Abstract: A living body observation system of the invention includes a living body information acquiring apparatus including: a living body information acquiring section; a wireless transmission section; a power source section for supplying driving power for driving the living body information acquiring section and the wireless transmission section; a magnetic field detecting section for outputting a detection result of a magnetic field from outside as an electric signal; and a power supply control section for controlling a supplying state of the driving power based on the electric signal, a magnetic field generating coil, a driving circuit for outputting a drive signal to the magnetic field generating coil, a switch for switching a generation state of a magnetic field, and a timer for outputting a signal for stopping output of the drive signal when a predetermined period has passed following switching from off to on of the switch.

Abstract: An optical scanning probe is provided and includes an optical scanning element which scans a subject with light, and a signal switching section for switching a drive signal for making the optical scanning element perform optical scanning. The optical scanning element includes a movable portion having a micro mirror which is displaced in a first rotating direction and a second rotating direction, and first and second drivers which apply physical acting forces to the movable portion. The signal switching section has a function for switching a driving preparation signal for attracting the movable portion in either the first rotating direction or the second rotating direction into a scanning drive signal for attracting the movable portion in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction alternately. The maximum voltage of the driving preparation signal is set value to be higher than the maximum voltage of the scanning drive signal.

Abstract: A self-propelled colonoscope comprises a tubular flexible insertion portion (15) inserted into the colon and an endless belt (17) arranged on a circulating path on a part of the outer wall and the inner wall of the flexible insertion portion (15) The endless belt (17) travels outside the flexible insertion portion (15) initially as supported by the guide hooks (39), mounted on the outer wall of the flexible insertion portion, at the distal end portion of the flexible insertion portion (15) and then passes through the guide pipe (43) arranged on the inner wall of the flexible insertion portion (15) At least a part of the guide hook (39) is embedded in the outer wall of the flexible insertion portion (15) And, a pulley (61) is attached at the distal end of the circulating path of the endless belt (17).

Abstract: A hand-held endoscopic surgical instrument, such as a camera or shaver, comprises an illuminated keypad operable by a user to operate the instrument.

Abstract: A living body observation system of the invention includes a living body information acquiring apparatus including: a living body information acquiring section; a wireless transmission section; a power source section for supplying driving power for driving the living body information acquiring section and the wireless transmission section; a magnetic field detecting section for outputting a detection result of a magnetic field from outside as an electric signal; and a power supply control section for controlling a supplying state of the driving power supplied from the power source section to the living body information acquiring section and the wireless transmission section based on the electric signal; and a magnetic field generating section which is disposed outside the living body information acquiring apparatus and includes a resonant circuit for generating a magnetic field by resonance and a driving circuit for supplying driving voltage for driving the resonant circuit.

Abstract: A capsule medical system includes a capsule medical apparatus, a selecting unit, and a control unit. The capsule medical apparatus is introduced inside a subject and includes an imaging unit for taking an in-vivo image of the subject, a treating unit for treating a living tissue in the subject, and a driving unit for contributing to movement of the capsule medical apparatus. The selecting unit selects a treatment target of the treating unit from the in-vivo image. The control unit determines a relative distance between the treatment target and the treating unit, and moves the capsule medical apparatus in an imaging direction of the imaging unit by a distance corresponding to the relative distance using the driving unit.

Abstract: An antenna unit includes a receiving antenna which receives in-vivo information of a subject transmitted from a capsule medical apparatus, a wireless-signal generator which receives the in-vivo information of the subject received by the receiving antenna and generates a wireless signal including the received in-vivo information, a power supply unit which supplies power for the wireless signal generator, an outer covering on which the receiving antenna, the wireless-signal generator, the transmitting antenna, and the power supply unit are mounted. The power supply unit is flexible and can be transformed easily according to transformation of the outer covering.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a catheter having a distal end insertable within a body lumen and having longitudinally spaced apart and circumferentially-protruding first and second pods. The first pod has a first exterior surface with a first surface portion. The first surface portion includes an energizable first electrode pair of circumferentially-spaced-apart electrodes. The first surface portion has a shape adapted to advance the first pod within the lumen upon contraction of muscular lumen tissue contacting an energized first electrode pair. The second pod has a second exterior surface with a second surface portion. The second surface portion includes an energizable second electrode pair of circumferentially-spaced-apart electrodes. The second surface portion has a shape adapted to advance the second pod within the lumen upon contraction of muscular lumen tissue contacting an energized second electrode pair.

