Abstract: There are included an acquiring unit configured to acquire a parameter regarding capturing of a first tomographic image of an eye to be examined, an acquiring unit configured to acquire a parameter regarding capturing of a second tomographic image of the eye to be examined, wherein capturing of the second tomographic image is being performed after capturing of the first tomographic image, and a warning unit configured to issue a warning against capturing of the second tomographic image in accordance with a comparison between the parameter regarding capturing of the first tomographic image and the parameter regarding capturing of the second tomographic image.

Abstract: A method for generating an image is provided. The method comprises capturing a first set of image pixels by an ultrasonic sensor comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers using a first beamforming pattern, wherein the first beamforming pattern comprises a first pattern of transmit signals routed to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic sensor. The method further comprises capturing a second set of image pixels at the ultrasonic sensor using a second beamforming pattern, wherein the second beamforming pattern comprises a second pattern of transmit signals routed to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The second beamforming pattern is different than the first beamforming pattern. The second set of image pixels corresponds to an edge region of the ultrasonic sensor. The method additionally comprises combining the first set of image pixels and the second set of image pixels to form the image.

Abstract: This positioning system (100) for a bone resecting instrumentation comprising a resection driver (2), comprises at least one of a gyroscopic sensor (8) integral in motion with the resection driver (2) and adapted to sense a deviation angle (?) with respect to a reference direction (X), and at least one positioning marker (12; 140) marking a fixed position on the reference direction (X), and a depth sensor (10; 18) integral in motion with the resection driver (2), for detecting a resection depth (d) based on the relative longitudinal positions of the positioning marker (12; 140) and the depth sensor (10). The invention also concerns a positioning kit including such a positioning system and a separate electronic device.

Abstract: A system (1) and a corresponding method enable an enhanced roadmapping visualization without unnecessary device-footprints. The system (1) includes an x-ray imaging device (3) for acquiring x-ray images and a calculation unit (5). The x-ray imaging device (3) is adapted for acquiring a first x-ray image (21) with an interventional device (17) present in the vessels (19) while no contrast agent is present in the vessels (19) and a second x-ray image (23) with the interventional device (17) present in the vessels (19) while contrast agent is present in the vessels (19). The calculation unit is adapted for creating a roadmap image (27) by subtracting the first x-ray image (21) from the second x-ray image (23) and automatically minimizing the visibility of the interventional device (17) in the roadmap image (27). A display unit (7) is adapted to display the roadmap image (27) or an overlay of a current fluoroscopy image (31) with the roadmap image (27).

Abstract: A patient management system of an embodiment includes a server, a plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses assigned to a plurality of patients, and a plurality of computers installed in a plurality of medical institutions. The ophthalmic examination apparatuses and computers are communicable with the server via a communication line. The server manages the account of each patient, and the account of each medical institution. Test data obtained by each of the ophthalmic examination apparatuses is stored in the account of a corresponding patient. The server sends information stored in the account of a patient to a computer installed in one of the medical institutions assigned in advance to the patient.

Abstract: A method is for training a convolutional neural network of a compensation unit. The method includes: provisioning a machine learning device, the machine learning device being designed for training the convolutional neural network; provisioning a start compensation unit, including an untrained convolutional neural network, on or at the machine learning device; provisioning a training image dataset including a plurality of medical training input images and at least one training output image, wherein a reference object is shown essentially without motion artifacts in the at least one training output image and the reference object concerned is contained in the plurality of medical training input images with different motion artifacts; and training the convolutional neural network of the compensation unit in accordance with a principle of machine learning, using the training image dataset. A compensation unit, a machine learning device, a control device for controlling a medical imaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an augmented reality by defining a model representing a real-world system. After defining the model, a plurality of model simulations are performed using the defined model which produce predicted field data that is stored in memory. In turn, data from one or more sensors in the real-world system is received and the defined model is calibrated using the received field data relative to the stored predicted field data. Then, an augmented reality of the real-world system is provided using the calibrated model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical controlling system, comprising: a. at least one surgical tool configured to be insertable into a surgical environment of a human body for assisting a surgical procedure; b. at least one location estimating means configured to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of said at least one surgical tool at any given time t; c. at least one movement detection means communicable with a movement's database and with said location estimating means; and, d. a controller having a processing means communicable with a controller's database, said controller configured to control the spatial position of said at least one surgical tool; said controller's database is in communication with said movement detection means.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry sets a first region of interest in a region corresponding to cardiac muscle on a cross-section of a heart included in image data. The processing circuitry further sets a second region of interest that is larger than the first region of interest in a region including the region. The processing circuitry determines a threshold for determining a range of signal values used for blood flow dynamic analysis on the image data based on a frequency distribution of signal values in the first region of interest. The processing circuitry carries out blood flow dynamic analysis on the second region of interest using signal values included in a range based on the threshold.

