Abstract: Described herein is an anti-skid surgical instrument for use in preparing holes in bone tissue. The disclosed surgical instrument provides the ability to prepare a precise hole in bone tissue during surgery (e.g., spinal surgeries and pedicle screw placement, intramedullary screw placement). The disclosed surgical instrument accomplishes precise hole placement regardless of whether the angle between the drill axis and surface of the bone tissue is perpendicular. The disclosed technology includes a flat drilling surface which is perpendicular to the surface of the body of the surgical instrument. This reduces the likelihood of the surgical instrument skidding on the surface of the bone tissue and thereby increases the precision of the hole.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: Systems for detecting when catheter electrodes enter into and exit from an introducer are disclosed. In one form, a system detects a relative position of a catheter (comprising a marker band and an electrode) and an introducer (comprising a proximity sensor adapted to sense the marker band), while the catheter and introducer are in a human body. The system may comprise an electronic control unit to analyze signals from the catheter and/or the introducer, to determine whether the catheter electrode is within the introducer; and to disregard data collected from the electrode when that electrode is in the introducer. The sensor may be on the catheter and the sensed element may be on the introducer. The sensed element may comprise one or several marker bands. A marker band may be applied during the manufacture of a medical device or during its use and is any element capable of electromagnetic detection.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here generally relates to devices used to identify the location of a never in order to modify a property of the nerve. Specifically, the invention utilized pre-operative scans of a patient's nasal cavity in order to identify target treatment locations when a nerve to be treated is located. The image of the nasal cavity and target treatment location can be registered with the real time position of the nasal cavity using a surgical navigation system in order to assist in guiding a surgical probe to the target treatment location.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a precise catheter tracking system, Active Ultrasound Pattern Injection System (AUSPIS). AUSPIS establishes ultrasonic communication between any ultrasound external probe and internal catheter (CUTE catheter). The system receives image beacon pulses, analyzes the acquired signal, and fires one or a series of active echo pulses from the same active echo element with a proper timing, frequency, duration and amplitude. Thus it enables injection of any “virtual” pattern into the B-mode image. The pattern injected to the B-mode image is from actively encoded ultrasound field in the tissue. The encoding is based on B-mode ultrasound image formation technique, so it doesn't require hardware or software modification to the US machine. It continuously measures the local acoustic signal amplitude, by which sub-millimeter elevation localization accuracy can be achieved.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a transmitter transmits a reference signal. A position sensor obtains position information in a three-dimensional space by receiving the reference signal. A controlling unit associates three-dimensional image data generated by a medical image diagnosis apparatus with the three-dimensional space, on the basis of a registration between an arbitrary cross-sectional plane in the three-dimensional image data and a cross-sectional plane scanned by an ultrasound probe. A detecting unit detects if the position of the transmitter has changed within the associated three-dimensional space, on the basis of the position information obtained by the position sensor. A correcting unit corrects a misregistration between a cross-sectional plane in the three-dimensional image data and a cross-sectional plane scanned by the ultrasound probe, on the basis of a change amount of the position of the transmitter.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a current state image and at least one reference image, taken from a similar angle range. The image and the at least one reference image are superimposed and a visual representation visualizing the relation between the image and the reference image is provided in order to track displacements of the bone during subsequent operation steps. A system is provided which can use the image data to track displacements and determine deviation from a current state of the elements in question to a target state.

Abstract: Provided is an optical tracking tool for navigating a surgery, comprising a mounting base. The mounting base is provided with two to six supporting faces thereon. Two or four reflective balls are arranged on each of the supporting faces. A positioning surface is formed by the four reflective balls located on the same supporting face or the four reflective balls respectively located on two adjacent supporting faces. An included angle between surface normal vectors of two adjacent positioning surfaces is 90°-140°. As compared with a tracking tool having a single positioning surface formed by four reflective balls in the prior art, the optical tracking tool can considerably broaden an effective tracking range of a system, thereby improving system accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an imaging probe and is configured for dynamically arranging presentation of visual feedback for guiding manual adjustment, via the probe, of a location, and orientation, associated with the probe. The arranging is selectively based on comparisons between fields of view of the probe and respective results of segmenting image data acquired via the probe. In an embodiment, the feedback does not include a grayscale depiction of the image data. Coordinate system transformations corresponding to respective comparisons may be computed. The selecting may be based upon and dynamically responsive to content of imaging being dynamically acquired via the probe.

