Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a device, system, and method for identifying a location of an ingestible device within a gastrointestinal tract of a body. In some embodiments, the ingestible device includes a sensing unit with an axial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to at least one end of the device, and a radial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to a radial wall of the device, and may autonomously identify a location within the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the ingestible device includes optical illumination sources and detectors that operate at a plurality of different wavelengths, and may discern regions of a gastrointestinal tract by using the reflection properties of organ tissue and occasional particulates. In some embodiments, the ingestible device may sample fluid or release medicament based on a detected device location.

Abstract: The endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, and an image pickup portion that picks up an image of inside of the subject; an image pickup information acquisition portion that acquires positional information of the image pickup portion; an insertion form information acquisition portion that acquires insertion form information of the insertion portion inside the subject; and a control portion that, on a stereoscopic model image that simulates a predetermined organ inside the subject, superimposes an insertion form image that is based on insertion form information that is acquired by the insertion form information acquisition portion, and based on positional information of the image pickup portion that is acquired by the image pickup information acquisition portion, also pastes an image pickup image that is picked up by the image pickup portion, and presents the resulting stereoscopic model image.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an image pickup device that is inserted into a subject and picks up an image inside the subject and a memory that records an intra-subject image acquired by the image pickup device and position information of the image pickup device in association with each other. The endoscope system includes an image generating section that applies, to the intra-subject image, when it is determined that a release signal is generated as a predetermined trigger signal, predetermined processing for distinguishably displaying the intra-subject image at a time when the release signal is generated and generates an image obtained by pasting the intra-subject image onto a model image of a predetermined organ.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a determining section that determines whether or not an image pickup device is moving at a predetermined speed or higher based on position/direction information and determines, when the image pickup device is not moving at the predetermined speed or higher, that a subject internal image is an image that can be pasted onto a model image of a predetermined organ in a state where the position/direction information of an objective optical window and position/direction information in a coordinate system of the predetermined organ model image are associated with each other, and an image pasting section that reads the subject internal image determined to be the image that can be pasted from the memory and pastes the subject internal image onto the model image of the predetermined organ based on the position/direction information.

Abstract: An inflatable assistive surgical instrument for transanal minimal invasive surgery, having a sheath that expands after inflation, is disclosed. The inflated sheath is cylindrical-shaped, and a notch is formed on the wall of the cylindrical sheath to expose the tissue of the colon wall for surgical operation. The inflatable sheath has an inflation nozzle for connecting with an inflating tube. The inflatable sheath disclosed in the present invention can fully achieve the expected effects and requirements and shows an extraordinary efficiency of the surgical operation, in comparison with the prior arts where the present invention is not adopted. The present invention also improves the quality and the success rate of surgical operation, and is highly appraised by the colorectal surgeons reduces the cost for single use.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an insertion portion, an objective optical window, an image pickup device, a position/direction detection section that acquires position information of the objective optical window, and a memory that records the subject internal image acquired by the image pickup device in association with the position information of the objective optical window. The endoscope system aligns the position information of the objective optical window with a reference position of a predetermined organ in the subject in a coordinate system of a three-dimensional model image based on an amount of change or the like of the subject internal image information in the subject and generates an image with the subject internal image pasted onto the two-dimensional model image of the predetermined organ which is the three-dimensional model image two-dimensionally developed in which the position of the objective optical window is associated with the position in the coordinate system.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a first objective lens that causes an image of a first object to be observed to be formed; a second objective lens that causes an image of a second object to be observed to be formed; a light guide that guides illuminating light from a light source to an insertion portion; a light distribution member that distributes light from the light guide between a first observation direction and a second observation direction; a light amount varying portion for changing light amount proportions with respect to light emitted in the first observation direction and light emitted in the second observation direction; a distance detection portion that measures a second distance between the second objective lens and an object to be observed in the second observation direction; and a control portion that controls the light amount varying portion based on a second distance signal.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end portion provided at a distal end of an insertion portion; a front-view observation window for observing an insertion direction of the distal end portion, which is provided facing toward the insertion direction; a lateral-view observation window for observing a circumferential direction of the distal end portion, which is formed along the outer circumferential lateral surface and has a lateral observation field of view; a light-emitting member having an emission end surface for emitting light in a distal end direction of the distal end portion; a groove portion formed on the outer circumferential lateral surface of the distal end portion so as to be longer than the emission end surface of the light-emitting member along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential lateral surface of the distal end portion and opposed to the emission end surface, on a proximal end side with respect to the lateral-view observation window; a plurality of particles for scattering l

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.

