Abstract: A system for the endoscopic X-ray luminescence computed tomographic imaging is provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel algorithm to convert medical hyperspectral images (MHSI) into RGB (RedBlueGreen) images in different medical conditions by making use of the three spectral bands (Red, Green and Blue) of the MHSI and mapping them into Red, Green and Blue components for visualization of hyperspectral images.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure includes an elongate shaft, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, and a control system. The end effector is articulatable relative to the elongate shaft between a home state position and an articulated position. The control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor to store program instructions. The processor can alert the operator when the end effector reaches the home state position from the articulated position.

Abstract: A method for capturing and consolidating multi-spectral image data for regions of interest using one or more spectral boost mechanisms or techniques is disclosed. A first multi-spectral or hyperspectral workflow comprising time-stamped two-dimensional pixelated images of a region of interest is obtained by a first computer-enabled imaging device. Each of the images corresponds to image data captured for a respective frequency band of a plurality of frequency bands. First meta data is associated with the images of the first workflow and includes: a plurality of first positions and first orientations of the first imaging device indicating first positional and orientation data for the first imaging device, and indications of a respective frequency band for each of the images of the first workflow. A consolidated multi-spectral workflow for the region of interest is generated, which includes spectrally and spatially consolidating the images of the first workflow using the first meta data.

Abstract: A remote photoplethysmography system includes a filter (10) for application to a detection unit. The filter further includes a first filter area (11) configured to transmit light (A) at a first wavelength and a second filter area (12) configured to transmit light (D) at a second wavelength. The detection unit (22) detects radiation received from the first filter area and from the second filter area of the filter. An analysis unit (6) determines the vital sign information of the subject from the detected radiation from the first filter area and from the second filter area.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward an implantable medical device that includes a plurality of sensor modules that are implanted within a patient. The sensor modules may cooperate with each other to coordinate the timing for performance of one or more sensor actions across the modules when making a measurement. Example measurements include tissue perfusion measurements, oxygen sensing measurements, sonomicrometry measurements, and pressure measurements. The coordination of the sensor modules may be controlled by a signal that is transmitted from a host controller to the sensor modules via a bus. In some examples, the bus may have two wires that transmit both timing information and data information to the sensor modules. The signal may be a signal that is substantially periodic, such as a pulsed signal. In additional examples, the signal may supply operating power and timing information to the sensor modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising extracts of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) in a polar solvent that are effective in promoting the barrier functions of the skin, useful for improving skin integrity, health and appearance and as anti-aging agent.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a refractometer that can satisfactorily observe an actual state of measurement light during a measurement with low cost. A graph 311 showing detection intensity of measurement light detected by a detector and a captured image 312 by a camera are displayed on one display screen 301 in real time. This configuration eliminates the need to separately provide a display unit for displaying the captured image 312 by the camera, thereby reducing cost. In addition, the actual state of measurement light can satisfactorily be observed during the measurement through the confirmation of the captured image 312 by the camera displayed on one display screen 301 along with the graph 311 in real time.

Abstract: A system includes a wrist computer and a portable video camera. The wrist computer acquires physical activity data measured by a sensor device, generates a time marker on the basis of the physical activity data, and transmits the time marker to the portable video camera according to a predefined wireless communication protocol. The portable video camera is configured to record video data, encode the video data into a video data file, and store the received time marker as meta data in the video file.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and system for determining health condition of a subject. First step of the method comprises receiving, by a computing unit, a first oxygen saturation level and a second oxygen saturation level from at least two sensors placed on the subject. Second step of the method comprises determining cerebral extraction of oxygen using the first and second oxygen saturation levels. Third step of the method comprises comparing the cerebral extraction of oxygen with a threshold level. Fourth step of the method comprises identifying a mental fatigue level of the subject based on outcome of the comparison, wherein the mental fatigue level indicates the health condition of the subject.