Abstract: A system (100) for tracking the position and orientation (i.e., the pose) of a medical imaging device (210) is described. The system determines in real time the pose of an imaging medical device based on a combination of image data and sensor data obtained from an imaging medical device and tracking sensors (210) associated with the device. Pose is determined based on a calculated tracking pose change and a calculated image pose change and a determined reliability of the calculated tracking pose change and the calculated image pose change.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and a system for registering and tracking an anatomical structure of a patient. A method includes acquiring a first stereoscopic image dataset including video images having different viewing angles, and providing a first image content showing the anatomical structure; registering the first image dataset to a 3D image dataset showing the anatomical structure; acquiring a second stereoscopic image dataset comprising video images having different viewing angles and providing a second image content showing the anatomical structure, which differs from the first image content; and tracking the anatomical structure based on the second image dataset.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of a cabinet x-ray incorporating an x-ray tube, an x-ray detector, and a near-infrared optical system mounted onto the cabinet or positioned within the cabinet, for the production of organic and non-organic images. The computing device receives video data from the near-infrared optical system and determines, based on the video data an optical image displaying the captured real-time image or display images adjacently i.e. Picture-In-Picture (PIP). In particular, the present disclosure also relates to a system and method with corresponding apparatus for capturing a near-infrared image simultaneously with the x-ray image allowing a cabinet x-ray unit to attain and optimize images utilizing near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in breast cancer patients to improve the Sentinel Lymph Node identification and procedure.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for airway segmentation are disclosed using confident airway volume, multi-scale topological and geometric leakage detection, exact leakage localization and correction, forbidden volume insertion and freezing, iterative shift in growing techniques starting with a conservative parameter/strategy and progressing toward generous ones, and a final pruning using machine learning, neural network, deep learning or artificial intelligence methods. The systems and methods are fully automated requiring no manual inputs or post-editing steps. The systems and methods use region growing-based segmentation to iteratively grow an airway tree starting with an initial seed, possibly inside the trachea, and a conservative segmentation parameter, e.g., a conservative threshold value for intensity-based region growing. The method then gradually progresses toward more generous values of the segmentation parameters until there is convergence.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an implantable access port, including forming a port body. The port body can include a fluid cavity located in a central region, the fluid cavity having a base surface lying in a first plane, and a plurality of recessed sections located in a peripheral region surrounding the central region, the plurality of recessed sections having a depth extending from a bottom surface of the peripheral region through the first plane. The method further includes locating a septum over the fluid cavity, and positioning a radiopaque insert in the plurality of recessed sections.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes an expandable structure, configured for insertion into a body of a subject, and a plurality of conducting elements coupled to the expandable structure. Each of the conducting elements comprises a respective coil and has an insulated portion that is electrically insulated from tissue of the subject, and an uninsulated portion configured to exchange signals with the tissue, while in contact with the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method and system implementing a method for detecting a catheter in fluoroscopic data and updating a displayed electromagnetic position of the catheter on a 3D rendering is provided including navigating a catheter to a target area and acquiring fluoroscopic data from a fluoroscopic sweep of the target area. An initial catheter detection is performed to detect catheter tip candidates in each 2D frame of the fluoroscopic data using a shallow neural network. A secondary catheter detection is performed to detect catheter tip candidates in each 2D frame of the fluoroscopic data using a deep neural network. False-positive catheter tip candidates are removed by reconstructing a 3D position of the catheter tip and finding an intersecting point of rays corresponding to each 2D frame.

Abstract: A medical securing, such as a suturing device (100) for securing a cardiac implant device (400A, 400B) with a securing member (102), like a suture. The medical securing device comprises an elongated sheath (101) extending in a longitudinal direction and having proximal (101A) and distal (101B) ends. The distal end of the elongated sheath has a support portion (101C) to support the elongated sheath to the cardiac implant device and/or to the tissue (20). The medical securing device comprises also a securing member introduction device (103) extending from the sheath (101) and having proximal (103A) and distal (103B) ends. The distal end (103B) of the securing member introduction device (103) is configured to deliver the securing member (102) to the cardiac implant device and to secure the cardiac implant device to the annulus (20) of the valve with the securing member (102).