Abstract: A proximal connector of an endoscope shaft can be manually attached to and detached from a console, such that the connector and endoscope shaft can be provided as a single use device. An interface between the proximal connector and console can include a sliding plate moveable to operably make and break at least some of the connections between the console and endoscope shaft. A fluid reservoir may be separately connected to the proximal connector and hang from a mount on the interface.

Abstract: In an endoscope system according to the present invention, a system controller includes a communication I/F, a display I/F, a voice recognizing circuit which recognizes a voice signal from a microphone, a remote control I/F which receives and transmits data to/from a remote controller, a voice synthesizing circuit which synthesizes voice and generates the voice from a speaker, and an intensive operating panel I/F which receives and transmits the data to/from an intensive operating panel. An external recording medium can be connected to the system controller. A CPU can record and read image data to the external recording medium. With the structure, the device can be operated by the voice for natural conversation.

Abstract: A communication converter includes: a first communication interface making capable of communicating with a medical control device through a predetermined communication cable; a second communication interface making capable of making a connection to a signal distribution unit which is provided in a housing device capable of housing one or more communication converters, and distributes a signal from the medical control device to each of the communication converters; a switch unit for switching communication lines to either a communication line through the first communication interface or a communication line through the second communication interface; a detection unit for detecting whether or not the signal distribution unit is connected to the second communication interface; a switch control unit for controlling the switch unit based on a detection result; and a third communication interface making capable of performing communications with a medical device.

Abstract: A capsule guiding system includes: an electrode pad arranged outside a human body to perform human body communication with a capsule endoscope and detect at least one of position and direction of the capsule endoscope; a magnetically guiding device which moves the capsule endoscope; a detector which detects a relative position between the electrode pad and the magnetically guiding device; a calculator which calculates at least one of the position and direction of the capsule endoscope based on a detection value of the electrode pad, and calculates at least one of an absolute position and direction of the capsule endoscope with respect to the magnetically guiding device based on at least one of the position and direction of the capsule endoscope and the relative position detected by the detector; and a control unit which controls the magnetically guiding device based on at least one of the absolute position and direction.

Abstract: An electronic endoscopic apparatus of the present invention can improve the usage efficiency of a circuit of a control section therein and can improve the reliability of operations of the circuit. The electronic endoscopic apparatus is an electronic endoscopic apparatus having multiple operation modes to be executed exclusively, the apparatus internally including an FPGA 1 that internally includes a CPU 10 and peripheral circuits and controls the execution of the operation modes and a switching request detecting section that detects a request for switching to the operation mode to be executed, wherein the internal configuration of the FPGA 1 is changed based on the detection result by the switching request detecting section.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes an invasive probe having opposite distal and proximal ends. The probe includes a transmitter, which is arranged to transmit an energy field, and a receiver, which is arranged to receive the energy field, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed at the opposite ends of the probe. A control unit is adapted to determine an orientation of the distal end relative to the proximal end responsively to the energy field received by the receiver.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system which is largely composed of a scope and a processor. The processor includes a primary or patient's circuit and a secondary circuit which are so connected as to be able to communicate with each other for data transmission in an electrically insulated state. The secondary circuit on the side of the processor includes first MPU and first rewritable ROM which is connected with the first MPU through a first bus, a PC card slot connected to said first bus. In addition to data of picture images captured by an image sensor device mounted on a fore distal end portion of an insertion tube of a scope, a PC card stores a firmware version-up program to be executed for updating a firmware in the first ROM as soon as PC card is booted, starting from an address described in MBR of PC card. An update program of the firmware version-up program is transferred to and written into the first ROM at a high speed depending upon a clock speed of the first bus.

