Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed having an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The body portion is formed from a plastically deformable material such that the body portion can be bent between the proximal and distal ends from a first configuration to a second bent configuration and maintains the bent configuration. A flexible circuit having at least a pair of lead wires disposed around the body portion. The pair of lead wires are configured to conform to the bent configuration of the body portion such that they do not break during bending of the body portion. A tracking device adapted to cooperate with a navigation system to track the distal end of the instrument is coupled to the flexible circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining a ratio of hemoglobin absorption within a biological tissue using a handheld device is provided. The method includes focusing at least one light pulse into a predetermined area inside an object using at least one excitation wavelength, wherein a fluorescence signal is based on at least a local excitation optical fluence and properties of fluorophores in the predetermined area. The method further includes receiving a photoacoustic signal emitted by the object in response to the at least one light pulse, the photoacoustic signal being a product of the local excitation optical fluence, an optical absorption coefficient of hemoglobin, and an acoustic detection sensitivity. The method further includes determining the ratio of hemoglobin absorption based on a hemoglobin absorption coefficient that is based at least partially on the fluorescence signal and the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may determine physiological information, such as physiological rate information, from a physiological signal. The system may receive a calculated value indicative of a period associated with a physiological rate. The system may generated a first sorted difference signal based on a segment of the physiological signal having a size corresponding to the period. The system may generate second and third sorted difference signals based on segments of the physiological signal having sizes corresponding to a fraction of the period and a multiple of the period. The system may analyze the first, second, and third sorted difference signals, and qualify or disqualify the calculated value based on the analysis.

Abstract: A physiological measurement system is disclosed which can take a pulse oximetry signal such as a photoplethysmogram from a patient and then analyse the signal to measure physiological parameters including respiration, pulse, oxygen saturation and movement. The system comprises a pulse oximeter which includes a light emitting device and a photodetector attachable to a subject to obtain a pulse oximetry signal; analogue to digital converter means arranged to convert said pulse oximetry signal into a digital pulse oximetry signal; signal processing means suitable to receive said digital pulse oximetry signal and arranged to decompose that signal by wavelet transform means; feature extraction means arranged to derive physiological information from the decomposed signal; an analyser component arranged to collect information from the feature extraction means; and data output means arranged in communication with the analyser component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting and monitoring ingredients or properties of a measurement medium, for example physiological blood values, wherein said device contains a light source (20) for generating broad-spectrum measurement light (2) and for acting on a measurement area (3), and means (9) for fanning out the analysis light (4) reflected by the measurement area (3). The device also has a sensor array (11) for picking up the fanned light. The sensor array (11), the light source (20) and the means for dispersing the analysis light (4) are arranged as a compact unit in a housing.

Abstract: In-vivo optical molecular imaging methods for producing an image of an animal are described. A time series of image data sets of an optical contrast substance in the animal is acquired using an optical detector Each image data set is obtained at a selected time and has the same plurality of pixels, with each pixel having an associated value. The image data sets are analyzed to identify a plurality of distinctive time courses, and respective pixel sets are determined from the plurality of pixels which correspond to each of the time courses. In one embodiment, each pixel set is associated with an identified anatomical or other structure, and an anatomical image map of the animal can be generated which includes one or more of the anatomical structures.

Abstract: A tissue oximetry device utilizes at least three or at least four different wavelengths of light for collection of reflectance data where the different wavelengths are longer than 730 nanometers. The three or four wavelengths are utilized to generate a range of reflectance data suited for accurate determination of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. The relatively long wavelengths decrease optical interference from certain dyes, particularly methylene blue and PVPI, which may be present on tissue being analyzed for viability and further enhance the generation of accurate reflectance data. The wavelengths are 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, and 850 nanometers, or 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, 850 nanometers, and 900 nanometers.

Abstract: There is provided an operation method of an optical distance measurement system including a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is configured to detect a finger distance. The second mode is configured to detect a physiological characteristic, wherein the optical distance measurement system transfers from the first mode to the second mode when the finger distance is within a predetermined range. There is further provided an optical distance measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of separating/removing the influence of skin blood flow contained in near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals and extracting a brain- or brain cortex-origin signal. Moreover, the present invention enables versatile separation of brain-origin and skin-origin signals in view of differences among individuals. A biological photometric device, wherein light transmitters and light receivers are located in such a manner that measurement can be conducted at a plurality of source-detector (SD) distances and light received by the individual light-receivers can pass through the gray matter to thereby separate a brain-origin signal and a skin-origin signal. Individual component analysis (ICA) is conducted on data obtained at the individual measurement points. Then, it is determined whether each individual component originates in the brain or in the skin with the use of the SD distance-dependency of the weighted value of each of the separated components.