Abstract: A tracking system can be used to track a plurality of tracking devices. A representation of at least two instruments may be displayed relative to image data. The representation is customizable to distinguish between the at least two instruments.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of projection images corresponding to a plurality of radiation source positions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging, the plurality of projection images being generated by causing an imaging apparatus to perform tomosynthesis imaging in which radiation is emitted to a subject. A structure position specifying unit specifies one structure position in the subject. A display controller specifies projection positions of the structure position in the plurality of projection images, and performs switching display of the plurality of projection images on a display unit so that the projection positions match a predetermined position on the display unit.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed having improved visualization of a portion of the medical device insertable into a patient's body while minimizing obstruction of fluid flow through a lumen of the device and while minimizing an increase in the outer diameter of the device attributable to the feature providing improved visualization. The device can include, for example, an imaging marker distal to lumen openings (exit ports), or, where the device comprises a tube, such as a metallic tube, an imaging marker embedded into a wall of the tube. Another embodiment includes attaching a marker to the surface on the inside of a lumen of a medical device without embedding the marker. Various alternative embodiments, methods and applications of using such devices are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A physiological signal processing device is provided. The physiological signal processing device includes a patch, a plurality of electrodes and a processing device. The plurality of electrodes detect an Electrocardiography (ECG) signal. The processing device is configured in the patch and is coupled to the plurality of electrodes to receive the ECG signal. Furthermore, according to the ECG signal, the processing device calculates a first differential value between a voltage of an R wave of the ECG signal and a reference ECG value, and determines whether the first differential value is greater than or equal to a first threshold to determine whether to adjust the positions of the electrodes. When the positions of the electrodes are determined, the processing device obtains heartbeat information and/or breathing information according to the ECG signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus generates an ultrasound image of an inside of a subject on a basis of ultrasound signals which are reflected off at the inside of the subject and received. The apparatus includes a needle position specifier and a needle emphasis processor. With respect to each region in the ultrasound image, the needle position specifier obtains a deep region feature value relating to signal intensity in a region deeper than a region subject to judgment in relation to ultrasound signal distribution along an emission direction of an ultrasound emitted in a subject, and specifies a position of a puncture-needle which is inserted in the subject. The needle emphasis processor carries out a process for emphasizing the position of the puncture-needle which is specified in the ultrasound image.

Abstract: A calibration device for a computer-assisted surgical instrument includes a rigid body, stabilization members, and references structurally or mechanically complementary to the stabilization members and disposed on opposite sides of a manipulator of the instrument. Kinematic state of the manipulator is defaulted when the calibration device is connected to the instrument by the stabilization members passing through the rigid body and removably attaching to the references. A calibration method for a computer-assisted surgical instrument implemented by a computer system includes the steps of: prompting a user to connect the calibration device to the instrument; determining if the calibration device is properly connected to the instrument; and generating default kinematic information of the manipulator of the instrument if the calibration device is properly connected to the instrument. The calibration device and method effectively improve accuracy and precision of computer-assisted surgeries.

Abstract: A catheter procedure system includes a bedside system having a guide wire, a guide wire advance/retract actuator coupled to the guide wire and a guide wire rotate actuator coupled to the guide wire and a workstation coupled to the bedside system. The workstation includes a user interface, at least one display and a controller coupled to the bedside system, the user interface and the at least one display. The controller is programmed to advance the guide wire through a path using the guide wire advance/retract actuator, determine if the guide wire is in a desired path based at least on at least one image of a region of interest, rotate the guide wire using the guide wire rotate actuator if the guide wire is not in the desired path, wherein the guide wire is rotated a predetermined amount, and retract the guide wire using the guide wire advance/retract actuator.

Abstract: A system for navigating to and interacting with a region of interest during a respiratory cycle is provided. The system includes an extended working channel, a computing device including a memory and at least one processor, a plurality of images stored in the memory, a display device that displays a user interface. The user interface includes at least one image of the plurality of images depicting the region of interest and a progression of the extended working channel through the airway, and a probability diagnostic and/or treatment zone defining a probable distribution of a trajectory of the tool once deployed beyond an opening of the extended working channel displayed in the at least one image. The respiratory cycle is divided into inhalation and exhalation. The user interface is configured to depict movement of the region of interest and the airways during the respiratory cycle.