Abstract: Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of apparatus and methods for facilitating advancement, articulation, control, navigation, etc. of systems which may be used to visual and/or treat tissue regions. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.

Abstract: A device system, and method may provide in-vivo detection of target molecules in an endo-luminal sample, for example for the detection of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, utilizing for example an in-vivo sensing device. the sensing device may accept samples of fluids from a body lumen and detect the contents of that sample for example by introducing paramagnetic particles to the sample of fluids, immobilizing a target molecule bonded to a paramagnetic particle to a reaction channel, and detecting bonded paramagnetic particles.

Abstract: A capsule-type medical device comprises a capsule main unit having functions for being inserted into the body cavity and performing medical acts such as taking images or the like. The capsule main unit comprises therein a magnet which is acted upon by external magnetism, and a spiral portion on the outer perimeter, so that rotating force acting upon the magnet is readily converted into a propelling force for propelling the capsule-type medical device. A flexible insertion portion which is long and small in diameter is provided to the capsule main unit to allow smooth progression through the body cavity, and the center of gravity of the device is placed upon the longitudinal center axis of the capsule main unit, thus facilitating smooth progression through the body cavity.

Abstract: Navigation through a network of body passages, such as through the airways, is improved by a method of displaying information which provides a fly-through visualization of the passageway. As landmarks or waypoints are passed, the view changes to a next segment in a planned pathway to a target. Such a visualization technique avoids tunnel vision, such as that encountered while using real-time endoscopes.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus (110) comprising a first device (120) adapted to be releasably operatively coupled to a second device (130). The second device comprises a detection coil (136) associated with a coupling arrangement (133) of the second device. The first device comprises a sensing coil (2206) arranged at a coupling region (123) of the first device, the coupling region being operatively associable with the coupling arrangement of the second device. The apparatus also has a circuit (125) connected to the sensing coil and configured to detect at least coupling of the first device to the second device through interaction of the detection coil with an electrical signal imparted upon the sensing coil.

Abstract: A processor is provided with a power supply circuit for supplying voltages of different values to a CCD. A RAM of the processor stores a power control information table in which types of the CCD and power control information indicating methods of supplying each voltage to the CCD are related and stored. A CPU retrieves CCD information indicating the type of the CCD from a ROM and identifies the type of the CCD. The CPU then retrieves the power control information corresponding to the identified type from the power control information table. Based on the power control information, the CPU controls the power supply circuit to supply voltages of different values to the CCD in a sequence and at an interval corresponding to the type of the CCD.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly communicates with a data processing unit by radio waves. The endoscope assembly includes operation switches, which is configured to be operated by an operator, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable the operation switches to function as switches for setting wireless communication when connection for wireless communication with the data processing unit is not established. Further, the control unit is configured to enable the operation switches to function as switches for inherent operations including at least an image acquisition operation when connection for wireless communication with the data processing unit is established.

Abstract: The invention provides a receiving apparatus that can suppress data loss when an antenna is detached. When a non-connection of an antenna is detected (step S103: Yes) after a recording operation is started (step S101: Yes), the receiving apparatus operates a warning unit to issue a warning to a user to the effect that the antenna is detached (step S105). Therefore, the receiving apparatus does not issue a warning (step S102) when there is no problem even when the antenna is detached, such as when an examination is not yet started (step S101: No). When the antenna is detached in a state that the use of the antenna is essential during an examination, the receiving apparatus notifies the user such as a subject about this fact, thereby prompting the user to correct the connection of the antenna. As a result, the data loss when the antenna is detached can be suppressed.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device that cleans and disinfects an endoscope including plural types of channels having different fluid passing characteristics using a fluid includes a fluid supplying unit that supplies the fluid to the endoscope channels, a measuring unit that measures the pressure or the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the endoscope channels, and a detecting unit that performs a comparison calculation based on measured values obtained by the measurement and the set values so as to detect clogging states of the endoscope channels.