Abstract: A surgical instrument extends through a guide tube and exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube. The instrument includes a parallel motion mechanism that changes the position of a distal end of the surgical instrument without changing the orientation of the distal end. An image capture component is at the distal end of the guide tube, and a joint allows the image capture component to move while the intermediate position remains stationary. The configuration allows a cross section of the guide tube to be oblong. In some aspects, a joint for the image capture component is placed between exit ports for surgical instruments, which allows the guide tube cross section to be further reduced.

Abstract: An insertion device and an endoscope which are inserted and extracted through a small incision and have multiple functions. A device body has grip forceps as a treatment means. A first folding back section and a second folding back section are provided at a distal portion of the device body such that the first and second folding back sections are aligned in a row in the longitudinal direction of the device body. The first folding back section and the second folding back section respectively have image obtaining means. An operation means can move the first folding back section to a folded back position in which the first folding back section is folded back relative to the second folding back section, and can also move the second folding back section to a position in which the second folding back section is folded back relative to the device body.

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a side service channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging device for endoscopy in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an annular illumination tube comprising an annular illumination fiber for illuminating a body vessel during endoscopy. The device further includes a first imaging tube comprising a first imaging fiber for gross examination and navigation through the body vessel. The first imaging fiber is disposed within the annular illumination tube. The device further comprises a second imaging tube comprising a second imaging fiber for cellular imaging. The second illumination fiber is disposed adjacent the first imaging tube and within the annular illumination tube.

Abstract: To provide an endoscope system that includes a light source, an insertion part to be inserted into a living organism for guiding a illumination light emitted from the light source and a light returned from the living organism, a deflection optical system for outwardly directing the illumination light in a radius direction of the insertion part and for introducing a light inwardly returned from the living organism in the radius direction into the insertion part, a part for capturing the returned light, a part for detecting an insertion speed of the insertion part, a part for adjusting a frame rate for the image capturing of the image capturing part based on the detected insertion speed, an image forming part for arranging acquired images at a pitch based on the insertion speed to form an image of the inside of the living organism, and a part for displaying the formed image.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an endoscope guiding externally-entering light to a transparent light-guiding body including an annular-shaped annular portion, the annular portion including inner and outer circumferential faces, and making the light exit from the annular portion as illuminating light, wherein the light-guiding body includes: a notch portion formed by cutting out a part of the annular portion so as to form a line extending perpendicularly from the outer circumferential face toward the inner circumference side of the annular portion from a line extending from a point on an outer circumference of a circle in a cross section of the annular portion; and an incident portion that allows the light to enter in a direction along the line extending from the point on the outer circumference, the direction being a direction perpendicular to a cutout surface of the notch portion provided in the annular portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging catheter is configured for insertion, optionally via a longitudinal channel of an endoscopic insertion tube. The endoscopic imaging catheter includes reflecting and optical elements and an imaging element. The reflecting element reflects onto the imaging element through the optical element side and rear views of at least a portion, or the entire 360° view of a wall encircling an intrabody lumen around the axis of said the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: A sideways viewing endoscope including: a proximal handle, an endoscope shaft having outer and inner tubes, and first and second optical component assemblies arranged in a distal region of the endoscope shaft, the optical components assemblies can be rotated with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft and are mounted against each other by an axial bearing that is disposed between the optical component assemblies and pretensioned by a pretensioning device; wherein the first optical component assembly is distally connected to the outer tube and comprises optical windows, prisms and/or lenses having a sideways viewing direction and the second optical component assembly is distally connected to the inner tube and comprises an image sensor having a straight-ahead viewing direction oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and the pretensioning device is disposed in the distal region of the endoscope shaft at the axial bearing.

Abstract: An endoscopic image pickup device includes a tubing, an image pickup module consisting of a lens and an image sensor and installed in one end of the tubing, a first light source installed in the same end of the tubing relative to the image pickup module and having an illumination range directly intersected with the image pickup range of the image pickup module, a second light source installed in the tubing and having an illumination range deviated from the illumination range of the first light source a predetermined angle and intersected with the illumination range of the first light source directly or indirectly, and a light source control means adapted for controlling on and/or off of said first light source and/or said second light source. Subject to the design that the illumination direction of the second light source is deviated from that of the first light source, the invention provides an extra illumination range, enhancing image clarity.