Abstract: A system and method of providing composite real-time dynamic imagery of a medical procedure site from multiple modalities which continuously and immediately depicts the current state and condition of the medical procedure site synchronously with respect to each modality and without undue latency is disclosed. The composite real-time dynamic imagery may be provided by spatially registering multiple real-time dynamic video streams from the multiple modalities to each other. Spatially registering the multiple real-time dynamic video streams to each other may provide a continuous and immediate depiction of the medical procedure site with an unobstructed and detailed view of a region of interest at the medical procedure site at multiple depths. A user may thereby view a single, accurate, and current composite real-time dynamic imagery of a region of interest at the medical procedure site as the user performs a medical procedure.

Abstract: An image processing system (IPS) includes an input port (IN) for receiving a surface image of an outer layer (OL) of a current biomechanical assembly (TOR). The surface image is acquired by a surface imaging apparatus (DSC) along at least one imaging direction. The assembly includes relative to the imaging direction behind the outer layer, an inner wall (RC) element coupled from behind to the outer layer. The image processing system further includes a wall estimator (WE) configured to provide an estimate for geometrical data of the inner wall element (RC), the estimate being based on image information as per the surface image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical system comprising a tracking probe and a catheter is used for tracking a target inside human body. The ultrasonic probe has additional ultrasound sensors embedded around its main transducer array. A catheter is built with ultrasound transmitters at its distal end and sends active sound signals during each probe scanning cycle. The probe sensors track the 3D position of the target catheter using triangulation principle. The target position is rendered in the 3D anatomic context defined by the ultrasound images.

Abstract: Methods for magnetic resonance fingerprinting (“MRF”) that are more robust to patient motion than conventional MRF techniques are described. The methods described in the present disclosure provide an image reconstruction algorithm for MRF that decreases the motion sensitivity of MRF.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acquiring a plurality of data vectors at a first frequency and a plurality of data vectors at a second frequency, where the first frequency is greater than the second frequency. The plurality of first frequency data vectors can be formed into a first set of data vectors and the plurality of second frequency data vectors can be formed into a second set of data vectors. A first filter can be applied to the first set of data vectors to form a first modified data set and a second filter can be applied to the second set of data vectors to form a second modified data set. Based on the first and second modified data sets, a frequency response of an item in the imaging view can be determined. Using the determined frequency response of the item, an image is created on a display.

Abstract: A portable positron emission tomography (PET) scanner includes a rotatable scan detector ring which can be rotated 90 degrees for imaging a patient in a vertical or horizontal orientation. In the vertical orientation, a patient can be standing or seating such that the aperture of the scan detector ring is raised to allow the patient to be within the scanning region and lower to perform the image scanning on the patient. In the horizontal orientation, a patient must be lying down on a platform whereby the platform is moved within the aperture of the scan detector ring to perform the image scanning on the patient. In this horizontal orientation, the scan detector ring is also stowed and secured to be moved to other scanning locations.

Abstract: An endoscope having an outer shaft member with a distal end forming a distal end of the endoscope and an optics member with a distal end. The optics member is located inside the outer shaft member. The optics member defines a viewing direction of the endoscope, the viewing direction being tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer shaft member. The endoscope further has optical fibers comprising an optically transparent material and provided and conditioned for the transport of illumination light to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope further has a segment located between an outer surface region of the distal end of the optics member and an inner surface region of the distal end of the outer shaft member. The orientation of distal ends of the optical fibers is defined by the segment.

