool (500), which LM guide (300) comprises a body (302) having a proximal side (342), a distal side (344) and an outside edge (316), wherein the body (302) of the LM guide (300) comprises a set of channels (310) arranged around a fictive tube (320), each channel (310) passing from the proximal side (342) to the distal side (344) of the body (302), configured to retain an LM (110) of the set in a fixed radial position around the fictive tube (32), being connected to the outside edge (316) of the body (302) via a slot (314), wherein the slot has a width (326) narrower than the channel (310) width (320).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Steerable Instruments NV
    Inventors: Frank Dewaele, Cyriel Mabilde, Bart Blanckaert, Alain Kalmar, Lieven Maene
  • Patent number: 10534169
    Abstract: A switch unit includes a frame body which is fixed to an opening section and in which a plurality of holes are formed, a plurality of switches provided in each of two of the plurality of holes, a soft switch cover that is disposed in each of the two holes and covers the plurality of switches, a first catch section formed as part of the switch cover in a position between the plurality of switches, a switch fixing member that is disposed in each of the two holes, is covered with the switch cover, fixes the plurality of switches to the opening section, and catches the first catch section in a position facing the first catch section, and a second catch section formed at an outer circumference of the switch cover and caught by the frame body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fuminori Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 10524644
    Abstract: An endoscope with an optical channel is held and positioned by a robotic surgical system. A capture unit captures (1) a visible first image at a first time and (2) a visible second image combined with a fluorescence image at a second time. An image processing system receives (1) the visible first image and (2) the visible second image combined with the fluorescence image and generates at least one fluorescence image. A display system outputs an output image including an artificial fluorescence image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Scott, Wenyi Zhao, Brian D. Hoffman, John D. Stern, Tao Zhao
  • Patent number: 10499994
    Abstract: Data characterizing a mother video feed acquired by an endoscopic video capture device can be received. The mother video feed can be for characterizing an operative field within a patient. One or more predefined markers can be identified within the mother video feed. Each of the one or more predefined markers can be associated with a surgical instrument in the operative field. Using the data characterizing the mother video feed, a daughter video feed comprising a sub-portion of the mother video feed can be generated. At least one of a location of the daughter video feed within the mother video feed and a zoom of the daughter video feed can be based on the identified one or more predefined markers. The daughter video feed can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: University Surgical Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Francois I. Luks, Derek Merck
  • Patent number: 10499027
    Abstract: Provided are a processor device capable of correcting white balance without applying a burden to a user in a case where an endoscope that is not suitable for a light source device or a processor device is connected, and a method of operating the same. A correction coefficient acquisition unit acquires a correction coefficient from endoscopes. The white balance control unit selects and executes either first white balance processing in which an acquired correction coefficient is referred to, and white balance is corrected using the acquired correction coefficient, or second white balance processing in which the white balance is corrected using a first multiplied correction coefficient obtained by multiplying the acquired correction coefficient by a first conversion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kosuke Iwane
  • Patent number: 10484626
    Abstract: A gain adjustment unit calculates a total sum of analog gains on a way from photoelectric conversion output of an image pickup device to input of an analog/digital conversion circuit with use of picked-up images provided from the analog/digital conversion circuit, the analog/digital conversion circuit being configured to convert an output of an analog processing section into a digital signal, the analog processing section being configured to transmit and amplify an image pickup signal from the image pickup device, the image pickup device being provided at an insertion portion of an endoscope, and determines, as an adjustment gain, a difference between a target value of a total sum of gains and the total sum of the analog gains, and output information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Matsui, Shinji Yamashita, Yuzuru Tanabe, Yuta Matsuno
  • Patent number: 10478162
    Abstract: A method comprising: displaying, in a first region of a display screen, an image of a patient anatomy for guiding a medical instrument to a deployment location during a medical procedure; and recording a plurality of sample identifiers. Each sample identifier is associated with a corresponding tissue sample of a plurality of tissue samples. The method further includes recording a plurality of location stamps. Each location stamp indicates a location in the patient anatomy of a corresponding tissue sample of the plurality of tissue samples. The method further includes: receiving tissue sample pathology information for each tissue sample in the plurality of tissue samples; and displaying, in a table in a second region of the display screen, the plurality of sample identifiers, the plurality of location stamps, and the tissue sample pathology information for each tissue sample during the medical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Federico Barbagli, Christopher R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10463343