Abstract: A distal portion of an electronic endoscope is formed with a cutaway portion and a distal end surface. The distal portion is provided with side-viewing and front-viewing capturing optical systems. The side-viewing capturing optical system has a side-viewing objective lens, a prism with a half mirror surface, and a varifocal lens. Light incident on the half-mirror surface from the side-viewing objective lens is reflected to be incident on a CCD through the varifocal lens. Moving the varifocal lens allows the side-viewing capturing optical system to switch from normal observation to magnifying observation and vice versa. In the magnifying observation, a best focus position resides on an extension, of an outer circumferential surface of the distal portion, facing the cutaway portion.

Abstract: A capsule medical apparatus to be introduced into a subject includes a tissue collecting unit that collects in-vivo tissue; a storage unit that stores therein the in-vivo tissue that is collected by the tissue collecting unit; a liquid storing unit that stores therein liquid for suppressing autolysis of in-vivo tissue; a liquid supplying unit that supplies the liquid in the liquid storing unit to the storage unit; and a control unit that allows, in response to an instruction to start collecting the in-vivo tissue, the tissue collecting unit to collect desired in-vivo tissue and to store the collected in-vivo tissue in the storage unit and that then allows the liquid supplying unit to supply the liquid to the storage unit and makes the storage unit be in a liquid-tight state.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein is related to a system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid (i.e., scattering) materials utilizing multiple channels of information. The multiple channels of information may be comprised and encompass spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein is related to methods and apparatus for utilizing optical sources, systems or receivers capable of providing (source), processing (system) or recording (receiver) a multiplicity of channels of spectral information for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials. In these methods and apparatus the multiplicity of channels of spectral information that can be provided by the source, processed by the system, or recorded by the receiver are used to convey simultaneously spatial, spectral or polarimetric information relating to the turbid material being imaged tomographically.

Abstract: An ingestible scanning device includes, in an embodiment, a capsule housing having a transparent window and sized so as to be ingestible, a photo-sensing array located within the capsule housing, a mirror located within the housing and oriented to direct an image from a surface outside the transparent window to the photo-sensing array, and a light source for illuminating the surface outside the transparent window.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an elongated insertion portion provided with a bendable bending portion, the insertion portion being inserted into a duodenum; and a first balloon to a fourth balloon for moving a one-side surface of a distal end portion located nearer to a distal end side than the bending portion in the insertion portion in parallel with respect to a field of view direction S of an objective lens which is a diameter direction of the insertion portion, separately from bending of the bending portion, the one-side surface being located in a circumferential direction along an insertion direction W of the insertion portion and parallel to a central axis P of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes: an image pickup unit incorporated in a medical instrument body for picking up an image of the subject to be examined from an observation window; an airflow generating unit provided rotatably with respect to the medical instrument body so as to cover the image pickup unit by a covering unit having an opening formed therein, the airflow generating unit being configured to generate an airflow for preventing adherents from sticking to the observation window, by rotation of the covering unit; a fixing unit for indwelling and fixing the medical instrument body inside the subject to be examined; and a drive unit incorporated in the medical instrument body, for driving the airflow generation unit.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a cylindrical transparent cover whose observation window in a cylindrical part is transparent, a body part that has a cylindrical part provided continuously to the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, a lens holder that revolves about a center axis of the transparent cover in an inside of the transparent cover and the body part and that moves in a direction of the center axis, an objective mirror that is provided in the lens holder and that reflects, toward the body part, light entering through an objective lens provided at a position facing the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, an imaging device that receives light reflected from the objective mirror and that converts the light into an electric signal, and a driving section provided inside the body part and that drives and revolves the lens holder.

Abstract: An endoscope adapter including a light emitting diode includes: a detachable portion to be attached to an adapter attaching portion provided on a distal end portion of an insertion portion, the insertion portion including inside thereof at least one image-forming optical system; an adapter main body including an adapter side observation optical system whose optical axis is coincident with an optical axis of the image-forming optical system; a contact pin which enables power supply to the light emitting diode to be turned on when the detachable portion is attached to the adapter attaching portion; and a resistor arranged in a space formed in the endoscope adapter to determine a type of the endoscope adapter.