Abstract: A multi-axis force sensing apparatus that is installed at an operational end of a surgery robot and is capable of measuring force acting upon the operational end and a robot arm including the force sensing apparatus includes a body that is elastically deformable and has a pipe form extending along an axial direction of the body, an optical fiber strain gauge attached to a surface of the body to measure a tension and compression of the body in at least three directions. The optical fiber strain gauge may include at least three fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that are attached to the surface of the body and extended in an axial direction of the body, a light source providing light to each of the FBGs, and a light detector detecting light reflected by the FBGs or light that has passed through the FBGs.

Abstract: A diagnostic system comprises a spectral image pickup means that picks up a spectral image in a predetermined wavelength region in a body cavity and obtains spectral image data, an image processing means that obtains, from the spectral image data, an index-value for discriminating between a diseased portion and a healthy portion, and generates and outputs an indicator image based on the index-value, and a monitor on which the indicator image is displayed, wherein, for each pixel of the spectral image, the image processing means defines ? obtained by a predetermined expression as the index-value, while using the spectral image data P1 at a first wavelength which is around a wavelength of 542 nm, the spectral image data P2 at a second wavelength which is around a wavelength of 558 nm and the spectral image data P3 at a third wavelength which is around a wavelength of 578 nm.

Abstract: A physiological sensor assembly includes a physiological sensor having at least one light source and at least one optical receiver. A substantially transparent barrier layer is disposed between the physiological sensor and the patient's skin such that the barrier layer is removably adhered to the physiological sensor and removably adhered to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, apparatuses configured to be disposed in a living subject and export power stored in an energy-storage device, and related methods of powering at least one device disposed in the living subject.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, apparatuses configured to be disposed in a living subject and export power stored in an energy-storage device, and related methods of powering at least one device disposed in the living subject.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for a motion capture system and a three-dimensional (3D) tracking system used to record body position and/or movements/motions and using the data to measure skin strain (a strain field) all along the body while a joint is in motion (dynamic) as well as in a fixed position (static). The data and technique can be used to quantify strains, calculate 3D contours, and derive patterns believed to reveal skin's properties during natural motions.

Abstract: Medical sensors configured to provide enhanced patient comfort when worn over a period of time are provided. The medical sensors may include a first padding layer and a second padding layer disposed on either side of an emitter and a detector for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient. The medical sensors may also include an island padding layer secured to a patient-facing side of the second padding layer for reducing localized pressure points that may be caused by protrusions of the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, certain edges of the sensors may be rounded and/or stepped to reduce marking on the patient's tissue and to reduce strain and shear forces produced on the patient's tissue. Still further, certain embodiments provide enhanced light transmission between the emitter and detector of the sensors.

Abstract: There are provided a biological information imaging apparatus that can measure ultrasound generated from an optical absorber in a deep part of a subject living body with high sensitivity, and a method for analyzing biological information using the biological information imaging apparatus. The biological information imaging apparatus that detects ultrasound and images biological information, includes: a light source that irradiates the subject with light for generating ultrasound from an optical absorber existing in the subject; an ultrasound transmission unit that transmits focused ultrasound to a specific region where the optical absorber exists; and an ultrasound detection unit that detects an ultrasound synthesized signal due to interaction between ultrasound generated from the optical absorber that absorbs the light and the focused ultrasound transmitted to the specific region.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for detecting and treating an arrhythmia includes an optical sensor adapted for positioning adjacent to a blood-perfused tissue volume. In one embodiment for controlling arrhythmia therapies delivered by the device, the optical sensor is controlled to emit light in response to detecting an arrhythmia, detect light scattered by the volume of blood perfused tissue including measuring an optical sensor output signal corresponding to the intensity of scattered light for at least four spaced-apart wavelengths, and compute a volume-independent measure of tissue oxygen saturation from the detected light. The hemodynamic status of the arrhythmia is detected in response to the measure of tissue oxygen saturation.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

