Abstract: Provided are an optical unit and an endoscope that can enhance the airtightness between a holding tube and a cover glass without a joining member flowing into a distal end surface of an optical lens while maintaining the attachment accuracy of the cover glass. A spacer is disposed between a cover glass position restricting part of a holding tube of an optical unit and a cover glass. The position of the cover glass in an optical axis is restricted by the cover glass position restricting part via a spacer. An external diameter of a first end surface of the spacer is smaller than an internal diameter of a cover glass fixing part of the holding tube. A solder pool part is provided in a region, which is surrounded by a side surface of the spacer, the cover glass fixing part, and the cover glass position restricting part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for multichannel optical coherence tomography. Light from a wavelength tuneable or steppable optical source is separated into one or more sample beams and one or more reference beams, and the one or more sample beams directed onto a sample to form one or more interaction regions. A plurality of returning probe beams are collected and mixed with the one or more reference beams to form an interference pattern comprising a plurality of interferograms having at least two distinct carrier frequencies. The multichannel optical apparatus can be provided with polarisation discrimination by mixing the returning probe beams with two orthogonally polarised reference beams to form one or more interference patterns each comprising a plurality of interferograms having at least two distinct carrier frequencies.

Abstract: A capsule medical device configured to be introduced into a subject to acquire information about the subject is provided. The capsule medical device includes: a capsule-shaped casing including: a first casing including a hemispherical portion and a cylindrical portion; and a second casing that is a cylindrical casing where an opening edge portion having an opening is positioned at one end, the cylindrical portion of the first casing being fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the second casing on a side of the opening to incorporate an information acquisition member for acquiring information about the subject; and a positioning member including: a first abutment surface configured to abut on an end surface of the second casing on the side of the opening; and a second abutment surface configured to abut on the information acquisition member.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a scanning pattern of an optical scanning apparatus can easily reduce the effect of stray light and improve the measurement accuracy of the scanning pattern. An apparatus for measuring a scanning pattern of an optical scanning apparatus (100), which scans an object being illuminated with illumination light and generates a display image of the object being illuminated, includes a screen (11) scanned by the illumination light and an optical position detector (12) that detects the position of an irradiation spot of the illumination light on the screen (11). The apparatus for measuring a scanning pattern sequentially detects a position of the irradiation spot at predetermined time points with the optical position detector (12) during scanning of the screen (11) to measure the scanning pattern of the illumination light.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to move a magnetic capsule linearly both horizontally and linearly in a very controllable fashion, wherein the direction of a combined external magnetic field, the force experienced by the magnetic capsule, the movement direction of the capsule and magnetic direction of the magnetic capsule can be all aligned in parallel to each other.

Abstract: Multispectral imaging of samples, in particular of biological tissues. A method for acquisition of fluorescence and reflectance images of an object including alternatingly illuminating the object with at least a first light having several spectral regions of high intensity, wherein the first light has at least one region of low intensity that is of longer wavelength to a region of high intensity, and at least a second light having at least one spectral region of high intensity, recording a first image of the object during illumination of the object with the first light and a second image of the object during illumination of the object with the second light using a common sensor array, wherein the light recorded by the sensor array is attenuated in at least one of the spectral regions in which the first light has high intensities.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a fiber optic cable with a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The endoscope apparatus also includes a light source optically coupled to the proximal end of the fiber optic cable to emit visible light and excitation light into the fiber optic cable for output from the distal end. The light source is configured to emit both the visible light and the excitation light simultaneously, and a wavelength of the excitation light is outside a wavelength spectrum of the visible light. An image sensor is configured to receive a reflection of the visible light as reflected visible light.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for utilizing radial distortion to estimate a pose configuration are disclosed. According to one aspect, the method includes receiving, from each of a plurality of camera devices, an input pixel row of a radially distorted image and conducting a row comparison between each of the input pixel rows and a respectively associated synthesized pixel row. The method further includes approximating, for each row comparison, a span of a curve in an image space with a plurality of segments and computing, for each of the plurality of segments, a constraint. The method also includes utilizing the constraints to estimate a pose configuration.