Abstract: In an image pickup unit, a first optical system holding frame has a hole axis orthogonal to an optical axis of photographing light made incident on a first object lens group, and a through-hole portion through which a second optical system holding frame can be inserted and arranged is formed in the first optical system holding frame and the first optical system holding frame and the second optical system holding frame are set relatively movable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing light made incident on the first object lens group and the second optical system holding frame and a third optical system holding frame are set relatively movable in a direction along the optical axis of the photographing light made incident on a solid-state image pickup device such that predetermined optical performance adjustment can be performed during assembly.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a side viewing observation section and a forward viewing observation section provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion which is inserted into an observation target for acquiring subject images of an observation target in a circumferential direction and an insertion direction of the insertion portion, respectively, a shielding section located within a viewing field of the side viewing observation section for shielding light from the subject entering the side viewing observation section and a protruding member protruding from the insertion portion arranged in a shielding region formed by the shielding section. The protruding member includes at least a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the forward viewing observation section and/or the side viewing observation section.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope which acquires a front field-of-view image and a lateral field-of-view image of an object of observation; a detecting section which has a function capable of detecting whether a treatment instrument is used or not in the endoscope based on a notification signal which is outputted when the treatment instrument is inserted into the endoscope; and an image processing section. The image processing section generates an observation image including the front field-of-view image and the lateral field-of-view image within the same screen, displays a magnified image of one field-of-view image out of the front field-of-view image and the lateral field-of-view image on a display, and performs adjacent part display processing of displaying only a part of the one field-of-view image which is adjacent to the other field-of-view image or image compression processing of displaying a compressed image of the other field-of-view image on the display.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is disclosed, which includes a tube body, a cover, a first image capture module, a second image capture module and a connecting tube. The first image capture module captures an image with a first view, and the second image capture module captures an image with a second view. A first flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed inside the tube body, and a second flexible PCB is disposed inside the connecting tube. The connecting tube is connected with the tube body via the connecting between the first flexible PCB and the second flexible PCB, so as to transmit the images captured by the first image capture module or the second image capture module.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end portion provided at a distal end of an insertion portion; a front-view observation window for observing an insertion direction of the distal end portion, which is provided facing toward the insertion direction; a lateral-view observation window for observing a circumferential direction of the distal end portion, which is formed along the outer circumferential lateral surface and has a lateral observation field of view; a light-emitting member having an emission end surface for emitting light in a distal end direction of the distal end portion; a groove portion formed on the outer circumferential lateral surface of the distal end portion so as to be longer than the emission end surface of the light-emitting member along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential lateral surface of the distal end portion and opposed to the emission end surface, on a proximal end side with respect to the lateral-view observation window; a plurality of particles for scattering l

Abstract: A side-viewing endoscope structure includes a front tubular section, an intermediate tubular section, a rear cap and an optical imaging unit. The front tubular section includes a tube, a reflector holder, and a reflector. The tube includes a main body and a coupling portion. The reflector holder is fitted in the main body of the tube and provided on one side of an outer wall surface thereof. The reflector is arranged on the reflector holder. A length of the intermediate tubular section has a reduced outer diameter to match the coupling portion. The rear cap has a rear wall provided with a cable hole. The optical imaging unit is located in the intermediate tubular section and the rear cap, and includes a flexible printed circuit board, a camera lens, a light source and a cable so as to transmit images.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes a distal end main body portion provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, a disposing hole having a first space and a second space that is formed in the distal end main body portion, and an objective lens. The endoscope also includes an image pickup unit that is provided inside disposing hole such that objective lens faces a second opening and that has a shape formed along a part of first space and second space. Image pickup unit is fixed inside disposing hole by a screw that is inserted into distal end main body portion through a screw hole formed in distal end main body portion at an intersecting region between first space and second space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, and a mirror, is provided. The first transmitter emits a beam of radiant light from the first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end in a direction perpendicular to an emission direction. The mirror is arranged from the first emission end to the first direction. The mirror comprises a through-part and a reflection surface. The radiant light emitted from the first emission end passes through the through-part when the first emission end is within a first circumference. The reflection surface reflects the radiant light emitted from the first emission end toward the observation area around the first straight line when the first emission end is outside of the first circumference.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scanning system that uses uniform rotary motion of an optical reflector to create reciprocal linear scanning. The system converts uniform rotation into uniform longitudinal scanning. The system thereby creates mechanical reciprocal linear scanning free of reciprocally moving mechanical parts common in conventional scanning systems. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the scanning system is incorporated within an imaging catheter for medical scanning. The optical reflector is rotatable and includes a spiral reflecting portion. The spiral reflecting portion may be a single uniform reflecting surface or may include several reflection surfaces arranged in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of surgical instruments. The inventive trocar (1) is of the type comprising a rigid tube (2) wherein may slide a rod (3) with a perforating distal tip, and it is characterized in the distal tip zone of the rod forms a perforating drill capable of rotating on its axis while the distal end of the tube is divided into at least two segments (10, 11), with helical cutting edge. The invention is applicable in particular to bone biopsy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a side-viewing endoscope structure including a front tubular section, an intermediate tubular section, a rear cap and an optical imaging unit. The front tubular section includes a tube, a reflector holder, and a reflector. The tube includes a main body and a coupling portion. The reflector holder is fitted in the main body of the tube and provided on one side of an outer wall surface thereof. The reflector is arranged on the reflector holder. A length of the intermediate tubular section has a reduced outer diameter to match the coupling portion. The rear cap has a rear wall provided with a cable hole. The optical imaging unit is located in the intermediate tubular section and the rear cap, and includes a flexible printed circuit board, a camera lens, a light source and a cable so as to transmit images.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for transluminally accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transluminal access device adapted to be inserted through a body lumen is provided and can include an inner shaft having an opening at its distal end and adapted to be positioned adjacent to an inner wall of a body lumen. The inner shaft can include one or more sealing mechanisms, such as one or more seals with suction ports formed thereon for isolating a portion of a body lumen. The isolated portion may be sterilized and serve as an access point or otomy site for penetrating the wall of the body lumen to access a body cavity.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope 2 includes a partial-image acquiring unit that has a field of vision of 360° around a central axis in a longitudinal direction (moving direction), and acquires a plurality of partial image data on inner circumferential areas 28a, 28b and the like according to a movement of the capsule endoscope 2. On the other hand, the capsule endoscope 2 is configured to acquire position related data based on which positions Z(t1) and Z(t2) at which the respective partial image data is acquired can be calculated, and enables a receiving apparatus or the like to constitute overall image data based on the partial image data and the position related data, whereby an overall image of a predetermined imaging target in a body of a subject is acquired with simple constitution while suppressing an increase in data amount.

