Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes: an elongated insertion portion inserted in an examination object; an LED which is provided in a distal end portion of the insertion portion and is driven by supply of electric power; an image pickup portion which is provided in the distal end portion on a rear end side in the insertion direction than the LED, and which picks up an image of the examination object; a power supply line for power supply, a distal end in an insertion direction of which is positioned in the distal end portion on a rear end side in the insertion direction than the image pickup portion, and which is inserted in the insertion portion.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source portion that irradiates an excitation light and a reference light alternately; an image pickup portion that picks up images of the fluorescence from the living tissue and the reflected light; a signal processing portion that generates image signals from picked up signals; an addition processing portion that generates, from image signals of fluorescence, addition processed signals of fluorescence in which pixels are added; a light quantity control portion that controls the quantity of light so as to maintain a predetermined light quantity ratio between the quantities of the excitation light and the reference light from the addition processed signals of fluorescence and image signals of the reflected light; and a superimposition processing portion that superimposes the addition processed signals and the image signals of the reflected light, with the predetermined light quantity ratio being maintained.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a radiation source which emits a modulated radiation and is applied in a manner such that an object to be examined by an endoscope may be illuminated with the radiation. A sensor is provided for detecting the radiation reflected by the object,at at least one picture point. An evaluation device obtains readings of the detected radiation from the sensor, determines phase differences on the basis of these readings, and computes the distance of the object to the sensor device on the basis of these phase differences. A corresponding supplementary module for an endoscope and endoscope optics with these features are also provided.

Abstract: A contact-free magnetic coupling for an endoscope. The contact-free magnetic coupling including: an outer coupling part; and an inner coupling part. Wherein the inner coupling part is disposed within the outer coupling part such that a gap remains between the outer and inner coupling parts; the outer coupling part and the inner coupling part each comprise an annular body; the annular body of the outer coupling part is disposed between first side anchor plates, which together form a substantially “U”-shaped cross section that is open toward an interior; and/or the annular body of the inner coupling part is disposed between second side anchor plates, which together form a substantially “U”-shaped cross section that is open toward an exterior. Wherein the annular body of the outer coupling part and/or the inner coupling part comprises an axially magnetized annular magnet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a maneuverable capsule endoscope. A capsule body is input into an internal organ to take images of the inside of the internal organ. A fan unit is mounted on the body. A fan position-changing device changes a direction in which the fan unit discharges fluid. The fan unit is mounted inside a duct without damaging the inner wall of the internal organ. When input into the internal organ, the capsule endoscope can concentrically take images of a specific portion inside the internal organ, and can freely take images of a portion that is intended to be photographed.

Abstract: A capsule medical apparatus includes a capsule housing 3 having a protruded portion on a long axis at one end. The protruded portion is on a straight line lvm connecting a center of buoyancy Pv and a center of gravity Pm when the capsule housing is in liquid 7 in a body cavity, and the protruded portion is formed so that at least one straight line is present which passes a point Pf at which buoyant moment produced by buoyancy acting on the center of buoyancy Pv and gravitational moment produced by gravity acting on the center of gravity Pm are balanced and which intersects perpendicularly with an outer surface of the protruded portion. The inclined posture allows the capsule housing to receive a large fluid resistance against the liquid 7. Moreover, the capsule endoscope 1 can easily move along the flow of the liquid 7 because the capsule endoscope 1 is in the point contact state with the inner wall surface 2a.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a display device. The display device displays a desaturated image of tissue captured in the visible electro-magnetic (EM) spectrum from a body cavity; and a first color enhanced image combined with the desaturated image. The first color enhanced image represents the first data captured from the body cavity outside the visible electromagnetic spectrum. The relative brightness between the desaturated image and the first color enhanced image is set to emphasize the first data over the tissue captured in the visible electromagnetic spectrum to provide improved information content.