Abstract: An antifogging device includes: an optical system having one or a plurality of optical members including at least an objective lens; a hollow casing in which the optical system is stored; a heater configured to generate heat according to supplied power to heat a hollow space in the casing; a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature of the hollow space; a temperature controller configured to estimate temperature difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and temperature of the optical member, based on a power value of the supplied power; and an overall controller configured to control the heater based on the temperature difference estimated by the temperature controller.

Abstract: A rotating unit for controlling an antenna to rotate includes an electromagnetic element and a rotating circuit. The rotating circuit is electrically coupled with the electromagnetic element. The rotating circuit controls the electromagnetic element to generate a magnetic force for controlling a rotation of the antenna.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a fiber optic cable with a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The endoscope apparatus also includes a light source optically coupled to the proximal end of the fiber optic cable to emit visible light and excitation light into the fiber optic cable for output from the distal end. The light source is configured to emit both the visible light and the excitation light simultaneously, and a wavelength of the excitation light is outside a wavelength spectrum of the visible light. An image sensor coupled to the distal end of the fiber optic cable and positioned to receive a reflection of the visible light as reflected visible light.

Abstract: Aspects of stone identification methods and systems are described. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: transmitting to a processing unit, with an imaging element mounted on a distal end of a scope, image data about a stone object inside a body cavity; generating from the image data, with the processing unit, a visual representation of the stone object and the body cavity; establishing from a user input, with the processing unit, a scale for the visual representation; determining from the visual representation, with the processing unit, a size of the stone object on the scale; comparing, with the processing unit, the size of the stone object with a predetermined maximum size to determine a removal status; and augmenting, with the processing unit, the visual representation to include an indicator responsive to the removal status. Associated systems are also described.

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, distance information associated with the object of interest with respect to an image sensor of the endoscope is received. 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.

Abstract: An otoscope device is disclosed comprising a portion configured to be introduced in an ear canal of a patient's outer ear; and an electronic imaging unit configured for capturing at least one image of the patient's outer ear, especially of the eardrum. The otoscope device further comprises electronic and/or optic means configured for determining spectral information, especially with respect to wavelengths shorter than 550 nm; and is configured for identifying and/or locating objects shown in the at least one image, especially the eardrum, in dependence on a specific amount of blue components and/or UV components of the image or of radiation reflected from the object. Further, a method is disclosed for identifying and/or locating objects in a subject's ear or to a method of identifying an eardrum.

Abstract: A remotely activatable capsule. The capsule includes a housing that can be swallowed by a subject, an electrical energy reservoir having a first terminal and a second terminal positioned in the housing, a remotely activatable switch positioned in the housing and configured to be remotely activated, and a function-specific mechanism positioned in the housing and electrically coupled to the remotely activatable switch and to the electrical energy reservoir and configured to perform a function when the remotely activatable switch is activated.