Abstract: A device to set and retrieve a reference point during a surgical procedure. The device (12) has an endoscope (312) which captures several images successively as an image sequence and generates image data corresponding to the image sequence, which data are then processed and output on at least one display unit (44). A control unit (40) determines the first position of a first point at a first point in time, a second position of a second point at a second point in time, and a first distance vector between the first position and the second position. The positions are determined via the kinematic chain of a manipulator arm (16a,16b).

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis and presentation of videos of surgical procedures are provided. For example, a video of a surgical procedure may be obtained, time points corresponding to key intraoperative events may be obtained, and properties of the key intraoperative events may be obtained. Further, the properties of the key intraoperative events may be presented to a user, and a selection of a selected intraoperative event may be received from the user. In response, part of the video associated with the time point corresponding to the selected intraoperative event may be presented.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring an implantable medical device to tissue of a patient, wherein the anchoring device comprises at least one marker that is visible when using an imaging technique such as x-ray imaging.

Abstract: A method of operating a manipulation system of the type having a movable arm with a proximal end connected to a base and a distal end that is movable relative to the base and is coupled to an end-effector. The method comprises moving the distal end of the movable arm towards a target object and into contact with a stabilization object proximate to the target object, maintaining contact between the distal end of the movable arm and the stabilization object while operating the end-effector to perform a desired operation at the target object, and upon completing the desired operation at the target object, disengaging the distal end of the movable arm from contact with the stabilization object.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a device D includes at least one radiation source and a detector, the radiation source and the detector being installed on at least one moving support, comprising at least the following elements: at least one first sensor positioned close to the radiation source and at least one second sensor positioned close to the detector, the two first and second sensors being configured to estimate through calculation a position Ps of the source and a position Pd of the detector, and a sensor for sensing the angular position of the moving support, a synchronization module configured to synchronously trigger the measurements of the sensors, a module for pre-processing the measurements of the sensors, the processing module comprising an input receiving an operating model M of the device and a data merging algorithm taking into account at least the two measurements of the sensors and the model M in order to estimate an accurate position value for the source Ps and for the detector Pd.

Abstract: A simulated method and system for surgical instrument based on tomography are provided. The method includes obtaining a biological stereoscopic image and inputting a parameter set of an implant to be implanted, denoting a target position and an initial position in the biological stereoscopic image, estimating a dimensional coordinate of a contact area of the implant and a living organism when the implant has been implanted into the living organism based on the parameter set, the target position and the initial position in the biological stereoscopic image, and obtaining a physiological data set by re-sampling corresponding to the dimensional coordinate of the implant in the living organism for evaluating the effect after the implant has been implanted into the living organism. Surgeons may evaluate the effect after implantation of implant into the living organism by using the simulated method, enhancing the overall quality and result of the surgery.

Abstract: A system for aiding surgery on a patient is described including a display device and a storage device that stores an image of at least a portion of the anatomy of the patient, including one or more surgical navigation markers positioned on the patient, for display on the display device. An analyser is adapted to receive positional data of a probe based on positioning of the probe relative to the one or more markers on the patient. Based on the positional data, the analyser outputs correctional data to adjust an alignment of the image on the display device to match locations of said one or more markers.

Abstract: A mounting device sets a processing region for super-resolution processing based on an approximate position of a main body portion of a component included in a mark image for use in obtaining a position of a fiducial mark and then performs super-resolution processing. Thus, the processing region for super-resolution processing can be appropriately set and prevented from becoming larger than necessary with respect to the main body portion of the component. Further, the processing region for super-resolution processing is determined using the mark image captured under an imaging condition different from that for the component image for use in super-resolution processing. Thus, the processing region can be appropriately set while the component image is kept under an imaging condition suitable for super-resolution processing. Therefore, the processing region for performing super-resolution processing can be set more appropriately, and the super-resolution processing can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image data record of an examination object is reconstructed from two-dimensional projection images recorded with a biplanar x-ray device. The biplanar x-ray device has two recording arrangements of x-ray emitter and x-ray detector pairs measuring projections displaced by an angle relative to one another. The projection images are simultaneous pairs of projection images recorded at the same time with the different recording arrangements. For the image-based, in particular rigid, registration of the recording arrangements with respect to one another for at least one part, preferably all, of the simultaneous pairs, a degree of consistency based on a redundancy in the projection data of the projection images is determined. A determination of the registration parameters describing the registration of the recording arrangements is carried out by minimizing a consistency metric determined by totaling the degrees of consistency in an optimization method.