Abstract: An exoscope serves for observing and illuminating an object field on a patient from a position set apart from the patient's body. A lens system serves to observe the object field and an illumination serves to illuminate the object field. A distance between the lens system and the object field can be modified by a bracket. A shaft comprises on its distal end a head member that is widened in comparison to it, so that the illumination reaches into the distal-side head member. Positioned in the head member is at least one radiating illumination unit whose radiant characteristic can be adjusted in such a way that the object field can be illuminated homogeneously at all possible distances from the lens system. Supply lines for the at least one illuminating unit are positioned in the shaft.

Abstract: This group of inventions provides means and methods for preventing the damaging portions of surgical tools, such as laparoscopic devices, from adversely contacting tissues and organs that are not in the desired field of surgery. As such, the present disclosure pertains to any form of a warning or positioning device or methods, including those that are facilitated via software that are adapted and arranged for use in tracking portions of surgical instruments during laparoscopic surgery or other medical procedures. Such systems include those that are adapted and arranged to provide a warning to the surgeon or other medical personnel regarding the positional status of an instrument, and those that are adapted and arranged for disabling or attenuating the portions of those instruments that might be dangerous to a patient when a dangerous portion of the instrument is near or outside the desired, or denominated, field of surgery.

Abstract: A monoscopic imaging system, for example a minimally invasive surgery imaging system, is provided which includes an image capture device for capturing images of a monoscopic, for example endoscopic, field of view, an auxiliary light source operable such that an object within the field of view casts a shadow, an image processor operatively connected to the image capture device and operable to detect shadow pixels in the images corresponding to the shadow and to enhance the shadow in the images. The system is of particular, although not exclusive, application to laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A method and system for use with an endoscopic instrument determines anatomical properties of body lumen at various states. Lumen properties such as lumen diameter are identified in two or more states corresponding to, for example, an inflated or deflated state. The lumen states are registered with one another and the anatomical properties are identified in real time at the location of an endoscope or endoscopic instrument used with the endoscope. In one embodiment a diametrical range of an airway is identified in real time at the location of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion including in a distal end portion thereof an image pickup portion for picking up an image of an object in a living body; an operation portion connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion; a cable including a connector portion connectable to a processor for performing signal processing on a signal outputted when the image of the object is picked up; a light source portion for emitting light to illuminate the object, the light source portion being provided in the connector portion; a light transmitting portion for transmitting the light emitted from the light source portion to the distal end portion to emit the light to the object; and a heat-radiating portion capable of radiating heat emitted from the light source portion, the heat-radiating portion being provided in the connector portion.

Abstract: A fluorescent endoscope apparatus includes an excitation light irradiation system for irradiating a living body with excitation light, a wavelength-selective transmission member which transmits light from the living body in a wavelength-selective manner, a photodetector which photoelectrically converts the selected and transmitted light, a wavelength selection control section which controls the wavelength-selective transmission member, to make it select and transmit light in a plurality of fluorescence detection wavelength regions and light in spectrum acquisition wavelength regions in a predetermined wavelength range that includes at least one of the fluorescence detection wavelength regions, a fluorescence image synthesizer for synthesizing images in the fluorescence detection wavelength regions, a display device for displaying the synthesized image, and an intensity distribution acquisition section which acquires the intensity distribution of light in the predetermined wavelength range.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus (and related methods of manufacture and use), comprising: a chassis, having an open cylindrical groove formed therein; an image sensor assembly mounted in the chassis, the image sensor assembly comprising an electronic image sensor; a plurality of lenses, which are fitted into the groove in respective positions so as to form an image on the image sensor; and a cover, which closes over the image sensor assembly and the lenses in the chassis. The imaging system is particularly suitable as a compact imaging systems for use on instruments for open surgery.