Abstract: A camera device for use in a storage unit includes a case configured to be detachably installable inside the storage unit to a holder unit configured to hold the case inside the storage unit, an image capturing element provided inside the case and configured to capture an image inside the storage unit where the case is installed, an image capture window provided on a first surface portion of the case and configured for capturing the image inside the storage unit by the image capturing element, and a preventing element configured to prevent the case from being attached to the holder unit in an orientation other than a predetermined orientation. The image capture window is configured for capturing image inside the storage unit by the image capturing element. The holder unit holds the case inside the storage unit. The image capturing element captures the image inside the storage unit with the case being installed in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An otoscope device is disclosed comprising a portion configured to be introduced in an ear canal of a patient's outer ear; and an electronic imaging unit configured for capturing at least one image of the patient's outer ear, especially of the eardrum. The otoscope device further comprises electronic and/or optic means configured for determining spectral information, especially with respect to wavelengths shorter than 550 nm; and is configured for identifying and/or locating objects shown in the at least one image, especially the eardrum, in dependence on a specific amount of blue components and/or UV components of the image or of radiation reflected from the object. Further, a method is disclosed for identifying and/or locating objects in a subject's ear or to a method of identifying an eardrum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi UV-LED probe system for detection of a characteristic of a sample, the system including a device comprising a probe head, the probe head including a plurality of UV-LEDs, an optic fiber bundle, an optional heating surface, an optional cooling surface and a light directing means adapted to transfer UV from the plurality of UV-LEDs to a region of the sample and further adapted to receive fluorescent light from the region to focus it into the optic fiber bundle and a power source adapted to provide electrical energy to the plurality of UV-LEDs, a spectrophotometer configured to receive the fluorescent light from the optic fiber bundle and a processor adapted to receive signals associated with the fluorescent light and to process the signals to provide the detection of the characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: A device for observing a sentinel lymph node (SLN) in a human body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for observing an SLN by detecting near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence caused by a fluorescent material such as indocyanine green (ICG) at the SLN and a method for detecting NIR fluorescence at an SLN. Particularly, in the implementation of a composite image obtained by reproducing a fluorescent material such as ICG and NIR fluorescence emitted by excitation light together with a visible light image, it is possible to detect an SLN with high accuracy through a color contrast method and/or a temporal modulation method using an NIR fluorescence image signal and a visible reflection light image signal.

Abstract: A wafer and DUT inspection apparatus and a wafer and DUT inspection method using thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a stage, an electron gun, a lens system, an optical mirror and a detector. In the vacuum chamber, the stage is disposed near a first end, and the electron gun is disposed near a second end opposite to the first end. The lens system disposed between the stage and the electron gun is a total reflective achromatic lens system including a first lens and a second lens. The second lens having a second aperture is disposed between the electron gun and the first lens having a first aperture aligned with the second aperture. The optical mirror is disposed between the lens system and the electron gun. The detector is horizontally aligned with the optical mirror and configured to detect cathodoluminescence reflected from the optical mirror.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera head configured to examine an interior of a subject and output a result of the examination; and a control apparatus electrically connected to the camera head and configured for the examination result to be inputted thereto from the camera head and to control operation of the camera head. The camera head includes a plurality of devices, and a CPU configured to perform initialization of at least one of the plurality of devices. The endoscope apparatus makes it possible to shorten start-up time of the entire endoscope apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source section configured to generate first light emitted to a subject having hemoglobin and second light; an image pickup section configured to receive light from the subject irradiated with the light from the light source section to generate an image pickup signal; an image generation section configured to generate an observation image of the subject from a first image pickup signal generated by receiving light from the subject irradiated with the first light and a second image pickup signal generated by receiving light from the subject irradiated with the second light; and a control section configured to control a spectral product of at least one of the first light and the second light such that a spectral product in the wavelength band of the first light falls within 50% to 150% of a spectral product in the wavelength band of the second light.

Abstract: An exemplary device includes, on a longitudinal axis, an illumination-light source, an axicon (conic) mirror, an image sensor, and a tilted optical element. The light source provides illumination light propagating forwardly on the axis. The axicon mirror reflects the illumination light radially outward, relative to the axis, to the interior surface of a tube to produce reflected light propagating, from the illuminated interior surface, as imaging light back to the axicon, which reflects the imaging light rearwardly. The image sensor receives at least a portion of the imaging light rearwardly reflected by the axicon mirror. The tilted optical element, situated between the axicon mirror and the interior surface, moves a selected first portion of the imaging light away from being incident on the image sensor, while allowing a second portion of the imaging light to be incident on the image sensor.

