Abstract: A device for maintaining an optical path of an optical imaging system free of fog includes an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end, a near-infrared (NIR) light-absorbing optical window disposed at the distal end, and an optical system disposed along the optical path. The device also includes a coupling module coupled to the elongated member at the proximal end and configured to transmit near-infrared light to the NIR light-absorbing optical window along the optical path and receive a light beam from an area of interest along the optical path.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit configured to acquire a first fluorescence image captured between a timing when a first drug is administered and a first timing when a second drug is administered and a fluorescence intensity of a predetermined region starts to increase, and a second fluorescence image captured after the first timing and generate an output image in which fluorescence generated by the second drug is enhanced on a basis of the first fluorescence image and the second fluorescence image.

Abstract: An endoscopic image processing apparatus is configured to generate a display image including one main screen and one or more sub-screens smaller than the main screen for displaying an endoscopic image obtained by picking up an image of an object in a subject with an endoscope. The endoscopic image processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor receives the endoscopic image and detects one or more lesion candidate regions included in the endoscopic image, highlights a position of the lesion candidate region, and sets, based on any one of a state of the lesion candidate region, a work state of a user who performs work using the endoscope, or a display state of the display image, a highlighting method in highlighting a position of the lesion candidate region included in at least one of the main screen or the sub-screen.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a sensor that can detect a conductive member. Based on a detection result of the conductive member by the sensor, the endoscope can switch between a normal operation mode and an energy-saving operation mode in which power consumption is smaller than power consumption in the normal operation mode.

Abstract: A light source includes a first LED in communication with a first DAC; a second LED in communication with a second DAC; a third LED in communication with a third DAC; a color sensor capable of sensing light in the visible light spectrum; and one or more processors configured for: receiving color intensity values from the color sensor, determining whether the color intensity values are balanced to achieve white light, adjusting the current to the second DAC and third DAC until the color intensity levels are balanced to achieve white light at a combined intensity level, setting a new red LED current value, a new green LED current value, and a new blue LED current value to adjust the combined intensity level toward a target intensity level, and repeating the setting step until the target intensity level is achieved.

Abstract: In one aspect, an optical system for delivering light into an optical fiber is disclosed, which comprises a phosphor-converted white light source for generating white light, a red light emitting diode (LED) for generating red light, and a light-delivery system for delivering at least a portion of said white light and said red light into an input port of an optical fiber.

Abstract: A luminal navigation system including a catheter including a sensor and a pod including a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device transmitting data received from the sensor.

Abstract: An endoscope distal end cover (10) is a cover for protecting a distal end (20t) of an endoscope (20) which has an observation window at the distal end, including: a synthetic polymer film (13) which is to be located over the observation window (32) when the endoscope distal end cover is attached to the distal end of the endoscope, wherein the synthetic polymer film has a surface which includes a plurality of raised portions, when viewed in a normal direction of the synthetic polymer film, a two-dimensional size of the plurality of raised portions is in the range of more than 20 nm and less than 500 nm, and a static contact angle of water with respect to the surface is not less than 150°, and a static contact angle of hexadecane with respect to the surface is not less than 60°.

Abstract: An endoscope system capable of easily measuring a size of a subject is provided. In the endoscope system, since an index figure indicating an actual size of a specific region of a test object is displayed together with an image of the subject, a user can measure the specific region easily by comparing the specific region with a marker. Since the size of the index figure is set in accordance with a spot position, there is no need for distance measurement, a device configuration is simple, and measurement can be quickly and easily performed. In addition, a specific value of the “actual size” can be set in accordance with conditions, such as the type of test object and the purposes of measurement. Additionally, an affected region can be the specific region in a case where the test object is a living body.