Abstract: A normal light CCD 11 is driven via a normal light CCD control section 25 by a timing signal from a timing circuit section 29 of a video processor 20. At the same time, a fluorescence CCD 12 is driven via a fluorescence CCD control section 26. Then, an image pickup signal according to an RGB frame sequential method from the normal light CCD 11 is processed by a normal light image video circuit section 27 and a normal color image is created while an image pickup signal from the fluorescence CCD 12 is processed by a fluorescence image video circuit section 28, and an image pickup signal of a subject excited by blue illumination light and transmitted through a fluorescence transmitting filter 13 is extracted to create a fluorescence image of the subject.

Abstract: An endoscope optical system includes a negative lens that focuses light entering along an incident optical axis, a first prism that deflects and emits the light from the negative lens along a first axis substantially orthogonal to the incident optical axis, a second prism having a first reflecting surface, which deflects the light from the first prism along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis, and a second reflecting surface that deflects and emits the light substantially parallel to the first axis and that faces the first prism, a third prism that deflects the light from the second prism substantially parallel to the incident optical axis, and a positive lens that focuses the light from the second prism, in this order from an object side, the negative lens and the first prism being rotatable about the first axis relative to the second prism.

Abstract: An endoscopic image pickup device includes a sheath functioning as insertion section which is inserted in a body cavity, a camera head body which is coupled to a proximal end portion of the sheath in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the sheath, is rotatable about the axis of the sheath as a rotational axis, and has a center of gravity below the rotational axis, and a remote control section which is provided at a position with an extension below the camera head body. With this structure, even if an endoscope is rotated about the axis of the sheath of the endoscope, the camera head body is always kept in a constant attitude by its own weight. In addition, blurring of an image can be prevented at a time of capturing a still image by the operation of the remote control section.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: A visual system for laparoscopy comprising a visual device having a visual head member and an elongated connector; a manipulation device having a handheld operation portion, an insertion portion and a first contact element; and an external device comprising means to communicate with the vision head member, via the first contact element, when the elongated connector is mounted in an lumen of the insertion portion. The insertion portion of the manipulation device is configured to be extendable out from a body cavity through an airtight passage whereby the elongated connector is configured to be slidably mounted into the lumen of the insertion portion outside of the body cavity upon the insertion portion is withdrawn into the body cavity.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device, typically an autonomous capsule, having a housing, the housing comprising a window; an illumination source located within the housing to illuminate a body lumen through the window; an imager to receive light reflected from the body lumen through the window; and a transmitter to transmit image data to a receiving system. The window is coated with liposomes containing a marker such that the imager may acquire images which include the marking.

Abstract: A device, system and method for capturing in-vivo images allows for size or distance estimations for objects within the images. According to one embodiment of the present invention there may be provided, in an in-vivo device at least an imager, an illumination source to provide illumination for the imager, an energy source to emit for example a light beam or a laser beam in a body lumen and a processor to, based on the light beam or laser beam image, estimate, for example the size of objects in a body lumen.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, a first color separation section separates an image picked up by an image pickup section into a first luminance signal and a first color difference signal, then a first color conversion section and a second color separation section convert the first luminance signal and the first color difference signal to first three primary color signals and second three primary color signals respectively, a signal intensity ratio calculation circuit calculates a signal intensity ratio among the first three primary color signals, matrix coefficients of the second color separation section are changed based on the calculated signal intensity ratio and the second color separation section converts the first luminance signal and the second color difference signal to the second three primary color signals.

Abstract: The system includes an illuminating unit, an electronic endoscope, a unit for outputting first image data having different wavelength bands from the imaging signal, a unit for producing blood vessel information from the first image data, a unit for setting a given region in an image as reference value region, a unit for calculating a reference value for the blood vessel information based on second image data for a region within a reference value region, a unit for calculating relative value blood vessel information from the difference between the blood vessel information and the reference value blood vessel information, a unit for producing a simulated-color relative value blood vessel information image from the relative value blood vessel information, and a monitor for displaying a relative value blood vessel information image.