Abstract: A video processor that is connectable to an endoscope and an external light source device that supplies illumination light to a light guide of the endoscope includes: a connection detector that detects a presence/absence of connection between the video processor and the light guide of the endoscope; an internal light source unit that supplies the illumination light to the light guide of the endoscope; a communication controller that performs communication with the external light source device, and obtains device data of the external light source device; and a utilized light source determination unit that determines a light source that supplies the illumination light to the light guide of the endoscope in accordance with a detection result of the connection detector or a state of obtainment of the device data of the communication controller.

Abstract: Medical devices are described herein. More particularly, the disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for the visualization and treatment of bodily passages, such as an airway, sinus cavity, or sinus passages. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member, an actuator moveable between an actuator first position and an actuator second position, and a wire member. The elongate member has a first straight, or substantially straight configuration, when the actuator is in the actuator first position and a second curved configuration when the actuator is in the actuator second position.

Abstract: A reflected light image and a fluorescent light image of an observed region are acquired with an imaging system. A gradation level of the reflected light image is set on the basis of a feature value of the acquired reflected light image. The focus of the imaging system is controlled in accordance with the set gradation level. The fluorescent light image is corrected using a focus-controlled reflected light image of the observed region. Accordingly, the image of an object in the observed region from which the fluorescent light is generated is sharpened.

Abstract: An endoscope which promotes downsizing and cost reduction, and a manufacturing method of an endoscope are provided. For this reason, in an endoscope, a lens unit containing a lens in a lens tube, an image capturing element of which an image capturing surface is covered with element cover glass, and an adhesive resin fixing the lens unit of which an optical axis of the lens is coincident with the center of the image capturing surface to the element cover glass with a separation portion are disposed.

Abstract: An imager for in vivo viewing of diseased tissue by way of fluorescently conjugated molecules. A generally planar imaging surface with a microlens array. The imager may be modular, such that a plurality of generally planar imaging surfaces can be used to image various aspects of disease tissue simultaneously. Certain implementations include an angle-selective imager, wherein light from substantially perpendicular to the plane of the imager is received, while incident light is selectively eliminated.

Abstract: The wide angle optical system includes in order from a side of an object in front, a first lens group having a negative refractive power, a second lens group having a catadioptric optical element, an aperture stop, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power, and the catadioptric optical element has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, and the first surface has a first transmitting surface and a first reflecting surface, the second surface has a second transmitting surface and a second reflecting surface, and the third surface has a third transmitting surface, and the third transmitting surface is a side surface of a circular truncated cone, and the following conditional expressions (1), (2), and (3) are satisfied: ?p<?n??(1), |?p|<|?n|??(2), and 90°??k<?/2??(3).

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a scene anti-bloom process that allows switching between imaging modes on a stereoscopic display without causing a surgeon to look-away or being momentarily distracted by sudden changes in overall scene luminance. The process receives a switch from a first imaging mode to a second imaging mode. An overall scene luminance of a scene in the first imaging mode is less than an overall scene luminance of a scene in the second imaging mode. The process delays the switch to the second imaging mode until after an illumination output level of a visible illumination source has changed to a higher output level, and then switches to the second imaging mode.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus and a data recovery apparatus for a digital baseband transmission system. The data compression apparatus includes compressor A configured to generate a first compression signal through up-down sampling an input signal; and compressor B configured to generate a second compression signal through partial bit sampling whereby at least one least-significant bit is eliminated from the first compression signal.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor 1A comprises an interference filter unit 20A having a cavity layer 21 and first and second mirror layers 22, 23 and a light detection substrate 30 having a light-receiving surface 32a for receiving light transmitted through the interference filter unit 20A. The interference filter unit 20A has a first filter region 24 corresponding to the light-receiving surface 32a and a ring-shaped second filter region 25 surrounding the first filter region 24. The light detection substrate 30 has a plurality of pad units 33a contained in the second filter region 25, while the second filter region 25 is formed with through holes 6 for exposing the pad units 33a to the outside.