Abstract: A system for providing on-demand functionality during a medical procedure includes an instrument, an accessory, and a mounting device attached to one or more of the instrument and the accessory. The instrument includes an instrument body and an end effector. The end effector providing a first functionality. The accessory providing a second functionality. The mounting device removably couples the accessory to the instrument to augment the first functionality with the second functionality. In one example, the end effector includes jaws to provide a surgical functionality, and the first accessory includes a camera to provide a complementary monitoring functionality. In another example, the mounting device includes a mechanical mechanism and/or a magnetic mechanism for removably coupling the accessory to the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system for use in a light deficient environment includes an imaging device having a tube, one or more image sensors, and a lens assembly including at least one optical elements that corresponds to the one or more image sensors. The endoscopic system includes a display for a user to visualize a scene and an image signal processing controller. The endoscopic system includes a light engine having an illumination source generating one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation and a lumen transmitting one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation to a distal tip of an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a processor configured to generate a clock at predetermined timing, a light source apparatus configured to irradiate white light and excitation light in a time division manner in synchronization with the clock, and an endoscope configured to perform image pickup based on irradiation timing of the light source apparatus. The processor generates a first white light image at a first clock, generates a first fluorescent image at a second clock, generates a second white light image at a third clock, and generates a third white light image at a fourth clock and superimposes the second white light image and the first fluorescent image at the fourth clock and superimposes the third white light image and the first fluorescent image at a fifth clock.

Abstract: An illumination system for an endoscope has a plurality of light assemblies, including a red assembly with a red light source, a blue assembly with a blue light source, a green assembly with a green light source, and an infrared (IR) assembly with an IR light source. Each light assembly further includes an output beam shape adjuster configured to receive an output beam from the respective light source and adjust the beam angular profile, and an output beam angle adjuster configured to receive a beam from the output beam shape adjuster and adjust the output beam angle. A plurality of dichroic plates are configured to combine output beams of the red assembly, the blue assembly, the green assembly, and the IR assembly.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes an illumination light generator configured to generate illumination pulses of coherent light, and a speckle modulator configured to modulate speckle caused by the coherent light. The illumination pulse generator repeatedly generates a single illumination pulse group including a plurality of illumination pulses as a repetitive illumination pulse group.

Abstract: An endoscope, especially a mediastinoscope, includes an elongated shaft and a head piece situated at a proximal end section of the shaft, wherein a heat source is arranged in the head piece. At least one heat pipe extends inside the shaft, wherein a proximal end section of the at least one heat pipe is thermally coupled to the heat source and the endoscope includes an optical system which is closed by a cover glass arranged in a distal end section of the shaft. The heat source is a light source for generating an illumination radiation. The at least one heat pipe extends in the distal direction as far as the distal end section of the shaft, and at least one distal end section of the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the distal end section of the shaft.

Abstract: In one aspect, an optical system for delivering light into an optical fiber is disclosed, which comprises a phosphor-converted white light source for generating white light, a red light emitting diode (LED) for generating red light, and a light-delivery system for delivering at least a portion of said white light and said red light into an input port of an optical fiber.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes receiving images of a site captured at a same time by a camera, generating, based one or more of the images, a monochromatic image, generating, based on one or more of the images, an alternate image representative of an alternate imaging characteristic of the site, and displaying the displaying the monochromatic image combined with the alternate image, the alternate image being highlighted relative to the monochromatic image.

Abstract: Speckle removal in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes a coherent light source for emitting pulses of coherent light, a fiber optic bundle connected to the coherent light source, and a vibrating mechanism attached to the fiber optic bundle. The system includes and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of coherent light emitted by the coherent light source comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes an image processor configured to: receive a plurality of first image data captured at different times and generated by illumination of light in a first wavelength band in sequence; receive a plurality of second image data captured at different times and generated by illumination of light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in sequence; generate first and second images based on the received first and second image data, respectively; and output the generated first image and second image to a display in chronological order of the first and second images and in accordance with a preset display pattern of the first and second images.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope including a main body including a coupler to which a cable is attached, a tubular section having a tubular form, a reflector having a reflection surface that reflects light introduced from the coupler to inside of the main body and introduces the light to inside of the tubular section, a first optical system that transmits the light introduced by the reflector to the inside of the tubular section to a front-end portion of the tubular section and irradiates a subject with the light from the front-end portion, and a second optical system that transmits reflected light of the subject from the front-end portion of the tubular section to the main body side. The coupler is provided to be rotatable in the main body around a central axis of the tubular section with respect to another portion. The cable is coupled to a light source.

Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.

Abstract: An imaging instrument comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a camera disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible shaft, and a housing coupled to a proximal end of the elongate flexible shaft. The instrument also includes a light emitting diode (LED) within the housing and a heat dissipation system in thermal communication with the LED to transfer heat produced by the LED away from the housing.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide a device and method for an integrated white colored electromagnetic radiation source using a combination of laser diode excitation sources based on gallium and nitrogen containing materials and light emitting source based on phosphor materials. A violet, blue, or other wavelength laser diode source based on gallium and nitrogen materials may be closely integrated with phosphor materials, such as yellow phosphors, to form a compact, high-brightness, and highly-efficient, white light source.