Abstract: A medical imaging system and method is described. The system comprises: a microwave antenna array comprising a transmitting antenna and a plurality of receiving antennae, wherein the transmitting antenna is configured to transmit microwave signals so as to illuminate a body part of a patient and the receiving antennae are configured to receive the microwave signals following scattering within the body part; a marker configured to be applied to the surface of the skin of the body part and to scatter the microwave signals; a processor configured to process the scattered microwave signals and generate an image of the internal structure of the body part and the marker so as to identify a region of interest within the body part relative to the position of the marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to localization of a vascular treatment and quantification of a part of a vascular structure. It is described to provide (12) at least one first image comprising a representation of a region of interest of a vascular structure. At least one second image comprising a representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure is provided (14). Between an acquisition of the at least one first image and an acquisition of the at least one second image, a vascular treatment might have been applied to the region of interest of the vascular structure, wherein the representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure relates to spatial extension information of the vascular structure at least in one image plane. At least one reference image from an image set formed from the at least one first image and the at least one second image is selected (16).

Abstract: An electronic payment terminal includes a light guide to guide the light from at least one light source internal to the electronic payment terminal to the exterior of the electronic payment terminal. The light guide is integrated with a contactless payment module integrated with the electronic payment terminal and additionally includes at least one shock-absorbing pad extending beyond the external surface of the electronic payment terminal.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to systems and methods of calibrating a plurality of frames generated with respect to a blood vessel as a result of a pullback of an intravascular imaging probe being pullback through the vessel. A calibration feature disposed in the frames that changes between a subset of the frames can be used to perform calibration. Calibration can be performed post-pullback. Various filters and image processing techniques can be used to identify one or more feature in the frames including, without limitation, a calibration feature, a guidewire, a side branch, a stent strut, a lumen of the blood vessel, and other features. The feature can be displayed using a graphic user interface.

Abstract: Medical image data is identified, and a lung field region and an emphysema region in each of a plurality of tomographic images are extracted. A mechanism is provided, which is capable of calculating the ratio of the emphysema region to the lung field region, and displaying an image of the medical image data and a value representing the calculated ratio in association with each other.

Abstract: A plurality of analysis functions each corresponding to an organ are managed, and organ information is stored in such a manner as to correlate with a corresponding type of analysis function. The organ information indicates which of a plurality of regions included in the organ is to be subjected to thinning. Specification of one of the analysis functions is received from a user, and medical image data is acquired. A plurality of regions of an organ included in the acquired medical image data are identified. The identified plurality of regions of the organ, a region to be subjected to thinning is determined on the basis of the stored organ information and the received type of the analysis function. Thinning is performed on the determined region of the organ. An image of the thinned region is displayed together with an image of a region not subjected to thinning.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with NMR fingerprinting are described. One example NMR apparatus includes an NMR logic that repetitively and variably samples a (k, t, E) space associated with an object to acquire a set of NMR signals that are associated with different points in the (k, t, E) space. Sampling is performed with t and/or E varying in a non-constant way. The NMR apparatus may also include a signal logic that produces an NMR signal evolution from the NMR signals, and a characterization logic that characterizes a resonant species in the object as a result of comparing acquired signals to reference signals. The NMR signal evolution may be assigned to a cluster based on the characterization of the resonant species. Cluster overlay maps may be produced simultaneously based, at least in part, on the clustering. The clusters may be associated with different tissue types.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method where the ultrasound transducer position registration is automated, calculates the position of each pixel in the ultrasound image in reference to the predetermined anatomical reference points (AR) and can store the information on demand. The graphic interface associated with the ultrasound image allows for the instant display of selected targets position coordinates relative to anatomical reference points, in the ultrasound images. This system would significantly reduce the ultrasound examination time, by eliminating the time consuming manual labeling of images and speeding up the target finding at subsequent examinations, enhance correlation capability with other diagnostic imaging modalities like CT scans, MRI, mammograms, decrease human errors and fatigue, provide an easy, uniform, method of communicating the target position among healthcare providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing a magnetic resonance image in which processes of generating T1 contrast for different regions of an object overlap with each other, thereby obtaining a magnetic resonance image having an improved contrast between different tissues within a short time. Therefore, a time required for obtaining a magnetic resonance image may be reduced, and a magnetic resonance image enabling improved diagnosis of a disease or other abnormal condition may be provided.