Abstract: Accurately quantifying optical absorption coefficient using acoustic spectra of photoacoustic signals. Optical absorption is closely associated with many physiological parameters, such as the concentration and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and it can be used to quantify the concentrations of non-fluorescent molecules. A sample is illuminated by, for example, a pulsed laser and following the absorption of optical energy, a photoacoustic pressure is generated via thermo-elastic expansion. The acoustic waves then propagate and are detected by a transducer. The optical absorption coefficient of the sample is quantified from spectra of the measured photoacoustic signals. Factors, such as system bandwidth and acoustic attenuation, may affect the quantification but are canceled by dividing the acoustic spectra measured at multiple optical wavelengths.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating a composite signal into a plurality of signals is described. A signal processor receives a composite signal and separates a composite signal in to separate output signals. Pre-demodulation signal values are used to adjust the demodulation scheme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for estimating blood analyte levels using a noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) based physiological monitor. An algorithm correlates OCT-based estimated blood analyte data with actual blood analyte data determined by other methods, such as invasively. OCT-based data is fit to the obtained blood analyte measurements to achieve the best correlation. Once the algorithm has generated sets of estimated blood analyte levels, it may refine the number of sets by applying one or more mathematical filters. The OCT-based physiological monitor can be calibrated using an Intensity Difference plot or the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method.

Abstract: The present invention is a C-reactive protein imprinted polymer film. The C-reactive protein antibody imprinted polymer film comprises a plurality of imprinted nanocavities with unified orientation and distribution formed by removing a plurality of C-reactive proteins from a polymer film. Its ability to capture the target proteins can achieve 99% compared with the natural antibodies. The present invention further provides a C-reactive protein microchip system formed by the dynamic capacitance sensing method with the above imprinted polymer film. The C-reactive protein microchip system comprises a body having a first chamber and a second chamber, and a detector.

Abstract: A light-based skin contact detector is described, including a boot having an index of refraction less than or equal to another index of refraction associated with skin at a frequency of light, a light emitter and detector coupled to the boot and configured to measure an amount of light energy reflected by an interface of the boot, and a digital signal processor configured to detect a change in the amount of light energy reflected by the interface. Embodiments relate to methods for detecting skin contact by measuring an amount of energy reflected by an interface when a boot is not in contact with skin, measuring another amount of energy reflected by another interface when the boot is in contact with the skin, and detecting a change between the amount of energy and the another amount of energy using a digital signal processor.

Abstract: Light is introduced into a tissue sample. The resulting light that passes through the tissue sample may be spectrally analyzed to determine its intensity at a number of frequencies. From these intensities, a chemical nature of the tissue sample may be determined. By performing this process one or more times, a three-dimensional representation of the morphology of the tissue sample can be developed, and this representation may be used to determine whether the tissue sample is healthy or abnormal.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining a value associated with an analyte in a sample. The methods include: determining a set of spectra from a model for light attenuation in the sample, where the model includes contributions from at least two different sources of light attenuation in the sample; determining a set of spectral correction factors associated with the analyte in the sample based on the set of spectra; and using the set of spectral correction factors to determine the value associated with the analyte of interest.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may perform an optical measurement of a subject to assist a photoacoustic analysis of the subject. For example, an oblique-incidence diffuse reflectance measurement, photon density wave measurement, or other optical measurement may be used to determine one or more optical properties of a subject. Accordingly, the one or more optical properties may be used to determine an optical fluence at a region of the subject. In some arrangements, a physiological monitoring system may include an oximeter, and may use a calculated blood oxygen saturation value to assist a photoacoustic analysis. Photoacoustic analysis may include determining one or more physiological parameters based on a detected acoustic pressure response of a subject to a photonic signal via the photoacoustic effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a physiological parameter of tissue in a patient are provided herein. In a first example, a method of measuring a physiological parameter of blood in a patient is provided. The method includes emitting at least two optical signals for propagation through tissue of the patient, detecting the optical signals after propagation, identifying propagation pathlengths of the optical signals, and identifying detected intensities of the optical signals. The method also includes processing at least the propagation pathlengths to scale the detected intensities for determination of a value of the physiological parameter.

Abstract: A method and medical device for detecting signals that detects emitted light scattered by a volume of tissue delivered along a first pathway at a plurality of wavelengths to generate corresponding first detected light intensity output signals, detects emitted light scattered by the volume of tissue delivered along a second pathway different from the first pathway at a plurality of wavelengths to generate corresponding second detected light intensity output signals, determines whether a difference between the emitted light detected along the first pathway and the emitted light detected along the second pathway is greater than a predetermined threshold, and alters sensing by the device in response to the determining whether a difference is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: One innovative aspect is directed to heart rate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a first electrical signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit, having a first and a second configuration, configured to receive a first voltage signal based on the first electrical signal and to switch among the first and the second configurations. The circuit includes first and second sampling circuits for sampling a value of the first voltage signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. The circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for generating a current signal to counter a first component of the first electrical signal when the first switching circuit is in the first configuration.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: An improved sensor (102) for respiratory and metabolic monitoring in mobile devices, wearables, security, illumination, photography, and other devices and systems uses a broadband ambient light (114), which is then transmitted to a target (125) such as the ear, face, or wrist of a living subject. Some of the scattered light returning from the target to detector (141) is passed through spectral filter set (155) to produce multiple detector regions, each region sensitive to a different narrowband wavelength range, and the detected light is spectrally analyzed to determine a measure of a physiology of the subject such as pulse, respiration, hydration, calories. Additional broadband light can be added when ambient light alone may be sufficient illumination for analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a radiation safety system comprising radiation emitting medical equipment; a radiation safety system controller connected to the radiation emitting medical equipment through a first communication means configured to determine a number of people within a radiation room housing the radiation emitting medical equipment and prevent the radiation emitting medical equipment from performing radiation emitting functions if the radiation safety system controller determines that more people than a maximum allowed number of people are presently in the radiation room; and a scanner connected to the radiation safety controller through a second communication means configured to detect people in the radiation room and communicate to the radiation safety system controller that a person has been detected.