Abstract: An endoscope light emitting device (1) is a light emitting device for use in a fluorescence imaging method. The endoscope light emitting device includes: a solid-state light emitting element (2); and a wavelength converter (3) including a first phosphor (4) that emits first wavelength-converted light (7), wherein the first wavelength-converted light has a light component across at least a whole of a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 800 nm or less. An endoscope (11) includes the endoscope light emitting device. A fluorescence imaging method is a method using the endoscope light emitting device or the endoscope, and includes the steps of: administering a fluorescent drug to a subject; and applying the first wavelength-converted light (7) to the subject with whom the fluorescent drug has made contact.

Abstract: A light source system includes an illumination device configured to generate illumination light, and a light source module having a function of supplying light to the illumination device and configured to be detachably attached to the illumination device. The illumination device includes a first light source and a first storage configured to store characteristic information of the first light source. The light source module includes a second light source and a second storage configured to store characteristic information of the second light source. The illumination device includes a control circuit configured to determine a driving condition of at least one of the first and second light sources, based on the characteristic information of the first and second light sources.

Abstract: An optical connection module for an endoscope includes: an optical fiber having a fiber end surface and configured to guide a part of emitted light emitted from a light source and incident on the fiber end surface; a ferrule having a ferrule end surface with an opening of a through-hole into which the optical fiber is inserted, the ferrule including a scatterer configured to scatter, in an inside of the ferrule, a part of the emitted light incident on the ferrule end surface, the ferrule being configured to emit scattered light generated by scattering from a side surface; and an optical sensor arranged in the periphery of the side surface of the ferrule and configured to receive the scattered light.

Abstract: In one aspect, an optical system for delivering light into an optical fiber is disclosed, which comprises a phosphor-converted white light source for generating white light, a red light emitting diode (LED) for generating red light, and a light-delivery system for delivering at least a portion of said white light and said red light into an input port of an optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for generating light from a medical light source includes emitting light in a visible wavelength spectrum from a first light of the medical light source, emitting light in a first infrared spectrum from a first light emitter of a second light, redirecting light emitted from the first light emitter by at least one optical element of the second light, emitting light in a second infrared spectrum from a second light emitter of the second light, and redirecting the light emitted from the second light emitter by the at least one optical element of the second light.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a medical imaging device, comprising a handle adapted to operate and maneuver the medical imaging device, an elongated rigid shaft connected to the handle, and an extendible sleeve configured to cover at least a portion of the elongated rigid shaft. The extendible sleeve comprises a rigid section comprising at least one optical gear and an extendible section, wherein extending the extendible section pushes the rigid section along a longitudinal axis of the elongated rigid shaft, and wherein sliding the rigid section over the elongated shaft changes the at least one optical gear field of view to provide a different linear field of view in an object space.

Abstract: A display device according to the present invention comprises: a light source configured to emit light in a manner capable of changing an emission direction as needed within a predetermined irradiation region; a first screen located in said irradiation region; a first reflective unit disposed closer to said light source than said first screen; a second reflective unit disposed at a position where the light reflected by said first reflective unit reaches; and a second screen disposed at a position where the light reflected by said second reflective unit reaches.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for fluorescence imaging with a minimal area image sensor are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises active pixels and optical black pixels. The system includes a black clamp circuit providing offset control for data generated by the pixel array. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes: an normal light image acquisition unit that acquires an normal light image; a special light image acquisition unit that acquires a special light image; a blended image generation unit that generates a blend image by combining one color component image from among a plurality of color component images constituting the normal light image and the special light image; and a superimposed image generation unit that generates a color superimposed image by combining the blended image with another color component image. The blended image generation unit generates the blended image by replacing a part of the pixels of the one color component image with the corresponding pixels of the special light image such that they are blended in a substantially uniform distribution over the entire blended image.