Abstract: An endoscope attachment enables an endoscope to capture images of areas in front and at the sides of the endoscope. The endoscope attachment has a transparent attaching part which is used to attach the endoscope attachment to a probe of the endoscope and has two through-holes. A cylindrical transparent image capturing part is used to enable a camera of the probe to capture images and has a trumpet-shaped second mirror on the outer wall of the image capturing part and a wide angle lens with a hyperboloid in the image capturing part. A first mirror is formed at a part of the hyperboloid of the wide angle lens.

Abstract: A viewing instrument with a variable direction of view is disclosed generally comprising an outer instrument shaft, such as endoscope shaft, with a viewing element at its distal end, and an inner drive shaft within the outer shaft for moving the viewing element in order to change the direction of the view vector. First and second on-board actuators, such as motors, are arranged in the proximal portion of the instrument for rotating the outer and inner shaft, respectively, in order to rotate the viewing element through two degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, the axes of the shafts are coincident, and the viewing element rotates about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to shaft axes. In some embodiments, the axes of the motors are substantially parallel.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device with a curved reflective element and for example a concave portion of an outer shell of such device. Such curved reflective element may for example reflect onto an image sensor light rays from an object where such light rays before reflection are substantially parallel to the plane of the image sensor. An in vivo imaging device with a reflective surface situated at an angle to an image sensor of such imaging device. Such an angle may be for example a 45 degree angle so that light rays that are substantially parallel to a plain of an image sensor of an imaging device may for example be reflected by the reflective surface onto the image sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods. One embodiment includes a method for imaging an endometrial cavity, including acquiring a plurality of images using an imaging system. A first part of the imaging system is positioned within the endometrial cavity. At least portions of two or more of the images are combined into a representation of at least a portion of the endometrial cavity. The combining at least portions of two of the images may include determining any motion of the first part of the imaging system, between the two or more of the images. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An elongated probe to be inserted into a tube which is open at a distal end portion of an insertion section of an endoscope includes a sheath constituting the outer circumferential surface of the optical probe, an optical fiber laid in the internal space of the sheath along the longitudinal direction of the sheath, and a deflection scanning means disposed in the internal space of the sheath to deflect light outputted from the optical fiber and is rotated around an axis line extending in the longitudinal direction to scan the deflected light in a circumferential direction of the axis line. A plurality of light transmission sections for transmitting the scanning light is provided, each formed flat on the outer surface, on a side wall of the sheath along the circumferential direction.

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: Certain embodiments include an endoscope and methods for imaging using the endoscope. The endoscope may include an imaging channel and a tip positioned at one end of the imaging channel, the tip adapted to collect light from a field of view that extends 360° around at least a portion of the endoscope and to transmit the light to the imaging channel. Certain embodiments may also utilize various sensors, controllers and processing mechanisms to record and process images into a representation, move the endoscope in and out of the endometrial cavity, and to biopsy a portion of the endometrium.