Abstract: A motion-compensated cutting system includes a hand-held tool body, and an actuator connected to the tool body. A shaft of the actuator is movable relative to the tool body so that a distal end of a cutting implement attached to the shaft is axially movable relative to the tool body. An optical coherence tomography system includes an optical fiber with a distal end fixed relative to the distal end of the cutting implement. The system includes a control unit that can determine a position of the distal end of the cutting implement relative to a reference surface based on input from the optical coherence tomography system. The control unit can control the cutting implement to compensate for relative motion between the tool body and the reference surface, and can maintain a predetermined depth of the distal end of the cutting implement with respect to the reference surface.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a biomimetic integrated optical sensor system, based on the integration of a wide field-of-view (WFOV) miniature staring multi-aperture compound eye with a high-speed, low-cost, polarization and spectral selective liquid crystal (LC) filter array, a MWIR focal plane array (FPA), and a neural network processor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing tissue of a subject are disclosed. The method includes receiving a time series of fluorescence images of the tissue of the subject wherein the images define a plurality of calculation regions, generating a plurality of time-intensity curves for the plurality of calculation regions, creating a set of parameter values for each calculation region, generating a total rank value for each calculation region by comparing the sets of parameter values, and converting the total rank value into a ranking map image. Also disclosed are methods and systems for characterizing a wound in tissue by generating a wound index value.

Abstract: An apparatus for turbid sample measurement comprising a plurality of light sources for illuminating a turbid sample target area with non-spatial structured light, a projection system for illuminating the turbid sample target area with spatial structured light, a sensor for collecting light from the turbid sample target area, and a processor to analyze the data captured by the sensor to yield scattering and absorption coefficients of the turbid sample. A method comprises illuminating the sample with spatial structured light, collecting light reflected from the sample at a number of wavelengths, illuminating the sample with non-spatial structured light, collecting light reflected from the sample at a number of wavelengths, and combining the measurements of the collected light to obtain the optical properties of the sample and/or the concentration of absorbing or fluorescent molecules. The wavelengths of the spatial and non-spatial light sources are preferably different.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus that forms a layer of at least one type of scattering material. The image forming apparatus is configured to obtain subsurface scattering characteristic data indicating the subsurface scattering characteristic of a reproducing target, and determine the laminated structure of the layer of the scattering material based on the subsurface scattering characteristic data. The image forming apparatus is configured to then form an image corresponding to the layer of the scattering material based on the determined laminated structure of the layer of the scattering material.

Abstract: fNIRS may be used in real time or near-real time to detect the mental state of individuals. Phase measurement can be applied to drive an adaptive filter for the removal of motion artifacts in real time or near-real time. In this manner, the application of fNIRS may be extended to practical non-laboratory environments. For example, the mental state of an operator of a vehicle may be monitored, and alerts may be issued and/or an autopilot may be engaged when the mental state of the operator indicates that the operator is inattentive.

Abstract: A protective guide for protecting a cell extraction device used during a Pap smear. An access tunnel receives the cell extraction device and allows for access and movement of the cell extraction device. A protective chamber covers and protects the head of the cell extraction device as the cell extraction device is being removed and inserted from the patient's vagina. A protective guide connector attaches the protective guide to an imaging transducer. After inserted into the patient's vagina, the location of the patient's cervix is determined by utilization of the imaging transducer. Once the cervix is located the cell extraction device is pushed outward from the protective chamber so that the cell extraction device head contacts the cervix and then removes cells from the cervix. The cell extraction device head is then pulled back into the protective chamber and the protective guide is removed from the patient's vagina.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed medical devices for illuminating and viewing a patient's internal body portion. The device may include an elongated flexible tube including a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a channel extending from the proximal end to an aperture at the distal end. An illumination device is housed within the channel and configured to emit a distally directed path of light. A light source is provided at the distal end of the flexible tube and configured to emit a laterally directed path of light. In one embodiment the light source is a organic light emitting diode.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical method for determining morphological parameters and physiological properties of tissue is presented. The method includes using reflectance measurements from a tissue area for a plurality of wavelengths, using a bio-optical model, using radiative transfer modeling and using a non-linear inversion procedure.