Abstract: A laryngoscope device with an elongate handle includes a video laryngoscope blade with a camera mounted transversely on a first end of the handle and one or more pivot assemblies coupling a display monitor on an opposing second end of the handle. Each pivot assembly includes a pivot coupling defining a respective axis of rotation of the display monitor relative to the handle and a motor for controlling angular position of the display monitor relative to the handle about the respective axis. A sensor device is arranged to detect movement of the display monitor away from a target orientation such that a controller having the target orientation stored thereon can be adapted to operate the motor to return the display monitor to the target orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a free-space optical communications system that may make use of a controller and a digital micro mirror (DMM) assembly in communication with the controller. The DMM may have a plurality of independently controllable micromirror elements forming both an emitter and a receiver. A laser is included which is configured to generate an optical beam which may be applied to select ones of the first subpluralities of micromirror elements to generate a transmitted free space optical signal along a selected vector. A detector is included for receiving an incoming free space optical signal imaged by at least one of the micromirror elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member including a proximal region and a distal region. The elongate member can further include a handle at the proximal region and a tip at the distal region. The tip can include one or more openings, wherein one of the one or more openings at least partially houses an illumination unit. The illumination unit may further comprise a light source, a near-field diffuser proximate to the light source, and a far-field aperture proximate to the light source.

Abstract: An image pickup system includes a light source apparatus and a light-source control section performing first control for setting a duty width and perform second control for, after the duty width is set to a minimum duty width by the first control, changing supply timing of the illumination light not to supply the illumination light in a period other than the period where the light amount control by the PWM is permitted and to supply, in the period where the light amount control by the PWM is permitted, light having a light amount integrated value equal to a light amount integrated value supplied in the period other than the period where the light amount control by the PWM is permitted, and an image pickup apparatus, where data representing a driving current value after the change of the supply timing and a value of the pulse width is stored.

Abstract: An endoscope has an imaging unit at a tip portion of an insertion unit to be inserted into a body cavity, and the imaging unit includes: a solid-state imaging device which is disposed in such a manner that a photodetecting surface thereof crosses a longitudinal direction of the insertion unit and which performs photoelectric conversion on an optical image formed on the photodetecting surface; a circuit board having a connection surface which is opposed to a surface, opposite to the photodetecting surface and formed with connection terminals, of the solid-state imaging device and which serves for electrical connection to the connection terminals of the solid-state imaging device, wherein the circuit board is a rigid board that is L-shaped as defined herein; and a first leg and a second leg that constitute the L-shaped circuit board and are perpendicular to each other are provided as defined herein.

Abstract: A medical image acquisition system includes an imaging device and an image processing device. The imaging device includes: an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal so as to generate the imaging signal; an optical unit including a focus mechanism moving one or a plurality of lenses so as to adjust a focal point position, and configured to form an optical image on the imaging unit; a memory configured to store therein unique information of the imaging device; and an auto focus controller configured to totally control the imaging device. The image processing device includes an auto focus evaluation unit configured to perform focusing evaluation based on the imaging signal, and the auto focus controller controls driving of the focus mechanism by referring to the unique information in accordance with an evaluation result by the auto focus evaluation unit.

Abstract: Ring illuminated surgical cameras and scopes having a ring lens and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs set behind an electronic imaging sensor (camera) and positioned radially about the longitudinal axis of the lens and/or scope.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion. First and second electronic instruments are located in the insertion portion and are supplied with drive power from different systems. A plurality of power limiting portions limit the drive power supplied to the first and second electronic instruments, respectively, via mutually different systems. First and second wirings, at least a portion of which are located inside the insertion portion, connect respective power limiting portions with the respective ones of the first and second electronic instruments. A ground conductor extends from one end of the insertion portion to the other end of the insertion portion and is connected between a first connection connecting the first electronic instrument and the first wiring and a second connection connecting the second electronic instrument and the second wiring.

Abstract: An observation system includes: a light source portion configured to generate light of a first wavelength band, and light of a second wavelength band; an emphasizing processing portion configured to perform processing for highlighting a structure positioned in a layer of a predetermined depth in the biological tissue, to an image obtained by picking up an image of return light from the biological tissue; a selecting portion configured to change an emphasis amount; and a control portion configured to increase a ratio of a light quantity of the light of the second wavelength band to the light quantity of the light of the first wavelength band when the emphasis amount is increased, or decrease the ratio of the light quantity of the light of the second wavelength band to the light quantity of the light of the first wavelength band when the emphasis amount is decreased.