Abstract: A power supply starter (51) provided with a magnetic body (51e) is mounted on an inner lid portion (42) while a sterilizing sheet (43) is opened for enabling application of a magnetic field from outside of the inner lid portion (42) (inside of the inner lid portion (42)) by the magnetic body (51e), and therefore, the start to drive respective functions of the capsule endoscope (2) is prevented until the magnetic field is applied from outside, and thereby, the start to drive the respective functions of the capsule endoscope can be performed with arbitrary timing and the consumption of power accumulated within the capsule endoscope can be suppressed.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope light source unit for making illumination light from a light source incident on an incident end face of a light guide of a scope which is detachably connected to a processor, the endoscope light source unit being built in the processor; a main switch for turning ON the processor; a scope lock lever for activating a lock mechanism for preventing the connected scope from coming off the processor; a light source switch for turning ON and OFF the endoscope light source unit; and a controller for turning ON the endoscope light source unit when one of the main switch and the scope lock lever is operated before the light source switch is operated while the endoscope light source unit is OFF.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system and related method for capturing an image of the inside of a human body using a capsule endoscope and storing or displaying the captured image in real time to implement a time shift function. The endoscopy capsule captures an image of an inside of a human body. The captured image is transmitted to an image processing unit and is displayed in real time. The image is stored in a storage unit within a predetermined storage range for the time shift function. When the time shift function is requested by a user, a progress bar is displayed, showing a progress state of the storage of the transmitted image in real time by means of an indicator. When the user moves the indicator to a past time using a user interface, a time-shifted image is displayed on the display beginning with the past time.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope inserting direction detecting apparatus and method with which the direction of a lumen can be determined reliably despite a simple configuration. The endoscope inserting direction detecting apparatus includes a pixel sampling unit that samples a stated pixel value from each of domains constituting an endoscopic image received by an image input/output control circuit; a shape-of-range estimating unit that estimates the shape of a range within the endoscopic image according to the continuity of the distribution of the pixels indicating the stated pixel value; and an inserting direction determining unit that determines an inserting direction within a body cavity, in which an endoscope should be further inserted, on the basis of the estimated shape. The inserting direction is displayed together with the endoscopic image.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a storage device. The storage device is configured to store ownership information. The ownership information indicates a term for which the endoscope is allowed to be utilized.

Abstract: A method of determining the quality of contact between a remotely navigated medical device and a cyclically moving anatomical structure includes measuring movement of the device, and processing the measured movement of the device to determine the contact between the device and the moving anatomical structure.

Abstract: A magnetically navigable endoscope system includes an endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a magnetic body; a component which transmits an image, associated with the distal end; a display component for displaying the image; a magnetic field generating apparatus for generating a magnetic field to orient the magnetic body and thus the distal end of the endoscope; and a controller coordinated with the display for controlling the magnetic field generating apparatus to selectively change the magnetic field to change the orientation of the magnetic body and thus the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: In order to realize a capsule-type medical device suitable for improving efficiency of wireless transmission/reception using an antenna to increase radiowave power, a capsule-type medical device is configured so as to comprise an image-capturing illumination unit in which an illumination optical system and an image-capturing unit are provided as a function executing unit for executing a predetermined function within a subject to be examined, an RF unit serving as a wireless unit for communicating a signal generated by this image-capturing illumination unit being driven, or a signal for controlling driving of the image-capturing illumination unit with the outside of the subject to be examined wirelessly, and an antenna, which is provided in this RF unit, including a pair of antenna elements formed in a tubular shape for covering the outer circumference of the image-capturing illumination unit.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope which is introduced into a subject; a change unit which changes a position or posture of the capsule endoscope in the subject with respect to the subject; a storage unit which stores in advance a change procedure of the capsule endoscope as a control parameter of the change unit; and a controller which controls the change unit in accordance with the parameter stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system having a sensing and data discriminating device and the discrimination method thereof are proposed. After a sensor captures data, a data processor performs the extraction of a characteristic value from the data and then comparison and discrimination. Data are then divided into two types: one to be transmitted and the other not to be transmitted. The redundancy of data transmission can be reduced, the amount of data transmission can be lowered, and the effect of power saving can also be accomplished.