Abstract: Laser assisted cataract surgery methods and devices utilizing one or more treatment laser beams to create a shaped opening in the anterior lens capsule of the eye when performing a capsulorrhexis procedure. A light absorbing agent may optionally be added onto or into the lens capsule tissue, and the treatment laser wavelength selected to be strongly absorbed by the light absorbing agent. Alternatively, the treatment laser wavelength may be selected to be absorbed or strongly absorbed by the tissue itself, in which case no additional light absorbing agent need be used. Visualization patterns produced with one or more target laser beams may be projected onto the lens capsule tissue to aid in the procedure. The devices may be attached to or integrated with microscopes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hyperspectral imaging analysis that assists in real and near-real time assessment of biological tissue condition, viability, and type, and monitoring the above overtime. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in surgery, clinical procedures, tissue assessment, diagnostic procedures, health monitoring, and medical evaluations, especially in the detection and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a measuring probe and an arrangement for measuring spectral absorption, preferably in the infrared. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for spectroscopically measuring absorption. The measuring probe may comprise a cutting apparatus configured to cut a slice or respectively flap off of a sample to be measured; a measuring gap configured to accommodate the sample slice; an optical window element for coupling measuring light into, or respectively out of the measuring gap; and an end reflector designed and arranged to reflect the measuring light propagated through the measuring gap back into the measuring gap. The arrangement for measuring spectral absorption may comprise the measuring probe, a light source and an apparatus for the spectral analysis of the measuring light coupled out of the measuring gap.

Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes: a sensor module that receives reflected light and outputs a signal corresponding to light intensity of the reflected light; a calibration plate that outputs first reflected light to the sensor module, the first reflected light being used for comparing the light intensity of the reflected light; and a calibration unit that switches the input reflected light to the sensor module between the second reflected light reflected at a measured portion, and the first reflected light.

Abstract: A device and method for example operating an in vivo imaging device wherein the illumination is operated at a certain rate or range of rates, and images are transmitted from the device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a continuous transdermal monitoring system comprises a sensor package. The sensor package may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a plurality of light detectors arranged as an array. One exemplary method for continuous transdermal monitoring begins by positioning a pulse oximetry sensor system, similar to the system described immediately above, adjacent to a target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by detecting a light reflected by the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by transmitting a pulse oximetry reading(s), based at least in part on the light reflected by the target tissue segment, of the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by analyzing the pulse oximetry reading(s).

Abstract: A new technique which uses a pump-probe methodology to place a molecule into one or more excited rotational and/or vibrational states. By evaluating spectral changes due to at least one discrete frequency of pump photons a multi-dimensional characterization of the molecule's excited state energy level results. This multi-dimensional characterization typically involves evaluating the changes between excited and unexcited state measurements. The differential nature of the evaluation makes the technique self-referencing and solves problems common to many spectroscopic techniques. The multi-dimensionality of the technique provides high specificity and immunity to interferents. The preferred embodiments involve excitation by using photons suited to pumping the rotational states and evaluating the effects by probing the energy levels of one of more vibrational states.

Abstract: A non-contact, passive method for measurement of arterial pulse from areas such as the major superficial arteries of the body through analysis of thermal IR images acquired by passive thermal IR imaging sensors, and through the modeling of the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and arterial pulse propagation in the circulatory system. The method is automatic and does not need operator input. The output waveform readily contains the information on heart rate, cardiac interbeat intervals, heart-rate variability and other features inherent in arterial pulse.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence observation apparatus including a light source; a section generating a fluorescence image of an object; a section generating a reference image of the object; a section generating a corrected image in which emphasized are pixels of the reference image corresponding to pixels each having luminance value equal to or more than a first threshold value in the fluorescence image; a display unit displaying the reference image or the corrected image; a bleeding state determining section determining whether or not a bleeding region of the subject detected based on the reference image is more than a predetermined range; and a section switching between displaying the reference image on the display unit if the determining section determines that the region is not more than the range, and displaying the corrected on the image display if the determining section determines that the region is more than the range.

Abstract: A fluorescent image acquisition and projection apparatus for real-time visualization of an invisible fluorescent signal is provided. The apparatus visualizes an invisible fluorescent signal generated from a target object (a tissue of a living body, a cell of a living body, or the like) by using a photodetection unit and a projector in real time. The apparatus directly projects a visualized fluorescent signal onto a region of the target object where the invisible fluorescent signal is generated, thereby enabling users to determine and confirm the generation location of the fluorescence with the naked eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.