Abstract: The invention provides lenses at low cost, which form an illumination optical system for endoscopes that has high efficiency and achieves improved light distribution. The illumination optical system for endoscopes is used in opposition to a light beam exit end 1 of a transmission means F for light emitted from a light source, and comprises, as viewed from the light beam exit end 1, a lens group 10 having positive power and an optical member 20 subsequent thereto which has a spherical surface 20a that functions as a lens, has a radius of curvature R, and satisfies the following condition: 1.48?S/?R2?4??(1) where R is the radius of curvature of the spherical surface, in mm, and S is a surface area of the spherical surface, in mm2.

Abstract: The invention is related to a medical device for conducting a medical examination and/or intervention within a human or animal body the medical device (1) comprising an elongate body (2) which is designed for introduction into an orifice (15) of the human or animal body the elongate body (2) comprising a distal end (3), which is on the front side of the elongate body during introduction into the orifice (15), of the human or animal body and a proximal end (4) on the opposite side, wherein the elongate body is a hollow body comprising a reception chamber (8) in its interior, which reception chamber (8) is arranged for reception of a human finger (9), characterised in that one or more guiding elements (5, 21) for guiding a medical examination and/or intervention component (6) are located on or in the elongate body and at least one image gathering device (7), which is arranged for gathering of images in front of the distal end (3) of the elongate body (2), is arranged on or in the elongate body (2).

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for real-time surgical guidance includes an optical source, an optical fiber configured to be optically coupled to the optical source, a plurality of OCT sensor heads configured to be optically coupled to the optical fiber, an optical detector configured to be optically coupled to the optical fiber, a signal processor configured to communicate with the optical detector to receive detected signals therefrom, and a display system configured to receive OCT image signals from the signal processor and to display an OCT image of at least a portion of a surgical region of interest in real time to provide surgical guidance.

Abstract: A coil system for the contact-free magnetic navigation of a magnetic body with a magnetic dipole moment in a working chamber, a number of coils and a current control unit for controlling the respective currents in the multiple coils. The current control unit generates a force on the magnetic body in a predefined direction by setting the currents in the multiple coils so that the direction of the force generated by the currents on the magnetic body at each position among a number of positions in a volume in the working chamber essentially corresponds to the predefined direction of force. This coil system has the advantage that the position of the magnetic body in the working chamber does not need to be known exactly in order to move the body in a desired direction or to align the body in a desired orientation direction. This coil system suitable for use in a medical device and by special preference in a device for capsule endoscopy.

Abstract: An endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one imaging device, a processor, and a means for collecting and transmitting data, delivering agents, obtaining a biopsy, detecting molecular species, and/or generating ultrasonic waveform data.

Abstract: An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multi-mode light source that produces light for white light and fluorescence imaging modes. A filter is positioned at the distal end of an imaging endoscope so that the endoscope can produce fluorescence and white light images of a tissue sample.

Abstract: An ingestible image scanning pill captures high resolution images of the GI tract as it passes through. Images communicated externally have exact location determination. Image processing software discards duplicate information and stitches images together, line scan by line scan, to replicate a complete GI tract as if it were stretched out in a straight line. A fully linear image is displayed to a medical professional as if the GI tract had been stretched in a straight line, cut open, laid flat out on a bench for viewing—all without making any incisions in a live patient.

Abstract: An endoscope adapter for use with an endoscope is provided. The endoscope includes an endoscopic insertion section subject to be inserted into an object subject to inspection and the endoscope adapter so that the endoscopic insertion section has an insertion section electrodes; the endoscope adapter comprises a lighting section for emitting light to the object and an adapter electrode section connected to the lighting section. The adapter electrode section comprises: an elongated hollow casing having an opening section at one end in the longitudinal direction of the casing; and a columnar electrode terminal configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction in the hollow casing and capable of projecting from the longitudinal direction end of the hollow casing. The inner diameter of the opening section is equalized to the outer diameter of the electrode terminal.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes: a white LED that emits light including a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band; a violet LED that emits light in a third wavelength band, and a rotating disk including a filter that transmits light in the first wavelength band. The light source apparatus also includes a rotating disk drive section that changes a position of the rotating disk so that if a normal observation mode is selected, the filter is retracted from an optical path of the light emitted from the white LED, if a narrow band observation mode is selected, a filter is continuously inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the white LED, and if a twin mode is selected, the filter is intermittently inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the white LED.