    Abstract: A robotic actuator (30) for controlling one or actuation dials of an interventional tool handle (41) (e.g., a handle of a probe). The robotic actuator (30) employs a coupling of a handle base (34) and a handle cover (33) to define a actuation chamber for housing the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41), and one or more motorized gear(s) (31, 32) within the actuation chamber operable to engage the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41) within the actuation chamber. In operation, a robotic workstation (20) generates motor commands for controlling the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41), and the motorized gear(s) (31, 32) are operably connected to the robotic workstation (20) to control the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41) responsive to the motor commands generated by the robotic workstation (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: David Paul Noonan, Aleksandra Popovic
  • Patent number: 10441366
    Abstract: Systems and processes are provided that utilize the accuracy and adaptability of an optical tracking system to track an object by maintaining a line of sight (LOS) between the optical signals from the tracked object and the optical receivers regardless of the position and orientation of the object being tracked. LOS is maintained without having to manually adjust a tracked device or the optical receivers, or be limited to a specified working volume. Instead, whenever the tracked device moves, an active controller device calculates new values for the degrees of freedom of a series of joints holding a tracking array to the tracked object to position and orient the tracking array to maintain visibility to the optical receivers. A computer-assisted or robotic device that decreases operating times, and improves surgical accuracy, without additional user requirements or adjustments to maintain the LOS of the optical tracking system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Think Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Saleh Tabandeh, Joel Zuhars, Daniel Patrick Bonny
  • Patent number: 10447081
    Abstract: There is provided a secondary coil module receiving supply of electric power via a primary coil by contactless power transfer technique. The secondary coil module includes a core formed of magnetic material, the core having a tubular portion in the form of a tube and a bottom portion formed integral with the tubular portion in such a manner as to close an opening of the tubular portion formed at one axial end portion thereof, a storage battery accommodated within an accommodation space provided inside the tubular portion and configured to be charged by the power via the primary coil and a coil winding disposed outside the core and on the side of the bottom portion of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ema, Fumio Ohta, Eiji Sato
  • Patent number: 10433709
    Abstract: An image display device includes: a storage unit that stores imaging information including an endoscopic image of an imaging target organ; a connection relationship setting unit that sets a connection relationship between a plurality of endoscopic images stored in the storage unit based on the imaging information; a landmark image detection unit that detects a landmark image including a predetermined anatomical landmark as defined herein; a mapping unit that assigns the landmark image detected by the landmark image detection unit to a landmark portion of a virtual model corresponding to the imaging target organ and that assigns the plurality of endoscopic images stored in the storage unit to corresponding portions of the virtual model using the connection relationship set by the connection relationship setting unit with the landmark image as a base point; a map image generation unit as defined herein; and a display control unit as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Harada, Yuichi Teramura, Kunimasa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10426327
    Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for aiding medical procedures. An apparatus includes a housing defining a first opening, a second opening, and a interior, and a first cleaning element maintained within the interior relative to the first opening, the first cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning agent operable to remove extraneous debris from an object. The apparatus further includes a second cleaning element maintained with the interior relative to the second opening, the second cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning material and at least one white reference material, the at least one cleaning material operable to remove debris from an object. The apparatus also includes a conduit defining a passage from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Buffalo Filter LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Miller, William Kellner, Kyrylo Shvetsov, Greg Pepe, Samantha Bonano
  • Patent number: 10430939
    Abstract: An optical evaluation workstation evaluates a virtual image distance of eyecup assemblies of a head mounted display (HMD). The workstation includes an eyecup assembly feed assembly configured to receive an eyecup assembly of an HMD. The eyecup assembly comprising an optics block rigidly fixed to an electronic display panel. The workstation includes a lens assembly positioned at a fixed distance from the eyecup assembly. The workstation includes a movable imaging sensor assembly positioned along the alignment axis and configured to capture one or more images of the one or more test patterns presented by the eyecup assembly when the imaging sensor assembly is at different positions. The optical evaluation workstation includes a control module configured to determine one or more virtual image distances of the eyecup assembly using the plurality of images captured by the imaging sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kieran Tobias Levin, Ye Yin, Simon Hallam
  • Patent number: 10413168
    Abstract: Provided are methods of immunizing a viewport of a medical device against fogging before or during a medical procedure, and related apparatuses and devices. The methods comprise applying plasma to the viewport prior to use, thereby rendering a surface of the viewport highly hydrophilic. The methods eliminate or at least significantly reduce blur due to fogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PLASMATICA LTD.