Abstract: A lamp is provided. The lamp includes a transparent envelope for emitting light, and an RFID tag coupled to a portion of the transparent envelope.

Abstract: A speculum includes an upper blade, a lower blade, a link member, a handle portion, a curved portion, and a light source. The link member connects the upper blade and the lower blade to allow the upper blade and the lower blade to move between an open state and a close state. The curved portion connects the lower blade and the handle portion. The light source is disposed on the curved portion.

Abstract: A method to encode and decode a digital fingerprint code by an identification encoder and an identification decoder wherein the digital fingerprint code includes a plurality of N-bit data embedded on a set of curves by changed thicknesses in the curves.

Abstract: An observation device includes a light source unit capable of adjusting a quantity of 390-490 nm illuminating light according to a B1 range and a B2 range having a longer wavelength than the B1 range, and an imaging element that images reflected light from a subject irradiated with illuminating light. The light source unit changes the light quantity ratio of the B1 range to the B2 range depending on whether white light imaging is conducted or narrow band imaging is conducted. The imaging element includes RGB color filters arranged according to pixels and the R color filter transmits more light in an R range and the B1 range than light in the second B range and has a spectral characteristic that satisfies a predetermined conditional formulae.

Abstract: The Pedicle Endoscope represents a new way to image the insertion of screws in vertebrae with the aid of fiber optics. The endoscope can operate in the visible and infrared spectra and is used in conjunction with a polyaxial or multiaxial screwdriver assembly. The mechanical assembly is comprised of a screwdriver, a polyaxial or multiaxial shaft, and a pedicle screw. The polyaxial shaft is inserted in the screwdriver and this assembly couples with the pedicle screw. Once this mechanical assembly is integrated, the endoscope is inserted through a bore that runs along the polyaxial shaft and the pedicle screw and it comes out of the screw tip, imaging the progression of the screw as it penetrates the incision in the vertebra. The endoscope consists of three fiber cores, one for imaging and two for illumination and a conduit for irrigation and air suction.

Abstract: An endoscope with adjustable viewing angle, in which the viewing angle can pivot around a pivot axis, includes a fixed reflecting surface for reflecting illuminating light from a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope to a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the viewing angle and a pivotable reflecting surface for reflecting illuminating light from a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the viewing angle to the viewing angle for illuminating an object observed by the endoscope, such that at least either the fixed reflecting surface or the pivotable reflecting surface is curved.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for acquiring and projecting a broadband image. The apparatus includes a probe unit provided with a white light source unit configured to emit white light for acquiring a visible light image to a subject, a fluorescence excitation light source unit configured to emit fluorescence excitation light for acquiring an invisible light fluorescence image, an image acquisition unit configured to receive an invisible light fluorescence image signal for the subject, and an image projection unit configured to project an image onto the subject; and an image processing unit configured to process an image received from the image acquisition unit. This apparatus may simultaneously acquire and display the visible light image and the invisible light fluorescence image.

Abstract: An endoscopic device that irradiates a plurality of illuminating lights having different spectrums from each other onto a subject at a front edge of an endoscope inserting module and captures the subject to obtain an observation image, includes an illuminating module that generates the plurality of illuminating lights, an imaging module that captures the subject and outputs an image signal of the observation image, a light intensity ratio control module that controls the illuminating module to irradiate the plurality of illuminating lights onto the subject with a set light intensity ratio by setting the light intensity ratio of the plurality of illuminating lights for every observation image, and a color tone correcting module that corrects the color tone of the image signal so as to obtain the observation image with substantially a same color tone even though the light intensity ratio is changed.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a cooling device configured to be able to cool a semiconductor light-emitting device, a light-emitting device drive section that supplies a semiconductor light-emitting device drive signal to the semiconductor light-emitting device, a cooling device drive section that supplies a cooling device drive signal to the cooling device, a semiconductor light-emitting device drive control section that sets a duty ratio of the semiconductor light-emitting device drive signal and controls an amount of light emission of the semiconductor light-emitting device, and a cooling device drive control section that generates the cooling device drive signal having a same duty ratio as the duty ratio of the semiconductor light-emitting device drive signal and having timing synchronized with the semiconductor light-emitting device drive signal and adjusts a signal level of the cooling device drive signal based on a measurement result of a temperature of the semiconductor light-emitting device.