Abstract: For therapy response assessment, texture features are input for machine learning a classifier and for using a machine learnt classifier. Rather than or in addition to using formula-based texture features, data driven texture features are derived from training images. Such data driven texture features are independent analysis features, such as features from independent subspace analysis. The texture features may be used to predict the outcome of therapy based on a few number of or even one scan of the patient.

Abstract: A retractor system with a closed loop control includes a retractor having one or more sensors, which measure parameters associated with a retracted tissue. The system further includes a positioning mechanism connected to the retractor and a controller which receives feedback signals from the sensors. Based on the feedback signals from the sensors, the retractor is actuated by the positioning mechanism so that the tissue can be retracted while maintaining the parameters associated with the retracted tissue above a threshold level or within a desired range. Another retractor system includes a retractor with a force sensor and at least one additional sensor, which can be used without a closed loop control arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system (10) for measuring light induced transmission or reflection changes, in particular due to stimulated Raman emission. The system comprises a first light source (12) for generating a first light signal having a first wavelength, a second light source (14) for generating a second light signal having a second wavelength, an optical assembly (16) for superposing said first and second light signals at a sample location (18), and a detection means (24) for detecting a transmitted or reflected light signal, in particular a stimulated Raman signal caused by a Raman-active medium when located at said sample location. Here in at least one of the first and second light sources (12, 14) is one or both of actively controllable to emit a time controlled light pattern or operated substantially in CW mode and provided with an extra cavity modulation means (64) for generating a time controlled light pattern.

Abstract: A method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps is disclosed generally comprising providing an endoscope with a view vector that pivots relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, programming a scan trajectory along which the view vector moves relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope to provide a predefined sequence of views of a surface, and capturing a sequence of images corresponding to the predefined sequence of views as the view vector moves along that scan trajectory. A set of configuration coordinates is associated with each of the captured images, and the images and the coordinates associated therewith are used to create a map of the interior surface that is larger than the view attending the view vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a microscope for generating a microscopic image, wherein a) the sample is illuminated in each case by the microscope lens using the TIRF method; and b) the sample is illuminated in a structured fashion in different displacement positions of the structure. The sample light of the method according to a) and b) is detected in each case for generating an image of at least once sample region, wherein the sample images generated according to a) and b) are set off against one another, preferably multiplied, and the result is stored for generating a new sample image.

Abstract: Embodiments segment received image data. The received image data may include pixels that have multiple channels of intensity values. The image data is decomposed into albedo and shading components. This may be accomplished using a minimization that enforces a relationship between albedo, shading, and intensity values. The minimization may also include an albedo regularizer to infer albedo in part based on chromaticity and albedo of surrounding pixels. Superpixels are generated based on contiguous regions of pixels having similar image data across channels. These superpixels are then merged based in part on the determined albedo and shading components as well as based on the image data. The channels of image data may include infrared image data used to modify visible channels of the image to create pseudo-image data, which may be used in place of image data for albedo-shading decomposition, superpixel generation, or superpixel merging.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.

Abstract: A method for assessing a pre-cognitive emotional response from a test subject, using responses obtained during the first moments of brain activity after presentation of a stimulus, includes exposing the test subject to a visual stimulus for between approximately 500 milliseconds and approximately 1 second, and receiving an input from the subject while the subject is exposed to the visual stimulus or within approximately 300 milliseconds after the subject is first exposed to the stimulus. The method further includes storing, in response to receiving the input, a user response that identifies one of a plurality of emotional reactions that is associated with the visual stimulus. Each of the exposing, receiving, and storing acts is repeated for a plurality of visual stimuli. The method further includes determining, based on each of the stored user responses, one or more dominant emotional characteristics of the subject.

Abstract: A visualization apparatus for the vein according to the present disclosure includes a near-infrared ray irradiating unit for irradiating near-infrared rays below the skin of a target area, an infrared camera unit for photographing the target area, an image processing unit for receiving and processing image information of a portion below the skin of the target area, photographed by the infrared camera unit, and providing the processed image information to a display device, and a display device located near the target area to display the image information provided from the image processing unit.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor with an oximeter sensor at its tip and a force sensor coupled to the retractor. The retractor system also includes a system unit which can send signals to and receive signals from the oximeter sensor via optical fibers. The oximeter sensor measures oxygen saturation of a tissue being refracted by the retractor, and the force sensor measures an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor. Another retractor system has a closed loop control arrangement with a positioning mechanism which moves the retractor based on measurements of the sensors.