    Inventors: Adam Sagiv, Michael Maller, Amnon Lam
  • Patent number: 10413163
    Abstract: An introduction device includes, a grip portion which has a first wall portion, and a second wall portion, a curving portion which is configured to curve in a first surface and in a second surface that intersects at right angles with the first surface, a first dial portion which is rotatably provided in the first wall portion and which curves the curving portion in the first surface in accordance with a rotation amount, and a dial unit includes a shaft rotatably provided on the second wall portion, and a second dial portion which is fixed to the shaft and which curves the curving portion in the second surface in accordance with a rotation amount, the shaft being oblique to the longitudinal axis when seen from the side of the second wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10419705
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a display section with a touch panel having a left image display region and a right image display region and a control section. The control section is configured to perform display control so as to change, upon receiving a drag operation instruction while the left image display region selected, a position of a cursor displayed in the left image display region and the right image display region by an amount of variation da, and change, upon receiving a drag operation instruction while the right image display region selected, the position of the cursor displayed in the left image display region and right image display region by an amount of variation db.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Furuhata
  • Patent number: 10401612
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a mounting and detaching section, terminals that, when an adapter is mounted on an outer circumference, come into contact with an identification resistor provided in the adapter and having different resistance values for each of adapters, a lead wire that energizes the identification resistor via the terminals, and a flexible board electrically connected to the terminals in the mounting and detaching section and electrically connected to a distal end of the lead wire in a position behind the mounting and detaching section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ayumu Inada
  • Patent number: 10390689
    Abstract: A family of endoscopes includes a non-zero degree endoscope (210) and a zero degree endoscope (200). Zero degree endoscope (210) includes a first image capture unit (220A) mounted in a distal portion (270A) of the zero degree endoscope with a lengthwise axis of the first image capture unit substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of that distal portion. Non-zero degree endoscope (210) includes a second image capture unit (220B) mounted in a distal portion (270B) of the non-zero degree endoscope with a lengthwise axis of the second image capture unit intersecting a lengthwise axis of that distal portion at a non-zero angle ?. The first and second image capture units have substantially identical non-folded optical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ian E. McDowall
  • Patent number: 10376252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of repairing a defect in an abdominal wall of a subject, including the steps of: making a small incision through a skin layer above the defect in the abdominal wall, introducing a surgical device including a deformable body through the incision to reach a preperitoneum underlying the abdominal wall around the defect, using the surgical device to identify a protruded region of the preperitoneum extending towards the abdominal wall around the defect, and flattening the protruded region of the preperitoneum and separating the protruded region of the preperitoneum from the abdominal wall with the deformable body in an expanded condition. The method results in low recurrence of abdominal wall defect, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay after surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Dian-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 10365478
    Abstract: An endoscope optical adapter includes an objective lens for observation, a lens frame configured to hold the objective lens, and a cover member fixed to an outer circumference of the lens frame and extended to an inner side to surround the objective lens. A path for discharging a droplet adhering to the objective lens is provided at a distal end portion of the lens frame or a distal end portion of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiko Kato
  • Patent number: 10362927
    Abstract: An endoscope has a pannable camera at the distal end of its insertion shaft, the pannable camera assembly being pivotable to provide a range of a field of view that can be equal to or greater than 180 degrees. A terminal light emitting element may be mounted to the camera assembly in order to illuminate the immediate field of view of the camera sensor regardless of the rotational position of the camera assembly. A fluid-carrying conduit of the insertion section may also be used to house functional components, including the camera assembly, actuation cables, a communications cable connected to the camera sensor, and/or a fiberoptic cable providing light to the light emitting element. A distal section of the endoscope handle may be rotatable relative to a proximal hand-held section of the endo scope handle, a rotary encoder being provided to convert the rotational position of the insertion shaft relative to the handle into a signal for the purpose of image orientation correction by an electronic processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Jason A. Demers, Peter K. Vondras, Stephen L. Fichera, Timothy D. Moreau
  • Patent number: 10362930
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source unit that emits white illumination light or narrow band illumination light; an image sensor having pixels; a filter unit arranged corresponding to the pixels and including filters having a filter for passing blue light, and a filter for passing the blue light and one of green light and red light, the number of the filters for passing the green light being not less than half of the number of all the filters of the filter unit, and the number of the filters for passing the blue light being not less than the number of the filters for passing the green light; a selecting unit that selects, from the pixels, a luminance component pixel depending on types of illumination light; and a demosaicing processing unit that generates a color image signal having color components based on the luminance component pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10365295
    Abstract: An accelerometer is included within the confined space and limited volume of a distal portion of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end component, a joint coupled to the end component, a shaft coupled to the joint, and a force transducer and accelerometer apparatus. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus is coupled between the joint and the shaft. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus includes a force sensor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes an optic fiber having a Fiber Bragg Grating. Information acquired from the Fiber Bragg Grating is used to drive a vibro-tactile haptic feedback output device coupled to a master control arm surgeon grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Lawton N. Verner
  • Patent number: 10357204
    Abstract: A light source device simultaneously produces violet narrowband light and green narrowband light. A complementary color type imaging device of a complementary color type endoscope outputs first to fourth mixed pixel signals. In a complementary color second processor, a matrix operation unit performs a matrix operation of the first to fourth mixed pixel signals, and produces first and second display signals D1 and D2. A mixed color corrector corrects the first and second display signals D1 and D2 on the basis of relational expressions of “D1?=D1?K2×D2” and “D2?=D2?K1×D1”. K1 represents the ratio of a signal value of the second display signal to a signal value of the first display signal under independent application of only the violet narrowband light. K2 represents the ratio of a signal value of the first display signal to a signal value of the second display signal under independent application of only the green narrowband light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 10349814
    Abstract: An endoscope system has an insertion portion, a front-view observation window that acquires a first object image, a side-view observation window that is provided in the insertion portion, and acquires a second object image, a video processor that generates a signal of an image, a setting storage section that records information on a deviation amount concerning a deviation, and an image processing section that performs, for the image, processing of changing disposition of at least either the image of the object in the first object image or the image of the object in the second object image in accordance with the deviation amount, and aligning a position of the image of the object in the first object image, and a position of the image of the object in the second object image with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Takahashi