Abstract: A C-arm, or a mobile intensifier device, is one example of a medical imaging device that is based on X-ray technology. Because a C-arm device can display high-resolution X-ray images in real time, a physician can monitor progress at any time during an operation, and thus can take appropriate actions based on the displayed images. Monitoring the images, however, is often challenging during certain procedures, for instance during procedures in which attention must be paid to the patient's anatomy as well as a medical imaging device display. In an example, a surgical instrument assembly includes a processor, a surgical instrument configured to operate on an anatomical structure, and a display coupled to the processor and attached to the surgical instrument. The display can be configured to display visual information comprising X-ray images generated by a medical imaging device, and depth gauge information generated by a depth gauge coupled to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for firearm training simulator which simulates realistic recoil of conventional firearms. The method and apparatus incorporates a linear motor and controllable mass for generating recoil. One embodiment includes an adjusting system for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. Also provided are means for simulating semiautomatic and/or full automatic operation of firearms. One embodiment can include a laser emitter which simulates the path for a bullet fired from a firearm that the method and apparatus is simulating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position determining apparatus (6) for determining the position of an interventional instrument (1) within a subject (4). A spatial relation between positions of a second part (3) of the interventional instrument outside the subject and a first part (2) of the interventional instrument within the subject is determined based on an actual image of the interventional instrument within the subject being preferentially an x-ray image and a provided position of the second part. Once the spatial relation has been determined, the position of the interventional instrument within the subject can be determined, while the interventional instrument is moved within the subject, based on the determined spatial relation and a determined actual position of the second part outside the subject, without necessarily acquiring a further actual image. This can allow for a reduction of a radiation dose, if rays are used for acquiring the actual image.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed. An apparatus may be configured to activate a field generator to generate an electric or magnetic field such that signals are received by a receiver coupled to an ablation device disposed adjacent to a tissue surface. Processed data associated with the signals may be obtained. A position and an orientation of the ablation device may be determined based on the processed data. An expected ablation zone of the ablation device in the tissue surface may be determined based on the position and the orientation of the ablation device. A map of the tissue surface and a visual representation of the expected ablation zone disposed in the map of the tissue surface may be displayed.

Abstract: Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for in a medical or clinical environment via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators/readers. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate portions of the environment for RFID tagged objects, for example proximate a start and an end of a procedure. Shielded packaging and/or shielded receptacles shield tagged objects, preventing interrogation except for those objects in unshielded portions of the environment. A shielded receptacle may include an antenna to interrogate the contents thereof in a relatively noise-free environment. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out. A handheld antenna and/or second set of antennas interrogates a body of a patient for retained instruments or supplies tagged with dumb transponders.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a real-time surgery method and apparatus for displaying a stereoscopic augmented view of a patient from a static or dynamic viewpoint of the surgeon, which employs real-time three-dimensional surface reconstruction for preoperative and intraoperative image registration. Stereoscopic cameras provide real-time images of the scene including the patient. A stereoscopic video display is used by the surgeon, who sees a graphical representation of the preoperative or intraoperative images blended with the video images in a stereoscopic manner through a see-through display.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking completeness of co-registered medical image data is disclosed herein. The system and method tracks the position of an anatomical reference marker positionable on a patient and an ultrasound probe during an imaging session and co-registers medical images based on positional data received from the anatomical reference marker and the ultrasound probe. Using the co-registered image data, the system and method generates a surface contour of a region of interest (ROI) of the patient, such as a breast. The surface contour is defined to represent an interface between a chest wall structure and tissue of the ROI in a plurality of co-registered medical images. A completeness map of the image data within the defined surface contour during the imaging session is generated and overlaid on a graphic representation of the ROI.