Abstract: Position detection of a medical device is prevented from being impossible even when the frequency characteristic of a magnetic induction coil is varied in accordance with the state of an external magnetic field for guiding the medical device.

Abstract: A transmitting/receiving system includes a transmitting apparatus that generate modulated signals each containing a broadband signal component and a narrowband signal component, and transmits the modulated signals to the outside; and a receiving device that receives the modulated signals via at least three receiving antennas. The receiving device includes a signal processing system that processes the broadband signal component contained in the modulated signal; and a received-strength detecting system that processes the narrowband signal component contained in the modulated signal.

Abstract: A communication apparatus (3) arranged outside a subject (1) has an external device (32) which sequentially transmits control signals. A capsule endoscope (2) is introduced inside the subject (1). Thereafter, a system control circuit controls a driving of an intra-capsule function executing circuit so as to start driving at a previously set given time, by supplying driving power to the intra-capsule function executing circuit to control the driving thereof based on a result of detection by a control-signal detecting circuit which is provided in the capsule endoscope (2) and which detects a discontinuous state of input of the control signals. Thus, a collection and transmission of images inside the subject can be performed accurately.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component is disposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member and configured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. The distal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to the electrical component and configured to conduct the signal or electrical power from/to the electrical component to/from the proximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.

Abstract: A drive signal from an SSG drives a CCD through a delay circuit and the like. An imaging signal from the CCD is converted to a video signal in a CDS circuit, which is driven by a sample hold signal given through the delay circuit, and is converted to a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor through an A/D converter circuit, a video signal processing circuit and a digital encoder to be output. Here, by correcting phases of the imaging signal and the sample hold signal, length of a signal line is corrected. Also, since the delay circuit is constructed by being incorporated in a DSP for video signal processing, which includes a video signal processing circuit and the like, the construction is simplified. Thus, the number of parts is reduced, and it can be constructed inexpensively.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an overtube (2) and an endoscope (1), where the overtube (2) is equipped with a shape-holding section (2b) capable of shape-holding and relaxing, a balloon (2a) provided at the distal end of the shape-holding section (2b) to fix the overtube (2) to a body cavity, and an endoscope passage hole (13) serving as a conduit through which the endoscope (1) is passed and the endoscope (1) is equipped with a shape-holding section (1b) capable of shape-holding and relaxing and a balloon (1a) provided at the distal end of the shape-holding section (1b) to fix the endoscope (1) to the body cavity. When one of the endoscope (1) and overtube (2) is inserted, the shape-holding section of the other shape-holds, and the body cavity is pulled with the balloon (1a) inflated, making it possible to reduce insertion length.

Abstract: A rotating self-propelled endoscope device 1 of the present invention comprises an insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a subject, a thrust generation portion 12 provided rotatably around a longitudinal axis of an outer circumference of the insertion portion, a rotary motive force generating unit 3 having a driving unit 45 for rotating the thrust generation portion, a detecting unit 52 for detecting physical information based on driving of the driving unit of the rotation driving portion, and a notifying unit 10 for notifying the physical information based on a detection result of the detecting unit, and a behavior of the thrust generating unit can be grasped by a user.

Abstract: An endoscope system and method includes an endoscope tip coupled to a endoscope console for providing images of anatomical features imaged using the endoscope system. The system also includes a calibration device having known optical properties. The calibration device is imaged using the endoscope system, and data corresponding to the image is obtained. This data are compared to data corresponding to the known optical properties of the calibration device. Based on this comparison, calibration data corresponding to imaging errors of the endoscope system are obtained. The calibration data are used to calibrate the endoscope system.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and systems are described that determine a control command at a patient internal device within a patient, and provide the control command to an ingestible device within the patient, the control command including instructions to the ingestible device to control an operation thereof.