Abstract: A method for encrypted authentication of interchangeable parts of a surgical instrument includes providing a surgical end effector at a distal end of a handle of the surgical instrument and electrically connecting an authentication controller within the handle to a receiving portion of the end effector. An interchangeable part is removably placed at the receiving portion. The interchangeable part is authenticated with the authentication controller when the interchangeable part is seated in the end effector.

Abstract: A mammography CT system is disclosed which includes an X-ray generator; and a first radiator-detector system. A contrast medium, including an opacifying element including an absorption peak in a first energy range, is useable for tomographic imaging of a female breast of a patient. After filtering, the X-rays with a prespecified tube voltage that form at an anode, are configured to emit an X-ray spectrum having a second energy range, wherein the radiator-detector system is configured to acquire a plurality of circumferential projections around the breast. The first energy range is a part of the second energy range and the second energy range includes an upper limit of less than 70 keV and a lower limit of greater than 20 keV. A corresponding method for generating tomographic mammography CT images is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical zoom probe is provided. The optical zoom probe includes: an aperture adjuster which adjusts an aperture through which light which is transmitted by a light transmitter propagates; and a focus adjuster which focuses light that propagates through the aperture and which includes first and second liquid lenses for each of which respective curvatures are independently controlled so as to adjust a respective focal length.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for characterizing a biological sample by analyzing emission of fluorescent light from the biological sample upon excitation and methods for using the same. The system includes a laser source, collection fibers, a demultiplexer and an optical delay device. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Abstract: Methods for identifying chemical contrasts on a common surface are generally provided. The presence of a stain on a surface can be detected by applying a testing vapor, such as water, onto the surface and monitoring the surface with an infrared camera that detects wavelengths of about 700 nm to about 1 mm and/or a microbolometer that detects wavelengths of about 7.5 ?m to about 14 ?m. The surface may be at room temperature or preheated during the detection method.

Abstract: A system includes a wrist computer and a portable video camera. The wrist computer acquires physical activity data measured by a sensor device, generates a time marker on the basis of the physical activity data, and transmits the time marker to the portable video camera according to a predefined wireless communication protocol. The portable video camera is configured to record video data, encode the video data into a video data file, and store the received time marker as meta data in the video file.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and systems of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging of medical tissues. In particular, the invention is directed to new devices, tools and processes for the detection and evaluation of diseases and disorders such as, but not limited to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease and cancer, that incorporate hyperspectral or multispectral imaging.

Abstract: A system for endoscopic nuclear imaging, a nuclear probe and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a movable endoscopic nuclear probe which comprises a collimator and a detector, the endoscopic nuclear probe having an elongated body with a longitudinal axis (X), wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged on the elongated body, and the collimator having a field of view with an axis (Y) and the axis (Y) is angled with respect to the axis (X) of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; means for determining the position and orientation of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; an evaluation unit including means for computationally determining an actual position and actual orientation of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; and a program storage section and means for computing at least one quality parameter of the image.

Abstract: An optical control device is provided in a scanning optical device that applies light emitted from a light source to an observation target as spot light that is applied in a spot-like shape, and detects reflected light from the observation target while scanning with the spot light, the optical control device including an intensity enhancement section that enhances intensity of light within a specific wavelength band included in a wavelength band of white light emitted from a white light source, an irradiation section that applies specific wavelength band-enhanced white light to the observation target, the specific wavelength band-enhanced white light being white light for which intensity of light within the specific wavelength band is enhanced, and a light detection section that detects reflected light from the observation target when the irradiation section applies the specific wavelength band-enhanced white light to the observation target.

Abstract: A system is set forth for detection of catheter location for intravenous access, comprising a catheter having a light source for illuminating a needle tip thereof; and an infrared detector and image projector for simultaneously detecting image vasculature and the location of the needle tip below the surface of the skin and in response projecting an image onto the skin to reveal the location of the needle tip relative to the vasculature.