Abstract: Broadband light BB and narrowband light NB are simultaneously irradiated to a subject. A blue signal B, a green signal G, and a red signal R are obtained by imaging the subject using a color CCD 33. A base image is generated from the signals B, G, and R of three colors. A B/G image having a B/G ratio is generated. A superficial blood vessel extraction image is obtained by extracting a pixel, in which the B/G ratio is equal to or less than a boundary value Ls between the mucous membrane and the superficial blood vessel, from the B/G image. A medium-deep blood vessel extraction image is obtained by extracting a pixel, in which the B/G ratio is equal to or greater than a boundary value Ld between the mucous membrane and the medium-deep blood vessel. The boundary values Ls and Ld differ depending on each observation mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for in-vivo imaging, for example, using an in-vivo imaging device including an imager a lens and an illumination source, all positioned behind a single viewing window. The in-vivo imaging device may include an element to block light from reaching a point of reflection on the inner surface of the viewing window, thereby preventing the light from being received by the imager.

Abstract: Provided is a medical instrument which has improved operability of an insertion portion and can guide a distal end of the insertion portion to an intended position. The medical instrument includes: an insertion portion (10) which is inserted into a body cavity; a rotor (11) which is provided in an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion (10) and has its rotational axis arranged in a direction along an axis of the insertion portion (10); and a rotary drive unit which rotates the rotor (11) around the rotational axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the imaging of structures in deep tissue within biological specimens, using spectral imaging to provide highly sensitive detection. By acquiring data that provides a plurality of images of the sample with different spectral weightings, and subsequent spectral analysis, light emission from a target compound is separated from autofluorescence in the sample. With the autofluorescence reduced or eliminated, an improved measurement of the target compound is obtained.

Abstract: A base image is created from RGB image signals. A B/G ratio between the B image signal and the G image signal is calculated, and a G/R ratio between the G image signal and the R image signal is calculated. A frequency component-enhanced image in which a frequency component corresponding to an abnormal part different from a normal part is enhanced is generated based on the base image. A composition ratio which indicates the ratio for composing the frequency component-enhanced image with the base image is set based on the B/G ratio and the G/R ratio. The frequency component-enhanced image is composed with the base image at the set composition ratio to generate a structure-enhanced image in which the structure of the abnormal part is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to forward imaging devices for imaging the inside of a vessel and associated methods. The invention can involve an elongated body configured to fit within the vessel of a lumen and at least one imaging sensor located on the elongated body configured to image an object in a forward direction.

Abstract: An image processing device, comprising an obtaining means that obtains color endoscopic image data, a color space conversion means that converts a color space of the color endoscopic image data to an HSI color space based on hue, saturation and intensity or an HSV color space based hue, saturation and a value, a lesion pixel judgment means that judges, for each of pixels constituting a color endoscopic image, whether or not each pixel is a lesion portion based on the hue and the saturation, an overlay processing means that executes an overlay process which changes a color of the pixel judged to be the lesion portion by the lesion pixel judgment means, and an overlay image display means that displays an overlay image obtained by subjecting the color endoscopic image to the overlay process.

Abstract: An image-acquisition device is consists of a single objective optical system; an image-acquisition element that acquires an image of an optical image of an object formed by the objective optical system; an optical component that can be inserted into and removed from the optical axis of the objective optical system, at an intermediate position on the optical axis; and a moving mechanism that moves the optical component between a position on the optical axis of the objective optical system and a position off the optical axis. The optical component has a deflecting surface for deflecting the optical axis of the objective optical system and a refracting surface having power.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence observation device including: a processor configured to: extract, as a candidate region of interest, a region in a corrected fluorescence image that has a gradation value larger than a gradation-value threshold, the gradation-value threshold being set based on an average of gradiation values, a standard deviation, a first coefficient, and a second coefficient; receive a result, inputted by an observer, as to whether a candidate region of interest displayed on a display is a result of right indicating a determination by the observer that the candidate region of interest is a region of interest or a result of wrong indicating a determination by the observer that the candidate region of interest is not a region of interest; and set at least one of the first coefficient and the second coefficient so as to reflect the result inputted by the observer.