Abstract: The Personal Pelvic Viewer™, abbreviated PPV™, is a hand-held instrument which a woman may place by herself into her own vagina to conveniently view images of the interior of her vagina, cervix, and external os. The PPV provides a convenient instrument that allows a lone female to observe the interior of her own vagina in total privacy for educational purposes, to determine her own fertility, and to observe her sexual response. Different types of tubular Personal Pelvic Viewers may be used by a lone female to view the interior of her vagina by using a mirror and a hand-held light. Those images may also be recorded with a camera or video camera. Other types of Personal Pelvic Viewers incorporate a sealed video camera and use wireless communications to display images of the interior of the vagina on a television set or video monitor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses means and methods for providing trans-Douglas endoscopic surgical procedures in the pelvis and in other body portions, and especially gynecological, cardiological, urological, vascular, neurological or surgical operations; said method comprising steps of opening the Pouch of Douglas; inserting an U-shapeable or S-shaped endoscopic surgical device into the vagina in parallel to the blood vessels; introducing the distal end into the abdominal cavity; U-shaping or S-shaping the tubular assembly; and carrying out an operation in the pelvis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the central control of devices used during an operation, comprising a first control unit for control of said devices. The system is characterized in that a second control unit is provided which is connected to the first control unit for exchange of information. The first control unit may be embodied as closed system for control of at least those devices which carry out safety-related functions (safety-related devices), and the second control unit may be embodied as open system for control of the remaining devices which carry out non safety-related functions (non safety-related devices). The invention further relates to a method for the central control of devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control of endoscopic instruments includes a control module mountable to a standard instrument port of an endoscope. The control module includes separate drive mechanisms for a sheath and a tensile cord of an endoscopic tool having an end effector. Driving the sheath and the tensile cord together may serve to advance or withdraw the end effector, driving either component separately may cause all activation of the end effector.

Abstract: An in-vivo information acquiring system includes a body-insertable apparatus that transmits a wireless signal containing an in-vivo image, and a receiving apparatus that receives the wireless signal. The body-insertable apparatus includes an imaging unit, a selecting unit, and a transmitting unit. The imaging unit captures in-vivo images. The selecting unit selects an in-vivo image to be added with unique information from the in-vivo images. The transmitting unit additionally arranges an identification signal, which is written according to a signal sequence rule of synchronization signals added to scanning line information about the in-vivo image selected by the selecting unit, in a position corresponding to positions in which the synchronization signals are arranged, adds unique information corresponding to the identification information after the identification information, and transmits the in-vivo image added with the unique information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope system and method of processing image data thereof and is suitable for capturing the inner parts of human body using a capsule endoscope having an internally-usable capsule size and receiving to display image data generated from the capturing. By the present invention, a possible-disease part of a patient is selected and observed through a number of image data received from a capsule endoscope, attribute information containing diagnostic details are supported to facilitate an overall diagnostic result to be interpreted, and internal organs in numerous image data received from a capsule endoscope are easily discriminated from each other.

Abstract: A pulling apparatus includes an input portion configured to be operated, a braking portion configured to apply a braking force to the input portion to generate a resistance force against to an operation to the input portion, a pulling portion configured to pull a pulling member, a pulling order generation portion configured to generate a control order signal to the pulling portion such that the pulling member is pulled by the pulling portion in accordance with an operation to the input portion, a pulling amount detecting portion configured to detect pulling amount of the pulling member, a pulling amount increase and decrease determination portion configured to determine an increase and decrease in the pulling amount detected by the pulling amount detecting portion, and a braking control portion configured to control the braking portion in accordance with a determination result obtained by the pulling amount increase and decrease determination portion.