Abstract: A method for generating an image is provided. The method comprises capturing a first set of image pixels by an ultrasonic sensor comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers using a first beamforming pattern, wherein the first beamforming pattern comprises a first pattern of transmit signals routed to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic sensor. The method further comprises capturing a second set of image pixels at the ultrasonic sensor using a second beamforming pattern, wherein the second beamforming pattern comprises a second pattern of transmit signals routed to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The second beamforming pattern is different than the first beamforming pattern. The second set of image pixels corresponds to an edge region of the ultrasonic sensor. The method additionally comprises combining the first set of image pixels and the second set of image pixels to form the image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image processing apparatus includes a three-dimensional image acquisition unit that acquires a three-dimensional image obtained by imaging a test object; a graphical structure generation unit that generates a graphical structure of a tubular structure included in the three-dimensional image; a contour information acquisition unit that acquires contour information on the tubular structure at each point on the graphical structure; a viewpoint information acquisition unit that acquires viewpoint information in the tubular structure; a projection point specification unit that specifies projection points from respective points on the graphical structure on the basis of the viewpoint information and the graphical structure; and a projection image generation unit that generates a projection image obtained by projecting the contour information at the projection points on a two-dimensional plane.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a tomographic signal obtaining unit that obtains tomographic signals of light beams, the light beams respectively having a different polarization from each other and being obtained by splitting combined light obtained by combining return light and reference light, the return light being from an object to be inspected that is irradiated with measuring light, and an information obtaining unit that obtains three-dimensional polarization tomographic information, and three-dimensional motion contrast information of the object to be inspected, by commonly using at least one of the obtained tomographic signals. In addition, an extracting unit extracts a specific region of the object to be inspected using the obtained three-dimensional polarization tomographic information, and an image generating unit generates a motion contrast enface image of the extracted specific region using the obtained three-dimensional motion contrast information.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for improving optical coherence tomography machine outputs through multiple enface optical coherence tomography angiography averaging techniques. The embodiments disclosed herein can be utilized in ophthalmology for employing optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo visualization of blood vessels and the flow of blood in an eye of a patient, which is also known generally as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes a data acquisition unit, a blood vessel enhanced image forming unit, and a blood vessel gradient distribution determination unit. The data acquisition unit is configured to acquire a three dimensional data set of a fundus of a subject's eye using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The blood vessel enhanced image forming unit is configured to form a blood vessel enhanced image based on the three dimensional data set. The blood vessel gradient distribution determination unit is configured to determine a blood vessel gradient distribution that shows gradients of blood vessels at a plurality of locations in the fundus, based on the blood vessel enhanced image.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning apparatus, a breathing machine, a medical system and a related method. The ultrasound scanning apparatus comprises an ultrasound scanning unit, an ultrasound controller for controlling the operation of the ultrasound scanning unit, detecting the operation state of the ultrasound scanning unit, generating a first enable signal when detecting that the operation state of the ultrasound scanning unit is transferred from an operating state to a nonoperating state and generating a second enable signal when detecting that the operation state of the ultrasound scanning unit is transferred from the nonoperating state to the operating state, and an enable output end for transmitting the first enable signal or the second enable signal to the breathing machine to control the running of the breathing machine.

Abstract: A method for image guided surgery includes obtaining intraoperative locations including intraoperative fiducial locations for a non-rigid structure and intraoperative rigid structure locations for associated rigid structures, estimating a gravity deformation for the non-rigid structure based on a first rigid registration for preoperative fiducial locations in a computer model relative to the intraoperative fiducial locations and a second rigid registration for the preoperative rigid structure locations for a rigid structure in the computer model with respect to the intraoperative rigid structure locations, modifying the preoperative fiducial locations using first rigid registration and the gravity deformation, determining a third rigid registration for the modified fiducial locations relative to the intraoperative fiducial locations, calculating a non-rigid transformation for the computer model using the volumetric gravity field deformation and first boundary conditions from errors in the third rigid registra