Abstract: There is provided herein a circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope comprising a camera circuit board configured to carry at least one front-pointing camera and at least one side-pointing camera, a flexible illuminator circuit board comprising at least one foldable panel and configured to carry at least one front illuminator for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front-pointing camera and at least one side illuminator for essentially illuminating the FOV of the side-pointing camera.

Abstract: An electronic device for fast object recognition is provided. The electronic device includes a first storage unit configured to store digital image data, and a processor configured to recognize an object in first image data, to receive a second object related to the first object in the first image data from a second storage unit, to store the first and second objects in the first storage unit, and to use one or more of the first and second objects stored in the first storage unit to recognize an object in second image data.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods that utilize a technique of changing a position of the set of optical fibers of the fiber bundle in cooperation with the scanning of the imaging light across a proximal surface of the fiber bundle to improve the resolution of the scanned image. In particular, a bundle actuator can be provided to change a position of the set of optical fibers of the fiber bundle in cooperation with a scanning of the imaging light across the proximal surface of the fiber bundle to cover the areas of the gaps between the optical fibers and to increase a resolution of the scanned image.

Abstract: A medical imaging system provides simultaneous rendering of visible light and fluorescent images. The system may employ dyes in a small-molecule form that remain in a subject's blood stream for several minutes, allowing real-time imaging of the subject's circulatory system superimposed upon a conventional, visible light image of the subject. The system may provide an excitation light source to excite the fluorescent substance and a visible light source for general illumination within the same optical guide used to capture images. The system may be configured for use in open surgical procedures by providing an operating area that is closed to ambient light. The systems described herein provide two or more diagnostic imaging channels for capture of multiple, concurrent diagnostic images and may be used where a visible light image may be usefully supplemented by two or more images that are independently marked for functional interest.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope with a unit to be inserted into a subject and captures an inside image of the subject by an imaging unit provided in the unit to generate an image signal; an optical apparatus including a measurement probe to be inserted into the subject through the unit; an endoscope unit that switches between observation light of a plurality of wavelengths and outputs the observation light to observe a target object from the unit; a probe unit that outputs measurement light to measure characteristics of the target object via the measurement probe; a light unit that receives return light via the measurement probe, the return light caused by reflection and/or scattering of the measurement light on the target object; and a switching unit that switches a wavelength band of the measurement light to a different wavelength band from the observation light outputted by the endoscope unit.

Abstract: A medical device, configured for insertion into a body, may include an elongate member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, where the distal end may be configured to be positioned inside the body. The medical device may also include an imaging device positioned at the distal end. The medical device may further include a plurality of light sources positioned at the distal end, wherein a characteristic of light delivered through a first light source may be controlled independent of the characteristic of light delivered through a second light source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining qualitative and quantitative analysis of the optical properties or structures of tissue or turbid medium at one or more wavelengths via 1) detection at a single spatial location on the surface of a turbid medium (such as tissue) under two or more structured light conditions or 2) detection at two or more spatial locations on the surface under a single structured light condition.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, with a first tube, a cover glass arranged at the distal end of the first tube, as well as with imaging optics, arranged in the first tube, which image an object located in front of the cover glass as an image, wherein the cover glass has a spherically curved, concave inside, a spherically curved, convex outside, and a constant thickness.

Abstract: A medical device system includes an elongated body with a distal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a patient. A housing is disposed in the distal end of the body. A rotatable magnet is disposed in the housing. At least one magnetic field winding is configured and arranged to generate a magnetic field at the location of the magnet. The magnetic field causes rotation of the magnet at a target frequency. An array of magnetic field sensors is disposed external to the patient. The magnetic field sensors are configured and arranged to sense the location and orientation of the magnet in relation to the array of magnetic field sensors.