Abstract: A stereo-endoscope is provided having a hollow shank with two axially parallel optical channels, which channels run through the hollow shank and respectively form at least a section of an image path to respective oculars of a binocular observation device arranged on the proximal end of the hollow shank. Moreover, the stereo-endoscope includes a camera connection, and one of the optical channels also forms at least one section of an image path to the camera connection.

Abstract: A capsule-type medical apparatus includes a capsule-shape sealed container accommodating an electric component for executing a predetermined function; and a switch unit arranged in a substantially center of the sealed container, and controlling supply of electric power for driving the electric component according to action of a magnetic field from outside of the sealed container.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a hand-held, battery powered imaging device that provides: (1) an Identification Picture wherein an image of the patient's face is captured for identification purposes; (2) an Area of Interest picture wherein an image of the general area of interest on the patient is captured; and (3) a Subject of Interest picture wherein an image of the subject lesion of interest is captured. Two digital imaging systems, including a wide-angle (e.g. fisheye) imaging system and a macro (close-up) imaging system, are provided to allow for the simultaneous capture of AOI and SOI images thereby capturing an image that identifies the location of the lesion on the body and an image that comprises a close-up view of the lesion. A light source or flash provides illumination during the image capture phase.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion inserted into a body, an optical member arranged exposed from an outside surface at a distal end of the insertion portion, an objective optical system that condenses light impinged from the optical member, an electronic image pickup circuit that photoelectrically converts the light condensed by the objective optical system, a heat absorbing section arranged in the vicinity of the electronic image pickup circuit for absorbing heat generated from the electronic image pickup circuit, a heat transfer section extending toward the optical member side for transferring heat of the heat absorbing section, a heat radiation section arranged in the vicinity of the optical member for radiating heat transferred by the heat transfer section to the optical member, and a heat transfer member that is formed by patterning a metal foil on an insulating, flexible film member and includes the heat absorbing section, the heat transfer section and the heat radiation section.

Abstract: A system of analysis with the naked eye and by fluorescence of a field in an illuminated area comprising a periodically-excited first low-remanence white light illumination source; a second light source for exciting fluorescent elements located in said field, active at least during part of the time periods when the first source is off; and a fluorescence analysis device active during time periods when the first source is off and the second source is on.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a lighting system for illumination a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument.

Abstract: In a wireless power supply system including a power feeding system equipped with a transmission antenna for wirelessly transmitting an electric power from a power source, and a receiver antenna formed by winding a receiver coil around an outer periphery of a substantially bar-like core member for receiving the transmitted electric power, the length of the core member of the receiver antenna is more than 10 times longer than the diameter of the core member.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method involving capturing spectral interference from an optical coherence tomography imaging probe comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, and a partial reflector for supplying images to an image sensor. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a tracing mode of an electronic endoscope system, a target designating frame is displayed on a monitor to enable designating a tracing target in an endoscopic image captured from an interior of a body cavity illuminated with a broadband light. After the tracing target is designated, narrowband rays of different wavelength ranges from each other are sequentially projected into the body cavity, to acquire biological information on the designated tracing target from image signals obtained under these narrowband rays. On the basis of the biological information on the tracing target, an area corresponding to the tracing target is detected from endoscopic images newly captured after the designation of the tracing target.