Abstract: A system including a sensor and a transceiver and configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a medium of a living animal. The sensor may include first and second signal photodetectors and first and second reference photodetectors, which may each be covered by an associate filter. The first photodetector may receive light emitted from first and second grafts, respectively. The grafts may receive excitation light from one or more light sources. The transceiver may receive signals from the photodetectors of the sensor and may determine the analyte concentration based on the received signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for a non-invasive sensing of biological analytes in a sample includes an optics system having at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector; a measurement system operatively coupled to the optics system; a control/processing system operatively coupled to the measurement system and having an embedded software system; a user interface/peripheral system operatively coupled to the control/processing system for providing user interaction with the control/processing system; and a power supply system operatively coupled to the measurement system, the control/processing system and the user interface system for providing power to each of the systems. The embedded software system of the control/processing system processes signals obtained from the measurement system to determine a concentration of the biological analytes in the sample.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to patient monitoring system and, more particularly, to optical patient monitoring systems. In an embodiment, a physiological sensor includes a broadband emitter configured to emit two or more wavelengths of light into the tissue of a patient. The sensor also includes a charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) photodetector array comprising a plurality of photodetectors. Each photodetector in the photodetector array is configured to receive the light from the tissue of the patient and to produce a corresponding output signal. Additionally, the sensor also includes one or more filter layers disposed on the plurality of photodetectors. The filter layers are configured to only allow light of particular wavelengths, polarizations, or both, to be received by each of the plurality of photodetectors.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for detecting an analyte, configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a distal portion and also a membrane permeable to the analyte. The membrane is coupled to the distal portion of the fiber and surrounding a sampling region at least in part, by being fitted over the distal portion of the fiber. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for distinguishing tissue types are described herein. Such devices and systems may use dual polarization, conformal filters to acquire image data from target tissues and a processor to create an image in which the contrast between tissues has been enhanced.

Abstract: According to embodiments, techniques for signal processing using multiple signals are disclosed. A first scalogram may be generated from a first signal and a second scalogram may be generated from a second signal. A modified or masked scalogram may then be generated based on the first and second scalograms. The modified scalogram may then be used to determine at least one physiological parameter. In some embodiments, one or both of the first signal and the second signal may be photoplethysmograph (PPG) signals obtained from a pulse oximeter.

Abstract: [Subject] To provide laser Doppler blood flow measuring method and device which achieve multi-dimensional measurement efficiently at a high degree of accuracy over a wide range with a simple optical system and device. [Solving Means] Laser light from a semiconductor laser 12 is split and formed into sheet lights Ls using a cylindrical lens 22, and the sheet lights Ls are crossed with each other at a predetermined position. A lens system 30 configured to form an image of scattered lights into a linear shape at a linear irradiation site Lx where the sheet lights Ls cross with each other is provided. An optical fiber array 32 having a plurality of optical fibers 34 is provided at an image-forming position of the lens system 30. Avalanche photodiodes 42 configured to convert the scattered lights which are shifted in frequency by the Doppler effect caused by the blood flow into electric signals for the each optical fiber 34 are provided.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus comprises a probe system (100) operably coupled, when in use, to a processing resource (134). The probe system (100) and the processing resource (134) are arranged, when in use, to measure an apparent thickness change of a volume of the medium (108) to be measured and to determine a physiological parameter using the measurement of the apparent thickness change.

Abstract: A system and optimization algorithm for determining the preferred operational wavelengths of a device configured for measurement of molecular analytes in a sample. Operational wavelengths are determined by solving a system of equations linking empirically defined functions representative of these analytes, spectrally dependent coefficients corresponding to these analytes, path lengths traversed by waves probing the analytes at wavelengths corresponding to the absorption level described by the functions representative of these analytes, and, optionally, a cost-function taking into account at least one of spectral separation between the operational wavelengths, manufacturability of wave source(s) producing wave(s) at operational wavelength(s), and the noise factor associated with the operation of such wave source(s).