Abstract: Methods and systems for placement of and/or placement planning for body surface electrodes are described. In some embodiments, body surface electrodes are used to generate intra-body electromagnetic fields sensed by intra-body probes for applications such as electrical field-guided catheter navigation and/or dielectric property-based tissue lesion assessment. Sizes and/or positions of body surface electrodes are optionally selected based on the results of electromagnetic simulations. Criteria for selection include, for example, potential gradient uniformity and/or intensity. In some embodiments, body surface electrode placement is performed under automated optical guidance. For example, images are obtained and used to indicate and/or assess body surface electrode placement. Optionally, indication is with respect to fiducial marks placed on the body, to which an electromagnetic simulation is spatially registered.

Abstract: A hand held robotic system that remains stiff so long as it is operating within allowed limits, but which become actively controlled once the operator exceeds those limits. The system thus corrects deviations by more than a predetermined amount of the operator's hand motions, so that the tool remains in the allowed region even when the operator's hand deviates from the planned trajectory. The pose and path of the robotic operating head is ascertained by means of a navigation or tracking system, or by means of a proximity device to measure the closeness of the operating head to a damage sensitive feature. As the tool deviates from its predetermined path or pose, or comes too close to the hazardous area, the robot control acts to move the tool back to its predetermined pose or path, or away from the hazardous region, independently of user's hand movement.

Abstract: A system includes an image capturing device, a subject reference marker disposed adjacent to a subject, a tool reference marker disposed on a treatment tool, a display device mounted on an operator, an operator reference marker disposed on the display device, and a processor. The image capturing device includes two image capturing modules that simultaneously and respectively capture two images of the operator, the subject, and the treatment tool. The processor receives the images, analyzes the images to obtain spatial locations of the reference markers, and transmits coordinate information and auxiliary information.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device including the ability to determine when a component, such as a removable probe cap, is attached to a portion of an ultrasound probe. Such a cap is employed in one embodiment to act as a spacer component to provide a standoff for the probe head. Detection of probe cap attachment to the ultrasound probe enables the resultant ultrasound image to be adjusted automatically by the ultrasound imaging system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound probe, a cap or other component that is attachable to the probe, and a component attachment detection system for detecting attachment of the component to the probe. Once the cap is detected, an aspect of an ultrasound image produced by the imaging system is modified, such as cropping the image to remove undesired portions of the cap, such as the spacer component.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection indicator in a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: A shape detection device includes a flexible insertion section, a curved-shape detection sensor and a flexible exterior tube member arranged in the insertion section. The sensor includes an optical fiber, one or more detecting parts to change characteristics of light propagated by the optical fiber in accordance with a curved shape of the optical fiber, and a light detector. The flexible exterior tube member is arranged in the insertion section to include at least part of the optical fiber, and configured to be curved into a similar shape to the curved shape of the insertion section. The curved-shape detection sensor is partly held and fixed to at least one of the exterior tube member and a distal hold member provided at the distal end of the insertion section.

Abstract: A tracking method is disclosed. The method may include displaying visual content on a screen. A base station may be stationary with respect to the screen while the visual content is being displayed. In contrast, one or more objects may move with respect to the screen while the visual content is being displayed. The one or more objects may be tracked so that the movement thereof may be used to alter the visual content. Such tracking may involve the base station and the one or more objects sending and/or receiving one or more ultrasonic pulses. Time-difference-of-arrival and/or time-of-flight of the one or more ultrasonic pulses may then be used to estimate a relative location and/or a relative orientation of the one or more objects with respect to the base station in three dimensional space.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying energy to an object includes an arrangement of energy emitting elements for outputting energy to the object. At least some of the energy emitting elements are configured to emit energy to the object independently from each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting tension on a tendon and/or mechanical deformation (e.g., breakage) of one or more steering tendon of a steerable and flexible articulating device. Theses apparatuses may have one or more tendons that are each electrically conductive and configured to steer the apparatus when tension is applied to the proximal end of the tendon. Tension and/or breakage (or other deformation) of one or more of these tendons may be detected by monitoring the electrical resistance of the tendons.