Abstract: A method for imaging includes scanning a B scan of a sample N times at a first slice of a sample. N is greater than or equal to 2. The B scan includes a plurality of A scans. A pixel of the first slice has an M number of A scans within the pixel. Each of the A scans have a spectrum range less than a full spectrum range of the light source. A number of pixels per B scan is an approximate B scan length divided by a lateral resolution size of the pixel. The method further includes determine a flow image of the sample using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal reflected back from the sample.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain plural pieces of tomographic image data, in which each piece of tomographic image data indicates a cross section of substantially the same position of a subject, a calculation unit configured to calculate a motion contrast value based on the plural pieces of tomographic image data and a comparison result of a representative value of the plural pieces of tomographic image data indicating a signal intensity and a threshold, a generation unit configured to generate a motion contrast image of the subject based on the motion contrast value, and a change unit configured to change the threshold.

Abstract: A data processing method performed by a computer for monitoring the position of a patient, comprising the steps of: acquiring a 3D image dataset of the patient; acquiring an initial real image of the patient from a medical imaging system having a known and fixed location in space, thus defining a known viewing direction of the initial real image in space, the real image being taken at a first point in time; —performing 2D/3D registration by calculating a simulated image from the 3D image dataset which matches the initial real image best, the simulated image having a viewing direction onto the 3D image dataset; storing an initial similarity measure value for the pair of the initial real image and the calculated simulated image; —acquiring a subsequent real image from the medical imaging system taken at a second point in time later than the first point in time; calculating a subsequent similarity measure value for the pair of the subsequent real image and the calculated simulated image; and outputting an indica

Abstract: A reflection-mode multispectral photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) system and related method is disclosed, based on an optical-acoustic objective in communication with an ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, when aligned and positioned in a predetermined manner, little to no chromatic aberration is provided, and with convenient confocal alignment of the optical excitation and acoustic detection.

Abstract: A method of visualizing spinal nerves includes receiving a 3D image volume depicting a spinal cord and a plurality of spinal nerves. For each spinal nerve, a 2D spinal nerve image is generated by defining a surface within the 3D volume comprising the spinal nerve. The surface is curved such that it passes through the spinal cord while encompassing the spinal nerve. Then, the 2D spinal nerve images are generated based on voxels on the surface included in the 3D volume. A visualization of the 2D spinal images is presented in a graphical user interface that allows each 2D spinal image to be viewed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of generating a patient-specific prosthesis includes receiving anatomic imaging data representative of a portion of a patient's anatomy. A first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is defined. The first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is modified. A second digital representation of the portion of the patient's anatomy is defined based on the modifying of the first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data. A patient-specific prosthesis is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.

Abstract: Automatic characterization of the Agatston score from coronary computed tomography (CT) is provided. In various embodiments, a plurality of coronary computed tomography images are segmented into a plurality of segments corresponding to features of coronary anatomy. A plurality of calcium candidates are extracted from the plurality of coronary computed tomography images by thresholding. Coronary calcification is located in the coronary computed tomography images by applying a trained classifier to the plurality of calcium candidates. An Agatson score is computed from the located calcification.

Abstract: A fluorescence imaging device detects fluorescence in parts of the visible and invisible spectrum, and projects the fluorescence image directly on the human body, as well as on a monitor, with improved sensitivity, video frame rate and depth of focus, and enhanced capabilities of detecting distribution and properties of multiple fluorophores. Direct projection of three-dimensional visible representations of florescence on three-dimensional body areas advantageously permits view of it during surgical procedures, including during cancer removal, reconstructive surgery and wound care, etc. A NIR laser and a human visible laser (HVL) are aligned coaxially and scanned over the operating field of view. When the NIR laser passes over the area where the florescent dye is present, it energizes the dye which emits at a shifted NIR frequency detected by a photo diode. The HVL is turned on when emission is detected, providing visual indication of those positions.