Abstract: A device and method for non-invasively measuring analytes and physiological parameters by measuring terahertz radiation emitted though biological tissue. Terahertz pulses are emitted from a miniaturized quantum cascade laser to a fiber optic array into the wrist of the user. A corresponding sensor on the opposite side of the wrist receives the terahertz signals that have been modified by interacting with organic molecules. The data from the sensor is compiled and analyzed on a RAM chip and logic chip, where a program uses an algorithm to compare measurements to a library of existing measurements and topographic maps generated when the user first dons the device. Once the algorithm has parsed all the data points, a value, such as blood glucose level, appears on a display of the device. The device may be equipped with a gasket to reduce ambient light from contacting the sensor.

Abstract: Described are catheters associated with a hydrogel for release of a molecule of interest. The molecule of interest may be an antibody. Further described are sensors useful for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte, and associated methods. A sensor for use in detecting the presence or amount of an analyte may comprise a catheter having one or more apertures. The sensor may also include means for detecting binding of the analyte to an antibody.

Abstract: In a special mode, a superficial wavelength set having plural types of narrow band light in a blue wavelength band of 400 to 500 nm is chosen. The plural types of narrow band light are successively applied to an internal body portion. A CCD captures images of the internal body portion under the narrow band light. A blood information calculation section calculates an oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin in a blood vessel based on an image signal. A comparison section compares the calculated oxygen saturation level with a predetermined threshold value. When the oxygen saturation level is less than the threshold value, a hypoxic region detection signal is outputted to a wavelength set switching section. The wavelength set switching section switches from the superficial wavelength set to a middle wavelength set and to a deep wavelength set, so the oxygen saturation levels at middle and deep depths are measured.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible biosensor is described herein. The biosensor includes a chip layer including a plurality of holes fabricated vertically there through, a power source, one or more sensors on the chip layer and coupled to the power source and a hydrogel matrix including one or more angiogenesis stimulating factors in contact with the chip layer. The stimulating factors stimulate growth of organic material through the plurality of holes when the biosensor is implanted in a subject.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a noninvasive constituent concentration measuring apparatus and constituent concentration measuring apparatus controlling method, in which accurate measurement can be performed by superimposing two photoacoustic signals having the same frequency and reverse phases to nullify the effect from the other constituent occupying large part of the object to be measured. The constituent concentration measuring apparatus according to the invention includes light generating means for generating two light beams having different wavelengths, modulation means for electrically intensity-modulating each of the two light beams having different wavelengths using signals having the same frequency and reverse phases, light outgoing means for outputting the two intensity-modulated light beams having different wavelengths toward a test subject, and acoustic wave detection means for detecting an acoustic wave generated in the test subject by the outputted light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, computer program product, and system for preventing an inadvertent configuration of an electrical device provided with an infrared interface (30). The method, computer program product, and system include activation of one or more infrared buttons (31, 32, 33, or 34) provided on the infrared interface (30) in order to configure the electrical device. The method, computer program product, and system include a display (40) that indicates an infrared button sequence), wherein said button sequence is entered before the configuration occurs and includes activation of at least a first infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34) and at least a second infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34).

Abstract: A continuous analysis apparatus capable of transmitting information about components in body fluid to another apparatus such as medicine dosing apparatus more correctly without giving a user displeasure. The continuous analysis apparatus according to the present invention includes a sensing unit 2 including a sensor that is held in subcutaneous tissue for obtaining information with respect to an objective substance in a sample; and a data holding unit 3 having a storage means for storing the information obtained from the sensor or data corresponding to the information, the sensing unit and the data holding unit having configuration so that they are separably joined to each other.

Abstract: In a special mode, a superficial layer wavelength set, a middle layer wavelength set, and a deep layer wavelength set are selected successively. Each wavelength set is composed of 3 different types of narrowband light applied successively to an internal body portion. A wavelength set table specifies the number of repetitions of each wavelength set. A controller controls a wavelength band switching element to apply every type of the narrowband light of each wavelength set, and to apply each wavelength set for the number of repetitions specified by the wavelength set table. A CCD captures images of the internal body portion under illumination of the narrowband light of the respective wavelength sets. A blood information calculation section calculates oxygen saturation levels of hemoglobin in blood vessels in the superficial, middle, and deep layers based on image signals, respectively. This provides information on cancer progression.