Abstract: In a search mode of an electronic endoscope system, ordinary light images and special light images are captured from a body cavity respectively under white light and special light. Simultaneously, biological information on the body cavity is acquired from image signals obtained under the special light. The ordinary and special light images are associated with the acquired biological information and stored in an image accumulator. By pressing a lock-on switch while confining a target in an area designating frame on an ordinary image on a monitor, the target is designated and biological information on the target is determined. Thereafter, biological information associated with the latest image in the image accumulator is compared with the biological information on the search target. If the latest image contains an area having the same biological information as the search target, the area designating frame is displayed on that area on the monitor.

Abstract: An in vivo drug concentration distribution measuring device for measuring, when a drug having an imaging function is administered, in vivo concentration distribution of the drug is disclosed.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus includes an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image of a subject; a signal processing unit that writes the in-vivo image in a memory, reads the in-vivo image from the memory on a pixel basis and converts the in-vivo image to serial information to transfer the serial information; and a rate converter that converts a transfer processing rate to a rate higher than a writing processing rate. The transfer processing rate is at which the signal processing unit reads the in-vivo image from the memory and converts the in-vivo image to the serial information to transfer the serial information. The writing processing rate is at which the signal processing unit writes the in-vivo image in the memory. The apparatus also includes a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the serial information transferred from the signal processing unit at a transmission rate corresponding to the transfer processing rate.

Abstract: An arrangement is described in which an endoscope 3 inserted into the pharynx of the patient B is used to visually examine the vibrations of the vocal cords 2, while using light that contains little or no infrared light. At the same time, an oscillogram of the vibrations of the vocal cords is plotted, showing the sequence of motion of the vocal cords. The latter purpose is served by an emitter 1, which is attached to the throat of the patient B below the vocal cords 2 and which produces light in the near infrared range (NIR). Using a mirror 5 that reflects infrared light, the light modulated by the vibration of vocal cords is coupled out and fed to a sensor 6, which, together with an evaluating unit 9, detects and evaluates the vocal cord signals.

Abstract: The periphery of a fluorescent body is reliably sealed, and entry of moisture or volatilized gas is prevented. An illumination optical unit includes an optical fiber, a fluorescent body, a ferrule as a holding member holding the fluorescent body and the optical fiber, a tubular sleeve member that covers the outer periphery of the fluorescent body, and a protective cover. The ferrule holds the fluorescent body and is fitted into a fitting hole of the sleeve member. An inner peripheral face of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the protective cover are bonded together to seal the distal end side of the fluorescent body, and the fitting hole of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the ferrule are bonded together to bond the proximal end side of the fluorescent body.

Abstract: A cannula for a patient includes an elongate body having a length of at least 70 cm and a channel extending through the body defining a wall. The cannula includes a wire embodied within at least a portion of the wall. The body has a proximal end, a distal end having a tip opening through which the channel extends and a plurality of side holes through the wall in proximity to the tip for unimpeded flow of blood at the distal end. The cannula includes a barbed fitting at the proximal end. The cannula includes a suture wing for securing the elongated body to the patient. A system for assisting a patient's heart. A method for assisting a patient's heart.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a receiver. The capsule endoscope has plural image pickup units for endoscopic imaging by passing a gastrointestinal tract in a body. The receiver for wireless communication with the capsule endoscope receives and stores image data from the capsule endoscope. The receiver includes a data analyzer for retrieving position relationship data expressing a position relationship of the image pickup units to a target region in the gastrointestinal tract. A CPU of the receiver produces a command signal according to the position relationship data for determining a number of frames of imaging per unit time for respectively the plural image pickup units. The capsule endoscope includes a CPU for controlling operation of the plural image pickup units according to the command signal from the receiver.

Abstract: A portable device for data communication using a body as a conductor to transmit data to a receiver, the portable device includes a data receiving unit to receive data, a controller unit to control processing of data to be transmitted, a current limiting circuit to limit a current of a signal corresponding to the data to be transmitted to a predetermined value, and transmitting electrodes connected to the current limiting circuit and to contact the body to transmit the signal having the current of predetermined value to the receiver.