Abstract: Black blood time to inversion (BBTI) tag-on and tag-off images acquired by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are analyzed to produce difference magnitude 3D images as a function of time (BBTI values) representing blood perfusion in a region of interest (ROI). Perfusion data of the ROI having values which are different for normal and abnormal myocardial tissues are displayed for plural slices of a 3D image and for plural BBTI values in a single display panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods employing a depth-sensing camera to detect abdomen rise and fall during an infant sleep period, or lack thereof due to respiratory arrest. Visual processing of image data collected by one or more 3D digital camera is performed to detect the infant and to measure a distance between an infant's abdominal cavity and a camera baseline over time. An alarm may be triggered at by the system, locally and/or at remote devices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc. The monitoring system may also detect situations when an infant rolls from a back-sleeping to a belly-sleeping position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system and a method for the measurement of a distance (58) between two points (54, 56) within a volume of a three-dimensional image (50). To avoid the commonly known fore-shortening effect, according to which a distance measured by the system is shorter than an actual distance (58) between the two points (54, 56), an in-depth control of a cursor (53) shown in the image (50) on the display as provided to the user. Further, an indication (72) may be given to the user that the cursor (53) collides with a structure (52) within the volume to allow the user to assess the movement of the cursor out of the plane shown on the display more conveniently. By this, occurrence of the fore-shortening effect may be avoided.

Abstract: A photoacoustic remote sensing system (NI-PARS) for imaging a subsurface structure in a sample, has an excitation beam configured to generate ultrasonic signals in the sample at an excitation location; an interrogation beam incident on the sample at the excitation location, a portion of the interrogation beam returning from the sample that is indicative of the generated ultrasonic signals; an optical system that focuses at least one of the excitation beam and the interrogation beam with a focal point that is below the surface of the sample; and a detector that detects the returning portion of the interrogation beam.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer server with a graphical processor that can process data from multiple medical imaging systems simultaneously. Data sets can be provided by any suitable imaging system (x-ray, angiography, PET scans, MRI, IVUS, OCT, cath labs, etc.) and a processing system of the invention allocates resources in the form of a virtual machine, processing power, operating system, applications, etc., as-needed. Embodiments of the invention may find particular application with cath labs due to the particular processing requirements of typical cath lab systems.

Abstract: A method of assessing the quality of an retinal image (such as a fundus image) includes selecting at least one region of interest within a retinal image corresponding to a particular structure of the eye (e.g. the optic disc or the macula), and a quality score is calculated in respect of the, or each, region-of-interest. Each region of interest is typically one associated with pathology, as the optic disc and the macula are. Optionally, a quality score may be calculated also in respect of the eye as a whole (i.e. over the entire image, if the entire image corresponds to the retina).

Abstract: An eye imaging apparatus includes a lighting device including a fundus illuminator and a cornea illuminator; a half mirror; an imaging device including a camera having a first objective lens; and a first polarizer. The first polarizer is disposed between the half mirror and the camera. The fundus illuminator irradiates the half mirror with first light polarized in a direction orthogonal to a transmission axis of the first polarizer. The half mirror receives the first light and outputs resulting light to an eye. A travel direction of the resulting light is in alignment with an optical axis of the first objective lens. The cornea illuminator emits light at a timing different from an emission timing of the first light, and the eye is irradiated with second light based on the light emitted by the cornea illuminator from a direction different from a direction parallel with the optical axis.

Abstract: Extracting a tubular structure from volume data, determining a target region which should be reached by an endoscope through the tubular structure, extracting, among plurality on a route of the tubular structure, a point that satisfies a given condition as a target point that should be reached by a distal end portion of the endoscope, and identifying and determining a route of the tubular structure from a predetermined start point in the tubular structure to the extracted target point as a route through which the endoscope should be passed.

Abstract: A system and method for planning a pathway through an anatomical luminal network of a patient including memory storing a computer program that is configured to analyze and manipulate CT images, a processor configured to execute the computer program and a display device configured to display a user interface of the computer program. The user interface includes an airway finder window displaying a CT image including a target. The CT image is rotatable about a pre-defined axis of rotation to assist a user in identifying an airway of the anatomical luminal network.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, image generation circuitry, image generation circuitry, at least one light emission circuitry a plurality of optical detection circuits, a slide mechanism and analysis circuitry. The slide mechanism makes at least either the at least one light emission circuitry or the plurality of optical detection circuits slide to change positional relationships between the ultrasonic transmission/reception surface, the at least one light emission circuitry, and the plurality of optical detection circuits. The analysis circuitry analyzes a change in the light intensity detected for each of different positional relationships between the ultrasonic transmission/reception surface, the at least one light emission circuitry, and the plurality of optical detection circuits.