| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080200757 | Vivo imaging device with a small cross sectional area and methods for construction thereof - An image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) includes a pixel array portion and a circuitry portion, where the circuitry portion may be segregated, for example longitudinally, from the pixel array portion. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080214891 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIOFILM REMOVAL, INCLUDING A BIOFILM REMOVAL ENDOSCOPE FOR USE THEREWITH - Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080221388 | SIDE VIEWING OPTICAL FIBER ENDOSCOPE - An optical fiber conveys light from a source at a proximal end, to a distal end, where a piezoelectric material tube applies a force that causes the distal end of the optical fiber to scan in a desired pattern. Light from the distal end of the optical fiber passes through a lens system and is at least partially reflected by a reflective surface toward a side of the scope, to illuminate tissue within a patient's body. Light received from the internal tissue is reflected back either to collection optical fibers, which convey the light to proximally disposed optical detectors, or directly toward distal optical detectors. The optical detectors produce electrical signals indicative of an intensity of the light that can be used for producing an image of the internal tissue. The light received from the tissue can be either scattered, polarized, fluorescent, or filtered, depending on the illumination light. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080228031 | System and Method for an Illumination-Quality Test - An endoscopic illumination tester is provided for testing illumination quality of a lightsource. The endoscopic illumination tester includes an optical bridge that is removably interlockable with the lightsource. The endoscopic illumination tester includes an integrating sphere that is removably interlockable with the optical bridge. The endoscopic illumination tester may further engage a lightguide connectable between the optical bridge and the lightsource. An endoscope may be inserted between the optical bridge and the integrating sphere. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228032 | CARDIAC VISUALIZATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for facilitating transvascular, minimally invasive and other “less invasive” surgical procedures generally include a sheath with an expandable balloon at the distal end, an inflation lumen for expanding the balloon, and a device passage lumen for allowing passage of one or more surgical instruments. The sheath is configured to house at least one visualization device such that an optical element of the device is positioned to view the surgical site. In some embodiments, instruments may be passed through the sheath, with the distal balloon partially or fully circumscribing or encircling the instruments. Any suitable instrument(s) may be passed through sheaths of the invention, such as a surgical clip applier for repairing a heart valve, an ablation member for treating atrial fibrillation, one or more pacemaker leads, a coronary sinus access device or the like. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080242926 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, CAPSULE ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM, AND ENDOSCOPE CONTROL METHOOD - A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a receiver. The capsule endoscope has plural image pickup units for endoscopic imaging by passing a gastrointestinal tract in a body. The receiver for wireless communication with the capsule endoscope receives and stores image data from the capsule endoscope. The receiver includes a data analyzer for retrieving position relationship data expressing a position relationship of the image pickup units to a target region in the gastrointestinal tract. A CPU of the receiver produces a command signal according to the position relationship data for determining a number of frames of imaging per unit time for respectively the plural image pickup units. The capsule endoscope includes a CPU for controlling operation of the plural image pickup units according to the command signal from the receiver. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080242927 | COOLING APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - The endoscope cooling device is to cool an insertion portion having an observation portion at the distal end. The device is provided with an inner sheath into which the distal end portion of the insertion portion including the observation portion is inserted to form a first flow path of a cooling fluid between the outer circumferential face of the insertion portion and the inner circumferential face of the inner sheath, an outer sheath into which the inner sheath is inserted to form a second flow path of the cooling fluid between the outer circumferential face of the inner sheath and the inner circumferential face of the outer sheath, a regulating means for regulating the distal end portion in moving at least either through the inner sheath or the outer sheath, and a fluid supply means for supplying the cooling fluid to the first flow path and the second flow path. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080242928 | IN VIVO OBSERVATION DEVICE - This in vivo observation device is equipped with a capsular casing that is taken orally into the body, and an observation device provided within said casing which observes the inside of the body through an observation wall surface of said casing; and, is provided with a contact auxiliary device that causes the observation wall surface to closely contact to body tissue during observation. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080255414 | FLUORESCENT NANOPARTICLE SCOPE - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255415 | ENDOSCOPE PROCESSOR - An endoscope processor comprising a touch-panel input unit, a mechanical switch unit, and a controller, is provided. The endoscope processor controls an endoscope system. The touch-panel input unit comprises a touch-panel monitor. A command to carry out a function of the endoscope system is input via a command-input display displayed on the touch-panel monitor. The mechanical switch unit is manipulated to carry out at least one function among a light-switching function, a pump-switching function, and a white-balance-start switching function. The controller carries out a function corresponding to the command input via the touch-panel input unit or the mechanical switch unit. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080262297 | System and Method for Image-Based Alignment of an Endoscope - Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262298 | IN-VIVO IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND RECEIVING SYSTEM - A viewer includes a display unit. The display unit has a first display area for displaying an in-vivo image obtained by a first capsule endoscope received from a first receiver, and second display areas for displaying in-vivo images obtained by second capsule endoscopes received from second receivers. The viewer displays the in-vivo images in the first and second display areas, respectively. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080275298 | Dual View Endoscope - The present invention relates to endoscope system having means to provide simultaneous forward and rear views of a hollow organ. It comprises of first image assembly comprising of forward image lens and forward illumination source disposed at distal end of the endoscope and; second image assembly comprising of rear image lens and rear illumination source disposed on rear view module operatively engaged with the endoscope. Upon deployment of rear view module, rear image lens and rear illumination source face backwards with respect to the endoscope; and in some embodiments of the invention; face towards forward image lens and illumination source disposed at the distal end of the endoscope. According one aspect of the invention, means is provided to prevent interference between the forward image lens of the endoscope and rear illumination source of the rear view module; and between rear image lens of the rear view module and forward illumination source of the endoscope. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080281154 | ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - An endoscope device obtains tissue information of a desired depth near the tissue surface. A xenon lamp ( | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080294002 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE PROBE - An endoscope apparatus of the invention is provided with an endoscope insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity and is capable of performing fluorescence observation. The endoscope apparatus includes: a transferring portion, which is provided to the endoscope insertion portion, for transferring information on an image of a region to be examined to a proximal end side of the endoscope insertion portion; a light deflecting portion for directing fluorescence entered from a side surface of a distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion to one end side of the transferring portion; and an image forming optical system for image-forming fluorescence from the light deflecting portion at one end of the transferring portion. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080300456 | Video Endoscope - A video endoscope comprises a disposable working part. The working part comprises a shaft, at the distal end of which a lens and an image sensor are arranged. The working part furthermore comprises an electrical transmission system for transmitting the image information and at least one light guide for transmitting light from proximal to distal. An operating part is furthermore provided. A proximal end of the working part can be releasably connected to a distal end of the operating part via an interface. Furthermore, a sterile gathered-together hose is arranged on the working part, and the operating part can be enveloped by the hose. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080306337 | Characterization of a Near-Infrared Laparoscopic Hyperspectral Imaging System for Minimally Invasive Surgery - The present invention includes an apparatus and methods for use of a hyperspectral surgical laparoscope that includes an illuminated laparoscope; a liquid crystal tunable filter generally center-mounted on the laparoscope and positioned to collect back-reflected light from a target; a relay lens generally center-mounted on the laparoscope to focus light from the liquid crystal tunable filter; and a focal plane array generally center-mounted on the laparoscope, wherein light that is reflected from the target is imaged on the focal plane array and captured as a digital data cube. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080306338 | LIVING BODY OBSERVATION APPARATUS - A white light from a lamp passes through R, G, and B filters of a rotating filter and turns into broadband R, G, and B frame sequential illumination lights. The lights are applied to a living mucous membrane in a body cavity through an electronic endoscope, and sequential image pickup is performed by a CCD. Output signals from the CCD are sequentially switched by a selector in a filter circuit. An R signal, a G signal, and a B signal pass through the filter circuit | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080312499 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system according to the present invention includes at least one first photographing device that can photograph an object, at least one second photographing device different from the first photographing device, a retaining member for retaining the second photographing device in a body cavity, a signal processing device that processes signals photographed by the first photographing device and the second photographing device, and a display device that displays an image signal outputted from the signal processing device. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080312500 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes a camera for picking up an image inside a body cavity, a camera side magnet connected to the camera and a fixing magnet, for fixing the camera inside the body cavity by holding an abdominal wall from different surfaces of the abdominal wall, and a second CCU for controlling the camera. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090005639 | Capsule medical apparatus - A capsule medical apparatus includes a capsule housing | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005640 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING A COMPLETE IMAGE OF AN INNER SURFACE OF A BODY CAVITY FROM MULTIPLE INDIVIDUAL ENDOSCOPIC IMAGES - In a method and a device for generation of a complete image composed from a number of individual endoscopic images of the inner surface of a body cavity of a patient, the alignment of an optical axis of an endoscope introduced into the body cavity is controlled by evaluation and comparison of the individual images acquired from different directions. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005641 | IMAGING METHOD FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND DEVICE OPERATING ACCORDING TO THIS METHOD - In an imaging method for medical diagnostics and a device operating according to this method, during an endoscopic examination of a body region of a patient with an endoscope, an image is generated with a non-endoscopic imaging method and the image field of the endoscope is determined and rendered in the image ( | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090012357 | In-Vivo Image Acquiring System and Body-Insertable Apparatus - A capsule endoscope | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090018392 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090018393 | CATHETER FOR IN VIVO IMAGING - A catheter for in vivo imaging comprising a monolithic outer sheath terminating in a monolithic atraumatic tip having a guidewire lumen. The catheter for in vivo imaging comprising a rotary drive shaft that passes through a central lumen of the monolithic outer sheath to impart rotary motion. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090023991 | BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION APPARATUS - A biological observation apparatus comprises a color image signal creating section that performs signal processing on either a first image pickup signal for which a subject to be examined illuminated by white illumination light is picked up by a color filter having a transmitting characteristic of a plurality of broadband wavelengths or a second image pickup signal for which a subject to be examined is picked up under illumination of frame sequential illumination lights which cover a visible range, and creates a color image signal. The biological observation apparatus comprises a spectral image signal creating section that creates a spectral image signal corresponding to a narrowband image signal through signal processing on a color image signal based on the first or second image pickup signal. The biological observation apparatus comprises one of a characteristic changing/setting section for a display color converting section that performs conversion of display colors when causing the spectral image signal to be displayed or the like, an interface section for performing an instruction operation for switching and/or confirming information including an image to be displayed, or the like. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090023992 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VIEWING A BODY LUMEN - A device and method for viewing a body lumen are provided. An assembly of a capsule endoscope and an endoscope is inserted into a body lumen. The capsule endoscope is positioned within the body lumen at a predetermined distance from the endoscope, and images are obtained from opposite sides of a desired location in the body lumen. In vivo procedures may be performed, while images of the procedure are obtained from opposite sides of the procedure location. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090023993 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBINED DISPLAY OF MEDICAL DEVICES - A method and system to display combined information about an in-vivo lumen using several in vivo devices as data sources. A method is provided for interfacing different in vivo devices and viewing integrated results, on a combined display, by receiving in vivo data of at least two in vivo sensing procedures and analyzing the in vivo data to produce the combined representation. The combined representation may be displayed to a user during the course of an in vivo sensing procedure, and the in vivo data of an in vivo sensing procedure may be received and/or analyzed to produce a combined representation in real time. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090030275 | Imaging System - A monoscopic imaging system, for example a minimally invasive surgery imaging system, is provided which includes an image capture device for capturing images of a monoscopic, for example endoscopic, field of view, an auxiliary light source operable such that an object within the field of view casts a shadow, an image processor operatively connected to the image capture device and operable to detect shadow pixels in the images corresponding to the shadow and to enhance the shadow in the images. The system is of particular, although not exclusive, application to laparoscopic surgery. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090043155 | BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS, IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING SYSTEM, AND BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS MANUFACTURING METHOD - An object of the present invention is to make it possible to closely examine a specific region by making most use of an advantage of a compound-eye capsule endoscope that picks up images of an interior of a body cavity forward and backward in a movement direction of a capsule casing. By disposing imaging devices ( | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090043156 | MEDICAL APPARATUS OBTAINING INFORMATION INDICATIVE OF INTERNAL STATE OF AN OBJECT BASED ON INTERACTION BETWEEN ULTRASOUND WAVES AND LIGHT - A biological observation system is provided, which is mounted in en endoscope so as to acquire information indicating the internal state of a body tissue of an object using the interaction between ultrasound waves and light. The endoscope is equipped with an ultrasound generating member, a light transmitting/receiving member, and a moving member. The ultrasound generating member generates ultrasound waves toward a region to be examined of an object. The light transmitting/receiving member radiates light from a light source toward the region to be examined and receives light reflected by a region of the ultrasound waves within the region to be examined. The moving member spatially moves both the ultrasound generating member and the light transmitting/receiving member together as a unitary member. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090043157 | IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS - An image display apparatus includes a display unit that displays images contained in a plurality of image groups inside a subject picked up by a plurality of imaging devices, and a control unit that extracts a related image related to a currently displayed image currently displayed in the display unit from the plurality of image groups to make the display unit display the related image extracted. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090048483 | DEVICE FOR INSERTION GUIDE AND ENDOSCOPE HAVING THE SAME - A colonoscope as an endoscope has an insertion tube for insertion in a patient's gastrointestinal tract. A head portion is disposed at an end of the insertion tube, for inspecting a large intestine. In combination with this, a device for insertion guide includes a base tube mounted on the head portion. Two propulsion fins are disposed on the base tube to extend in an axial direction of the head portion. A driving mechanism with balloons shifts the propulsion fins between closed and open positions. The propulsion fins, when in the closed position, are disposed to extend along the head portion, and when in the open position, are deployed in a radial direction by setting a distal fin end thereof away from the head portion, to propel the head portion inserted in the large intestine. Furthermore, the balloons set the propulsion fins in the open position alternately with one another. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090062605 | Capsule endoscope - A capsule endoscope can prevent any fall of the efficiency of observation by reducing the substance or substances adhering to the outer surface of the front end cover such as food residue and mucus. The capsule endoscope includes a dome-shaped front end cover provided on the outer surface with photocatalytic coating, an image pickup means arranged in the front end cover to pick up images of the inside of an object of examination into which the endoscope is introduced and acquire image information on the inside of the object of examination and a lighting section arranged around the image pickup means within the dome-shaped front end cover. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090076320 | Intra-subject information acquiring system | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076321 | DIGITAL CAMERA FOR TAKING IMAGE INSIDE ORAL CAVITY - To provide a digital camera for taking an image inside the oral cavity without causing a sanitary problem and enabling a dentist to easily monitor an object in the oral cavity of a patient on a screen and the patient to easily view the object on the screen when the camera is used. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076322 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes at least an imaging device that images a location of a subject and an optical system that focuses the location at the imaging device. The imaging device has plural pixel portions that are arranged in in-plane directions on a substrate. The pixel portion has a photoelectric conversion portion that includes a lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer formed over the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed over the photoelectric conversion layer, and a signal output portion that outputs a signal based on a charge generated at the photoelectric conversion layer through a field effect thin film transistor. The field effect thin film transistor includes at least a gate electrode, a gate insulation film, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The photoelectric conversion portion and the signal output portion are superposed in plan view. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090082623 | Visualization and treatment via percutaneous methods and devices - Visualization and treatment of tissue regions via percutaneous access methods and devices are described herein. The system may include a deployment catheter and an expandable imaging hood. In use, the hood may be introduced from outside the patient body through a percutaneous incision and advanced through a subxiphoid pathway, for example, to the heart where entry may be accomplished via an incision through the left atrial appendage. Once within the heart, the hood can be advanced to any chamber to visualize and/or treat tissue by placing the hood against the tissue to be imaged and pumping translucent fluids into the hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for treating the tissue of interest. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082624 | ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND SWITCHING CIRCUIT MEMBER FOR ENDOSCOPE - The present invention relates to an endoscope to perform observation using a plurality of image pick up units and an endoscope system including such an endoscope, and its object is to provide an endoscope and an endoscope system having a simplified structure and a reduced cost. There is provided an endoscope including a plurality of image pick up units ( | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082625 | ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion having a distal end portion provided with an illumination window and an observation window. A single solid-state image sensing device whose image pickup face is provided at an image forming position of an objective optical system mounted on the observation window. In the vicinity of the image pickup face of the solid-state image sensing device, a filter portion that has a first filter having a wideband wavelength transmission characteristic in a visible band and a second filter having a narrowband wavelength transmission characteristic in the visible band two-dimensionally arranged is disposed. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082626 | ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope has an insertion portion, an abutment portion, an increasing device and an observation portion. The insertion portion is an insertion portion which can be inserted into a subject. The abutment portion is provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion. The abutment portion provided at the distal end portion can contact with the subject. The increasing device increases the abutment area of the abutment portion. The observation portion performs observation of the subject on the abutment portion provided at the distal end portion and having been increased by the increasing device, or performs observation of the subject spaced by a predetermined distance by the increased abutment portion. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090093676 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN IMAGE STREAM - A system and method may allow displaying a plurality of image streams, where the image streams may be divided, for example into a number of selected subset couplet images which follow predetermined criteria. According to some embodiments, each couplet may be displayed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. A workstation may accept the images acquired by, for example a capsule and may display the images on a monitor as a moving image. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090099416 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a capsule and a transparent cover having a central axis and that is located in front of an objective optical system within the capsule. The objective optical system has a depth of field, a field of view, and an image surface that has curvature of field, and is arranged on the central axis of the transparent cover and the capsule. The field of view of the objective optical system includes a spherical surface that is tangent to the transparent cover at a periphery of the field of view, and the near point of the depth of field on the optical axis of the objective optical system is positioned farther from the objective optical system than is the transparent cover. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide high quality imaging. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090099417 | DISPOSABLE ENDOSCOPE - This invention relates to an endoscope, particularly a bronchoscope, incorporating one or more multifunctional component made of a material that is multifunctional. The endoscopes of this invention comprise at least one multifunctional component having more than one function wherein the functions were previously performed separately by individual components. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090105537 | Device, System and Method for In-Vivo Examination - A device, a system and a method for in-vivo examination. A method for in-vivo examination includes substantially emptying a subject's colon from content, and inserting an autonomous in-vivo imaging device into the subject's gastrointestinal tract. An in-vivo examination kit includes an autonomous in-vivo imaging device, a wireless receiver, an antenna set, a laxative, and optionally a stimulant and an instructions leaflet. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090105538 | Endoscope System - An endoscope system includes a catheter having a camera module, a wall mounted unit including an LCD screen, and a control box that processes video images captured by the camera module and output video signals to the LCD screen to display the captured video images. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090112061 | Endoscope capable of varying field of vision - An endoscope system capable of observing a front view and a side view simultaneously is provided by employing a beam splitter, a first shutter and a second shutter. A front view in a longitudinal direction can be observed when the first shutter is open such that light beams pass through the beam splitter. A side view in a perpendicular direction can be observed when the second shutter is open such that light beams through the open shutter are reflected by the beam splitter in the longitudinal direction. The front view and the side view can be observed simultaneously, when the first shutter and the second shutter are alternatively operated such that the first shutter is open while the second shutter is closed and vise versa. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090118576 | Portable medical apparatus storage holder and capsule endoscope medical care system - An object of the invention is to eliminate unstable behavior of a drawn cable connected to a portable medical apparatus, which is of a storage target, to prevent cable jam or looseness and cable disconnection. A bundling member ( | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118577 | MEDICAL DEVICE MADE WITH A SUPER ALLOY - A medical device with a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an operational interface, the distal end having a working element, and the shaft may include a super alloy. In one example embodiment, the shaft may include a cobalt base alloy. In another example embodiment, a medical device includes a first portion having a super alloy, and a second portion having a dissimilar metal joined to the first portion by an arc welding technique. In another possible embodiment, a first portion includes a cobalt base alloy, and a second portion includes a non-metal joined to the first portion. The inventive subject matter also includes a method for joining a cobalt base alloy to a dissimilar metal by hermetic sealing, such as provided, for example, by an arc welding technique. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118578 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A normal light CCD | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118579 | MEDICAL CAPSULE - A medical capsule having a capsule configuration of size permitting introduction in a body, adapted to be at least partially dissolved over time by remaining in the intestines for a predetermined time or more. The medical capsule includes an inner casing provided at both ends with a discharge outlet and, surrounding the periphery thereof, an outer casing with a substantially uniform thickness. The inner casing and the outer casing are made of a material dissolved in the digestive secretion of the intestines. When the medical capsule remains in the intestines by, for example, entering a narrow area of the intestines, the wall of the outer casing begins to be dissolved. By this dissolution, the inner space of the inner casing communicates through the discharge outlet with the outside of the medical capsule. Consequently, a filling, such as a dye, medicine, etc., of the inner casing flows into the intestines. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118580 | Image-type intubation-aiding device - An image-type intubation-aiding device comprises a small-size image sensor and a light source module both placed into an endotracheal tube to help doctors with quick intubation. Light from light emission devices in the light source module passes through a transparent housing and is reflected by a target and then focused. The optical signal is converted into a digital or analog electric signal by the image sensor for displaying on a display device after processing. Doctors can thus be helped to quickly find the position of trachea, keep an appropriate distance from a patient for reducing the possibility of infection, and lower the medical treatment cost. Disposable products are available to avoid the problem of infection. The intubation-aiding device can be used as an electronic surgical image examination instrument for penetration into a body. Moreover, a light source with tunable wavelengths can be used to increase the spot ratio of nidus. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118581 | METHOD FOR ACTIVATING AN IMAGE COLLECTING PROCESS - A method and system may activate an in-vivo capsule to perform image collection while the capsule is outside a body and held in a cup, the cup having a mark on its inner wall. A processor may attempt to identify the mark, and terminate the image collection if the mark is not identified | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090124853 | Capsule Blood Detection System and Method - A capsule for determining the blood content of living tissue in vivo in a patient to detect tumors. The capsule includes a light source and a light detector for directing light onto the tissue and for receiving interacted light therefrom. By analyzing the interacted lights a determination can be made of the blood content of that tissue. There are various ways of positioning the capsule so that it contacts the tissue in the desired orientation of the light source and light detector. There is also a system for determining the actual contact between the capsule and the tissue. A calibration system is also used that allows a self calibration that can be carried out easily and accurately just prior to the use of the capsule. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124854 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE AND IMAGE CAPTURING SYSTEM - Provided is an image capturing system comprising an image capturing device. The image capturing device includes a plurality of first light receiving elements that receive light in a first wavelength region and a plurality of second light receiving elements that receive light in a wavelength region having a penetration depth in relation to a subject that is less than the penetration depth of light in the first wavelength region. The number of second light receiving elements is greater than the number of first light receiving elements. The ratio of the number of second light receiving elements to the number of first light receiving elements may be set according to a ratio of the penetration depth of light in the first wavelength region to the penetration depth of light in a second wavelength region, which is the light in the wavelength region received by the second light receiving elements. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124855 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM - An endoscopic system of the present invention includes an endoscope having an input portion, a monitor which displays an image taken with the endoscope, and an observation apparatus which is detachably attached to the endoscope, and which, when connected to the endoscope, automatically displays on the monitor a setting view on which a setting can be made through the input portion. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090131750 | ACTION DISPLAY SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An action display system includes an action instruction signal generating portion configured to generate an action instruction signal for instructing an action of an acting portion in response to an input to an input portion, an action control portion configured to control a drive portion such that the acting portion acts in accordance with the action instruction signal, the action control portion switchable between a regular mode to enable an action of the acting portion with the first and second degrees of freedom and an action disabled mode to disable an action of the acting portion with one degree of freedom, an image obtaining portion configured to obtain an image associated with an action state of the acting portion, and a display portion configured to display an index associated with the regular mode and the action disabled mode of the action control portion together with the image. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090137868 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system of the invention includes: a first endoscope capable of picking up an image of a subject; a first illuminating section capable of emitting first illuminating light; a second endoscope capable of picking up an image of the subject illuminated by the first light from a direction different from the first endoscope; a second illuminating section capable of emitting second illuminating light; a video signal processing section for generating a video signal based on a signal picked-up by the second endoscope; a display section for displaying an image of the subject obtained by the video signal processing section; an emphasis instructing section for instructing an emphasis on an image obtained based on the first light; and an emphasis control section for controlling to emphasize the subject image obtained based on the first light according to an operation of the emphasis instructing section. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090149704 | IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING SYSTEM AND BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS - A body-insertable apparatus includes an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image of a subject; a signal processing unit that writes the in-vivo image in a memory, reads the in-vivo image from the memory on a pixel basis and converts the in-vivo image to serial information to transfer the serial information; and a rate converter that converts a transfer processing rate to a rate higher than a writing processing rate. The transfer processing rate is at which the signal processing unit reads the in-vivo image from the memory and converts the in-vivo image to the serial information to transfer the serial information. The writing processing rate is at which the signal processing unit writes the in-vivo image in the memory. The apparatus also includes a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the serial information transferred from the signal processing unit at a transmission rate corresponding to the transfer processing rate. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149705 | IMAGING-DEVICE DRIVING UNIT, ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE, AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An imaging-device driving unit comprising a detector and an exposure controller is provided. The imaging-device driving unit controls a CMOS imaging device amounted in an endoscope. The detector detects the pattern of emitted illumination light. The illumination light is emitted by a light source. The illumination light is shone on a subject. The CMOS imaging device is ordered to capture an optical image of the subject. The exposure controller orders the CMOS imaging device to perform the global exposure and the line exposure when the patterns of emitted illumination light detected by the detector are the first and second patterns, respectively. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149706 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD THEREOF - A respective band signal conversion section of the present invention generates WLI-R, WL-G, and WLI-B for generating a normal observation light image and NBI-R, NBI-G, and NBI-B for generating a narrow-band light image from an RGB image signal obtained by irradiation with frame sequential light of a set of a rotary filter, and a synthesis circuit synthesizes frame sequential color signals of WLI-R, WLI-G, and WLI-B and frame sequential color signals of NBI-R, NBI-G, and NBI-B. Thus it is possible to simultaneously observe a same living tissue in real time in the normal light observation image and narrow-band light observation with a simple configuration. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090171148 | Capsule endoscope system having a sensing and data discriminating device and discrimination method thereof - A capsule endoscope system having a sensing and data discriminating device and the discrimination method thereof are proposed. After a sensor captures data, a data processor performs the extraction of a characteristic value from the data and then comparison and discrimination. Data are then divided into two types: one to be transmitted and the other not to be transmitted. The redundancy of data transmission can be reduced, the amount of data transmission can be lowered, and the effect of power saving can also be accomplished. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090171149 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes a capsule casing and interior components housed therein whose total specific gravity is set such that the capsule casing floats in liquid introduced into a subject. The capsule endoscope also includes a gravity center position setting unit that sets a position of center of gravity of the capsule casing at a decentered position so that the capsule casing is stabilized in the liquid introduced into the subject without rotating except for rotation about an axis in a direction of the center of gravity; and an imager that takes an in-vivo image in a body cavity with an imaging field being set so that a surface of the liquid is out of view when the capsule casing floats in the liquid introduced into the subject in a stabilized posture. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090177032 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPES IN BODY LUMENS AND CAVITIES - A magnetically navigable endoscope system includes an endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a magnetic body; a component which transmits an image, associated with the distal end; a display component for displaying the image; a magnetic field generating apparatus for generating a magnetic field to orient the magnetic body and thus the distal end of the endoscope; and a controller coordinated with the display for controlling the magnetic field generating apparatus to selectively change the magnetic field to change the orientation of the magnetic body and thus the distal end of the endoscope. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090177033 | CAPSULE CAMERA WITH VARIABLE ILLUMINATION OF THE SURROUNDING TISSUE - The application relates to an ingestible capsule and method for in vivo imaging and/or treatment of one or more diseased areas of interest within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or human being. The capsule comprises an image sensor; a lens system for focusing images onto the image sensor; at least one light source for illumination of the tissue area of interest, the at least one light source optionally being capable of providing optical therapeutic treatment to the diseased areas; a variable lens system located in front of the at least one light source, wherein the variable lens system comprises beam steering means and focusing means for directing and focusing the light beams from the at least one light source onto the diseased tissue areas, a control unit in communication with the image sensor, the at least one light source, and variable lens system, a power source for powering the image sensor, the at least one light source and the control unit; and a non-digestible, transparent outer protective shell configured to pass through the gastrointestinal tract, housing within the image sensor, the lens system, the at least one light source, the variable lens system, the control unit and the power source. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090177034 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system of the invention includes an elongated insertion portion; an image pickup portion provided with an objective optical system having an optical axis diagonal to a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion and that picks up an image of a subject present in a field of view of the objective optical system and can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; a rotation angle detection portion that detects a rotation angle of the image pickup portion; an image pickup control portion that can have images of a plurality of subjects picked up while the image pickup portion makes one rotation by controlling the image pickup portion on the basis of the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection portion; and a signal processing portion that carries out signal processing for having each image of the plurality of subjects displayed on one display portion. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090187071 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING TIME SHIFT FUNCTION THEREIN - A capsule endoscope system and related method for capturing an image of the inside of a human body using a capsule endoscope and storing or displaying the captured image in real time to implement a time shift function. The endoscopy capsule captures an image of an inside of a human body. The captured image is transmitted to an image processing unit and is displayed in real time. The image is stored in a storage unit within a predetermined storage range for the time shift function. When the time shift function is requested by a user, a progress bar is displayed, showing a progress state of the storage of the transmitted image in real time by means of an indicator. When the user moves the indicator to a past time using a user interface, a time-shifted image is displayed on the display beginning with the past time. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090187072 | ENDOSCOPE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090192349 | Common bile duct surgical imaging system - A method and apparatus for imaging features of a CBD in a patient introduces a fluorescent contrast agent into the CBD. A light source transmits both a visible light and a fluorescent light into a patient's abdominal cavity via the laparoscope. Cameras attached to or integrated into the laparoscope detect visible light images and fluorescent emission light images. The visible light image and fluorescent image signals are processed to combine the fluorescent emission light image signals and visible image signals into a single display signal. The system adjusts the display characteristics, such as color, of the fluorescent emission light image so it contrasts well with the visual light image so the surgeon can easily distinguish between the two images. The display signal is sent to a video monitor where the surgeon views the visible light image and the fluorescent image as a single overlaid image. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192350 | WIRELESS VIDEO STYLET WITH DISPLAY MOUNTED TO LARYNGOSCOPE BLADE AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - A scope adapted for insertion and manipulation in a difficult pathway is disclosed. The scope comprises at least one module for manipulating the scope. The scope may further comprise an illumination source, an image sensor, a power source, and a viewing member for viewing images of a cavity or other anatomical member of a patient. In one embodiment the scope is intended to facilitate insertion of an intubating device, which comprises an elongated semi-rigid stylet including first and second ends and at least one inner lumen connected to a module. Additionally, a flexible tip is provided for manipulating one end of the scope and allowing greater flexibility when maneuvering a difficult pathway. A method for navigating a difficult pathway and for using the apparatus described herein is also disclosed. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192351 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - When a program is started upon turning on a power, a capsule endoscope (CE) is activated under a normal shooting mode and starts shooting images with light sources on. Using a remote controller for mode change, a mode change command is emitted to the CE. The image data thus obtained is input to a mode changer. The mode changer analyzes the image data and switches to a setting change mode when the image data is recognized as the mode change command. A two-dimensional code is displayed on a monitor of a command production device. The two-dimensional code is shot with a CCD. The image data thus obtained is input to a setting changer. The setting changer rewrites an argument in a setting value table to an argument designated by the setting change command. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090198099 | In vivo imaging system - An in vivo imaging system for viewing the interior of an organism includes a camera mounted to a sled body that is placed in the interior of the organism. The camera includes a lens, and a dome covers the lens. An image display device is provided to display images received from the camera. A cable communicates images to the image display device according to a viewing angle of the lens. A magnetic source body placed on the exterior of the organism magnetically attracts the sled body to hold the sled body in place in the interior of the organism. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090198100 | STEREOVIDEOSCOPE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A system and method for acquiring measurements of a portion of a patient's anatomy are provided. For example, the system includes a stereovideoscope including a scope coupled to a flexible tubing and configured to be positioned within the patient's body. The scope includes a plurality of stereoscopic lenses configured to capture data indicative of the portion of the patient's anatomy, and the flexible tubing includes a biocompatible material. In addition, the system includes a processing element that is in communication with the stereovideoscope and that is configured to generate an image based on the captured data in order to acquire at least one geometrical measurement indicative of the portion of the patient's anatomy. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090198101 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes a capsule body to be introduced into a subject; and a center-of-gravity setting unit for setting a center of gravity so as to maintain a posture of the capsule body relative to a direction of gravity constant. The capsule endoscope also includes an imaging unit arranged in the capsule body such that an imaging field having an optical axis in an oblique direction pointing upward from a horizontal direction is formed with a posture of the capsule body maintained constant relative to the direction of gravity, for imaging a body cavity image. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090203962 | STENT DELIVERY UNDER DIRECT VISUALIZATION - Stent delivery under direct visualization utilizing an imaging hood is described herein. A stent may be delivered and placed in or around lesions, e.g., ostial lesions, through a delivery catheter while being directly visualized via an imaging hood. A pre-delivery assessment probe may also be advanced to the desired site for accurate placement of the stent. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203963 | REIMAGING OPTICAL SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPE USING THE SAME - The invention relates to an reimaging optical system that has a sufficiently enhanced magnification and better performance, and an endoscope using the same. The reimaging optical system | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203964 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE FILING METHOD - A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope, swallowable in a body, for forming an image. A receiver is positioned on the body, for wirelessly receiving the image from the capsule endoscope, to store the image. A workstation as information manager operates for image filing of the image from the receiver. A first wireless interface is incorporated in the receiver, for wirelessly transmitting the image during imaging with the capsule endoscope. A second wireless interface is positioned on the workstation, for wirelessly receiving the image from the first wireless interface. Furthermore, an image selector selects the image for image filing in the workstation among plural images received by the receiver. The first wireless interface transmits the selected image to the workstation. The receiver includes an image compressor for reducing a data size of the image received from the capsule endoscope before transmission in the first wireless interface. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090209810 | ENDOSCOPE ASSEMBLY - An endoscope assembly communicates with a data processing unit by radio waves. The endoscope assembly includes operation switches, which is configured to be operated by an operator, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable the operation switches to function as switches for setting wireless communication when connection for wireless communication with the data processing unit is not established. Further, the control unit is configured to enable the operation switches to function as switches for inherent operations including at least an image acquisition operation when connection for wireless communication with the data processing unit is established. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209811 | PROCESSOR FOR ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope is detachably connected to a processor via a first control connector and a second control connector. Contacts provided at side ends of the flat-shaped second control connector are connected to a CPU. The CPU detects start of removal of the first control connector in response to a change in voltage of one of ports, to which the contacts are connected, from low to high. When the CPU detects the start of the removal, drive signals from a CCD driver to a CCD is stopped. Then, power supply from a power supply section to the CCD is stopped. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090216079 | Capsule Imaging Devices, Systems and Methods for in Vivo Imaging Applications - Novel capsule imaging devices, systems and methods are provided for in vivo imaging applications, such as for gastrointestinal applications. A swallowable video imaging device, such as a capsule, can be used with a light filter for in vivo illumination of a target tissue that has absorbed a previously administered biological probe. The target tissue can be distinguished in images transmitted from the video imaging device. Quantification of the signal intensity of fluorescence can be used to assess how progressed the target tissue may be. The target tissue can be therapeutically treated to shrink or kill the target tissue. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216080 | ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An external control device includes a reference clock generating circuit for generating a reference clock, a CPU for generating control data, and a signal superimposing circuit for serially transmitting an external clock signal, composed of the reference clock signal and the control data superimposed thereon, to an electronic device through a signal line. The electronic device includes a PLL circuit for generating an internal clock signal synchronized with a frequency of the external clock signal serially transmitted from the external control device, and a control data extracting circuit for extracting the control data from the external clock signal based on the internal clock signal. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090240107 | APPARATUS FOR INTRODUCTION INTO TEST BODY - An apparatus for introduction into a test body includes a functional portion for obtaining information on an inside of a test body; a power source for supplying power for driving the functional portion; and an enclosed container for accommodating the functional portion and the power source. A cross-sectional shape orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the enclosed container is an elliptical shape to make an outer shape small to alleviate a burden on a test subject during introduction into a body by swallowing or the like for test. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090240108 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope captures an image from an imaging field as it travels through a tract of a patient and, at the same time, measures subject distances to multiple points in the imaging field. The capsule endoscope sends the captured image and information on the multi-point distances wirelessly to a data transceiver that the patient carries about. With reference to the multi-point distance information, a check zone of a limited distance range is determined in the imaging field, and the check zone is divided into small blocks. Image characteristic values are extracted from image data of each individual small block, and compared with the image characteristic values of other small blocks, to examine similarity between the small blocks. Those small blocks which are less similar to other small blocks are considered to constitute an area of concern, such as a lesion. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090247824 | WIRELESS IMAGE ACQUISITION SYSTEM - A wireless image acquisition system includes an image acquisition apparatus configured to transmit acquired image information by radio waves, and an image receiving unit configured to receive and display the image information transmitted from the image acquisition apparatus. A display unit of the image receiving unit displays wireless communication setting information. An image acquisition unit of the image acquisition apparatus captures the wireless communication setting information, and a communication setting unit makes wireless communication setting of the image acquisition apparatus based on the captured wireless communication setting information. One of the image acquisition apparatus and image receiving unit further includes a detection unit configured to detect that the distance from the image acquisition unit to the display unit is within a predetermined value when the wireless communication setting information is captured, and a warning unit configured to give a warning when the detected distance is within the predetermined value. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090253955 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE - The present invention provides an electronic endoscope which enables the image pickup apparatus of the electronic endoscope to be easily replaced with image pickup apparatuses of different specifications. The electronic endoscope according to the present invention is configured by including a distal end member which is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, and which includes an image pickup apparatus mounting hole as a housing portion for housing an image pickup apparatus; and an outer shape adjusting member as an adjusting member which is provided between the image pickup apparatus and the image pickup apparatus mounting hole, and which fixes the image pickup apparatus in the image pickup apparatus mounting hole. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253956 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE AND INTRA-STOMACH OBSERVING METHOD - A capsule endoscope includes a capsule casing which contains therein contents including an imaging unit and is inserted into an inside of a subject body; and a hollow volume changing unit which is connected to the capsule casing in an air-tight state, and changes a connection position with the capsule casing to change a volume of the capsule casing. The capsule endoscope also includes an actuator which is connected to the capsule casing and changes the connection position. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253957 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes a scope portion having a rigid portion in which, at least an image pickup module is disposed, a circulation passage which is at an interior of the scope portion, and which is extended rearward from the rigid portion, such that a cooling medium filled inside is capable of carrying out a heat exchange with the rigid portion, and a pump which is at the interior of the scope portion, and which circulates the cooling medium inside the circulation passage. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090259096 | BODY-CAVITY IMAGE OBESERVATION APPARATUS - An object of the present invention is to enable clearly identifying whether a body-cavity image displayed on a display unit is based on data which is directly received by a viewer itself, or whether the body-cavity image displayed on the display unit is based on data received by another receiving device. An identification notifying unit presents different identification modes such as a capsule mark and a cable mark | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090259097 | Cannula visualization arrangement - The device described is a minimally-invasive surgical cannula that houses a miniature camera initially positioned at the inferior aspect of the distal cannula. Once indwelling in the operative space, the distal cannula ring is rotated 180° via a longitudinal pivot to reposition the camera superiorly. Repositioned, the camera is at a distance of twice the OD (OD) of the cannula. The manipulable cannula camera allows both minimally invasive operative instrumentation and superior operative vision via a single operative cannula. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090259098 | Apparatus and method for endoscopic 3D data collection - An endoscopic apparatus includes a light-generating mechanism for generating at least one modulated measuring beam, a light-transmitting mechanism for conducting the measuring beam onto an area to be observed, where the light-transmitting mechanism includes an illuminating lens, in addition to a light-imaging mechanism for imaging a signal beam from the area to be observed at least onto a phase-sensitive image sensor, which includes a number of pixels, where the light-imaging mechanism includes an imaging lens. At least one additional image sensor is provided and the light-imaging mechanism includes a beam-splitter and/or an optical switch, where at least one adaptive lens is provided for adapting the fields of vision of the image sensors. As a result, an apparatus is created for endoscopic 3D data collection that is suitable for various types of image sensors. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090259099 | IMAGE-BASED CONTROL SYSTEMS - Image-based control systems and methods automate the adjustment of medical devices. An image based-control system for an endoscope can include, in addition to the endoscope, a processing system and an actuator. The processing system can receive an image from an image capture device of the endoscope. Based on coordinates of a lumen in the image, the processing system can instruct the actuator to reorient the capture device to direct the capture device toward the lumen. The actuator can be coupled to a manual controller of the endoscope, such that the actuator can reorient the capture device via the manual controller. An image-based control method can include receiving an image from the capture device of the endoscope; identifying coordinates of a lumen in the image; mapping such coordinates to a physical position of the lumen relative to the capture device; and instructing an actuator to adjust an orientation of the endoscope. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090270678 | AUGMENTED STEREOSCOPIC VISUALIZATION FOR A SURGICAL ROBOT USING TIME DUPLEXING - An endoscope with a stereoscopic optical channel is again held and positioned by a robotic surgical system. A capture unit captures (1) at a first time, a first image from light from the channel; and (2) at a second time different from the first time, a second image from the light. Only one of the first image and the second image includes a combination of a fluorescence image and a visible image. The other of the first image and the second image is a visible image. An intelligent image processing system generates an artificial fluorescence image using the captured fluorescence image. An augmented stereoscopic display system outputs an augmented stereoscopic image of at least a portion of the tissue comprising the artificial fluorescence image. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270679 | WIRELESSLY POWERED MEDICAL DEVICES AND INSTRUMENTS - A medical device that is wirelessly powered by a resonant magnetic field, the device automatically coupling to a power transmitter in a control unit when brought within a threshold radius. In one embodiment, the control unit automatically identifies the medical device and automatically adjusts its settings to control the medical device. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090275799 | AXIAL VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS - Axial visualization systems which utilize axially aligned imaging instruments for visualizing through an imaging hood purged of blood via a transparent fluid are described where an imaging element extending from a support shaft may be aligned within a working lumen defined through a deployment catheter. The imaging element may be positioned distal to the hood in its collapsed state and within the hood in its expanded state. The imaging element may be configured to seat itself securely within the catheter or to angle itself to adjust the viewing angle. Additionally, a disposable visualization sheath having a transparent lens may also be utilized to house an imaging instrument therein. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090281380 | System and method for assembling a swallowable sensing device - A system and method of assembling a swallowable sensor, including attaching a first piece of a shell of the sensor to a second piece of the shell of the sensor, where the attaching may include for example screwing the first piece to the second piece, welding or gluing the first piece to the second piece, snapping the first piece to the second piece or for example applying laser energy to a pigment in the first piece. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281381 | ANTENNA FOR CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE AND CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE - An antenna to be embedded in a capsule type medical device. The antenna includes an antenna conductor, and a sheet-like antenna substrate which at least partly electrically contacts with the antenna conductor. The antenna is formed by closely attaching the antenna conductor and the sheet-like antenna substrate. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281382 | CAPSULE MEDICAL APPARATUS - A capsule medical apparatus is a capsule medical apparatus which floats on a liquid surface of liquid introduced into a subject and includes at least one in-vivo information obtaining unit, a transmitting unit, and a capsule-type casing. The at least one in-vivo information obtaining unit obtains the in-vivo information of the subject. The transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an electric wave including the in-vivo information obtained by the at least one in-vivo information obtaining unit to outside through the transmitting antenna. The capsule-type casing has the at least one in-vivo information obtaining unit, the transmitting antenna, and the transmitting unit, fixedly arranged therein. The transmitting antenna is arranged on a liquid surface position of the liquid when a part of the capsule-type casing floats on the liquid surface of the liquid. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281383 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXTERNAL FLUORESCENCE IMAGING OF INTERNAL REGIONS OF INTEREST IN A SMALL ANIMAL USING AN ENDOSCOPE FOR INTERNAL ILLUMINATION - An apparatus for capturing an optical molecular image of one or more internal regions of interest of a small animal having a cranio-caudal axis. The apparatus may include a support member for the animal in an immobilized state; an endoscope for insertion into and withdrawal from the body of the animal to allow the endoscope to be positioned selectively proximate the internal regions of interest within the body; a light source connected to the endoscope to provide illumination within the body at the regions of interest; a mechanism for rotating the animal about its cranio-caudal axis to enable image capture from different angles; and a device for capturing images of the one or more internal regions of interest from the different angles, due to light emitted from the one or more internal regions of interest through an external surface of the body in response to illumination from the light source. A corresponding method is disclosed. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090287047 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - To facilitate a connection operation between a signal processing device and an endoscope apparatus in which a processing system that performs signal processing of image pickup signals of an electronic endoscope and a processing system that calculates an insertion shape of the endoscope are integrated, a scope connector | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090287048 | Method and apparatus for imaging within a living body - A method and apparatus for imaging within a living body is described. The method includes directing a micro-guidewire along a primary path of the living body, the micro-guidewire having an imaging device including a SSID with an imaging array and a GRIN lens optically coupled to the imaging array. A secondary path can be identified, laterally branching from the primary path, the secondary path being of much smaller dimensions than the primary path. The distal end of the micro-guidewire can be turned and advanced into the secondary path by applied pressure at a proximal end of the micro-guidewire. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090292166 | MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device for examination or treatment based on a reference point A | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090292167 | CAPSULE MEDICAL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CHARGING CAPSULE MEDICAL APPARATUS - A capsule medical apparatus includes a function executing unit, a secondary battery, a power input unit, and a connecting circuit. The function executing unit performs a predetermined function. The secondary battery supplies electric power to the function executing unit. The power input unit receives electric power to charge the secondary battery. The connecting circuit releasably connects the secondary battery and the power input unit, and releases a connection between the secondary battery and the power input unit to inhibit charging the secondary battery. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090292168 | WAVELENGTH MULTIPLEXING ENDOSCOPE - Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination in conjunction with wavelength multiplexing imaging schemes for mono and stereo endoscopy or borescopy are provided. In one embodiment, the current disclosure provides a device configured for insertion into a body cavity. The device can include a tubular portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the tubular portion can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the body cavity. The device can also include a solid state electro-optic element located on the tubular portion. Furthermore, the device can include a power source electrically coupled to the solid state electro-optic element. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090299137 | ABDOMINAL OBSERVATION DEVICE - A medical imaging device enables observation within the abdominal and pelvic cavity at a wide field of view and enables medical procedures to be carried out within the wide field of view. The medical imaging device includes a central assembly and a sterile disposable cover, which is slipped over the central assembly. The central assembly has a proximal portion, which remains outside of the abdominal cavity of the patient, and a distal portion, which is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a slit made in the abdominal wall by the surgeon. A first plurality of light emitting diodes is circumferentially distributed around the outer surface of the central assembly near the top of the distal portion and a reversibly inflatable balloon is circumferentially attached to the cover at the location of the first plurality of diodes. When the balloon is inflated and the first array of light emitting diodes is activated to produce light, then the light enters the interior of the balloon, is repeatedly reflected from the inner walls of the balloon until it eventually passes through the wall of the balloon at random angles thereby illuminating the entire interior of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Also, a system includes the medical imaging device, an observation unit comprising a controller, a processor, and display; and a communicator between the medical imaging device and the observation unit. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299138 | IMAGING APPARATUS AND IN-VIVO IMAGE OBTAINING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes a noise reduction circuit which eliminates a random noise generated in an analogue signal processing by equalizing, via an averaging processing, image data of correlated multiple images within one frame period which is captured by an image sensor and to which the analogue signal processing is performed in an AFE block, and the imaging apparatus in itself deals with the image data of the correlated multiple images within the one frame period and outputs the data to a wireless module after eliminating the random noise generated in the analogue signal processing. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090306474 | IN VIVO CAMERA WITH MULTIPLE SOURCES TO ILLUMINATE TISSUE AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES - An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090318756 | System And Method For Overlaying Ultrasound Imagery On A Laparoscopic Camera Display - The present disclosure relates to a system for overlaying ultrasound imagery on a laparoscopic camera display. The system may include a laparoscope configured to capture a laparoscopic image of a surgical field and a laparoscopic ultrasound probe configured to capture an ultrasonic image of a structure in the surgical field. The system may further include a tracking system configured to detect a position and orientation of the laparoscope and a position and orientation of the laparoscopic ultrasound probe. The system may further include data associated with the laparoscope wherein the data indicates a distortion in the laparoscopic image. The system may further include a computer configured to receive the laparoscopic image, the ultrasonic image and the distortion data associated with the laparoscope. The computer may be configured to position and orient the ultrasonic image relative to the laparoscopic image, adjust the ultrasonic image based upon the distortion data, combine the adjusted ultrasonic image with the laparoscopic image, and output the combined images. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090318757 | Flexible visually directed medical intubation instrument and method - A flexible medical intubation instrument provided for placement into an animal or human patient comprises a catheter with at least a pair of longitudinally extending lumens or channels including a sensor and/or actuator channel and a working channel. In the sensor/actuator channel is provided a fixed or slideably removable sensor cable having a sensor for sensing a characteristic or condition including any of the following: a visual sensor for optical viewing, a chemical sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, an infection sensor, an audio sensor, or a temperature sensor. The sensors are coupled by the sensor/actuator cable through light transmission, electric current, or radio transmission to a viewing instrument or other output device such as a meter or video screen for displaying the condition that is sensed within the body of the patient while the flexibility of the composite structure comprising the catheter and cable enable the entire instrument to flex laterally as it moves through curved passages or around obstructions during insertion or removal. While making observations through the sensor channel, the working channel simultaneously functions as a drain or an irrigation duct, a feeding tube, or to provide a passage for the insertion of one or a succession of surgical devices such that the catheter serves as a protective artificial tract or liner as surgical devices are inserted and removed through it in succession so as to minimize tissue trauma, infection, and pain experienced by the patient. The instrument can be used in urology, as well as a visually directed nasogastric tube, as a visually directed external gastrostomy tube, or as a visually directed internal gastric tube or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube and in other applications. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090326320 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUALIZING TISSUE DURING ABLATION PROCEDURES - Systems for visualizing cardiac tissue during an ablation procedure are provided. In general, the systems include an imaging module configured to measure absorbance data at first and second wavelengths wherein the ratio of these absorbance values identifies the nature of the tissue (e.g., lesion, de novo tissue, etc.). The imaging module can also include a video system having at least two chips with corresponding bandpass filters centered at the first and second target wavelengths. The system can also include a processor and/or video monitor for combining the images produced by the various chips, determining treated and non-treated tissue based on the ratio of absorbance values at the target wavelengths, and displaying images of the treatment area. Methods of visualizing cardiac treatment areas during ablation procedures are also provided herein. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326321 | Miniaturized Imaging Device Including Multiple GRIN Lenses Optically Coupled to Multiple SSIDs - A miniaturized imaging device and method of viewing small luminal cavities are described. The imaging device can be used as part of a catheter, and can include at least one solid state imaging device (SSID) including multiple imaging arrays respectively, and multiple graduated refractive index (GRIN) lenses optically coupled to the multiple imaging arrays. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100004506 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION SYSTEMS - Tissue visualization and manipulation systems are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for treating the tissue region of interest. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100010300 | Device, System and Method for Orienting a Sensor In-Vivo - A device, system, and method may orient a device in-vivo. A ballast or other weight may be rotatable or otherwise movable within a ballast chamber within a device. An induced magnetic field may be used to shift and/or rotate the ballast weight. Rotation and/or shifting of the ballast weight may position the in-vivo device in a specific orientation. The rotation and/or shifting of the ballast may be controlled by circuitry within the in-vivo device and/or by external signals transmitted to the in-vivo device. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010301 | Solid State Variable Direction of View Endoscope - An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope further includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010302 | ENDOSCOPIC REFLECTOR - A reflector for an endoscopic tool, which is made, for example of a framework or a balloon and reflects an image proximal to the tip to an imager at or near a tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the reflector distorts the image, which may be corrected using software. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100016661 | RECEIVING APPARATUS AND IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING SYSTEM USING THE SAME - An object of the invention is to receive, with a high sensitivity, a radio signal transmitted within a short time before a capsule endoscope reaches the stomach of a subject and acquire, in a satisfactory state, information on the interior of the subject such as image data picked up by the capsule endoscope. The receiving apparatus according to the invention includes a plurality of receiving antennas including a specified receiving antenna for receiving a radio signal from a capsule endoscope before the stomach is reached, a switching controller, an arrival determining unit and a mode switching unit. The switching controller performs a control operation for switching to and maintaining the receiving antenna in an initial mode or a control operation for switching to the receiving antennas in a normal mode. The arrival determining unit determines whether the capsule endoscope has reached the stomach or not. The mode switching unit instructs the switching controller to perform the control operation for switching to the initial mode, and upon determination that the stomach has been reached, gives the instruction to perform the control operation for switching to the normal mode. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016662 | Radial Scanner Imaging System - A radial scanner configured to image the interior of a tube includes, in an embodiment, a housing having a transparent window, a photo-sensing array, a mirror located within the housing and oriented to direct an image around a circumference of an interior surface of the tube outside the transparent window to the photo-sensing array, and a light source configured to illuminate the interior surface of the tube, wherein the photo-sensing array is configured to receive the image around the circumference as a circular line scan. In an embodiment, the radial scanner is deployed as an ingestible capsule. In another embodiment, the radial scanner is deployed as a fiber optic catheter. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100022828 | MEDICAL APPARATUS - A medical apparatus includes a power supply section which supplies necessary power to respective sections in the medical apparatus, a maintaining section (a delay circuit | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100022829 | Video Endoscope With Switchable Semiconductor Light Sources - A video endoscope has an endoscope part having a central image signal conductor, at least one optical waveguide, and a light supplying part which can be coupled to a proximal end of said endoscope part. The light supplying part has a central image signal conductor connection at a distal end thereof, and a light supply arranged coaxially around said central image signal conductor connection. The light supply has a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of said light-emitting elements can be supplied by means of a switchable semiconductor light source. Position sensors are arranged in an area of said light-emitting elements, and position indicators are arranged in an area of said optical waveguide. A position of said position indicators can be detected by said position sensors when said endoscope part and said light supplying part are coupled. Based on a detection of said position indicator, at least those light-emitting elements lying opposite to said optical waveguide are activated. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100022830 | MEDICAL-INFORMATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK SYSTEM - A medical-information management network system including a receiving device that stores in-vivo images captured by a body-insertable apparatus that is inserted into a subject; one or more image display devices that are connected to the receiving device to obtain the in-vivo images stored in the receiving device and perform predetermined processes; and one or more medical-information management servers that are connected with the image display device on a network. The medical-information management server has a management unit that collects information transferred from the image display device and unifies the management of the information. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100030020 | Optical surgical device and method of use - An optical device includes a shaft, a handle and a camera assembly. The handle is coupled to the shaft at a first end, and the camera assembly is coupled to the shaft at a second end. Camera circuitry and software may be provided in the shaft and the handle, so that, in one embodiment, the device may be constructed with reusable portions of the camera circuitry and software. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030021 | Image Display Apparatus, Endoscope System Using the Same, and Image Display Method - An image display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a storage unit which stores an image group including a same number of first and second images which have a coincident positional relationship with respect to a subject and are respectively obtained through different image processes; a display unit which displays at least the first image in a display area; an input unit which indicates a display switching area of the first image displayed in the display area; and a display controller which controls the display unit to keep displaying the first image in an image part outside the display switching area and to switch an image part inside the display switching area of the first image to an image part, having a coincident positional relationship with the image part inside the display switching area of the first image with respect to the subject, of the second image. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100036199 | MEDICAL APPARATUS - A medical apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image pickup section including an observation window, the image pickup section being led into a body; a holding section that holds the image pickup section inside the body; a covering section that is connected to the holding section and covers the observation window to set the image pickup section in a non-photographable state; and a field-of-view control section that variably controls the covering of the observation window by the covering section and sets the image pickup section in a photographable state to allow the image pickup section to photograph a subject inside the body. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100041946 | ARC-SHAPED FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT FILM TYPE ENDOSCOPE USING IMAGING DEVICE - Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041947 | Endoscopic vision system - The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041948 | OPTICAL PROBE AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE ACQUISITION APPARATUS - An optical probe to be inserted from a forceps port of an endoscope into a body as an object to be measured, includes: a sheath whose distal end portion at least is optically transparent to signal light; an optical fiber for guiding the signal light, the optical fiber being arranged inside the sheath; a lens for emitting the signal light from a side surface of the distal end portion of the sheath and into which returning light from a living body enters, the lens being coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber; and a flexible shaft for transmitting driving power to move the optical fiber and the lens back and forth, the flexible shaft being arranged inside the sheath, wherein first markers are provided at predetermined intervals on the distal end portion of the sheath along a longitudinal direction of the sheath. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041949 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING MEDICAL PROCEDURES IN TREE-LIKE LUMINAL STRUCTURES - Apparatus is described for use with an imaging device ( | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041950 | MEDICAL-INFORMATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK SYSTEM - A medical-information management network system, including a medical-information management server to which a server-identification information is individually given, the medical-information management server configured to manage patient information, examination information, and a diagnosis result; a receiving device that stores an in-vivo image, which is captured by a body-insertable apparatus inserted into a subject, and information received from the body-insertable apparatus; and an image display device that is connected with the medical-information management server via a network and obtains the in-vivo image and the information received from the body-insertable apparatus that are stored in the receiving device. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100048993 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DISPLACEMENT AMOUNT OF ENDOSCOPE IMAGE, ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE - An image of a test chart having a test pattern is taken with an electronic endoscope. A DSP of a processing device generates a test pattern image from image signals input from the electronic endoscope. An image compositor composites the test pattern image and a test mask image having a predetermined reference pattern and generates a test mask composite image. An inspector visually measures positional and rotational displacement amounts of the test pattern with respect to the reference pattern in the test mask composite image displayed on a monitor, and inputs measurement results as displacement amount information to the processing device. The displacement amount information is stored in an EEPROM of the electronic endoscope. The processing device calibrates an endoscope image of a body cavity based on the displacement amount information input from the electronic endoscope. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048994 | VISUALIZED ENTRY TROCAR WITH MOVING BLADE - An obturator for penetrating tissue includes an outer member defining a longitudinal axis, and having proximal and distal ends, a leading member disposed adjacent the distal end of the outer member and having a tissue contacting outer surface, and a blade mounted adjacent to the leading member. The blade is adapted for at least traversing movement relative to the longitudinal axis to thereby traverse the outer surface of the leading member to facilitate penetrating of tissue during advancement of the leading member within the tissue. The leading member may include an optical window adapted to permit passage of light therethrough for detection by a clinician. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100056864 | CAPSULE-TYPE IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHING APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPY USING THE SAME - Provided are a capsule-type image photographing apparatus and endoscopy using the same. The apparatus includes a shell unit having a globular shape and a main body unit capable of freely rotating in the shell unit. The main body unit includes an image photographing system, a wireless transmitter, a battery, a counterweight for determining the center of gravity of the main body unit, and an encapsulant for fixing the image photographing system, the wireless transmitter, the battery, and the counterweight. The apparatus may be a long-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus or a short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus depending on the position of the counterweight. By use of the long- and short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatuses, the interior of the tested person's body can be effectively photographed. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100063355 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME - In an endoscope, a solid-state image pickup device images an object, to output an image signal. In a processing apparatus, an illuminator applies normal light and specific light having spectral distribution different from the normal light to the object. A display control unit operates according to the image signal, to cause display of a normal image of the object produced by applying the normal light, and a specific image of the object produced by applying the specific light. A motion detector detects information of relative motion of the object. A controller controls the illuminator, causes alternate emission of the normal and specific light periodically at a storage period of the image pickup device if the motion information is equal to or smaller than a threshold level, and causes emission of the normal light without emitting the specific light if the motion information is greater than the threshold level. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100069713 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope system includes an electronic endoscope having a CMOS image sensor on the tip of an insertion section, a light source device for illuminating the interior of a patient's body, and a processing device for reading out image signals from the CMOS image sensor. The electronic endoscope system can operate with a standard imaging mode and a special imaging mode. When the time taken to read out the image signals from all the pixels in the standard mode is defined as T, the light source device in the special imaging mode emits illumination light in every first half period T/2 while switching a wavelength of the illumination light between two different wavebands. In every second half period T/2, the processing device reads out the image signals from the half of the pixels. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100076261 | EXAMINATION DEVICE - A device for imaging a bladder, comprising an image sensor, an illumination source and a device orientation actuator. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076262 | ENDOSCOPE INSPECTION SYSTEM - An endoscope inspection system. An image-capturing device is disposed on an endoscope probe and is electrically connected to a signal conditioning unit. A differential electrode set includes an annular detecting electrode and a reference electrode. The annular detecting electrode surrounds the endoscope probe. The annular detecting electrode, reference electrode, and display are electrically connected to the signal conditioning unit. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076263 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, IMAGE PICKUP SYSTEM AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An endoscope system includes: an endoscope for picking up an image in a body cavity by an image pickup apparatus provided in a distal end of an insertion portion; a position detecting apparatus for detecting, based on luminal information acquired by the image pickup apparatus, position information used for inserting the distal end of the insertion portion; a recording apparatus for recording, in a time-sequential manner, the position information detected by the position detecting apparatus; a determining apparatus for determining whether or not the detecting operation of the position information performed by the position detecting apparatus satisfies a set condition; and a direction calculating apparatus for, when the determination result shows that the set condition is not satisfied, reading out the position information recorded in the recording apparatus and outputting information on a direction in which the distal end of the insertion portion is to be inserted. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100081873 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTICAL VIEWING AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION IN BLOOD VESSELS - An angioscope comprises a tubular sheath and a central member. The central member carries a lateral reflector for receiving images circumscribing the central member. The tubular sheath includes a light source for axially illuminating a vascular region as it is being optically imaged using the lateral reflector of the central member. The central member can be axially translated through the field illuminated by the light source on the tubular sheath. The angioscope may be combined in a catheter a catheter capable of delivering a therapeutic intervention while viewing a delivery site within a body passageway. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081874 | MEDICAL TREATMENT ENDOSCOPE - Provided is a medical treatment endoscope including: an endoscope main body which includes an elongated insertion portion having a lumen and an image capturing mechanism disposed in a distal end of the insertion portion; an arm which is able to be inserted into or extracted from the lumen and has a treatment tool lumen for allowing an endoscope treatment tool to be inserted therethrough; and a positioning mechanism which positions a part of the arm inserted through the lumen with respect to the endoscope main body. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100094084 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes a housing, a lens module, a light source, an imaging module, a memory, a radio frequency transmitter, a power source, and a chamber. The lens module is received in the housing. The light source is configured for illuminating an interior of a body. The imaging module is configured for capturing images of the interior of the body. The memory is configured for storing the captured images. The radio frequency transmitter is configured for wirelessly transmitting the stored images. The power source is electrically connected to the imaging module, the memory and the radio frequency transmitter. The chamber is received in the housing. The lens module and the housing are made of a biodegradable material, and the chamber, the light sources, the imaging module, the memory, the power source, and the radio frequency transmitter are made of a non-biodegradable material. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100094085 | Device for Displaying Assistance Information for Surgical Operation, Method for Displaying Assistance Information for Surgical Operation, and Program for Displaying Assistance Information for Surgical Operation - An object of the present invention is to accurately display to which region of a patient, a part the image of which is being picked up by an endoscope corresponds without the need to newly use a special endoscope. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100099948 | IN-VIVO INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE, IN-VIVO INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND IN-VIVO INFORMATION DISPLAY METHOD - An in-vivo information display device includes a communication unit that communicates with a receiving device that receives in-vivo information transmitted, at a predetermined time interval, from a body-insertable device that is introduced into a subject and acquires the in-vivo information regarding an inside of the subject; a transmission requesting unit that transmits a transmission request for the in-vivo information to the receiving device via the communication unit; and a display unit that displays the in-vivo information received via the communication unit from the receiving device in response to the transmission request. The transmission requesting unit transmits the transmission request to the receiving device at a first time interval smaller than the predetermined time interval, and the transmission requesting unit transmits the transmission request to the receiving device at a second time interval larger than the first time interval when one or more the in-vivo information is received. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100113874 | TELEOPERATED ENDOSCOPIC CAPSULE - Teleoperated endoscopic capsule for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes inside a cavity in a human body, comprising a body ( | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100121142 | Minimally Invasive Imaging Device - Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive internal target tissue site imaging devices. Devices according to embodiments of the invention include an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue location, e.g., an intervertebral disc, and having a proximal end and a distal end; a white light source at the distal end; a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and an imaging sensor at the distal end. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121143 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND SCANNING ENDOSCOPE PROCESSOR - An endoscope apparatus, comprising an imaging controller, a receiver, and an image generator, is provided. The imaging controller makes an optical image to be captured so that the amount of optical information to be captured per a certain area size for an enlarged observation area is greater than that for a normal observation area. The receiver receives the optical information as a pixel signal. The image generator generates a normal image signal corresponding to a normal image on the basis of the pixel signals captured within the normal observation area and a part of the pixel signals captured within the enlarged observation area. The image generator generates an enlarged image signal corresponding to an enlarged image on the basis of the pixel signals captured within the enlarged observation area. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100125166 | VIDEO ENDOSCOPE - The invention is a sideways looking video endoscope which offers a rigid endoscope tube. The optical system has one prism, and an image sensor located behind the optical system, provided on the distal end of the endoscope shaft. On the proximal end of the shaft, a knurled wheel is arranged so as to rotate freely. This wheel is provided with permanent magnets that are arranged at identical angular separations, and associated with Hall sensors located on the front face of the tool holder. The angular position of the rotatable wheel can thus be detected by means of the Hall sensors together with an electronic system that evaluates the signals, and displayed on a monitor. By turning the rotating wheel, the image can be rotated, thus correcting the image position when the endoscope is rotated, such that the viewing direction corresponds to the actual position of the object. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125167 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPE, SCANNING ENDOSCOPE PROCESSOR, AND SCANNING ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A scanning endoscope, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, and a mirror, is provided. The first transmitter emits a beam of radiant light from an emission end. The actuator moves the emission end in a direction perpendicular to an emission direction. The mirror is arranged from the emission end in the emission direction when the emission end is on a predetermined standard point. The mirror comprises a reflection surface around a first straight line. The distance between a first position on the first straight line to any second position on the reflection surface increases as the first position is moved in the first direction. The reflection surface reflects the radiant light emitted from the first transmitter toward the observation area around the first straight line. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100130818 | CAPSULE-TYPE ENDOSCOPE CAPABLE OF CONTROLLING FRAME RATE OF IMAGE - A capsule-type endoscope is disclosed. Information related to position and movement of the capsule-type endoscope inserted into a body are checked and a frame rate is controlled according to a digestive organ in which the capsule-type endoscope is located based upon the information, so as to capture every digestive organ inside the body by using one capsule-type endoscope. Also, the frame rate can be controlled according to a moving velocity in each digestive organ, thus to reduce unnecessary power consumption, resulting in a decrease of an operation time of the capsule-type endoscope having a limited battery capacity. In addition, an amount of captured images can be reduced by effectively obtaining images according to the moving velocity in each digestive organ and a time taken by a doctor for a medical examination can be shortened. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100130819 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - An imaging mode is automatically switched based on the kind of a subject. The spatial frequency of an endoscopic image obtained by imaging the subject is detected. Further, judgment is made, based on the distribution of the spatial frequency, as to whether the endoscopic image was obtained by performing close-up imaging on the subject. The condition of imaging is switched based on the result of judgment as to whether the image was obtained by close-up imaging or distant-view imaging. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100130820 | RECEIVING DEVICE - A receiving device includes a receiving unit that receives, via a receiving antenna, an image signal including an in-vivo image of a subject that is captured by an in-vivo-image acquiring device introduced into the subject; a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the image signal to a real-time display device that displays the in-vivo image in real time; a detecting unit that detects a non-receiving period in which the receiving unit does not receive the image signal; and a control unit that performs a control to wirelessly transmit the image signal to the real-time display device during the non-receiving period immediately after receipt of the image signal by the receiving unit. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100137682 | ENDOSCOPE - There is provided an endoscope capable of observing cells at a desired position existing in the depth direction with a simple structure as compared to the conventional configuration. The endoscope includes an insert unit to be inserted into a biological body, a low-scaling observation system for observing an observation position in a biological body with a low scaling, and a high-scaling observation system for observing a target position of the aforementioned observation position as a local position with a high scaling. The high-scaling observation system includes a plurality of illumination units for applying illumination light for high-scaling observation of the target position. The illumination units are arranged at predetermined positions of the end face of the insert unit. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100137683 | CAPSULE-TYPE ENDOSCOPE HAVING SENSOR AND COMMUNICATION METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed is a capsule-type endoscope, including: a lens for obtaining an image inside the body, one or more sensors for obtaining information related to the inside of the body, a controller for interleaving the information detected by the one or more sensors with the image captured by the lens and encoding the image interleaved with the sensor data for signal output, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal from the controller. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100137684 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM WITH SCANNING FUNCTION - An endoscope system has an optical fiber configured to transmit illumination light emitted from a light source to the tip portion of a scope; a scanner configured to spirally scan a target area with illumination light by vibrating the tip portion of said optical fiber; and an image generator configured to generate image data from image-pixel signals obtained from the light reflected from the target area. Then, the scanner scans the illumination light in a circular motion midway through a spiral scanning procedure. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100137685 | DEVIATED VIEWING RIGID VIDEOENDOSCOPE WITH ADJUSTABLE FOCUSING - The disclosure relates to a deviated viewing rigid videoendoscopic probe with adjustable focusing, comprising a rigid inspection tube and a control handle attached to the inspection tube, the inspection tube having a longitudinal axis and a distal part comprising an image capture device having a viewing axis different from the longitudinal axis, the control handle comprising a rotation control device for making the viewing axis turn around the longitudinal axis, and a focusing control device of the image capture device for longitudinally moving in the inspection tube a part of the image capture device, the rotation control device and the focusing control device being respectively configured to make the viewing axis turn and focus the image capture device, independently from one another. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100145145 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes an enclosure with a transparent section, a illumination unit arranged to illuminate an object to be observed via the transparent section, an image unit disposed in the enclosure, a reflecting unit disposed in the enclosure and arranged to direct light from the object to the image unit to form an image of the object, and a driving unit comprising a piezoelectric motor arranged to rotate the reflecting unit relative to the enclosure. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100152534 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM, MEDICAL SYSTEM, AND OPERATION METHOD OF MEDICAL SYSTEM - Provided are a capsule endoscopy system, a medical system, and an operation method of the medical system. A control device outside a human body and two or more implantable medical devices (e.g. capsule endoscopes) form a network with each other, and the two or more implantable medical devices divisionally perform investigation, identification, and treatment while cooperating with each other, by controlling the control device outside the human body. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100160728 | ACTIVE MEDICAL APPARATUS SYSTEM AND DRIVE CONTROL METHOD - An active medical apparatus system includes: an active medical apparatus having a joint; an active medical apparatus driving section; an instruction input section; an instruction input section driving section to which information of a force acting on the active medical apparatus is fed back and inputted, and which drives the instruction input section according to the information of force, a determining section which determines whether or not a movement of the instruction input section in the acting direction of the driving force driving the instruction input section is generated in an amount of a threshold value or more; and a control section which, when the movement of the instruction input section is generated in the amount of the threshold value or more, suppresses at least one of the driving in the instruction input section driving section and the driving in the active medical apparatus driving section. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100168515 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, SCANNING ENDOSCOPE, AND SCANNING ENDOSCOPE PROCESSOR - A scanning endoscope apparatus, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first optical filter, a second optical filter, a second transmitter, a first photo-detection unit, and a position determiner, is provided. The first transmitter transmits light to a first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end. The first optical filter reflects the light of the first band. The second optical filter transmits the light of the first band at a transmittance that varies according to the position. The second transmitter transmits the light of the first band from a second incident end to a second emission end. The first photo-detection unit detects an amount of the light of the first band. The position determiner determines a position of the first emission end on the basis of the amount of the light of the first band. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168516 | CAPSULE GUIDING SYSTEM AND CAPSULE GUIDING METHOD - A capsule guiding system includes a capsule medical device having an imaging device that takes an in-vivo image of a subject and a magnet with a magnetization direction that is relatively fixed with respect to the imaging device; a magnetic guiding device that applies a magnetic field to the magnet in the subject and guides the capsule medical device; a display unit that displays the in-vivo image of the subject; and a control unit that causes the magnetic guiding device to apply a magnetic field in a reference direction to the magnet, initializes a rotation angle of an image taken by the imaging device when the magnetization direction of the magnet is oriented to the reference direction following the magnetic field in the reference direction, performs, referring to the image, rotation correction on subsequent in-vivo images, and causes the display unit to sequentially display the corrected in-vivo images. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100179384 | Wirelessly Powered Medical Devices And Instruments - A medical device that is wirelessly powered by a resonant magnetic field, the device automatically coupling to a power transmitter in a control unit when brought within a threshold radius. In one embodiment, the control unit automatically identifies the medical device and automatically adjusts its settings to control the medical device, where the device and power transceivers may be provided detachable from either or both the endoscope/camera and camera control unit or may be provide integral to either one or both. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100179385 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes, in order to automatically detect a type of optical adapter and to generate to display an excellent image according to an intended purpose by performing an image signal processing control corresponding to the type of the optical adapter, a signal processing circuit for performing various image signal processings on an image signal from an image-pickup element, a plurality of optical adapters each including an image-formation optical system, adapter discriminating section, and LED, the optical adapters being detachably and selectively provided to the distal end of the endoscope section, and an apparatus main body including an image processing section for performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal from the signal processing circuit, an adapter detection section for detecting the adapter discrimination section, and a controller for controlling the whole endoscope system. At least driving control of the LED and various signal processing controls on the image signal obtained by the image-pickup element are performed based on the detection result of the adapter discrimination section by the adapter detection section. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100185051 | ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME AND ENDOSCOPE CONTROL METHOD - An endoscope, an endoscope system having an endoscope, and an endoscope control method are disclosed. The endoscope includes: a main body and a buoyancy control device. The main body may be configured in the form of a capsule and include an image capturing unit for capturing image information. The buoyancy control device may control buoyancy by changing the volume of the main body. Images of various types of internal organs can be precisely captured. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100191053 | Portable Endoscope For Diverse Medical Disciplines - Disclosed herein is a portable endoscope and kit for performing multiple medical procedures. The portable endoscope comprises a detachable operator control section assembly and one of multiple detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assemblies with a flexible distal end. The proximal end of a detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly is detachably connected to the detachable operator control section assembly. The detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly accommodates principal cable wires, proxy cable wires, an optical imaging system, and an illumination system. An internal cable wire control system integrated with the detachable operator control section assembly utilizes an adaptable drive transmission system for controlling the orientation and angular position of the flexible distal end using the principal cable wires or the proxy cable wires. The proxy cable wires may be engaged in an event of failure of the principal cable wires. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191054 | ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION SYSTEM AND INTUBATION PROCEDURE - “An endotracheal intubation device includes an inflatable cuff connected to an inflation tube, visualization means, where the visualization means include means to enlighten and an image guide, where the means to enlighten, the image guide, and the inflation tube are associated to a first three ways connector adapted to connect the endotracheal intubation device to a control panel; a packaging is also provided containing the endotracheal intubation device wherein the first three ways connector is placed across the packaging so as to allow checking the endotracheal intubation device without impairing its sterility with an endotracheal intubation device tester; an intubation method is further provided using the packaging, the control panel and the endotracheal intubation device tester.” | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191055 | CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL APPARATUS AND CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL SYSTEM - The present invention provides a capsule type medical apparatus that can receive, in a subject, an external signal transmitted from an outside of the subject and transmitted via a conductor existing in the subject, including: a cover member that is formed of a dielectric and covers components of the capsule type medical apparatus; a plurality of electrodes that are formed of conductors, are provided in tight contact with an inner wall side of the cover member, and receive the external signal; an inductor circuit that is connected in series to each of the plurality of electrodes, and has an inductance value set to configure a resonant circuit having a frequency substantially equal to a carrier frequency of the external signal as a resonant frequency; and a signal receiving circuit to which the external signal received by the plurality of electrodes and a potential difference of the external signal are inputted. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100198008 | IV-VIVO OBSERVING SYSTEM AND IN-VIVO OBSERVING METHOD - An in-vivo observing system for observing inside of a subject includes an illuminating unit configured to illuminate inside of the subject by illumination light; an imaging unit configured to sequentially capture in-vivo images of the subject illuminated by the illumination light; a direction change unit configured to change an image capturing direction of the imaging unit; and a control unit configured to control the direction change unit to set an angular difference in the imaging capturing direction less than an angle of view of the imaging unit when the imaging unit captures two continuous in-vivo images while causing the direction change unit to change the image capturing direction. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198009 | DISPOSABLE ENDOSCOPE AND PORTABLE DISPLAY - Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198010 | COMPACT FLUORESCENCE ENDOSCOPY VIDEO SYSTEM - A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100204544 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SETTING THE SAME - A processor includes a comparison section for comparing an output (dimming signal) of a dimmer circuit and a predetermined reference value, a setting section for setting a gain of an AGC, a shutter control parameter (charge storage time) in an electronic shutter control section, and an opening area of a light source diaphragm in a light source device based on a comparison result of the comparison section, and the electronic shutter control section for controlling an electronic shutter function of a CCD driving circuit under control of the setting section. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100204545 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system of the invention includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion, a distal end portion provided on a distal end side of the insertion portion, and a bending portion which is capable of changing a position and an orientation of the distal end portion; a position detecting section for acquiring position information on a position where the distal end portion is located; a passing target position setting section for setting a passing target position for the distal end portion; a path estimating section for estimating a path through which the distal end portion is to be passed; a bending control target position setting section for setting a bending control target position such that the distal end portion reaches the passing target position along the path; and a bending control information calculating section for calculating an amount of bending and a bending direction of the bending portion. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100210902 | Virtual Penetrating Mirror Device and Method for Visualizing Virtual Objects in Endoscopic Applications - A virtual penetrating mirror device for visualizing virtual objects in endoscopic applications, having an interactive virtual mirror ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210903 | CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE AND CAPSULE MEDICAL SYSTEM - Radiation is captured without fail, and a sharp image of a region where radiation is generated is acquired. A capsule medical device ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210904 | COMPACT FLUORESCENCE ENDOSCOPY VIDEO SYSTEM - A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100217077 | LIVING BODY OBSERVING APPARATUS - There is provided a living body observing apparatus capable of reducing time period to be spent on observation of a subject in a living body. The living body observing apparatus of the invention includes: illumination means including one or a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements for emitting illumination light to illuminate a subject; image pickup means for picking up an image of the subject illuminated by the illumination light emitted from the illumination means, and outputting the picked-up image as an image pickup signal; color separation means for separating the image of the subject into red, green, and blue components; and image processing means for performing a predetermined processing on the image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup means, and outputting the processed image pickup signal as a video signal to display the image of the subject on display means. The image processing means performs, as the predetermined processing, color conversion processing to convert the blue component in the image pickup signal into a green component in the video signal, and convert the green component in the image pickup signal into a red component in the video signal. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100228087 | System For Use In Surgical Procedures - The present disclosure relates to a system for use in surgical procedures. The system includes an endoscope; an imaging device coupled to the endoscope; an imaging processor coupled to the imaging device; and at least one management system coupled to the imaging processor, wherein a function of the management system is automatically adjusted upon receipt of a communication from the imaging processor. A method of adjusting an image of a surgical site during a surgical procedure is also disclosed. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100240952 | ENDOSCOPY METHOD AND ENDOSCOPE - With an endoscope including a long, thin inserted portion that is inserted into the body of a patient, securing means for securing the inserted portion to tissue inside the body, the securing means being provided at least at a distal-end portion of the inserted portion, an observation optical system that is provided at the inserted portion and that acquires an image of the tissue, and observation-distance adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the observation optical system and a surface of the tissue, it is possible to attain a stable field of view without having to stop the pulsation or the like of the heart or other tissue. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240953 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, ENDOSCOPE VIDEO PROCESSOR AND METHOD OF DRIVING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A light source device emits normal illumination light and special illumination light interchangeably at a charge-storage time of an imaging device. A DRP is reconfigurable between a normal image producing circuit and a special image producing circuit. A CPU instructs the reconfiguration of the DRP when detecting that a vertical synchronization signal from a drive circuit falls to zero level. The DRP gains an access to a configuration memory to load circuit information of the normal or special image producing circuit. According to the circuit information loaded, the DRP changes functions and interconnection of processor elements. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100249501 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope which has an imaging element and a monitor which displays an image imaged by the imaging element. The endoscope is provided with an internal insertion portion which is movably arrangeable inside a body cavity, and an operation unit for changing the position of the internal insertion portion, which is arrangeable outside the body. The internal insertion portion and the operation unit are arranged on a common axis so as to interpose a body wall therebetween. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249502 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument includes an image pickup section incorporated in a medical instrument body and movably provided in the medical instrument body that picks up an image of the object to be examined from an observation window, a covering section movably provided at the medical instrument body so as to cover the observation window and in which an opening portion is formed, a drive section that drives the covering section or the image pickup section, and a control section that controls the drive section so as to drive the covering section or the image pickup section by synchronizing a timing for the image pickup section to pick up the object image with a timing at which the opening portion and the observation window match, and can thereby prevent sticking of deposits to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249503 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - By including a camera body introduced into a body, an image pickup section incorporated in the camera body for picking up an image of an object, a transparent cover member movably disposed at the camera body that always covers an image taking side of the image pickup section irrespective of a moving position, a moving section that causes the cover member to move and a cleaning section disposed outside an image pickup range of the image pickup section that performs cleaning by jetting a fluid over the opposed surface part of the cover member moved to outside the image pickup range of the image pickup section, it is possible to always obtain a clear observation image without interfering with observation even when removing fogging, deposits such as dirt. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249504 | In-vivo information acquiring system - An in-vivo observation system provided with a capsule endoscope including an in-vivo observation section, a battery, a magnetic field detection section, a power supply switch that controls a power supply and a power supply control section that causes the power supply switch to operate according to an internal signal from the magnetic field detection section, and a magnetic field generating apparatus including a magnetic field generating section, an operation section that outputs an operation signal according to an operation by a user and a masking section that masks an operation signal inputted to the magnetic field generating section for a predetermined period. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100261959 | In-vivo observation system and method for driving in-vivo observation system - An in-vivo observation system of the present invention is provided with an in-vivo observation apparatus including: a living-body information acquiring section that acquires living-body information; a transmission section that transmits the living-body information to outside the living body; a power source section that supplies driving power to the living-body information acquiring section and the transmission section; a magnetic field detection section that detects an AC magnetic field from outside and outputs a detection result as an electric signal; and a power supply control section that controls the supply state of the driving power that is supplied to the living-body information acquiring section and the transmission section, based on the electric signal; and a power source starter of the in-vivo observation apparatus in which a magnetic field generating section that generates an AC magnetic field and a display section are integrally formed. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100261960 | LIVING-BODY OBSERVATION SYSTEM AND DRIVING METHOD OF THE LIVING-BODY OBSERVATION SYSTEM - A living-body observation system of the present invention is provided with: an in-vivo observation apparatus including: an in-vivo information acquiring section; a power source section; a magnetic field detection section that detects a magnetic field from outside and outputs a detected result as an electric signal; and a power supply section that controls a supply state of driving power supplied to the in-vivo information acquiring section, and the operation of the in-vivo information acquiring section, based on the electric signal; and a magnetic field generating section that is disposed outside the in-vivo observation apparatus and generates the magnetic field, wherein the power supply section includes a control section that controls the operation of the in-vivo information acquiring section of the in-vivo observation apparatus. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100268025 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY OF THE ESOPHAGUS - Apparatus and methods for capsule endoscopy are described for locating, positioning, steering, aiming and tracking of an endoscopy capsule within a patient's esophagus and stomach. The apparatus includes an endoscopy capsule with a magnetic element an external capsule positioning system including at least one magnet movable along a track for positioning the endoscopy capsule within a patient. Also described are apparatus and methods for performing endoscopic spectroscopy using different wavelengths of light and other imaging technologies to diagnose various disease conditions, such as premalignant or inflammatory changes and internal bleeding. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268026 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A capsule endoscope system includes a contact detector that detects contact with an inner wall of a lumen in the subject; a magnet which is equipped in the capsule endoscope; a magnetic field generating device that is provided at a position, which is fixed with respect to the magnet, and generates a guidance magnetic field to apply to the magnet from the outside of the subject; and a magnetic field generation controller that performs control for guidance in a direction in which the capsule endoscope moves, which is the direction of the axis of the lumen, and performs guidance control for separating the capsule endoscope from the inner wall of the lumen based on a result of detection by the contact detector. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268027 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION PORTION - An endoscope insertion portion includes an imaging unit including a distal end optical member arranged at a distal end portion of the imaging unit and a movable optical member configured to be moved relative to the distal end optical member, an actuator unit arranged in a position relative to the distal end optical member, configured to drive the movable optical member and including a shape memory member configured to deform according to temperature, and a heater unit including a heating member configured to heat the distal end optical member wherein the heater unit is arranged on one side opposite to other side on which the actuator unit is arranged and the heating member is configured to heat the distal end optical member from the one side to the other side, relative to the optical axis of the imaging unit, when viewing in the axial direction of the insertion portion. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100274081 | VISUAL VERESS NEEDLE ASSEMBLY - A visual veress needle assembly is provided including an optically conductive veress needle for puncturing tissue and having a hollow interior and an optical stylet insertable through the hollow interior of the veress needle. The veress needle is constructed of translucent material enabling light to pass through from a proximal end to a distal end to illuminate the area of the incision and the operative site. The optical stylet includes a lens at a distal end for obtaining an image of the operative site and a connector at the proximal end for transmitting optical data to auxiliary viewing devices. The distal end of the stylet is flexible and incorporates structure to orient the lens relative to the hollow veress needle. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100274082 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, ENDOSCOPE, AND DRIVING METHOD - An endoscope includes an elongated tube. An objective lens system is disposed in the elongated tube, for passing image light from an object. A fiber optic image guide includes plural optical fibers bundled together, has a distal tip, is inserted through the elongated tube, for transmitting the image light focused on the distal tip by the objective lens system in a proximal direction. A displacing device displaces the distal tip laterally and periodically upon receiving entry of the image light being focused by use of a piezoelectric actuator positioned outside the distal tip. Plural shifted images are created by the fine displacement, and registered together by image registration, and combined as a synthesized image of up-sampling. Preferably, an evaluator retrieves information of relative position, which is used for error correction of the shifted images. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100274083 | HUMAN BODY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - There is provided a human body communication system including: a wireless capsule injected into the body to acquire image information of the interior of the body and transmitting a signal with respect to the acquired information to the outside of the body from the inside of the body by using an electrode; and a portable data recorder performing, from the outside of the body, RF communication with the wireless capsule by the medium of the body, receiving the signal transmitted from the wireless capsule through an electrode in contact with the human body, processing the received signal into RF data, and storing the RF data. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100280315 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method that includes using an optical coherence tomography system to acquire a plurality of frames of a sample where each frame includes optical information about the composition of the sample through a section of the sample. The method further includes averaging over two or more of the frames to provide an image of the section of the sample where successive frames of the two or more frames are acquired with a time lapse of 0.05-0.7 seconds. Embodiments of the method may have unique advantages for endoscopic subcellular imaging. For example, they can enable subcellular imaging with low-NA optics (e.g., NA=0.25 or less) while providing morphological imaging of the underlying tissue up to 0.6 mm without focal tracking. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100280316 | CATHETER - An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of a catheter body. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The deflectable member may be interconnected to the catheter body by a live hinge. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter body to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter body. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter body and when pivoted relative to the catheter body. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100280317 | OCULAR IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100286476 | Endoscope With Tunable-Focus Microlens - An endoscope is provided for observing an object. The endoscope includes a microfluidic device defining a well therein and a lens disposed in the well of the microfluidic device. The lens has a tunable focal length. A tuning structure is provided for tuning the focal length of the lens in response to a predetermined stimulus and an illumination fiber may be positioned adjacent to the lens for illuminating the object. An activation fiber bundle is adjacent to the tuning structure for providing the predetermined stimulus to the tuning structure. The image acquisition fiber bundle is in alignment with the lens for receiving an image therefrom. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100286477 | INTERNAL TISSUE VISUALIZATION SYSTEM COMPRISING A RF-SHIELDED VISUALIZATION SENSOR MODULE - Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are provided. Also provided are systems that include the devices, as well as methods of visualizing internal tissue of a subject using the tissue visualization devices and systems. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100292534 | BODY-INTRODUCABLE APPARATUS AND MEDICAL SYSTEM - A body-introducable apparatus includes: a light source unit having a first light source that outputs first light and a second light source that outputs second light in a wavelength band different from that of the first light; a light distribution matching unit that matches distributions of the first light and the second light; an illuminating control unit that illuminates the inside of the subject by driving the light source unit; and an imaging unit that captures an image of the inside of the subject. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100298640 | Endoscope With Imaging Capsule - A method of examining internal body portions of patients. The method includes providing an imaging capsule including an image capturing unit, mounting the imaging capsule on a first elongate tube suitable for insertion into a body cavity, in a manner which prevents release of the imaging capsule from the first elongate tube within a body cavity, inserting the first elongate tube with the capsule mounted thereon into a patient, retracting the first elongate tube from the patient, separating the imaging capsule from the first elongate tube, disposing of the first elongate tube, mounting the imaging capsule on a second elongate tube and inserting the second elongate tube with the imaging capsule mounted thereon into a patient. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298641 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system of the present invention includes an image pickup section that picks up an image of an object, a position detection section that detects a position indicating a predetermined object in the image of the object obtained by the image pickup section and a probability calculation section that calculates a probability value as a degree indicating accuracy of the position being the predetermined object using first information obtained from the image and second information on a condition of the object whose image is picked up by the image pickup section. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100317920 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND PROGRAM - An endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging portion imaging a subject to generate image data; a designation portion designating a position in an image based on the image data; an image processing portion processing the image data such that an enlarged image obtained by enlarging an image in a second region including the designated position overlaps a first region including the designated position designated by the designation portion; a display portion displaying the enlarged image and the image of the subject based on the image data processed by the image processing portion and displays a cursor at the designated position on the enlarged image; and a measurement processing portion performing measurement on the basis of a measurement position indicated by the cursor by using the image data generated by the imaging portion. The enlarged image displayed on the display portion moves according to movement of the cursor. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100324365 | Diagnostic Capsule with Software that Triggers Imaging Equipment - Disclosed is a compact ingestible capsule that can transmit gut-diagnostic data to a computer. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule can transmit data such as enzyme concentration and pH, while a program generates triggers that can be used to activate imaging equipment to disclose the location of the capsule at a trigger event. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324366 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, ENDOSCOPE, AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DISTANCE AND ILLUMINATION ANGLE - An endoscope has a first light guide for transmitting measurement light from a light source, a second light guide for transmitting IR light from an IR light source, and a CCD for capturing a projected shape of the measurement light. An image processing circuit extracts the projected shape from an image obtained from the CCD, and calculates the size of the extracted projected shape to calculate a distance between an end surface of the endoscope and an object of interest and an illumination angle of the IR light on a surface of the object of interest. A CPU controls the operation of the IR light source in accordance with the calculated distance and the illumination angle. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100331624 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An endoscope system includes: an endoscope equipped with an insertion portion, and an image pickup unit disposed at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; an illumination unit detachably connected to the endoscope; an imaging mode input unit used to set an imaging mode of the endoscope to one of a normal-light mode and a special-light mode; a processing condition selection unit which selects a processing condition for a color correction process of an endoscopic image based on the imaging mode; and a processor detachably connected to the endoscope and equipped with an image processing unit which performs the color correction process, under the processing condition selected by the processing condition selection unit, with respect to each of hue regions partitioned by at least eight reference color axes including six reference color axes which divide a color space into R (red), M (magenta), B (blue), C (cyan), G (green), and Y (yellow) hue regions and at least two reference color axes established additionally based on the imaging mode. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110004058 | Controllable Endoscope - An endoscope including an outer elongate tube and an inner shaft that runs through the outer elongate tube and can be advanced independently of the outer tube. In addition, the endoscope includes an imaging capsule including at least one image capturing unit, mounted on a distal end of the inner shaft. The imaging capsule has a largest cross-section area smaller than the cross section area of the outer elongate tube. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004059 | Displaying Image Data From A Scanner Capsule - An ingestible image scanning pill captures high resolution images of the GI tract as it passes through. Images communicated externally have exact location determination. Image processing software discards duplicate information and stitches images together, line scan by line scan, to replicate a complete GI tract as if it were stretched out in a straight line. A fully linear image is displayed to a medical professional as if the GI tract had been stretched in a straight line, cut open, laid flat out on a bench for viewing—all without making any incisions in a live patient. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110009694 | HAND-HELD MINIMALLY DIMENSIONED DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED DISTAL END VISUALIZATION - Hand-held minimally dimensioned diagnostic devices having integrated distal end visualization are provided. Also provided are systems that include the devices, as well as methods of using the devices, e.g., to visualize internal tissue of a subject. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009695 | BENDING SECTION FOR ENDOSCOPE - A bending device for an endoscope having a camera mounted on one end for photographing the inside of a human body, a machine, a pipe and the like is provided. For flexible bending with the smallest external diameter and the largest extended internal diameter, a plurality of bending plates each having an internal hole ( | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110015484 | ENDOSCOPIC ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a elongate instrument interface including a plurality of instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The elongate instrument preferably comprises and/or defines other lumens to accommodate instruments such as an optics bundle, a light bundle, a laser fiber, and flush irrigation. The working lumen preferably is configured to accommodate a grasping or capturing tool, such as a collapsible basket or grasper, for use in procedures such as kidney stone interventions. The elongate instrument includes a plurality of instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective drive elements and secured to the distal end of the instrument. The instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110015485 | Endoscopic Device and Image Processing Method Thereof - An endoscopic device and its image processing method include a casing, a sensing module for reflecting a light from a target object through a reflecting unit, capturing an optical image, and converting the optical image into an electric signal, a switching unit installed on a side of the casing, an image processing unit installed in the casing and electrically coupled to the switching unit, for encoding the electric signal into an image signal and a display unit installed on another side of the casing. If the switching unit is triggered, the switching unit outputs a switch signal, and the image processing unit mirrors the image signal according to the switch signal to obtain a mirrored image signal, and the display unit receives the mirrored image signal and outputs a mirrored image. If the switching unit is not triggered, the display unit receives the image signal and outputs an image. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110015486 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPIC OPERATION TRAINING SYSTEM - An endoscope system or an endoscopic operation training system includes: projectors which project video light indicating a video taken by an endoscope device that allows at least a part thereof to be inserted into patient's body cavity; and a dome type screen having a shape of a projection surface that directs a concave surface toward an operator and assistants, in which the video light is projected onto the projection surface. In a case where an axis that passes through a center of an opening surface thereof and is perpendicular to the opening surface is defined as a first axis, a point where the first axis and the projection surface intersect each other is defined as a projection surface center, and an axis that connects the projection surface center and an edge portion of the projection surface to each other is defined as a second axis, and a tangential line of the edge portion of the projection surface is defined as a third axis, then an angle made by the first axis and the third axis is an angle at which it is possible to observe a whole of the video from the first viewpoint position, and an angle made by the first axis and the second axis is an axis at which it is possible to observe the projection surface center from the second viewpoint position. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110021873 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND MEASUREMENT METHOD - An endoscope apparatus according to an aspect of the invention comprises an imaging unit, a detection unit, a process unit, and a measurement unit. The imaging unit comprises an imaging device and generates a first image having two fields by imaging a subject by performing interlaced driving for the imaging device. The detection unit detects the amount of shake of the first image. The process unit generates a second image from the first image based on the amount of shake. The measurement unit measures the subject based on the second image. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021874 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND METHOD - An endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging unit which takes an image of an object; a display which displays the image and a cursor; an illumination unit which illuminates the object; a pointing device which is for placing the cursor; and a control unit which continuously monitors a cursor position placed by the pointing device, and continuously controls the illumination unit in accordance with a luminance of a partial region of the image corresponding to the cursor position so as to modulate a luminance condition of the image. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110028785 | Endoscope with adjustable viewing angle - An endoscope with adjustable viewing angle has a viewing angle adjusting mechanism mounted on a handheld body and a control module mounted inside the handheld body. The viewing angle adjusting mechanism has a cable seat pivotally mounted on the handheld body, an adjustable knob mounted on the cable seat, a flexible tube, a hollow flexible cable joined with one end of a flexible tube, and two pull strings between the other end of the flexible tube and the adjusting knob. Given that, while the cable seat is rotated, the image acquisition module on one end of the flexible cable can be controlled to rotate synchronously. The relative pulling and releasing movement of the two pull strings driven by turning the adjusting knob makes the flexible tube bend correspondingly so as to further adjust the viewing angle of the image acquisition module. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110028786 | CAPSULE-TYPE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule-type endoscope includes a capsule, an objective optical system, an image pickup element, and at least one illumination light source having a light-emitting surface, and a transparent cover. In several embodiments of the capsule-type endoscope according to the present invention, an inner surface of the transparent cover is spherical within a field of view of the objective optical system so as to have a center of curvature, the center of curvature is offset from the optical axis of the objective optical system, and a specified condition is satisfied so as to avoid flare in the objective optical system caused when light from the one (or more) illumination light source(s) enters the entrance pupil of the objective optical system. In another embodiment, the inner surface of the transparent cover has the shape of an ellipsoid. Observation methods using the capsule-type endoscope are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110034768 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING OPTICAL FIBERS - An endoscope for imaging of an object in a body cavity by receiving image light on an image sensor is provided. In an elongated tube for entry in the body cavity, an objective lens system is incorporated for receiving the image light from the object. A fiber optic image guide includes plural bundled optical fibers and a distal tip, is inserted in the elongated tube, for transmitting the image light focused on the distal tip by the objective lens system. A piezoelectric actuator is positioned on the distal tip, for displacing the distal tip periodically. The image sensor detects the image light from the fiber optic image guide for plural times in synchronism with the displacement for forming a synthesized image. An anchoring device anchors the elongated tube partially on a wall of the body cavity, to stabilize the elongated tube relative to the image light. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110054252 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING OPTICAL FIBERS - An endoscope for image pickup of an object by receiving image light with an image sensor includes an elongated tube. A fiber optic image guide includes a plurality of optical fibers being bundled, and has a distal tip, is inserted through the elongated tube, for transmitting the image light focused on the distal tip by an objective lens system in a proximal direction. A piezoelectric actuator is disposed on an outer side of the fiber optic image guide, for periodically displacing the distal tip, wherein the image sensor picks up the image light from the fiber optic image guide for plural times in synchronism with displacement, to form one synthesized image. A hood device is mounted on a head assembly of the elongated tube, and shiftable between a closed position for covering a distal end face of the head assembly and an open position for revealing the distal end face. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110065987 | MINIATURE INGESTIBLE CAPSULE - A miniature ingestible capsule has multiple therapeutic or diagnostic operations that can be performed. These functions are controlled by a combination of an outside control, a pose beacon and through information relayed from an imagining array and transmitter. These functions can be in a separate capsule without an imaging array or within the same capsule with an imaging array. Typically, there is one function performed in addition to imaging. These functions can include suction and spray capabilities, ultrasound sensor, lithotripsy, laser, heat, electrocautery, BICAP, biopsy forceps, a needle knife snare cautery (cold and hot with continuous or pulsed current for cutting and coagulation), with a basket, and fine needle aspiration with various wheels and fins and motors controlled externally and other tools to be used in humans. All of these tools can be attached to a retractable arm. Also, they can be used on an elevator device that lifts them, allowing for an extra 180° of movement. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110071351 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SIMULATION OF DIASTOLE AND VISUALIZING THE DIASTOLIC STATE OF AN AORTIC VALVE AND ROOT DURING CARDIAC SURGERY - A device for evaluating an aortic valve after opening an aorta distal to the aortic valve includes a body defining a chamber. The body has a generally circular proximal open end and a distal end, the proximal open end being configured to be reversibly attachable to one of the aorta and a short open tube distal to the aortic valve in a generally water-tight fashion. At least a portion of the body is transparent to view the aortic valve. Other embodiments of the device and related methods are further disclosed. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071352 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071353 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110077462 | Electronic endoscope system, processor for electronic endoscope, and method of displaying vascular information - Illumination light projected into a body cavity includes first to third narrowband rays of different wavelength ranges, at least one of these narrowband rays has a central wavelength of not more than 450 nm. Under these narrowband rays, first to third narrowband image signals are respectively obtained through an endoscope. Based on the first to third narrowband image signals, vascular areas containing blood vessels are determined, and a first luminance ratio between the first and third narrowband signals and a second luminance ratio between the second and third narrowband signals are calculated at every pixel of the vascular areas. From the calculated first and second luminance ratios, information about both the depth and oxygen saturation of the blood vessels is acquired with reference to correlation data that correlates the first and second luminance ratios to the vessel depth and the oxygen saturation. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110082335 | OPTICAL STRUCTURE OBSERVATION APPARATUS, STRUCTURE INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD OF THE SAME AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS INCLUDING OPTICAL STRUCTURE OBSERVATION APPARATUS - An optical structure observation apparatus which acquires a plurality of pieces of optical structure information of a measured object having a layer structure obtained by scanning a scan surface including a first direction which is a depth direction of the measured object and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, using a low coherence light, while shifting a position along a third direction which is a direction orthogonal to the scan surface, and constructs an optical stereoscopic structure image based on the acquired plurality of pieces of the optical structure information, comprising:
| 04-07-2011 |
| 20110092768 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN-VIVO ANALYSIS - A device for in-vivo detection comprises a housing having an optical window and enclosing an imager that is configured to image the optical window. An external surface of the optical window has trypsin immobilized thereon, and may also be coated with a steric barrier protection, which may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). A trypsin-Alpha-1-antitrypsin complex formed on the window may have an affinity to a binding agent, which is tagged by a tag selected from a group consisting of a colorant, a fluorescent moiety, and a radioactive moiety. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092769 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion inserted into a body, an optical member arranged exposed from an outside surface at a distal end of the insertion portion, an objective optical system that condenses light impinged from the optical member, an electronic image pickup circuit that photoelectrically converts the light condensed by the objective optical system, a heat absorbing section arranged in the vicinity of the electronic image pickup circuit for absorbing heat generated from the electronic image pickup circuit, a heat transfer section extending toward the optical member side for transferring heat of the heat absorbing section, a heat radiation section arranged in the vicinity of the optical member for radiating heat transferred by the heat transfer section to the optical member, and a heat transfer member that is formed by patterning a metal foil on an insulating, flexible film member and includes the heat absorbing section, the heat transfer section and the heat radiation section. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110098530 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE - An electronic endoscope is provided that has a new structure for realizing easy and accurate acquisition of detailed image information over a large region. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110112361 | ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - An endoscope device has a scope unit that is used to observe an interior of a specimen subject, and a main body unit that controls the scope unit by communicating with the scope unit. The scope unit has an insertion portion, a bending portion that is provided on the insertion portion, a bending drive unit that drives the bending portion, an imaging unit that is provided on the insertion portion and acquires images of the specimen subject; and a structure storage section in which structure identification information that is based on the structure of the first scope unit is stored. The main body unit has a display unit that displays images acquired by the imaging unit, an operating section that is used to make operation inputs to operate at least the bending portion, and a control unit that controls the bending drive unit based on the structure identification information stored in the storage section. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110112362 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image of a tissue site including a blood vessel is captured while broadband light and narrow band light are emitted to a body cavity. Thereby, broadband image data corresponding to the broadband light and narrow band image data corresponding to the narrow band light are obtained. Picture elements in the same positions are identified between the broadband image and the narrow band image to obtain a brightness ratio LM therebetween. Based on depth correlation information between the brightness ratio and blood vessel depth, a blood vessel depth D corresponding to the brightness ratio is obtained to determine whether each picture element includes a blood vessel and whether the blood vessel depth D is at the surface. Based on the determination, a surface blood vessel region is extracted. A broadband image having the surface blood vessel region with the reduced contrast is generated. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110112363 | ENDOSCOPE - On a head section connected to a distal end of an inserter of an endoscope, an air/water nozzle, an observation window and a ring projection are provided. On the ring projection, a first inclined plane and a vertical plane are formed. The first inclined plane inclines such that the outer diameter thereof gradually decreases from the top surface of the observation window toward a flat surface. The vertical plane is positioned at the counter side from the air/water nozzle across the observation window. Fluid injected from the air/water nozzle hits the first inclined plane and spreads to pass over the observation window. The vertical plane stops backflow of a water drop on the flat surface toward the observation window, so as to prevent that the water drop reaches on the top surface of the observation window. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110118548 | ARC-SHAPED FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT FILM TYPE ENDOSCOPE USING IMAGING DEVICE WITH DRIVING HOLES - Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device with driving holes. The endoscope has an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The endoscope includes a plurality of driving holes which are formed at regular intervals in a longitudinal direction of the object insertion means, and a driving means which rotates while being sequentially inserted into the driving holes, thus moving the object insertion means. The endoscope precisely controls a movement into a small space, makes it easy to inspect a narrow heat transfer tube or gaps formed between heat transfer tubes, achieves high economic efficiency, increases the reliability of endoscopy, and increases a life-span. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118549 | Endoscopic camera module package and method of manufacturing the same - There is provided an endoscopic camera module package including: a lens part including at least one lens arranged along an optical axis; a flexible printed circuit board having an image sensor mounted thereon, the image sensor allowing light passing through the lens part to form an image; and a housing including an image sensor supporting frame allowing the image sensor to be supported at a rear of the lens part while the flexible printed circuit board is bent. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110130627 | Visualization Instrument - A visualization instrument comprising a display support component removably coupled to a component insertable into a target space. The insertable component includes a camera providing images of the target space. The images are presented in a display device supported by the display support component. The insertable component may be discarded after a permitted number of uses. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110137117 | Miniaturized Imaging Device Including GRIN Lens Optically Coupled to SSID - A miniaturized imaging device and method of viewing small luminal cavities are described. The imaging device can be used as part of a catheter, and can include a solid state imaging device (SSID) including an imaging array, and a graduated refractive index (GRIN) lens optically coupled to the imaging array of the SSID. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110137118 | MEDICAL INSPECTION DEVICE - An improved medical inspection device comprises a hand-held module, a display module, coupled to the hand-held module, a first circuit module electrically connected to the display module, and an inspection module. The display module includes an image display module, settled on a first surface of the display module, for displaying a video signal received by the display module. The inspection module is detachably coupled to the display module and comprises an inspection portion arranged at a front end of the inspection module. The inspection portion comprises a lens for taking an image of an external target object, an image sensing unit for receiving the image taken by the lens and converting the image into a video signal, a light source for emitting and projecting a light onto the target object, and a second circuit module configured to be capable of being electrically connected to the first circuit module and transmit the video signal from the image sensing unit to the display module. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110144431 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING USE OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPES - In a method or system for limiting use of capsule endoscopes by a capsule endoscope maagnetic steering system used by a customer, the capsule endoscope is provided with a use code stored with the capsule. The use code is read and analyzed to determine whether or not the customer's capsule endoscope magnetic steering system will be enabled or disabled for use with the capsule endoscope from which the use code was read. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144432 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COMPUTER SIMULATED MARKING TARGETING BIOPSY - A device for Computer Simulated Marking Targeting Biopsy (CSMTB) has at least a space locator, and a main control module, including a surface model sub-module, a positioning sub-module, a tracking sub-module, a virtual endoscope sub-module, and a marking targeting biopsy sub-module. The device accurately detects minimal gastric lesions, and reduces pain to patients and thus decreases the workload of a doctor. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110152612 | SELECTIVELY POSITIONABLE CAMERA FOR SURGICAL GUIDE TUBE ASSEMBLY - A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152613 | ARTICULATED DEVICE WITH VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152614 | IMAGE PICKUP SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An image pickup system of the present invention has a light emitting section that emits a first illuminating light and a second illuminating light to an object, an image pickup section that picks up an image of a first return light and an image of a second return light, and outputs the images as image pickup signals respectively, an image generating section that generates a first image and a second image respectively based on the image pickup signals, a differential value calculating section that calculates a first differential value corresponding to the first image and a second differential value corresponding to the second image respectively, a calculation section that performs calculation processing by using the first differential value and the second differential value, and a region discriminating section that discriminates between regions in the object by applying threshold processing to a calculation result of the calculation section. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160534 | ENDOSCOPIC NAVIGATION METHOD AND ENDOSCOPIC NAVIGATION SYSTEM - An endoscopic navigation method includes the steps of: receiving an image from an endoscopic navigation system; performing image classification to determined whether the image is usable; performing a first image process on the image to filter out dark areas of the image to produce a first processed image; performing a first determination procedure to identify the dark areas of the first processed image; producing a first result image for indicating lumen direction; performing a second image process to filter out fold curves of the image to produce a second processed image when there is no dark area in the image; performing a second determination procedure to identify the fold curves of the second processed image; producing a second result image for indicating lumen direction according to the fold curves; and outputting the first or the second result image to a display device to assist users in operating the photographic device. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160535 | SURGICAL ACCESS PORT WITH EMBEDDED IMAGING DEVICE - Disclosed is a disposable access port for use in endoscopic procedures, including laparoscopic procedures. The access port includes a cannula with an embedded camera in communication with an external control box. In operation, a trocar is combined with the access port to facilitate insertion of the access port into an anatomical site. Prior to insertion, the camera is pushed inside the cannula, where it remains during insertion. The trocar is removed after the access port has been inserted to allow surgical instruments to access the anatomical site. During removal of the trocar, a portion of the trocar urges the camera out of the cannula, thereby allowing visualization of the anatomical site. The camera can be fixedly or adjustably mounted on the port. A camera may also be mounted on the trocar. The trocar may include irrigation and suction channels to facilitate a clear view of the anatomical site. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166418 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PROCESSING A MEDICAL IMAGE - The medical image processing device comprises a detection part, a storage part, an image generation part, and a display-control part. The detection part detects positions and directions of an endoscope. The storage part stores medical image data showing tubular tissues generated by a medical imaging device different from the endoscope. The image generation part generates virtual endoscopic image data showing the internal portion of the tubular tissues based on the medical image data having a position that is a predetermined distance away from the position of the endoscope as a viewpoint. The display-control part receives endoscopic image data showing the internal portion of the tubular tissues generated by the endoscope and displays an endoscopic image based on the endoscopic image data and a virtual endoscopic image based on the virtual endoscopic image data on a display part. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110178368 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING MEASURED DATA FROM THE STOMACH OF A PATIENT - In a method to obtain measurement data from the stomach of a patient using an endoscope, a degassed aqueous drink solution is administered to the stomach of the patient and the measurement data are acquired with the degassed aqueous drink solution present in the stomach. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110178369 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTUBATION - An intubation device is provided. An intubation device comprises a movable guide configured to guide an insertion of an endotracheal tube into a trachea of a patient, the guide having a guide extension and a guide tip; an external trachea identifier source external to the trachea and disposed on the patient during an intubation, wherein the trachea identifier source generates and transmits a signal; at least one trachea condition sensor disposed on the guide tip to detect the signal generated by the trachea identifier source; and a guide control device operatively coupled to the guide, the guide control device configured to move the guide into the trachea in response to the detected signal. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110184235 | CAPSULE TYPE ENDOSCOPE INCLUDING MAGNETIC DRIVE - The present invention discloses a magnet driven capsule type endoscope comprising an image recording unit as well as an image data processing unit, a position sensor for providing data about the position of the capsule type endoscope with respect to the direction of gravitation, a data transmitting unit, an energy source for supplying the units and the sensor with energy and a permanent magnet. In accordance with the invention, the permanent magnet is arranged offset with respect to the center of gravity and to the geometrical center of the capsule type endoscope. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110184236 | IMAGING APPARATUS, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes an imaging section that images an object, an observation mode setting section that sets an observation mode when the imaging section images the object, and a control section that controls an image read mode in which an image is read from the imaging section and a in-focus object plane of the imaging section based on the observation mode set by the observation mode setting section. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110184237 | ENDOSCOPE IMAGE PICK-UP APPARATUS - An image pick-up unit inserted in the body picks up an image of the body, and transmits by radio the image to an extra-corporeal unit which is arranged outside the body. The image pick-up unit includes an image pick-up portion capturing an image, a data transmitting portion for transmitting the image obtained by the image pick-up portion to the extra-corporeal unit at a plurality of transmitting ratios, a characteristic amount detecting portion for detecting a predetermined amount of characteristics based on the image, and a determining portion for determining a valid image based on an output from the characteristic amount detecting portion. The data transmitting portion controls the data transmitting ratio in accordance with the determining result of the determining portion. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110190579 | INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING DEVICE - The invention relates to an intravaginal monitoring device, method of intravaginal monitoring, and system and network for intravaginal monitoring. The intravaginal monitoring device and or network includes multiple modes of operation that enable non-pregnancy monitoring, pregnancy testing, pregnancy monitoring, STD detection, precancerous condition monitoring, cancerous condition monitoring, pre-birth monitoring and prediction, neo-natal monitoring, ovulation monitoring, an automated rhythm method, among various applications of the device, method and network of the present invention. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190580 | ANALYSIS ENGINE WITHIN A NETWORK SUPPORTING INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING - An intravaginal monitoring device in a supporting network, and including supporting devices such as servers, computing devices and phone (of both medical staff and patients), together participate to collect, exchange and display data relating to a female reproductive system. Therein, and within one or many of such systems, analysis operations are performed to at least assist in reaching conclusions relating to a status of the reproductive system under service. As input to the analysis operations, one or more of, for example, (i) current and historical sensor data of varying types such as imager, temperature, pH, glucose, EKG, etc.; (ii) general medical information; (iii) patient and medical staff input; and (iv) input from other medical systems or processes. The output of analysis operations at least assists in the drawing of intermediate and final status conclusions. Analysis operations are supported by various visual working environments tailored for patients, medical staff, and third party computing systems. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190581 | INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE - An intravaginal monitoring device supporting network infrastructure, including a smart phone with applications supporting female's healthcare diagnostics. The intravaginal monitoring device communicates via a communication interface to local external devices. The intravaginal monitoring device also communicates with external (central) support servers, smart phones, healthcare professional's supporting systems and devices, research and development systems and devices, pharmaceutical computing systems and devices via wired and/or wireless network pathways. The data flows from the intravaginal monitoring device, to a remote device, e.g. smart phone, and includes image (or sensor) data collected within a memory (e.g. a built-in memory or memory stick) of the intravaginal monitoring device, and then is delivered for inspection, suggestions, annotations, recommendations, discussions and/or treatment, to another device communicatively linked to a cellular network, and Internet, used by a user, one or more healthcare professionals, one or more user forums, research and developmental or pharmaceutical professionals or for secure storage at a remote site. The data is sent in an encrypted form so as to be able to maintain privacy of a female, that is, without the female's (user's) authorization the data cannot be seen or used by anyone within the support network infrastructure in an unauthorized manner. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190582 | INTRAVAGINAL OPTICS TARGETING SYSTEM - Intravaginal monitoring devices (IMDs) with adjustable optics assemblies support local and remote control of mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms associated with multiple imagers and other sensors for tailoring an IMD to meet the specific dimensions and characteristics of various female reproduce systems. Such mechanisms also assist in guiding and analyzing pathways through a vaginal channel to and including a cervix. Exemplary pivoting, rotational, and telescopic infrastructures with integrated, local and remote control and monitoring are supported with external visual displays of images and video streams in devices such as phones, tablet and laptop computers, and servers for use by a patient or any medical support staff. Such multiple images or video streams may be combined to provide an enhanced viewing experience. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110196200 | MULTI-VIEW ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING SYSTEM - Endoscopic illumination and imaging systems for enabling observation of both the forward and rearward directions in a lumen using only a single imaging device. According to one implementation, the system utilizes the effects of a partially reflective mirror to respectively transmit and reflect light from the different portions of the lumen or cavity, and uses separate groups of illumination sources to illuminate one or the other section of the lumen, such that the illuminated section is preferentially imaged by virtue of its increased light level. In a second implementation, electrically switched mirrors are used, having properties switched between a transmissive and a partially reflective state, such that the mirror can be switched between imaging the regions forward of the camera when in a transmissive state, and imaging the regions rearward of the camera when in a reflective state. A mechanically swiveled mirror is described for the same purpose. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196201 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, EXTERNAL DEVICE, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing system includes an external device including an orientation specifying unit that specifies orientation of the body-insertable apparatus at the time of capturing the image data with respect to a reference direction, a rotation correcting unit that performs rotation correction on image data received by the input unit based on the orientation specified by the first orientation specifying unit, thereby aligning orientations of a plurality of pieces of image data, a screen generating unit that generates a screen displaying the image data subjected to the rotation correction, an average color bar generating unit that calculates an average color of the image data subjected to the rotation correction, generates an image of the calculated average color, and generates an average color bar in which images of the generated average colors are connected in accordance with order of the image data, and an organ image generating unit that generates an organ image, as an image of an organ in the subject, obtained by superimposing the images of the average colors generated by the average color bar generating unit. The screen generating unit generates the screen in which the average color bar generated by the average color bar generating unit is incorporated, and incorporates the organ image into the screen. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196202 | CAPSULE GUIDING SYSTEM - A capsule guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that is introduced into a subject and takes an in-vivo image in the subject; a capsule guiding unit that guides the capsule medical device; an image acquisition unit that acquires the in-vivo image of the subject from the capsule medical device; a display unit that displays the in-vivo image of the subject acquired by the image acquisition unit; a storage unit that sequentially stores guidance information of the capsule guiding unit that guides the capsule medical device; an input unit that inputs instruction information to instruct backward moving of the capsule medical device; and a control unit that controls, when the instruction information is input, the capsule guiding unit such that the capsule medical device backwardly moves on a trajectory based on the guidance information of the capsule guiding unit stored in the storage unit. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110201882 | Endotracheal tube exchanger and detachable stylet assembly therefor - An endotracheal tube exchanger with a detachable stylet, comprising a support housing and a detachable stylet assembly removably interconnected with the support housing. The stylet assembly includes an elongated stylet tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having provided therein a camera and at least one LED, and the proximal end terminating in an end cap electrically connected with the camera and at least one LED. The end cap receivable in the support housing and adapted for electrical interconnection therewith. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201883 | Entry Guide for Multiple Instruments in a Single Port Surgical System - An access port for use in single port surgery includes a cannula to provide minimally invasive access to a surgical site and an instrument guide that fits closely within the cannula. The instrument guide includes guide channels that are open to the outside surface of the instrument guide. Each of the guide channels is configured to support a single surgical instrument at a defined position within the cannula. The guide channels may be smoothly enlarged at the end that receives surgical instruments. The access port may further include a seal that couples the instrument guide to the cannula such that the seal retains a pressurized insufflation fluid within the surgical site. The instrument guide may include one or more insufflation channels for introducing an insufflation fluid to the surgical site. The access port may include a flexible section. The surgical instruments may be controlled robotically by servo actuators. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201884 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes an operation portion, an optical image conducting member arranged in the inner space of the operation portion, a display portion coupled to the operation portion so as to be movable relative to the operation portion, an electric connecting member extending between the inner spaces of the operation portion and the display portion and connected to the display portion, and a restricting mechanism configured to restrict movement of a part forming a play in the electric connecting member toward the optical image conducting member, and the restricting mechanism includes a wound portion provided in the inner space, a winding portion being a part of the electric connecting member and wound around the wound portion to form the play, and a winding portion receiving portion provided in the inner space, arranged between the winding portion and the optical image conducting member and configured to support the winding portion. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201885 | ENVIRONMENT PROPERTY ESTIMATON AND GRAPHICAL DISPLAY - A surgical robot including an imaging system comprising at least one camera, a processor in communication with the imaging system, a manipulation system in communication with the processor, and a visual display in communication with the processor. The processor is operable to calculate a stiffness estimate for an area of an environment based on an environment model of tool-environment interaction data, create a composite image comprising a stiffness map of the stiffness estimate overlaid on an environment image from the at least one camera, and output the composite image on the visual display. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110213203 | IN-VIVO IMAGING SYSTEM AND BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS - A body-insertable apparatus includes a light-receiving unit that includes light-receiving elements each having a receiving wavelength spectrum; light-emitting units including a near ultraviolet light source whose peak of the emission intensity is near ultraviolet light with a wavelength deviated, from a receiving wavelength spectrum associated with the receiving wavelength spectrum, by a predetermined wavelength and including a yellow light source whose peak of the emission intensity is yellow; a selection unit that can select, from among the light-emitting units, light-emitting units corresponding respectively to the near ultraviolet and the yellow light sources; an image creating unit creating a normal-light image in accordance with a combined flat-shaped wavelength spectrum combined using the light-receiving unit or creating a special-light image in accordance with a combined sharp wavelength spectrum combined using a pixel that receives blue-color-component light of the light-receiving unit and a pixel that receives green-color-component light of the light-receiving unit, the light being obtained at the emission of light when the near ultraviolet light source and the yellow light source are selected using the selection unit; a transmitting unit transmitting the normal-light image or the created special-light image; and a control unit controlling driving of the light-receiving elements in accordance with selection performed by the selection unit. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213204 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND IMAGING DEVICE THEREOF - An imaging device for an endoscope includes an image pickup lens, a spectral characteristics variable optical element, and a CCD. The spectral characteristics variable optical element passes only light of a specific wavelength in accordance with the distance between first and second plates, and reflects light of the other wavelengths. The CCD converts the light reflected from the variable optical element into an image signal. In fluorescence endoscopy, a fluorescent labeling agent is administered on an internal body part to be examined. Application of excitation light to the body part causes the fluorescent labeling agent to emit fluorescence. The variable optical element removes the excitation light from the fluorescence by regulation of the distance between the first and second plates. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110218397 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, EXTERNAL DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing method includes the steps of: receiving image data from a body-insertable apparatus having a plurality of imaging units that captures an image of inside of a subject and generates image data and an identification information adding unit that adds identification information for identifying an imaging unit that generates the image data to the image data; displaying a list of the selected image data by the identification information; and switching image data to be displayed in the list displaying step from image data of the one identification information being displayed to image data of the other identification information. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218398 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGING DEVICE, RECEIVING DEVICE AND IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE - An image processing system includes an image generation unit that has two observation modes of a first observation mode for capturing an image under illumination by a first light source and a second observation mode for capturing an image under illumination by a second light source different from the first light source and generates an image to be displayed based on the image captured by selecting one of the observation modes; a brightness detection unit that detects brightness of the image captured in one observation mode; and a control unit that controls an exposure operation or image processing in the other observation mode performed subsequent to an observation in the one observation mode based on the brightness of the image detected by the brightness detection unit. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218399 | BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS AND IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUISITION SYSTEM - A body-insertable apparatus to be inserted into a subject includes an illumination unit that illuminates an inside of the subject; an imaging device having an effective pixel region that has a predetermined size and on which an optical image of the inside of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit is formed, and having an optical black region at which the optical image is shielded; and a light adjustment control unit that adjusts an amount of light from the illumination unit to the effective pixel region based on pixel values of the effective pixel region of an image signal and pixel values of the optical black region of the image signal. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218400 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INTEGRATED WIRELESS CAMERA - A surgical instrument including an integrated wireless camera includes a handle assembly housing control circuitry. An elongated shaft extends from the handle assembly and includes an end effector disposed at a distal end thereof. An image sensor assembly is disposed toward the distal end of the elongated shaft and is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. The image sensor assembly is configured to convert an optical image into an electrical signal and communicate the electrical signal to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to process the signal and wirelessly transmit the processed signal to a wireless receiver positioned remote of the surgical instrument. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110224487 | IMAGE PICKUP MODULE, MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF, AND ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - Size reduction of an image pickup module is promoted, and reliability of electric connection and electric noise resistance are improved by decreasing the numbers of components and connection spots. The problems are solved by providing an image pickup module including a solid-state image pickup element chip having an image pickup surface, a cover glass that covers the image pickup surface, and a wiring board on which the solid-state image pickup element chip is mounted, in which the solid-state image pickup element chip and the wiring board have an overlap structure in which end portions thereof are overlapped with each other, and a first electrode portion formed on the end portion of the solid-state image pickup element chip and a second electrode portion formed on the end portion of the wiring board are electrically connected through a bump. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110224488 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope that includes an endoscope tip member at a rigid unit of a tip of the endoscope, and a cooling mechanism for cooling the endoscope tip member. The endoscope tip member includes at least an imaging element unit, an illuminating unit, and a cooling mechanism fitting unit. The cooling mechanism is fit into the cooling mechanism fitting unit. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110230714 | METHOD FOR CLEARING A BODY LUMEN ENVIRONMENT - An in vivo sensing device and system may contain or be used in conjunction with an image sensor and a body lumen clearing element or agent. A method may enable clearing a body lumen for in vivo sensing while using the device of the invention. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230715 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AN ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE PROCESSOR, AND A METHOD OF ACQUIRING BLOOD VESSEL INFORMATION - The system includes an illuminating unit, an electronic endoscope, a unit for outputting first image data having different wavelength bands from the imaging signal, a unit for producing blood vessel information from the first image data, a unit for setting a given region in an image as reference value region, a unit for calculating a reference value for the blood vessel information based on second image data for a region within a reference value region, a unit for calculating relative value blood vessel information from the difference between the blood vessel information and the reference value blood vessel information, a unit for producing a simulated-color relative value blood vessel information image from the relative value blood vessel information, and a monitor for displaying a relative value blood vessel information image. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110237882 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope system includes a light source device for sequentially emitting plural kinds of light having different wavelength bands, an electronic endoscope for outputting image data of acquired images corresponding to the plural kinds of light sequentially illuminated to a subject tissue containing blood vessels, a setter for setting a blood vessel characteristics amount from the image data, a setter for setting a region of interest in the acquired image based on the amount, an image producer for producing a first oxygen saturation level image representing a distribution of an oxygen saturation level in the blood vessel from the image data, and an image display for displaying in simulated color a second oxygen saturation level image in which the oxygen saturation level within the region of interest is selectively enhanced. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237883 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope system includes a light source device for sequentially emitting light having different wavelength bands, an electronic endoscope for receiving reflected light of light sequentially illuminating a subject tissue containing a blood vessel in a body cavity and sequentially outputting an imaging signal corresponding to the wavelength band of the received light, an aligner for aligning images corresponding to imaging signals obtained using light having different wavelength bands outputted from the electronic endoscope, an image producer for producing an oxygen saturation level image representing the distribution of the oxygen saturation level in the blood vessel in a given depth from the imaging signals of the images aligned by the aligner, and an image display for displaying the oxygen saturation level image produced by the image producer. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237884 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope system includes a light source device for sequentially emitting kinds of light having different wavelength bands, an electronic endoscope for sequentially illuminating the kinds of light to a subject tissue containing blood vessels, receiving the kinds of reflected light, and outputting image data corresponding to the kinds of received light, an extractor for extracting positions of a blood vessel from each image data corresponding to the kinds of light, an aligner for aligning images corresponding to the image data based on the positions, an image producer for producing an oxygen saturation level image representing the distribution of the oxygen saturation level in the blood vessel from the image data of the aligned images, and an image monitor for displaying the oxygen saturation level image in simulated color. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237885 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM COMPRISING CALIBRATION MEANS AND CALIBRATION METHOD THEREOF - An electronic endoscope system includes a light source device for emitting light and an electronic endoscope having a phosphor for producing white light with which a subject tissue in a body cavity is illuminated by causing the light to hit the phosphor as excitation light, and an image sensor for outputting image data of an image obtained by photoelectric conversion of reflected light of the white light illuminating the subject tissue, a wavelength detector for detecting a wavelength of the light, a calculator for calculating a wavelength shift amount which is a difference between a wavelength detected and a preset reference wavelength, a first correction unit for correcting a light amount of the light according to the calculated wavelength shift amount, and a second correction unit for correcting the gain in photoelectric conversion by the image sensor. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237886 | IMAGING UNIT AND ENDOSCOPE - An imaging unit includes an objective optical system, an image sensor, a cover glass, a prism, and a heat conduction portion. The objective optical system imports light of an image of a subject. The image sensor forms an image of the light and outputs an imaging signal. The cover glass is provided on an imaging surface of the image sensor and seals the image sensor air-tightly. The prism is disposed between the objective optical system and the cover glass so as to guide the light from the objective optical system to the imaging surface. The heat conduction portion touches the prism and extends from the prism towards the image sensor so as to transmit heat of the image sensor to the prism. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237887 | INTERNAL BODY OBSERVATION DEVICE - The invention relates to an internal body observation device which includes an ordinary observation light source, an ordinary observation irradiation optical system, a special observation light source, a special observation irradiation optical system, an observation optical system for transmitting the light from an observation target, a detection means configured to detect the light transmitted from the observation optical system as a detection signal, and a processing unit for separating the detection signal in the respective light sources and making the detection signal into images, wherein the light from any one of the ordinary observation light source and the special observation light source is modulated, and the modulated light can be radiated to the observation target together with the light from the other light source, and the detection signal detected by the detection means is separated by the processing unit based on the frequency of the modulation. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110245604 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM - The present invention provides a capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscopy system. The capsule endoscope includes a power supply module, an image function module and a power control module. The image function module is configured to capture the image outside the capsule endoscope. The power control module is electrically connected to the power supply module and includes an electronic switch. The power control module controls the electronic switch according to a predetermined condition to control the electric power provided from the power supply module to the image function module. By this configuration, the power control module is able to suspend the power supply until the capsule endoscope reaches the specific location in the digestive tract, and then starts the power supplying to enable the successive image inspection of the capsule endoscope. Therefore, the electric power is conserved to enable the inspection of the end portion of digestive system of the capsule endoscope. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245605 | Needle Delivered Imaging Device - A hollow elongated cylinder is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end configured to be removably connectable to a distal end of a syringe. An umbilical is removably inserted within said cylinder and configured for detachable connection to a data processor and a display device having a solid state imaging device disposed on a distal end of the umbilical. A lens system is disposed on a distal end of the solid state imaging device. The umbilical is inserted within the cylinder such that the distal end of the lens system is disposed at approximately the distal end of the cylinder. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245606 | ENDOSCOPIC GASEOUS MATERIAL FEED SYSTEM - An endoscopic gaseous material feed system comprises a gas feeder | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245607 | ENDOSCOPIC GASEOUS MATERIAL FEED SYSTEM - An endoscopic gaseous material feed system comprises an endoscope | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245608 | ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscopic imaging device includes an objective optical system, an imaging element, a transmissive protective substrate, an optical member, and a circuit board. The objective optical system imports observation light from a subject. The imaging element captures an image of the observation light. The transmissive protective substrate is disposed on an imaging surface of the imaging element with an air gap interposed therebetween. The optical member is disposed between the objective optical system and the transmissive protective substrate to guide light from the objective optical system to the imaging surface. The circuit board is disposed so that an area where an electronic component is mounted faces the optical member and the electronic component is brought into contact with an outer surface of the optical member. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245609 | VIDEO ADAPTER FOR LARYNGOSCOPE - A portable, low power, low cost, video adapter for a common laryngoscope, having a slim self-illuminating CMOS camera, attachable with a disposable bracket to the laryngoscope blade and connected via flexible wire to the miniature battery powered color LCD monitor that is detachably mounted either on the wrist band or on top of laryngoscope handle. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110251456 | Method and Apparatus For Viewing A Body Cavity - A method and apparatus to generate a planar representation of a longitudinally extending 360 degree continuous view within a body cavity of a patient is disclosed comprising advancing a portion of an imaging device into the body cavity of the patient, the imaging device having an image capture mechanism disposed on a distal end thereof configured to capture at least a 360 degree view of the inside of the body cavity. Further comprising withdrawing the imaging device at a controlled rate from the patient while simultaneously coordinating and generating 360 degree view image data from the imaging device and transmitting the image data from the imaging device to an image processor. The method further comprising processing the image data to produce a planar longitudinally continuous 360 degree view of the body cavity. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251457 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM - An endoscopic system may include a catheter or tubing and at least one optical sensor disposed along the catheter or tubing and configured to capture image information from a body lumen when disposed within the body lumen and activated. The system may further include an untethered module operatively arranged with the at least one optical sensor and configured to store or transmit image information captured by the at least one optical sensor. The catheter or tubing, at least one optical sensor and module may be portable during use. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110257481 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes an insertion section configured to be extended in a front-and-back direction, configured to be inserted into a body cavity, and including an observation optical system for imaging the inside of the body cavity, an endoscope main body configured to be provided on a rear end side of the insertion section and including a gripping section gripped by an operator, a first antenna configured to be arranged at a position closer to the insertion section than the gripping section, and a second antenna configured to be arranged at a position farther from the insertion section than the gripping section. An image obtained by imaging the inside of the body cavity by the observation optical system is converted into a wireless signal, and transmission/reception of the wireless signal to/from the outside of the endoscope is enabled through at least one of the first and second antennas. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110263935 | INTUBATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS BASED ON AIRWAY PATTERN IDENTIFICATION - An intubation system of the present disclosure intubates based on an airway pattern indicating a trachea opening. The airway pattern is determined from analysis of airway data detected by a trachea identifying device disposed on a moveable guide stylet of the intubation system. A navigation element is generated based on the airway pattern. In one embodiment, the airway pattern is a gas exchange pattern indicating a trachea opening. In another embodiment, the trachea opening transition pattern is a topographic pattern indicating a trachea opening. The guide stylet is capable of moving in a plurality of degrees of freedom in the airway following the guidance from the navigation element. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263936 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING AND PREVENTING RESTENOSIS - The present invention relates to methods and devices for predicting restenosis, and for treating atherosclerosis to prevent or reduce the incidence of restenosis. Methods of predicting restenosis in a stenosed peripheral artery may include quantitative histology of the vessel. For example, a method of treating a stenosed artery (and particularly a peripheral artery) may include the steps of determining a level of hypercellularity and one or more of the lipid-richness and extent of inflammatory cell inclusion in the tissue. An index of restenosis based on the hypercellularity and lipid richness and/or extent of inflammatory cell inclusion in the tissue may be determined. Systems for treating or preventing restenosis may include one or more imaging modalities for imaging tissue regions and determining the level of hypercellularity and one or more of the degree of lipid-richness and the extent of inflammatory cell inclusion in the tissue region. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263937 | RIGID ENDOSCOPE - The rigid endoscope has a shank-like middle part, on which a handle connects on a proximal side and which on a distal side includes a distal part with an optics window. The handle is arranged offset or obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the middle part, as well as of the distal part, in order to provide free space in the region of the handle of the working instrument as well as on the distal side of the tool. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263938 | MULTI-CAMERA ENDOSCOPE - A multi-camera endoscope which includes an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section turnable by way of a bending section, wherein the tip section includes: a front-pointing camera and a discrete front illuminator associated therewith; a front fluid injector configured for cleaning at least one of said front-pointing camera and said discrete front illuminator; a side-pointing camera and a discrete side illuminator associated therewith; a side fluid injector configured for cleaning at least one of said side-pointing camera and said discrete side illuminator; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110275892 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, a bendable bending portion provided in a distal end side of the insertion portion, a bending driving section that drives the bending of the bending portion, and a bending driving control section that controls the bending driving section based on an inputted control signal to cause a distal end of the bending portion to make a turning motion with respect to a proximal end thereof. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110275893 | CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDING CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE - A capsule medical device guidance system includes a capsule medical device including an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image of the subject, a transmitting unit that transmits the captured image to an outside, and a magnetic field response unit; a magnetic field generation unit that generates a magnetic field for the response unit to magnetically guide the capsule medical device; a receiving unit that receives the transmitted in-vivo image; a display unit that displays the received in-vivo image; an operation input unit that inputs operation information for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; a control unit that controls the magnetic field generation unit to guide the capsule medical device in accordance with the operation information; and a selection unit that selects one combination from among combinations that combine at least two of a liquid surface that is an upper boundary surface between a liquid inside the subject and the outside, a submerged area, and a liquid bottom that is a lower boundary surface between the liquid and the outside as guidance areas into which the capsule medical device is guided. The control unit switches the magnetic field to be generated by the magnetic field generation unit in accordance with the selected guidance area. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110275894 | CATHETER WITH CAMERA AND ILLUMINATOR AT DISTAL END - A low cost camera and low cost light emitting diode are located at the distal end of a suction catheter to provide a real time image of the trachea or the gastrointestinal tract. Electrical conductors attached to or formed as part of the suction catheter terminate in an electrical connector exterior of the suction catheter for electrical connection with a power supply and a radio frequency or infrared transmitter for transmitting the signal generated by the camera. A radio frequency or infrared receiver receives the transmitted signal and provides it to a video monitor for displaying the image captured by the camera. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110282139 | Laser Video Endoscope - A laser video endoscope has a laser guide, an illumination guide and an image guide. These are fiber optical guides which extend through the optical probe and through a hand piece that supports the probe. The hand piece is connected by a first relatively long flexible optical fiber cable to a laser energy source and a source of illumination. By contrast, the image is transmitted from the hand piece to an image presentation site by a camera assembly that is mounted to a hand piece and a relatively long electrical cable. The camera and its electrical cable can be uncoupled from the hand piece and used in a plurality of endoscopic routines. The rest of the product, including the probe and the hand piece, can be disposed of after each medical routine thereby providing assurance of an antiseptic procedure. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282140 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF HAND SEGMENTATION AND OVERLAY USING DEPTH DATA - In a minimally invasive surgical system, a plurality of video images is acquired. Each image includes a hand pose image. Depth data for the hand pose image is also acquired or synthesized. The hand pose image is segmented from the image using the depth data. The segmented image is combined with an acquired surgical site image using the depth data. The combined image is displayed to a person at a surgeon's console of the minimally invasive surgical system. Processing each of the video images in the plurality video images in this way reproduces the hand gesture overlaid on the video of the surgical site in the display. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282141 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SEE-THROUGH CONSOLE OVERLAY - In a minimally invasive surgical system, a plurality of video images is acquired. Each video image includes images of the surgeon's hand(s), and of a master manipulator. The images of the surgeon's hand(s) and the master manipulator are segmented from the video image. The segmented images are combined with an acquired surgical site image. The combined image is displayed to the person at the surgeon's console so that the console functions as a see-through console. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282142 | Encapsulated Medical Imaging Device and Method - The present invention relates to an encapsulated medical imaging device and a method for imaging the gastrointestinal tract in patients using optical scanning technologies | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282143 | FLUORESCENT ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A fluorescent endoscope apparatus according to the present invention comprises an excitation light irradiation means which irradiates excitation light to a living body, a wavelength selection and transmission means which selects and transmits light from the living body, a photo detector means by which the selected and transmitted light is photoelectrically converted, a wavelength selection control means which controls the wavelength selection and transmission means so that the wavelength selection and transmission means selects and transmits light in a plurality of fluorescence detection wavelength regions and light in spectrum acquisition wavelength regions in a predetermined wavelength range that includes at least one fluorescence detection wavelength region, a fluorescent image compounding means in the fluorescence detection wavelength regions, a display means for displaying the synthesized image, and an intensity distribution obtaining means which acquires the intensity distribution of light in the predetermined wavelength range. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282144 | DIAGNOSTIC CAPSULES, DELIVERY/RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS, KITS AND METHODS - Diagnostic capsules, a variety of diagnostic capsule delivery systems for delivering a diagnostic capsule into an animal or human body cavity (e.g., into an animal or human bladder through a urethra), a variety of diagnostic capsule retrieval systems, a variety of kits that include diagnostic capsule delivery and retrieval systems and diagnostic capsules, and methods of using the same are described herein. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282145 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A signal processing circuit of an external device includes a CPU and a memory which are not shown. A program for estimating at least one of the position and orientation of a capsule endoscope on the basis of strength signals received through respective antennas is installed in the signal processing circuit. A single-core coil to generate a magnetic field is arranged in the capsule endoscope. The generated magnetic field is detected by a plurality of coils arranged outside a body, whereby a distance that the capsule endoscope has traveled can be obtained with accuracy. This arrangement controls image-capture timing to reliably capture images necessary for a diagnosis and prevent unnecessary image capture. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282146 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A signal processing circuit of an external device includes a CPU and a memory which are not shown. A program for estimating at least one of the position and orientation of a capsule endoscope on the basis of strength signals received through respective antennas is installed in the signal processing circuit. A single-core coil to generate a magnetic field is arranged in the capsule endoscope. The generated magnetic field is detected by a plurality of coils arranged outside a body, whereby a distance that the capsule endoscope has traveled can be obtained with accuracy. This arrangement controls image-capture timing to reliably capture images necessary for a diagnosis and prevent unnecessary image capture. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282147 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A signal processing circuit of an external device includes a CPU and a memory which are not shown. A program for estimating at least one of the position and orientation of a capsule endoscope on the basis of strength signals received through respective antennas is installed in the signal processing circuit. A single-core coil to generate a magnetic field is arranged in the capsule endoscope. The generated magnetic field is detected by a plurality of coils arranged outside a body, whereby a distance that the capsule endoscope has traveled can be obtained with accuracy. This arrangement controls image-capture timing to reliably capture images necessary for a diagnosis and prevent unnecessary image capture. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110288372 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING A CAMERA HOUSING AND METHOD FOR MAKING A CAMERA HOUSING - The current invention relates to an endoscope having a distal end being arranged to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient to be examined and a proximal end which is arranged to be held by the user of the endoscope. The endoscope further comprises a control handle arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope and an insertion portion arranged at the distal end of the control handle. The insertion portion comprises a camera housing arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, said camera housing being a moulded component comprising an outer surface, a camera device embedded in the material of the camera housing, a light source embedded in the material of the camera housing, an opening at the distal end of the camera housing, and a channel in fluid communication with said opening and where the outer surface of the camera housing and the inner surface of the channel are two surfaces of the moulded camera housing. The endoscope further comprises a tube which provides fluid communication between the proximal end of the channel in the camera housing and a fluid inlet at the proximal end of the endoscope and where the distal end of said tube is arranged at a point between the distal and the proximal end of the camera housing and in that the inner surface of the tube at the distal end of the tube is arranged flush with the inner surface of the channel of the camera housing. The endoscope further comprises a bending portion arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion and at the proximal end of the camera housing and where the most distal portion of the bending portion is embedded in the material of the camera housing. A method for making a camera housing is also presented. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288373 | SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGE CAPTURE OF AN OBJECT - In a sensor system and a corresponding method for image capture of an object, an imaging sensor is arranged in a recording area of an optical sensor, the recording area being defined for the object, in such a way as to be essentially stationary relative to said object. By means of an evaluation unit, relative movements between the imaging sensor and the object can be derived from the recorded image data of the optical sensor, and a three-dimensional object image can be reconstructed from the imaging data as a function of the relative movements. When determining the relative movements, it is in particular possible as well to detect relative movements caused by the object's own motion which can be taken into account when reconstructing the object image. As a result, a high image quality of the object image is achieved. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110295061 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMAGING AN INTERIOR SURFACE OF A CORPOREAL CAVITY - An endoscopic imaging catheter is configured for insertion, optionally via a longitudinal channel of an endoscopic insertion tube. The endoscopic imaging catheter includes reflecting and optical elements and an imaging element. The reflecting element reflects onto the imaging element through the optical element side and rear views of at least a portion, or the entire 360° view of a wall encircling an intrabody lumen around the axis of said the longitudinal channel. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295062 | EQUIPMENT FOR INFRARED VISION OF ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHODS THEREOF - Equipment for infrared vision of anatomical structures applicable to assist the physicians in endoscopic, fetoscopic or laparoscopic operations and methods for signal processing to enhance said vision, comprising two units that work together: a multimodal or multispectral imaging unit, constituted by a device comprising an endoscope or fetoscope or laparoscope, and additional optical systems to acquire multimodal images of the interior of the patient's body; and an image processing unit, to which said images are transferred, comprising processing devices with a navigation interface which process said images and display the patient's enhanced anatomical map image and the endoscope location, equipped with hardware and software that apply at least five different vision-enhancing methods, namely normalization, segmentation, tracking, mapping and fusion. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295063 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A medical system includes a movable portion configured to allow an angle to be changed within a predetermined angular range, an actuator configured to drive the movable portion so as to change the angle of the movable portion when a wire is pulled, a control unit configured to perform drive control of the actuator, a slack detection unit configured to detect a driving condition as to whether or not the wire is slack, a slack adjustment unit configured to adjust slack of the wire based on a detection result produced by the slack detection unit; and a slack adjustment command input unit used to input a command to adjust the slack of the wire, wherein the slack adjustment unit adjusts the slack of the wire to a predetermined state of adjustment in response to the command to adjust the slack of the wire. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110306830 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION IN MAGNETICALLY GUIDED CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY - A magnetically guided endoscope system has a display system wherein the position of the boundary of the examination region of the magnetic field that is used for capsule endoscope guidance is displayed and/or the position of the peak of the magnetic field used for capsule guidance is displayed. The displayed information can be presented in the form of computer-generated graphics superimposed on a camera image of the patient by a computer, or can be a fixed indicator on the display screen of a display at which a computer causes the camera image of the patient to be displayed at a position that is correctly oriented with respect to the fixed information. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306831 | ENDOSCOPE WITH A BENDING PORTION - An endoscope ( | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306832 | FOLDING ENDOSCOPE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Disclosed is a folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources. The foldable endoscope includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes three elongate arms having first and second ends and being pivotally connected at the first ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism, upon activation by the actuator, is configured to pivotally deploy the three elongate arms from a closed position in which the elongate arms are aligned along the longitudinal axis to an open position with the second ends of the elongate arms radially spaced from the longitudinal axis. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306833 | FLOW REDUCTION HOOD SYSTEMS - Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110319711 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSOR FOR ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE, IMAGE SEARCH SYSTEM, AND IMAGE SEARCH METHOD - In a search mode of an electronic endoscope system, ordinary light images and special light images are captured from a body cavity respectively under white light and special light. Simultaneously, biological information on the body cavity is acquired from image signals obtained under the special light. The ordinary and special light images are associated with the acquired biological information and stored in an image accumulator. By pressing a lock-on switch while confining a target in an area designating frame on an ordinary image on a monitor, the target is designated and biological information on the target is determined. Thereafter, biological information associated with the latest image in the image accumulator is compared with the biological information on the search target. If the latest image contains an area having the same biological information as the search target, the area designating frame is displayed on that area on the monitor. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319712 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system is able to stably obtain an image free from speckle interference. A captured image including a first basic color component B on which a speckle noise of a laser beam is superimposed and a second basic color component G not including the speckle noise. A speckle noise component Bs is extracted based on difference information between the first basic color component B and the second basic color component G Based on the extracted speckle noise component Bs, the speckle noise component Bs is removed from the first basic color component B, so as to obtain a good observation image free from the speckle noise. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120010465 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A first irradiation portion that radiates white light onto a subject, a second irradiation portion that radiates narrow bandwidth light having a narrower wavelength bandwidth than the white light, and an observation window used to observe the subject are respectively disposed on a leading end surface of an endoscope insertion portion. Each of the first and second irradiation portions includes a pair of irradiation windows for emitting light therefrom. A straight line passing through a center point of the observation window and bisecting the leading end surface is defined as a boundary line. The pair of irradiation windows of the first irradiation portion are disposed on both sides of the boundary line. The pair of irradiation windows of the second irradiation portion are disposed on the both sides of the boundary line. Spectra of lights radiated from the irradiation windows of the second irradiation portion can be changed individually. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010466 | TRANSDUCER/SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system, forming a transducer/sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a coil proximally coupled with the imaging transducer. A cable having first and second wires are proximally coupled to the coil. A non-conductive potting layer is wrapped around the coil. Traces are formed in the non-conductive potting layer that are used to electrically couple the imaging transducer with the first and second wires of the cable. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120016197 | MEDICO-SURGICAL APPARATUS - An introducer for an endotracheal tube ( | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016198 | MEDICAL APPARATUS - A medical apparatus configured to be introduced into a body, includes: an image pickup apparatus for picking up an image in the body; a cable extended from the image pickup apparatus, and configured to transmit and receive a signal or power to and from an external device, the cable being pulled out from inside to outside the body through a body wall; an electric terminal portion disposed at an end portion of the cable, which includes an electric contact and is configured to be electrically connected to the external device; a cover body which is configured to cover at least the electric contact and to be adhered watertightly to the electric terminal portion with a predetermined strength, the cover body being grasped when the cable is pulled out from inside to outside the body; and an easy-peel portion for detaching the cover body from the electric terminal portion. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016199 | IMAGE PICKUP OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - To widen an angle of view and make an image surface coincide with the neighborhood of an image pickup surface over the whole angle of view. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120022326 | INTUBATING STYLETS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTUBATION - An intubating stylet has a proximal end and a distal end. The intubating stylet includes a housing at the proximal end of the stylet and a tip portion at the distal end of the stylet. The tip portion has a distal gear at its proximal end. An outer shaft extends from the housing to the tip portion and contains an inner shaft defining a hollow lumen. A distal end of the inner shaft includes a proximal gear coupled with the distal gear of the tip portion such that rotation of the inner shaft causes articulation of the tip portion. The stylet further includes a drive member in the housing and a control member coupled with the drive member. The drive member is coupled to the inner shaft and configured to rotate the inner shaft, and the control member is configured to receive a user input and to translate the input into operation of the drive member. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022327 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - Widening an angle of view, and obtaining a clear image with no distortion by sufficiently correcting an aberration caused by widening the angle of view. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120029279 | Arthroscopic System - An arthroscope having an elongated core with a square radial cross section. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029280 | Arthroscopic System - An arthroscope having an elongated core with a square radial cross section. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120035418 | IMAGING SENSOR WITH THERMAL PAD FOR USE IN A SURGICAL APPLICATION - A system, apparatus and methods for providing a single use imaging device having thermal and electrical safeguards for sterile environments is disclosed and described. A single use high definition camera used for general purpose surgical procedures including, but not limited to: arthroscopic, laparoscopic, gynecologic, and urologic procedures, may comprise an imaging device that is a sterile and designed to ensure single use. The imaging device may further include a thermal pad that is thermally conductive, but relatively electrically insulating. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035419 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope system is composed of an electronic endoscope, a light source apparatus, and a temperature converter. The electronic endoscope has a CMOS sensor in a distal portion of an insert section to be inserted into a patient's body cavity. Illumination light from the light source apparatus is applied to the body cavity through the distal portion. The temperature converter obtains an average pixel value of an optical black (OB) region out of an imaging signal from the CMOS sensor, and converts the average OB pixel value into a temperature of the CMOS sensor on a frame-by-frame basis with the use of data in a temperature conversion table. The table represents a relationship between the average OB pixel value and the temperature of the CMOS sensor. Light quantity of the illumination light is adjusted in accordance with the temperature of the CMOS sensor to prevent deterioration of image quality. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120059220 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FOUR DIMENSIONAL SOFT TISSUE NAVIGATION IN ENDOSCOPIC APPLICATIONS - A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120065468 | MULTI-VIEWING ELEMENT ENDOSCOPE - There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065469 | CATHETER WITH IMAGING ASSEMBLY - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065470 | ROBOTIC SYSTEM TO AUGMENT ENDOSCOPES - A robotic system for steerable tip endoscopes includes a support arm, an endoscope gripping assembly rotatably connected to the support arm by a rotation assembly, and a translation assembly operatively connected to the support arm. The endoscope gripping assembly is configured to grip any one of a plurality of differently structured endoscopes, the translation assembly is configured to move the support arm along a linear direction to thereby move an endoscope when held by the endoscope gripping assembly along an axial direction, and the rotation assembly is configured to rotate the endoscope along a longitudinal axis of rotation. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120071717 | Dressing and method for cleaning and protecting a laparoscopic camera lens intra-abdominally, stomas, appendages, and insertion sites of tubes and catheters - A dressing and method for cleaning a laparoscopic camera lens during surgical procedures when placed around prior art or grasped by prior art and then introduced into the abdominal cavity of a patient and then manipulated against a laparoscopic camera lens cleaning and defogging the lens providing an improved field of site. Further, a dressing and method for protecting and cleaning stomas, appendages, and the insertion sites of tubes and catheters in patients. An annular shaped medical grade polyurethane hydrophilic or similar foam like dressing is placed around a stoma, or at the insertion site of a catheter or tube creating a protective seal inhibiting bacterium from entering the body, further providing cushioning and absorption of human fluid that can cause skin breakdown and infection, increasing the life of stoma appliances, tubes and catheters, providing patients additional comfort, and when placed around an appendage provides effective wound healing. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071718 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an observation magnification acquisition section that acquires magnification state information that indicates a state of an observation magnification, a motion detection section that detects motion amount information that indicates a relative motion amount of an object and an imaging section of the endoscope apparatus, an imaging period control section that reduces an imaging period of each image that is indicated by an image signal captured by the endoscope apparatus based on the magnification state information and the motion amount information, and a light source control section that controls intensity of illumination light applied to the object corresponding to the imaging period. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120078043 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an image processing portion for performing image processing on a signal of an image pickup picked up by an image pickup device installed in a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion portion to generate an endoscope image, a gravity direction detecting portion for detecting information about a gravity direction of the distal end portion, a gravity signal processing portion for performing predetermined signal processing on a signal of the information about the detected gravity direction to generate gravity information, a graphics generating portion for generating an indicator indicating the gravity direction based on the gravity information, and an image combining portion for combining the endoscope image and the indicator and outputting combined image information to a display apparatus. The graphics generating portion changes a display form of the indicator indicating the gravity direction according to the gravity direction. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078044 | ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - The endoscope device includes an imaging section that captures an image of a subject using light returned from a living body after a narrow band light and a wide band light are simultaneously emitted from a first and second light source sections to the subject, and outputs captured image information, an image processing section that performs a predetermined image processing on the captured image information and an imaging information detecting section that detects as imaging information an automatic exposure value or an imaging magnification for capturing the subject, or subject information related to a structure and a component of the living body of the subject. Light emission conditions of the first and second light source sections and an image processing condition of the image processing section are changed based on the imaging information. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078045 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, ENDOSCOPE IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS, ENDOSCOPE IMAGE ACQUISITION ASSISTING METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - Plural predetermined examination parts of a patient are imaged sequentially and still images of the respective examination parts are thereby acquired by inserting an endoscope insertion unit having an imaging optical system in its tip portion into the body cavity of the patient. To this end, the number of still images taken is counted every time one of the predetermined examination parts. The counted number of still images taken is compared with a preset number of images which corresponds to the number of the plural predetermined examination parts. An alert is generated when non-coincidence is detected between the counted number of still images taken and the preset number. The operator is thus notified of occurrence of a failure to image. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078046 | ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS - An endoscopic image display apparatus reads taken image data in which a taken image outputted from an endoscope is recorded, and reproduces and displays the taken image. The taken image data includes intensity information about a plurality of fundamental color components. The endoscopic image display apparatus includes an intensity changing unit which selectively reduces intensity of a specific color component in the taken image data by using the intensity information. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120088969 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus according to the subject matter includes: an illumination device configured to emit light to an object; an imaging device configured to generate a color imaging signal; a normal image generation device configured to generate a normal image from the color imaging signal; a spectral image generation device configured to generate a spectral image corresponding to a preset optical narrow band from the imaging signal; a display device configured to display a main screen region and a sub-screen region having a size less than a size of the main screen region; a switching signal generation device configured to generate a switching signal; and a display control device configured to control the display device so as to selectively switch between a region for displaying the normal image and a region for displaying the spectral image based on the switching signal. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088970 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: an endoscope scope insertion portion having an insertion portion configured to be inserted inside a living organism; an extracorporeal device which is disposed outside the living organism; a first scope-side signal connecting portion that is provided on the endoscope scope insertion portion and has a first electrode; and a cylindrical first extracorporeal-side signal connecting portion that is provided on the extracorporeal device and has a second electrode, the first extracorporeal-side signal connecting portion configured to engage with the first scope-side signal connecting portion. In this endoscope system, when the first scope-side signal connecting portion is engaged with the first extracorporeal-side signal connecting portion, at least a portion of the first scope-side signal connecting portion is located within an inside-cylinder space of the first extracorporeal-side signal connecting portion, and the first electrode and the second electrode are electrostatically coupled together. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088971 | ROTICAM: An Orotracheal Guide with Camera - A camera system for surveillance of a patient's throat is disclosed. The camera system comprises a camera associated with an upper dental arch tray, and does not rest on the patient's tongue. The camera system can optionally include a delivery system for medication, display, and lower dental arch tray. The camera system may be configured as a guide insert in a Rapid Orotracheal Intubation Device. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120095289 | CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDING CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method for guiding a capsule medical device. The method includes: changing, by a control unit, a gradient distribution of a gradient magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator in a vertical direction, the magnetic field generator generating at least the gradient magnetic field in the vertical direction to guide a capsule medical device that includes a magnetic-field responding unit; detecting, by a position detector, a position of the capsule medical device in the vertical direction based on a gradient distribution of the gradient magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator, a physical parameter of the capsule medical device, and a physical parameter of a liquid when the capsule medical device starts to move; and setting, by the control unit, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator based on the detected position of the capsule medical device in the vertical direction. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120101330 | Implantable system, a device for inserting the implantable system and a method thereof - A method and an implantable system for insertion into a cavity of a person, comprising: an imaging element capable of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the cavity through an optical element; and a porous inflatable enclosure arranged to enclose the imaging element and to enclose liquid that flows through the porous inflatable enclosure and contacts the optical element, wherein the liquid, when in contact with the optical element, reduces an aggregation of non-transparent material on the optical element while the implantable system is located in the cavity of the person. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120108900 | MOUNTABLE CAMERA FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - A laparoscopic surgical system comprising a camera and a base supporting the camera, and a camera insertion tool for inserting the camera into the body cavity. The camera is mountable to a surgical instrument inside the body cavity and releasable from the insertion tool after mounting to the surgical instrument. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108901 | MIRRORED ARTHROSCOPE - A surgical instrument includes an elongated tubular member defining a longitudinal axis and having a lumen extending therethrough. A light source is disposed within the elongated tubular member. The light source is configured to emit light from a distal end of the elongated tubular member. A mirror assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongated tubular member. The mirror assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the mirror assembly is positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongated tubular member. In the extended position, the mirror assembly extends distally from the elongated tubular member to re-direct light emitted by the light source. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120116155 | LIGHT-BASED, TRANSCUTANEOUS VIDEO SIGNAL TRANSMISSION - A surgical device is disclosed which includes an optical source for wirelessly transmitting a light based signal transcutaneously and a receiver for receiving the light based signals. The wireless coupling of signals between the optical source and the receiver wirelessly transmits video images from an internal site in a patient to a video monitor or other viewer outside the patient, and may wirelessly transmit control signals from a controller outside of the patient to an instrument inside the patient during a therapeutic or diagnostic surgical procedure. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116156 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC VERIFICATION OF ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION - A medical device includes a tube, at least one imaging sensor coupled to an endoscope in the tube, and a monitor application to monitor positioning of the tube in a medical patient by identifying expected anatomical features in images provided by the at least one sensor. A method for endotracheal intubation includes receiving imaging frames from a sensor located in an endotracheal tube inserted through a patient's mouth, and processing the imaging frames to identify a progression of anatomical features consistent with a proper placement of the endotracheal tube. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116157 | ENDOSCOPIC APPARATUS - An endoscopic apparatus includes a semiconductor light source for generating illumination light and a light source control unit for generating driving pulses to drive and light the semiconductor light source. The light source control unit performs first, second and third pulse modulation controls in descending order of a target light quantity. In the first pulse modulation control, the number of the driving pulses is reduced so that a lighting time of the semiconductor light source is shortened to a predetermined lighting time for an exposure time of an electronic shutter within one frame. In the second pulse modulation control, the driving pulses are thinned at predetermined intervals so that pulse density is reduced in the lighting time. In the third pulse modulation control, pulse width of each of the driving pulses whose number is minimized in a region where the second pulse modulation control is performed is reduced. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116158 | Wide Angle Flexible Endoscope - A flexible endoscope having a wide-angle lens that has an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope, such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide-angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide-angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal. The wide-angle lens endoscope has a flexible distal end or tip. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116159 | LIGHTING DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - A lighting device includes first and second light sources, a wavelength converting member and a light quantity ratio changing unit. A first light source uses a semiconductor light emitting device as an emission source. A second light source uses, as an emission source, a semiconductor light emitting device of a different emission wavelength from the first light source. A wavelength converting member is excited for light emission by light emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source. The light quantity ratio changing unit changing a light quantity ratio between the light emitted from the first light source and the light emitted from the second light source. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120123205 | ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME ANATOMICAL GUIDANCE IN A DISGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE - A system and method for intra-operatively providing anatomical guidance in a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is disclosed. In embodiments, the system includes multiple light sources configured to emit different frequencies, multiple electronic imaging devices to detect various frequencies of reflected, emitted, or scattered light. The system and method incorporate an optical probe is integral to an endoscopic device or a therapeutic laser system, optically coupled to a light source; a display for displaying at least one visual representation of data; and a controller programmed to generate at least one real-time integrated visual representation of an area of interest and to display the real-time visual representation on the display for guidance during the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120130166 | LIGHT-EMITTING APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE HAVING LIGHT-EMITTING APPARATUS - A light-emitting apparatus includes a blue color LED, a fluorescent substance mixed transparent resin that covers the blue color LED and generates yellow light, a red LED disposed on the fluorescent substance mixed transparent resin and a transparent resin that covers the red LED. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130167 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPERIMPOSING PATTERNS ON IMAGES IN REAL TIME, PARTICULARLY FOR GUIDANCE BY LOCATION - The invention relates to a device for superimposing known patterns, characteristic of a region, on (real) images of said region. The device comprises, a memory in which patterns are stored, which are representative of a selected region, of known position and orientation with relation to a common reference and processing means, for determining a pattern representative of the selected portion in the memory, on receipt of the designation of at least one portion of an observed image of the selected region, taken at a selected angle and at least one representative attribute of said region, taking account of the attribute selected, then superimposing the determined pattern on the selected portion of the image taking account of the selected angle. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120136208 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS METHOD AND PROGRAM - An observation path setting unit sets an observation path. A viewpoint setting and changing unit sets a viewpoint on the observation path. When a virtual endoscopic image viewed from the viewpoint is generated, a visual range determination unit identifies, based on a three-dimensional medical image, the position of a wall region of the tubular structure in a local observation direction at the viewpoint that has been set by the viewpoint setting and changing unit and in the vicinity of the local observation direction. The visual range determination unit estimates, based on a positional relationship between the viewpoint and the wall region, a global observation direction at the viewpoint, and determines a visual range of the virtual endoscopic image in such a manner that image information about a region located in the global observation direction with respect to the viewpoint is represented at a central part of the virtual endoscopic image. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120136209 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION USEFUL IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ABNORMALITIES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - Disclosed are methods useful for providing information useful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal abnormalities as well as ingestible devices useful for providing information useful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal abnormalities. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120149980 | VIDEO CRICOTHYROTOMY CAMERA AND CANNULA SYSTEM - A substantially rigid cannula having a channel configured to sequentially house a slidably removable video camera and to provide a ventilating airway upon sealable engagement of a ventilation extension with the channel after the camera is removed. The camera is connected with a monitor to guide the placement of the cannula and its placement within the tracheal lumen. Upon engagement with the channel and a ventilating source, a breathable airway is established through the cannula. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120149981 | MAGNETICALLY MANEUVERABLE IN-VIVO DEVICE - An in-vivo device includes a magnetic steering unit (MSU) to maneuver it by an external electromagnetic field. The MSU may include a permanent magnets assembly to produce a magnetic force for navigating the device. The MSU may include a magnets carrying assembly (MCA) to accommodate the permanent magnet(s). The MCA may be designed to generate eddy currents, in response to AC magnetic field, to apply a repelling force. The in-vivo device may also include a multilayered imaging and sensing printed circuit board (MISP) to capture and transmit images. The MISP may include a sensing coil assembly (SCA) to sense electromagnetic fields to determine a location/orientation/angular position of the in-vivo device. Data representing location/orientation/angular position of the device may be used by a maneuvering system to generate a steering magnetic field to steer the in-vivo device from one location or state to another location or state. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120157767 | Digital Cerviscopy Device and Applications - The present invention relates to a digital system for cervical disease screening and detection, with clinical application as adjunct to Pap smear. The device of the present invention is designed for insertion into a woman's genital cavity, and is composed of a digital camera and light source at one end to take pictures of the cervix and its environment, of a flexible tubing connecting said end to a distal end, and of a distal end comprising a digital mean with capacity to store images, display, transfer and share them as required, on-site or at a remote location. This instrument can either be used by a health professional, or self-operated. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157768 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSOR OF ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND IMAGE PRODUCING METHOD - First illumination light of a first wavelength range, in which light absorption coefficient of blood hemoglobin varies with oxygen saturation thereof, is projected into a test subject body, to capture a first image signal from the first illumination light as reflected from inside the test subject body. Then second illumination light of a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range is projected into a test subject body, to capture a second image signal from the second illumination light as reflected from inside the test subject body. A subject image of the test subject is produced from the second image signal. Oxygen saturation levels of the test subject are calculated using the first and second image signals. According to the calculated oxygen saturation levels, color properties of the subject image are changed to produce an oxygen saturation image. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157769 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - An embodiment comprises and apparatus having an image capture device with an image axis and a gyroscope operable to indicate the orientation of the image axis. An embodiment of a capsule endoscopy system comprises an imaging capsule and an external unit. The imaging capsule may comprise an image capture device having an image axis and a gyroscope operable to indicate the orientation of the image axis. The external unit may comprise a gyroscope operable to indicate an orientation of a subject and a harness wearable by a subject and operable to align the gyroscope with the subject. The imaging capsule may send and image to an external unit for processing and display, and the external unit may provide for calculation of the image-axis orientation relative to the body. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120172664 | MULTI-LUMEN TRACHEAL TUBE WITH VISUALIZATION DEVICE - The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120178991 | CAMERA, CAMERA SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A camera and a camera system as well as methods of using the camera and the camera system. The camera is very preferably portable and hand-held and includes a wand or probe for insertion into a mouth or other body cavity for the purpose of obtaining an image of regions in such cavity. The images are transmitted onto a display screen for viewing by a doctor or an oral surgeon, by a patient, or by another person. In the preferred embodiment, the camera includes various ways of automatically disabling and enabling operation of the camera, thereby conserving energy. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120178992 | ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscopic image processing apparatus includes an endoscope information reading section that reads endoscope information that is information relating to an endoscope from the endoscope, a synchronizing signal detecting section that is given an image pickup signal that includes a synchronizing signal outputted by an image pickup device provided in the endoscope from the endoscope, performs detection processing of the synchronizing signal, outputs the detected synchronizing signal when the synchronizing signal can be detected, and generates and outputs a synchronizing signal based on the endoscope information read by the endoscope information reading section when the synchronizing signal cannot be detected, and an image signal generating section that generates an image signal based on the synchronizing signal outputted from the synchronizing signal detecting section and the image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup device of the endoscope. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120184811 | ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE ILLUMINATION DIRECTIONS - An endoscopic image pickup device includes a tubing, an image pickup module consisting of a lens and an image sensor and installed in one end of the tubing, a first light source installed in the same end of the tubing relative to the image pickup module and having an illumination range directly intersected with the image pickup range of the image pickup module, a second light source installed in the tubing and having an illumination range deviated from the illumination range of the first light source a predetermined angle and intersected with the illumination range of the first light source directly or indirectly, and a light source control means adapted for controlling on and/or off of said first light source and/or said second light source. Subject to the design that the illumination direction of the second light source is deviated from that of the first light source, the invention provides an extra illumination range, enhancing image clarity. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120184812 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - In an endoscope system having the function of capturing autofluorescence from a living body irradiated with excitation light and the function of capturing normal light observation images using white light as observation light, the normal light observation images are processed with a G fluorescence signal and an R fluorescence signal from the biological autofluorescence. The endoscope system produces bright images on which a lesion area can be easily identified in the endoscopic diagnosis using autofluorescence images. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120184813 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system is provided which generates autofluorescence images on which a lesion area can be easily identified in the endoscopic diagnosis using the autofluorescence images. G fluorescence signals and R fluorescence signals obtained by capturing autofluorescence from the living body irradiated with excitation light are used to process the autofluorescence images captured by irradiation with the excitation light. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120184814 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system according to the invention includes a display device including a first connector, plural apparatuses having different functions in which placing sections, on which the display device can be detachably set from a common direction, are respectively provided, and a second connector disposed in common in each of the placing sections and electrically connected to the first connector of the display device to form a pair in a state in which the display device is set on the placing sections. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120190922 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system is provided in which blood vessels (pits) are extracted from an image captured by an endoscope to perform pattern matching with vascular patterns (pit patterns) associated with the cancer invasion depth and operations such as enhanced display of blood vessels, suggestion of preferred imaging conditions and display for diagnosis support are performed based on the matching result. The endoscope system enables even a less-experienced doctor to correctly diagnose the cancer invasion depth. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190923 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope measures the topography of a surface. The endoscope contains a projection unit and an imaging unit. The projection unit and the imaging unit are arranged successively in relation to an axis of the endoscope. The configuration of the projection unit and the imaging unit arranged axially behind one another on the axis permits a significantly smaller endoscope configuration. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120197076 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSING UNIT THEREFOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - Broadband light and narrowband light are simultaneously projected toward a subject. The subject is imaged by a color CCD to obtain a blue signal, a green signal, and a green signal. A base image is generated from the signals of three colors. Based on a luminance ratio B/G between the blue signal and the red signal, a B/G image is generated. A high frequency component is extracted from the B/G image to obtain a superficial-blood-vessel extracted image, and a medium frequency component is extracted from the B/G image to obtain a middle-deep-blood-vessel extracted image. Based on the base image and one of the superficial-blood-vessel extracted image and the middle-deep-blood-vessel extracted image, a blood vessel emphasized/de-emphasized image, in which the superficial blood vessels or the middle-deep blood vessels are emphasized or de-emphasized, is generated. The blood vessel emphasized/de-emphasized image is displayed on a monitor. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197077 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An electronic endoscope system includes a light source apparatus, a CCD, and a processor apparatus. The light source apparatus applies illumination light to a target portion. The target portion includes a surface blood vessel and a subsurface blood vessel. The CCD captures light reflected from the target portion. The processor apparatus generates an image based on an imaging signal from the CCD. The processor apparatus has a suppression processor. Out of the surface blood vessel and the subsurface blood vessel in an image, the suppression processor reduces contrast of a non-target blood vessel relative to that of a target blood vessel to suppress or reduce display of the non-target blood vessel relative to that of the target blood vessel. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197078 | INSUFFLATION NEEDLE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR - An insufflation apparatus includes a housing defining a port for receipt of insufflation gases and an elongated sleeve defining a longitudinal axis. The elongated sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a sharpened tip. A stylet is disposed within the elongated sleeve. The stylet is movable between an extended position, wherein the stylet extends beyond the tip of the sleeve, and a retracted position, to expose the sharpened tip for penetration through body tissue. At least one of the elongated sleeve and the stylet defines a passageway in fluid communication with the port to direct the insufflation gases into a body cavity. An image sensor is positioned on the elongated sleeve. The image sensor is adapted to receive an optical image of an area adjacent the distal end of the elongated sleeve and is configured to transmit the optical image for viewing by a clinician. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197079 | CONTROL DEVICE, ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, APERTURE CONTROL METHOD, AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - A control device includes an image acquisition section that acquires an image of an object captured by an imaging optical system of an endoscope apparatus, a determination section that determines whether or not an observation area is in focus based on a pixel value of each pixel within the image of the object, the observation area being an observation target area within the image of the object, and an aperture control section that controls an aperture of the imaging optical system based on a result of the determination. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197080 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - In an electronic endoscope, an insert section has a beam splitter, a CCD, and an EMCCD at its distal end portion. When white light being normal light is applied to an internal body portion, the reflected white light is incident on the CCD through the beam splitter, and a normal image is produced. When the internal body portion is irradiated with special light being excitation light, weak autofluorescence is emitted from specific tissue of the internal body portion. The weak autofluorescence is incident on the EMCCD through the beam splitter. The EMCCD uses an avalanche multiplication effect in its electron multiplier. The EMCCD multiplies signal charge produced from the weak autofluorescence by the electron multiplier, and outputs a high level signal. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120203065 | GLOBAL AND SEMI-GLOBAL REGISTRATION FOR IMAGE-BASED BRONCHOSCOPY GUIDANCE - Two system-level bronchoscopy guidance solutions are presented. The first incorporates a global-registration algorithm to provide the physician with updated navigational and guidance information during bronchoscopy. The system can handle general navigation to a region of interest (ROI), as well as adverse events, and it requires minimal commands so that it can be directly controlled by the physician. The second solution visualizes the global picture of all the bifurcations and their relative orientations in advance and suggests the maneuvers needed by the bronchoscope to approach the ROI. Guided bronchoscopy results using human airway-tree phantoms demonstrate the potential of the two solutions. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120209064 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SETTING REFERENCE IMAGE OF ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209065 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part which has an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion; a display part which displays an image acquired by an observation mechanism, a manipulating part which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which accommodates the display part and the manipulating part to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face. The manipulating part has a swingable first joystick; and a curving mechanism having the first joystick and a manipulating member connected thereto. The swinging center of the first joystick is located inside a region specified by a portion where fingers are arranged in a side view of the housing when a user holds the housing, and by a distal end of the first joystick protruding toward the front face. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209066 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part which has an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion and which is bendable and elongated; a display part which displays an image acquired by the imaging mechanism; a manipulating part which has a swinging body and which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which provides the display part and the manipulating part to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209067 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part having an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion and which is bendable and elongated; a display part which displays an image acquired by an imaging mechanism; a manipulating part which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which the display part and the manipulating part are provided to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face. The housing is capable of being self-supported in a state where the edge of the back face at the display part, and a connecting portion between the insertion part and the housing are brought into contact with the ground. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209068 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes an upper portion provided with the display part, and a lower portion provided with the manipulating part and having the insertion part connected thereto, at least a portion of the back face of the lower portion is set so that the fundamental shape thereof is convex toward a proximal end portion of the insertion part, the convex portion is a grip face on which a user's fingers are arranged when the user holds the housing, and wherein the housing is held such that the thumb of one hand of a user is located at a distal end of a manipulating rod, the other fingers in the one hand of the user are located above and below the proximal end portion of the insertion part in the grip face, and the thumb and the other fingers face each other. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209069 | COLLISION AVOIDANCE AND DETECTION USING DISTANCE SENSORS - An endoscopic method involves an advancement of an endoscope ( | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120215066 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - In an endoscope apparatus, inside an endoscope, color correction processing is performed that performs multiplication between a color correction coefficient that is set based on a plurality of numerical apertures with respect to a plurality of different wavelengths included in a wavelength band of illuminating light of a light guide that is mounted in the endoscope and that transmits light-source light from a light source apparatus, and at least one of B, G and R signals generated by the signal processing apparatus. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120220822 | HAND-HELD ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE WITH A ROTATION CONTROL - The present invention is a hand-held endoscopic device with a rotation control, having a mainframe, a flexible cable, and a tube module. Moreover, the tube module includes a probe, a image capturing element and a sheath; besides, the second front end of the sheath has an opening which includes a mirror to allow the user to rotate the opening of the sheath in accordance with the situation, so that the image capturing element can reflect the light through the mirror to capture the image from different perspectives. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220823 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING NARROW BAND IMAGING AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD OF THE ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus and image processing method of an endoscope apparatus are provided. In one respect, an endoscope apparatus includes an illumination unit for selectively providing light in a plurality of wavelength bands and white light, a sensing unit for receiving light reflected from a body cavity, and an image processing unit for generating additional synthesized images. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220824 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes a light source unit, an imaging element, a density calculating section, and an image processing section, wherein the image processing section changes frequency processing conditions with respect to the captured image such that the detection and enhancement degree of the structure and components of the living body in the subject are changed according to at least the density of each pixel of the captured image. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220825 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING SIGNAL CABLE - An endoscope has a section of an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity. An end shell is disposed at a distal end of the elongated tube. An imaging window area is formed in the end shell. A lens barrel is secured to the end shell, and aligned with the imaging window area. An imaging device photoelectrically detects object light from the lens barrel. A circuit board has the imaging device mounted thereon. A signal cable has a cover material, and plural filaments covered by the cover material, and connected to the circuit board. A cable retaining device partially retains the cover material fixedly. A tip portion is formed at a distal end of the cable retaining device. A coupling device keeps the tip portion laterally movable on the end shell, to prevent stress in the cable retaining device from exertion to the end shell. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220826 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - In an endoscope apparatus in which an imaging element and a circuit board to which the imaging element is connected are provided inside a distal end of an insertion part, disconnection between the circuit board and a signal wiring line is prevented. In an endoscope apparatus including an insertion part to be inserted into the body, an imaging element, a circuit board electrically connected to the imaging element and arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part, and a signal wiring line electrically connected to the circuit board and extending in the longitudinal direction are provided within the insertion part, and a connecting portion between the circuit board and the signal wiring line is provided with a easing member that eases a force applied to the connecting portion. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220827 | SHAPE MEMORY ARTHROSCOPIC CAMERA - A surgical instrument includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the elongated tubular member is resiliently deformable from an at-rest configuration. The elongated tubular member includes a camera assembly disposed therein. An outer shaft defining a lumen extending therethrough is positioned annularly about the elongated tubular member. At least one of the outer shaft and the elongated tubular member is moveable with respect to the other between a substantially overlapping position wherein the elongated tubular member is deformed to conform to the shape of the outer shaft, and a displaced position wherein at least a portion of the elongated tubular member extends distally from a distal end of the outer shaft. In the displaced position, the portion of the elongated tubular member extending from the outer shaft returns, or reforms back to the at-rest configuration. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220828 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE - An image pickup apparatus for an endoscope includes: an image pickup device unit including an image pickup device; a lens unit including a moving lens; an actuator apparatus for an endoscope, the actuator apparatus including a first elastic member having an urging force that makes a moving lens frame be arranged at a first observation position, a second elastic member making the moving lens frame be arranged at a second observation position, and a shape memory alloy wire having a property of extending/contracting due to an applied current; a driving force transmitting wire arranged on a distal end side of the shape memory alloy wire; a pressing member, upon receipt of an elastic force from the second elastic member, pressing the moving lens frame to the second observation position; and a fixing portion that fixes the driving force transmitting wire and the shape memory alloy. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120226102 | IMAGE OBTAINMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS - In an image-obtainment-apparatus that obtains an image of an observation-region by imaging, by an imaging-device, light output from the observation-region illuminated with illumination-light, when the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region is less than or equal to first-threshold-value, the electronic-shutter-speed is controlled at first-constant-speed, and the light-amount of the illumination-light is controlled based on the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region. When the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region is greater than first-threshold-value and less than or equal to second-threshold-value, the electronic-shutter-speed is controlled at a speed based on the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region, and the light-amount of the illumination-light is controlled at a predetermined constant light-amount. When the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region is greater than second-threshold-value, the electronic-shutter-speed is controlled at second-constant-speed, and the light-amount of the illumination-light is controlled based on the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120232343 | MULTI CAMERA ENDOSCOPE ASSEMBLY HAVING MULTIPLE WORKING CHANNELS - There is provided herein an endoscope assembly, the assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a first front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a second front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120232344 | CONTROL SIGNAL TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A magnetic field generating apparatus is the magnetic field generating apparatus that transmits a control signal by a magnetic field to a capsule endoscope that performs control of start and stop according to the control signal. The magnetic field generating apparatus includes a housing including a storing section in which the capsule endoscope is arranged, a magnetic field generating section that generates the magnetic field, and a shield section that shields a leakage electromagnetic field leaking to an area other than the storing section in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating section. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120238807 | ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM - An endoscopy system includes a self-propelling endoscope attached with a self-propelling device, a drive source device for providing drive force to the self-propelling device, a controller connected to the drive source device and for controlling moving direction and speed of the self-propelling device, and a monitor for displaying a captured image. The drive source device transmits drive information such as forward movement, backward movement, stop, speed, load torque of the self-propelling device to a processing device. The processing device displays the drive information on the monitor with the captured image. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238808 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument includes a handle, on which at least one electric switch is arranged. The switch has an annular mechanical actuation unit whose outer side forms a grip surface running peripherally of the handle. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238809 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, EXTERNAL DEVICE, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing system includes an external device including an orientation specifying unit that specifies orientation of the body-insertable apparatus, a rotation correcting unit that aligns orientations of a plurality of pieces of image data, a screen generating unit that generates a screen displaying the image data, an average color bar generating unit that calculates an average color of the image data, generates an image of the calculated average color, and generates an average color bar in which images of the generated average colors are connected, and an organ image generating unit that generates an organ image, obtained by superimposing the images of the average colors generated by the average color bar generating unit. The screen generating unit generates the screen in which the average color bar generated by the average color bar generating unit is incorporated, and incorporates the organ image into the screen. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238810 | IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An image display apparatus includes: a storage unit storing in-vivo image data and information associated with the in-vivo image data and related to a position of a capsule endoscope in a subject; an image processing unit performing image processing on the in-vivo image data stored in the storage unit; a display unit displaying an in-vivo image based on the in-vivo image data image-processed in the image processing unit; a position estimating unit estimating an intra-subject position in which an in-vivo image is captured, based on the position-related information; a control unit performing image processing in the image processing unit and position estimation processing in the position estimating unit in parallel; and a reporting unit reporting information indicating that a radiogram interpretation is possible, when image processing in the image processing unit for all the in-vivo image data is completed while processing in the position estimating unit is not completed. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238811 | CAPSULE-MEDICAL-DEVICE DEDICATED POWER SOURCE STARTER - A capsule-medical-device dedicated power source starter that allows switching, by an application of a magnetic field to a magnetic switch that is provided in an inside of a capsule medical device and has a particular sensitivity direction in the magnetic field, a driving of the capsule medical device from an OFF state to an ON state, includes: an insertion part that is formed in a central axis direction and to which the capsule medical device is inserted so that a longitudinal axis direction of the capsule medical device is along the central axis direction; and a magnetic circuit that generates magnetic force lines which are substantially symmetric about the central axis as an axis of symmetry in any planar surfaces including the central axis of the insertion part. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238812 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD TO INDICATE IN-VIVO DEVICE LOCATION - A system, apparatus and method may indicate in-vivo device location within a body utilizing for example illumination irregularities for calculation of location. There may be provided with an in-vivo imaging device a set of dedicated illumination source and a set of detectors located on an in-vivo device, such as a swallowable capsule. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120245415 | Systematic Chromoendoscopy and Chromocolonoscopy As A Novel Systematic Method to Examine Organs with Endoscopic Techniques - An endoscopic screening system uses an apparatus has an endoscope with an upper/lower wheel and a right/left wheel for controlling bending of an endoscope tip within an organ being imaged; an intelligent mouthpiece adapted to precisely measure inclination of the endoscope using marks in degrees in both the novel mouth piece and in the new shaft; an endoscope shaft having both cross and longitudinal marks along a longitudinal length for digitalization of output to precisely obtain the length of insertion from a reference point to a tip of the endoscope; and an angulation device for measuring rotation of the upper/lower and right/left wheels. Every portion/part/side located within an organ is already assigned an alphanumeric code as part of the new nomenclature. The endoscopic screening system allows for imaging sequentially of an entire interior surface of a portion of the patient's gastrointestinal tract and image reconstruction of the surface with overlapping redundant pictures without image gaps. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120245416 | SWING-OUT SURGICAL CAMERA - A surgical camera assembly includes an elongated tubular member and a surgical camera. The elongated tubular member includes a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to permit passage of a surgical instrument. The surgical camera is rotatably coupled to the elongated tubular member towards the distal end thereof and is rotatable relative thereto between a closed position and an open position. The surgical camera is rotated from the closed position to the open position upon passage of the surgical instrument through the lumen of the elongated tubular member and includes a proximal surface configured to facilitate translation of the surgical camera from the closed position to the open position upon contact of the surgical instrument with the proximal surface of the surgical camera within the lumen of the elongated tubular member. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120253121 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE - A distal portion of an electronic endoscope is formed with a cutaway portion and a distal end surface. The distal portion is provided with side-viewing and front-viewing capturing optical systems. The side-viewing capturing optical system has a side-viewing objective lens, a prism with a half mirror surface, and a varifocal lens. Light incident on the half-mirror surface from the side-viewing objective lens is reflected to be incident on a CCD through the varifocal lens. Moving the varifocal lens allows the side-viewing capturing optical system to switch from normal observation to magnifying observation and vice versa. In the magnifying observation, a best focus position resides on an extension, of an outer circumferential surface of the distal portion, facing the cutaway portion. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253122 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND CALIBRATION METHOD - An endoscope system includes an illumination apparatus for applying imaging light to body tissue in a tube of a body cavity. An electronic endoscope images the body tissue illuminated with the imaging light, and outputs a blue image signal of blue and a green image signal of green. A signal processing device detects specific body tissue (such as blood vessels) in the body tissue according to the blue and green image signals. A calibration device refers to a reference ratio predetermined according to a reflectivity of the body tissue in relation to the blue and green, and calibrates the blue and green image signals to set a ratio between the blue and green image signals equal to the reference ratio. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120259173 | VISUALIZATION DEVICE AND HOLDER FOR USE WITH A TRACHEAL TUBE - The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with an integral visualization device, such as a camera. The tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus or other visualization device that is associated with a lumen formed in the wall of the tube. In addition, the camera apparatus may be positioned within a holder associated with a distal end of the tracheal tube that functions to hold and position the optical components of the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. Further, the camera apparatus and its associated holder may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120259174 | ENDOSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM - An endoscopic diagnosis system includes a light source for simultaneously emitting at least two excitation light having different central wavelengths for exciting at least two autofluorescent substances to generate autofluorescence containing first autofluorescence whose intensity is strong in a lesion and weak in a normal region and second autofluorescence whose intensity is strong in a normal region and weak in a lesion, color filters having spectral transmission characteristics that block the excitation light and transmit the autofluorescence, image sensor for imaging autofluorescence generated from first and second autofluorescent substances contained in a subject's region under observation and dispersed by color filters to acquire first and second autofluorescence images as the at least two excitation light illuminate the region under observation, and an image sensor for image-processing and displaying the first and second fluorescence images. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120265011 | SULFATE SALTS AS TRANSIT TIME ENHANCER - The present disclosure provides a bowel preparation procedure for capsule endoscopy for the examination of GI tract. The present disclosure also provides an improved method of examining the interior of the GI tract and of identifying the type, location, and cause of a GI pathology using an oral sulfate composition that enhances capsule endoscopic procedures, including transit time, and which purges and cleanses the GI tract of the patient. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120271103 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; an operation section provided at a proximal end of the insertion portion; a first light source section provided inside the operation section, the first light source section generating first light as broadband light having a broadband wavelength characteristic; a light guiding section that guides the first light emitted from the first light source section; a second light source section provided on a distal end side of the insertion portion, the second light source section generating second light; and an optical element provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, the optical element combining the first light and the second light and emitting the resulting light from an illuminating window. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271104 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONSUMPTION OF AN IN VIVO DEVICE - A method and device may control energy consumption of in an in vivo imaging device by determining or estimating an amount of energy needed to capture images at a frame rate until a complete passage of the device through a predetermined region of the gastrointestinal tract, and alter or limit the frame capture rate accordingly. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120277527 | Stereoscopic Imaging from a Conventional Endoscope with single lens camera - The present invention discloses an LCD device and viewing eyewear for obtaining stereoscopic images with conventional single optic channel endoscope using a single lens camera. LCD device comprises two segments each of which is activated by a controller through a wired or wireless connection and is installed between the endoscope and camera without affecting the optic path length. Images are viewed on a standard monitor using eyewear comprising LCD shutters on the left and the right side which are synchronized to the segments in the LCD device by a controller. The LCD shutters on the eyewear are in the upper inner field of vision of each eye. This allows the user, usually a surgeon, to have stereoscopic view when looking at the monitor, but clear view when he has to look at the operative field. The disclosed eyewear has a sterile attachment that the surgeon can use for mounting, un-mounting or adjusting the eyewear. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120277528 | MOTHER-BABY ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM CONSISTING OF HARD MOTHER- HYSTEROSCOPE AND FLEXIBLE BABY-FALLOPOSCOPE - The present invention relates to a medical apparatus, in particular, a mother-baby endoscope system consisting of hard mother-hysteroscope and flexible baby-falloposcope which comprises a hard mother-hysteroscope system and a flexible baby-falloposcope system. The hard mother-hysteroscope system comprises a hard hysteroscope and a sheathing canal of the hysteroscope. The flexible baby-falloposcope system is a flexible falloposcope which comprises a flexible front end and a liquid channel. At least one instrument channel is provided in the endoscope body of the hard hysteroscope such that the flexible front end of the flexible falloposcope can be place thereinto. The mother-baby endoscope system not only can be used to treat the lesions in uterine cavity, but also observe the lesions in oviduct, thereby it extends the using scope of hysteroscope in gynecological surgery and improves the accuracy of examination and treatment. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120277529 | ENDOSCOPY CAPSULE THAT EMITS A REMOTELY VARIABLE, MAGNETIC FIELD, AND EXAMINATION APPARATUS WITH SUCH AN ENDOSCOPY CAPSULE - An endoscopy capsule for examination and/or treatment in a hollow organ of a body has at least one magnetic element that interacts with an external magnetic field for externally controlled movement and/or rotation of the endoscopy capsule, and the magnetic field of the magnetic element can be varied by external control. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120289777 | MEDICAL SYSTEM PROVIDING DYNAMIC REGISTRATION OF A MODEL OF AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE FOR IMAGE-GUIDED SURGERY - A medical system provides navigation assistance to a surgeon so that the surgeon may navigate a flexible medical device through linked passages of an anatomical structure to a target in or adjacent to the anatomical structure. As the medical device moves through the linked passages, images are captured by an image capturing element at its distal end and pose and shape information for the medical device are received from sensors disposed in the medical device. A 4-D computer model of the anatomical structure is registered to the medical device using one or both of 4-D shape registration and virtual camera registration so that the captured image and a virtual image generated from the perspective of a virtual camera are registered to each other and displayed while providing an indication of a navigational path to the target. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289778 | ENDOSCOPE CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING A SCALE FOR DETERMINATION OF THE SIZE OF THE TARGET - An endoscope includes an endoscope body carrying a display device and buttons, a display control circuit, a flexible tube member, an image pickup module, and a stop pin, which has a proximal end thereof connected to the composite of the flexible tube member and the image pickup module and a distal end thereof extending out of the composite to a predetermined length. Further, the display control circuit includes a scale display procedure, which is adapted for displaying a scale on the display device and has sufficient accuracy for determining the size, area or angle of the target only when the distal end of the stop pin is stopped against the target. Thus, the stop pin can be used to establish a distance between the image pickup module and the target, enabling the scale to be used for determination of the size, area or angle of the target being displayed on the display device. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289779 | Endoscope - An endoscope includes an insertion portion including an image pickup section, an illumination section, and a light guide inserted inside the insertion portion, the light guide including a plurality of fibers made of a glass not containing lead, the plurality of fibers guiding illuminating light from a light source apparatus to the illumination section, the light guide having a numerical aperture of 0.46 to 0.90. A core glass of a fiber have a refractive index nd of 1.56 to 1.74, and a composition of (A) 20 to 55 wt % SiO | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289780 | INTRALUMEN MEDICAL DELIVERY VESSEL PROPELLED BY SUPERCONDUCTIVE REPULSION-LEVITATION MAGNETIC FIELDS - A magnetically guided device driven by the repulsive forces generated by superconductive materials, housed in a thermally insulated vessel, due to phenomenon known as the Meissner-effect in response to the externally generated magnetic fields. The vessels will be installed in or on medical diagnostic, delivery or other procedural devices or capsules, and will enable wireless maneuvering and navigation of the host device through the lumens and cavities of the human body without any physical contact. Medical application fields include, but are not limited to, visual mapping, diagnostics, biopsy and other therapeutic and drug delivery procedures in the human body. The vessel is equipped with superconductive material, such as superconductive rings and/or disks, possessing supermagnetic properties. Shaped externally generated magnetic fields exert sufficient magnetic forces and rotational torques on the superconductive material causing the host device to move, tilt and rotate in the body lumens and cavities following the operator's closed-loop regulated directional and orientation commands. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120296162 | Method for Positioning a Disposable Sterile Endotracheal Tube, and Corresponding System for Intubation - The system for intubation comprises:
| 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296163 | INTEGRATED VISUALIZATION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - Surgical visualization devices are provided which include a fixation device having at least one camera coupled to the fixation device wherein the camera includes at least one lens that is directed outwardly from the upper surface of the fixation device such that when the fixation device is inserted in tissue the at least one lens is oriented away from the tissue for capturing images of the anatomical site. Systems and methods utilizing the surgical visualization apparatus are also provided. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296164 | MONITOR APPARATUS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY AND DISPLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A monitor apparatus for a laparoscopic surgery rotates images captured by a laparoscope as an endoscope and displayed on monitors for the laparoscopic surgery clockwise or counterclockwise according to commands for rotating the images by surgeons who use image rotation manipulation parts such that the images of surgical devices displayed on the monitors are arranged in the direction where the surgeons can actually manipulate the laparoscopic surgical devices most conveniently. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296165 | CAPSULE MEDICAL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A capsule medical apparatus includes: a casing having a capsule shape; first and second boards in at least one of which an imaging element is provided and which are connected by a flexible board; a first board retaining member that retains the first board; a second board retaining member that retains the second board; and a battery arranged between the first and the second board retaining members. The first and the second board retaining members and the battery are housed in an inside of the casing in a state where the battery is put between the first and the second board retaining members which retain the first and the second boards, respectively. A groove part in which the flexible board is arranged is formed on an inner wall of the casing. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296166 | INTRADURAL ENDOSCOPE - A method for treating a patient includes inserting an endoscope into an intradural space of the patient via an interspace of a vertebral column of the patient; steering the endoscope along the intradural space to a location; and performing a medical procedure at the location using a working lumen of the endoscope. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120302829 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes an insertion section, a first bending mechanism, a drive unit, a second bending mechanism, an operation-unit body, a grip, an angle mechanism, an operation member, and a control unit. The angle mechanism is provided on the operation-unit body and configured to set, to the first direction, a first operation input for bending the bending part in the first direction, and configured to transmit the first operation input to the first bending part. The operation member is provided on the grip or the operation-unit body and configured to set, to the second direction, an input direction of a second operation input for bending the bending part in the second direction. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120310043 | STRUCTURE OF IMAGING PART IN ELECTRONIC VISUALIZED CATHETER - An imaging part of an electronic visualized catheter including, an object lens system, and a solid state imaging element which is positioned to receive light output from the object lens system and which photoelectrically converts the light output from the object lens system into an electric signal, wherein an output lens face of the object lens system is planar, and the output lens face is joined to a light receiving surface of the solid state imaging element. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120310044 | ENDOSCOPIC VISION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120323072 | FLUORESCENCE ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - Provided is a fluorescence endoscope device including a light source that irradiates with excitation light and white light; an image generator that acquires a fluorescence image by capturing fluorescence generated in a subject irradiated with the excitation light and that acquires a white-light image by capturing return light from the subject irradiated with the white light; an image corrector that corrects the fluorescence image by using the white-light image so as to generate a corrected fluorescence image; a threshold-value setting unit that sets a threshold value on the basis of an average value of gradation values of pixels in the corrected fluorescence image; an image adjuster that increases the contrast in the corrected fluorescence image between an area having gradation values larger than the threshold value, and an area having gradation values smaller than the threshold value; and a monitor that displays the corrected fluorescence image whose contrast is increased. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120330099 | FLUID REMOVAL IN A SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE - The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130006051 | VIDEO APPARATUS - Video apparatus, particularly for use in intubation of an endotracheal tube, has a bendable rod ( | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130006052 | POPUP TYPE ENDOSCOPE PROVIDING THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE DATA - This invention is of the pop-up endoscope providing 3-dimensional image data which provides 3-dimensional image through a pair of filming parts stored within the fore-end and projects popping-up to spread out. It allows minimizing the incision during surgery. This invention allows a pair of CCD cameras which can visualize more effective 3-dimensional image to be inserted into the patient's body and minimize the incision owing to relatively wide distance between elements. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130012773 | Endoscopic Camera Component Manufacturing Method - The invention provides an endoscope having a lens holder, wherein the lens holder comprises a body containing a sintered feedstock and machined surfaces. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the endoscope which comprises the steps of molding a metal blank by a MIM process, wherein the metal blank is “near net shape” and has a sprue, a post, and optionally an outer shell, machining the inner surfaces and then the outer surfaces of the metal blank to form a lens holder, installing a lens in the lens holder, and assembling the lens holder having the lens into the endoscope. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012774 | RECEIVING APPARATUS AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A receiving apparatus includes: a plurality of receiving antennas in which active circuits are provided; a selection controller that performs control of selecting one receiving antenna that receives a radio signal transmitted from the outside from the plurality of receiving antennas and supplying power only to the selected receiving antenna; and an abnormality detector that detects abnormality of the selected receiving antenna based on a voltage when power is supplied to the receiving antenna selected by the selection controller. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012775 | TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING APPARATUS, ANTENNA UNIT, AND BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS SYSTEM - A transmitting and receiving apparatus that is connected with each of plural connection targets, which include an antenna unit and a charger, to perform transmission/reception of signals. The transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a connection portion that is provided on a surface of a reception main body unit of the transmitting and receiving apparatus, connectable with the antenna unit and another connection target, and is connected, at one time, with only one connection target to prevent a malfunction. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012776 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An image converter receives image data of an object and performs a kind of image conversion on the image data to generate converted image data for display. A measurement section measures at least one spatial characteristic of the object based on: the converted image data, and optical data, which relates to optical characteristics of an optical system through which the image data of the object has been obtained, and which is made to correspond to the kind of image conversion performed by the image converter. Alternatively, a measurement section measures at least one spatial characteristic of the object by relating, based on the kind of image conversion, coordinates of the converted image data to coordinates of the image data of the object before the image conversion, and by measuring the at least one spatial characteristic based on the coordinates of the image data of the object before the image conversion. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130018224 | Capsule EndoscopeAANM Kim; SungwanAACI SeoulAACO KRAAGP Kim; Sungwan Seoul KRAANM Kim; YoudanAACI SeoulAACO KRAAGP Kim; Youdan Seoul KRAANM Lee; ChiwonAACI Gyeonggi-doAACO KRAAGP Lee; Chiwon Gyeonggi-do KR - Disclosed herein is a maneuverable capsule endoscope. A capsule body is input into an internal organ to take images of the inside of the internal organ. A fan unit is mounted on the body. A fan position-changing device changes a direction in which the fan unit discharges fluid. The fan unit is mounted inside a duct without damaging the inner wall of the internal organ. When input into the internal organ, the capsule endoscope can concentrically take images of a specific portion inside the internal organ, and can freely take images of a portion that is intended to be photographed. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018225 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDING SYSTEM AND MAGNETICALLY GUIDING METHOD - A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130030246 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LAPAROSCOPICALLY INDENTIFYING AND LOCATING STRUCTURES EMBEDDED IN FAT - A scanning laser laparoscope for laparoscopically locating and identifying anatomical structures embedded within fat during microinvasive surgery. In one example, such a scanning laser laparoscope is achieved using a combination of a light source and a scanner located outside the body and configured to generate a pattern of light, an optics relay configured to relay the pattern of light toward and through a tissue section located inside the body, and a photodetector configured to receive the light pattern transmitted through the tissue section and to generate an image of the tissue section. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030247 | In-Vivo Image Acquiring Apparatus, In-Vivo Image Receiving Apparatus, In-Vivo Image Displaying Apparatus, and Noise Eliminating Method - An in-vivo image acquiring apparatus includes an operation control unit which controls a black image acquiring operation, in which the operation control unit controls an imaging unit and an illuminating unit in such a manner the imaging unit conducts an image acquiring operation in a state the illuminating unit does not conduct an illuminating operation. The in-vivo image acquiring apparatus also includes an average calculating unit which calculates the average value of pixel value in a predetermined determining area, and a black image determining unit, which determines whether the image information acquired by the image acquiring operation is the black image by comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold value. The image information determined as the black image by the black image determining unit is transmitted, as the black image information, to an external apparatus by radio. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130035545 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: a CCD; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a distal end portion; a correlated double sampling section provided in a body portion, the correlated double sampling section extracting a signal component from an image signal outputted from the CCD; a timing generator that generates a sample-and-hold signal for making the correlated double sampling section operate and a drive pulse signal for driving the CCD; and a CPU that adjusts a timing of the sample-and-hold signal or the drive pulse signal generated by the timing generator, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035546 | ENDOSCOPE WITH A FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT BOARD - An endoscope with a flexible circuit board comprises: a base mounting frame, a flexible circuit, a photosensitive element, a plurality of light emitting elements and a camera. The flexible circuit board, the photosensitive element, the light emitting elements and the camera can be mounted on the mounting frame, and then the mounting frame can be assembled in a pipe to form the endoscope, which greatly improves the ease of assembly, and consequently reducing the labor cost required for assembly. Furthermore, the flexibility of the circuit board reduces the volume of the endoscope and improves applicability. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035547 | IMAGE SENSOR FOR CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE ENABLING DUAL MODE OPERATION - The present invention relates to an image sensor for a capsule endoscope which enables a dual mode operation, and more particularly, to an image sensor for a capsule endoscope wherein two image sensors identically designed and manufactured for photographing the inside of a human body are used and set as a master and a slave, respectively so as to enable a dual mode operation in which two chips are linkage-operated. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130041215 | FEATURE DIFFERENTIATION IMAGE CAPTURE UNIT AND METHOD IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041216 | INCREASED RESOLUTION AND DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE CAPTURE UNIT IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041217 | CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDING SYSTEM AND MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATING DEVICE - A guiding system includes a capsule medical device including a permanent magnet; a magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field to the magnet to guide the capsule, and change a direction of the magnetic field in a three-dimensional space; and a control unit to control the magnetic field generated by the generating unit. Where the capsule is located on a liquid surface, the control unit generates a first magnetic field such that a plane, which is parallel to a vertical axis and in which a magnetic field including a rotating magnetic field where a magnetic field is rotated on the plane is generated, pivots about the vertical axis at a predetermined period and a second magnetic field for generating a magnetic attracting force for moving the magnet vertically downward to submerge the capsule in the liquid, the first and second magnetic fields being applied at a same time. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041218 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - An endoscopic device that irradiates a plurality of illuminating light having different spectrums from each other onto a subject at a front edge of an endoscope inserting module and captures the subject to obtain an observation image The endoscopic device includes an illuminating module, an imaging module, a light intensity ratio control module, and a color tone correcting module. The illuminating module generates the plurality of illuminating light. The imaging module captures the subject and output an image signal of the observation image. The light intensity ratio control module controls the illuminating module to irradiate the plurality of illuminating light onto the subject with a set light intensity ratio by setting the light intensity ratio of the plurality of illuminating light. The color tone correcting module corrects the color tone to obtain the observation image with substantially the same color tone even though the light intensity ratio is changed. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041219 | MEDICAL MANIPULATOR AND SURGICAL SUPPORT APPARATUS - A medical manipulator includes: a holding portion whose proximal end portion is fixed to a base; a positioning portion that has a fixing portion that is fixed to a distal end portion of the holding portion, and that is formed such that a treatment portion of a surgical instrument is able to move relative to the fixing portion; a reference orientation detecting portion that detects an orientation of a reference position on the positioning portion; a drive section that is used to move the treatment portion relative to the fixing portion; and a displacement detecting section that detects an amount of movement, including angular displacement, of the treatment portion relative to the reference position, and that calculates as the orientation on the treatment portion an orientation that is different by an amount of angular displacement that it has itself detected from the orientation on the reference position detected by the reference orientation detecting portion. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041220 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system is an endoscope system including a first endoscope and a second endoscope, the first endoscope including a first frequency correction section, and the second endoscope not including the first frequency correction section, and a video processor, wherein the video processor includes a frequency correction information storage section which stores third frequency correction information based on the endoscope information of the second endoscope, a correction amount acquiring section which acquires second frequency correction information for performing frequency correction in concert with frequency correction processing by the first frequency correction section when the first endoscope is connected and acquires the third frequency correction information from the frequency correction information storage section when the second endoscope is connected, and a second frequency correction section which performs frequency correction on the video signal from the endoscopes on the basis of the correction information acquired by the correction amount acquiring section. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130046142 | MINIATURE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a small diameter imaging probe or endoscope, a solid state imaging device, and a light transmitting path that collects light at a distal end of the probe and directs the light along the length of the probe to the imaging device. The invention also relates to a small diameter endoscope having a light transmitting path with a light absorbing layer and a super clad layer defining the image aperture. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130053639 | Surgical Device for Wiping Camera Lenses - A method of wiping a camera lens inside a human body is provided. The method comprises providing a surgical device that comprises a rod and at least one supported pad coupled to the rod and inserting the surgical device into the human body through a trocar. The method further comprises wiping the camera lens on the at least one supported pad of the surgical device while the surgical device is inside the human body and removing the surgical device from the human body. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053640 | ACTUATION CONTROL SYSTEM OF A CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A system for controlling actuation of a capsule endoscope includes a receiving unit receiving an image transmitted from the capsule endoscope; a coil unit generating a magnetic field for actuating the capsule endoscope by using current applied thereto; a power supply unit supplying power to the coil unit; and an actuation controller control the current applied to the coil unit and a coil rotational motor for adjusting of a posture and the location of the capsule endoscope based on the identified lesion or location of the capsule endoscope, wherein the coil unit includes a pair of Helmholtz coils and a pair of Maxwell coils that are fixedly disposed on a main axis; and a pair of uniform saddle coils and a pair of gradient saddle coils that are located inside the pair of the Helmholtz coils and the pair of the Maxwell coils to rotate around the main axis. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053641 | MICRO ROBOT SYSTEM AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR EXAMINING A TUBULAR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - A micro robot system movable on three dimensional space includes a micro robot unit including a magnet module having a certain magnetization direction and configured to rotate and proceed along a wall by a processional rotating magnetic field, and an electromagnetic field generation unit configured to set an alignment direction of the micro robot unit to have a certain angle with respect to the magnetization direction and configured to generate a magnetic field in the alignment direction to drive the micro robot unit. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053642 | ENDOSCOPIC APPARATUS - According to an aspect of the invention, an endoscopic apparatus outputs illuminating light from a tip of an endoscope inserting module to a subject and detects a reflected light from the subject to obtain an image signal of the subject. The endoscopic apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, a target light intensity setting module, a light intensity ratio setting module, an information storing module, an amplitude value setting module, a driving signal generating module, a signal supplying module. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130060085 | ENDOSCOPE CAPSULE FOR DETECTING THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE INNER SURFACE OF A BODY CAVITY - In a method and a device to detect information about the three-dimensional structure of the inner surface of a body cavity ( | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130072754 | RIGID ENDOSCOPE - A rigid endoscope includes a first insertion section extending along longitudinal directions, a first needle defining an outer edge of a first opening, and a first functional section provided in a vicinity of the first opening of a first lumen, and configured to perform some part of functions. The rigid endoscope includes a second insertion section extending along the longitudinal directions, and located apart from the first insertion section in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal directions, a second needle defining an outer edge of a second opening, and a second functional section provided in a vicinity of the second opening of a second lumen, and configured to perform some part of the functions different from the functions performed by the first functional section. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130072755 | NASAL AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEM - A nasal delivery device can include a nasal prong and an activation member. The nasal prong can comprises an opening at a top and bottom portion of the prong to allow for the passage of an aerosolized treatment agent through the nasal prong. The activation member can be positioned on the nasal delivery device at a location that is spaced apart from the subject's oral cavity when the nasal prong is received into the nostril of the subject. The activation member can be configured to detect a desired exhalation state of the subject and upon detection of the desired exhalation state, the activation member activates the delivery of the aerosolized treatment agent. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130079594 | INDUSTRIAL ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - This endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion portion configured to include a bend portion; an image pickup portion configured to capture an image of an object to be inspected; an operation portion configured to perform a bending operation of the bend portion; a storage portion configured to store at least an image of the objected to be inspected as a recorded image; a display portion configured to display the image, and a display control portion configured to: determine a display orientation of a superimposition information,; display the image captured by the image pickup portion without rotating the image; and display the superimposition information, the display control portion being further configured to: determine a display orientation of at least one of the recorded image and a Graphical User Interface; and display the at least one of the recorded image and the Graphical User Interface. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130096379 | DOUBLE-LUMEN ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a double-lumen endotracheal tube having an access sheath or optical system positioned between the two lumens. Embodiments of the the present disclosure are directed toward systems, devices, and methods that provide continuous visual input to a clinician during initial lung separation with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube device and throughout a treatment procedure to facilitate the ongoing maintenance of a proper position of the double-lumen endotracheal tube. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096380 | IMAGING APPARATUS - An endoscope system | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096381 | ENDOSCOPE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130102843 | JAWED TROCAR ASSEMBLY - A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can have a hollow elongate member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The trocar assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the hollow elongate member. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130102844 | CASING OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE KIT, ASSEMBLY METHOD OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE KIT AND ASSEMBLY DEVICE OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE KIT - An inner casing according to the present invention includes a hole which is a holding portion that is provided at the center of a base portion having a planar shape so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to a principal surface of the base portion and hold a capsule endoscope and a plurality of step portions each protruding from a side surface of the hole and abutting on an area of an outer surface of a hemispheric dome portion, which is located inside an optical viewing angle of the capsule endoscope and which does not contribute to generation of an image captured by the capsule endoscope to realize alignment in a longitudinal direction of the capsule endoscope. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130102845 | CAPSULE-TYPE MEDICAL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CAPSULE-TYPE MEDICAL APPARATUS - The present invention provides a capsule-type medical apparatus and a method of manufacturing a capsule-type medical apparatus which can prevent a contact between a burr formed on an optical dome which is a part of a capsule-like casing and a living body in a subject. The capsule-type medical apparatus has a capsule-like casing which can be introduced inside the subject. The casing is configured with optically transparent optical domes and a cylindrical trunk member having an outer diameter dimension larger than an outer diameter dimension of the optical domes. The cylindrical trunk member is fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the optical domes so as to cover each of the optical domes up to a portion near the burr formed thereon. The cylindrical trunk member has a step higher than the burr so as to prevent a contact between the burr and a living body in the subject. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130109915 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING PORTIONS OF IN-VIVO IMAGES | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130109916 | MULTI-CAMERA ENDOSCOPE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130109917 | ENDOSCOPE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130109918 | MEDICO-SURGICAL ASSEMBLIES | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130116506 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130116507 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE - A temperature control apparatus for an endoscope includes: a temperature detection section that detects a temperature of an object to be heated, the object to be heated being heated by a heater; a semiconductor switch that performs switching between supply and shut off of the power to the heater; a control section that controls the semiconductor switch to perform temperature control for the object to be heated, and performs heating stopping control to turn the semiconductor switch off; a mechanical switch that performs switching between continuity and shut off of a power line; and a heating stopping circuit that if an abnormality occurs in temperature control for the heater, performs heating stopping control to turn the mechanical switch off. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130116508 | FLUOROSCOPY APPARATUS - Provided is a fluoroscopy apparatus including an illumination unit that radiates illumination light and excitation light onto a subject; a fluorescence imaging unit that acquires a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence generated at the subject; a return-light imaging unit that acquires a return-light image by imaging return light returned from the subject; a fluorescence-image storage unit that stores the fluorescence image; a treatment input unit to which signals for starting and ending treatment performed on the subject are input; a comparison-image generating unit that generates a comparison image that enables comparison of the fluorescence image stored in the fluorescence-image storage unit when the signal for starting the treatment is input to the treatment input unit and the fluorescence image acquired when the signal for ending the treatment is input; and a display unit that displays the comparison image. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130123577 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Controlling Field of View in Imaging Systems - Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130123578 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - The present invention provides an endoscope system having a scope unit including an image capturing unit, a nonvolatile memory storing specific parameters of the scope unit, an image processing device, a first data transmission unit in the image processing device, transmitting a first packet including a signal for requesting, a first data reception unit in the image processing device, receiving a second packet based on the first packet and includes the specific parameters or the realtime information, a second data reception unit in the scope unit, receiving the first packet, a data selection unit selecting whether the second packet is transferred either in a first data format or in a second data format based on the signal that is included in the first packet received by the second data reception unit, and a second data transmission unit transmitting the second packet to the first data reception unit. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130131446 | ENDOSCOPIC OVERTUBE ASSEMBLY - An endoscopic overtube assembly comprises: an inflatable overtube; and a subassembly configured for insertion into an orifice of a patient, said subassembly defining a central passageway, and said subassembly including an internal cassette for receiving and securing the inflatable overtube, wherein the internal cassette of said subassembly can be manipulated from a closed position to an open position in which the inflatable overtube can be readily extended and deployed from said subassembly. The inflatable overtube travels with the endoscopic device. Once appropriately positioned, the inflatable overtube is detached from the endoscopic device and inflated to become a substantially rigid conduit defining an instrument channel that provides ready access to a particular body cavity. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130131447 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION - This invention may be directed to an endoscopic device. The endoscopic device comprising an elongate member having a distal end, and a cap positioned at the distal end. The cap may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may define at least one recess that does not extend through the cap to the distal end of the cap. The endoscopic device may further include at least one illumination device disposed in the at least one recess. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130131448 | FLOW REDUCTION HOOD SYSTEMS - Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130137921 | PROPELLING SYSTEM AND CAPSULE APPLYING THE SAME - A propelling system disposed in a chamber of a capsule is provided. The propelling system includes a mass and a damping module. The mass is configured for vibrating in the chamber along a plurality of directions. The damping module is coupled between the mass and the capsule for absorbing the kinetic energy of the mass, the damping module provides the smallest damping effect along a first direction. The disclosure further provides a capsule, which includes a shell having a chamber and at least one aforementioned propelling system disposed in the chamber. Accordingly, the capsule can be autonomously propelled by the propelling force autonomously produced by the propelling system. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137922 | Endoscope - An endoscope includes a tube having including a compartment extending in a longitudinal direction. A flexible strip has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the compartment. The flexible strip is received in the compartment and slideable relative to the tube in the longitudinal direction. The flexible strip is made of a super elastomer having an original shape before deformation. The flexible strip is capable of restoring the original shape after larger deformation. An image capturing module is mounted to the flexible strip. The image capturing module can transmit light beam and capture images. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137923 | Endoscope and illumination apparatus for endoscope - An illumination apparatus for an endoscope guiding externally-entering light to a transparent light-guiding body including an annular-shaped annular portion, the annular portion including an inner circumferential face and an outer circumferential face, and making the light exit from the annular portion as illuminating light, wherein the light-guiding body includes: a notch portion formed by cutting out a part of the annular portion so as to form a line extending perpendicularly from the outer circumferential face toward the inner circumference side of the annular portion from a line extending from a point on an outer circumference of a circle in a cross section of the annular portion; and an incident portion that allows the light to enter in a direction along the line extending from the point on the outer circumference, the direction being a direction perpendicular to a cutout surface of the notch portion provided in the annular portion. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137924 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS - An actuator has a magnet moved together with a moving lens frame, an SMA wire capable of extending and contracting in a moving direction I of the moving lens frame with execution or non-execution of energization thereof, a fixing member made of a magnetic material attached to a distal end of the SMA wire, a pressing spring which urges the fixing member toward the magnet along the moving direction I, and a stopper member and a stopper portion which limits the movement of the magnet along the moving direction I at a first position or a second position. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137925 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A distal end barrel that holds a light guide bundle and an electronic image pickup unit inside a distal end portion is formed in such a manner that the distal end barrel is divided in a first distal end barrel arranged on the distal end side of the distal end portion and a second distal end barrel supported via the first distal end barrel so as not to be exposed at an outer surface of the distal end portion, the second distal end barrel holding the light guide bundle and the electronic image pickup unit, and the second distal end barrel includes a member having a thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of the first distal end barrel, thereby protecting the image pickup device from thermal damage without an increase in temperature of the outer surface of the distal end portion. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130144120 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - A solid-state imaging device and an endoscope device can correct characteristics of a digital signal output from an AD conversion unit with respect to a pixel signal input to an AD conversion unit with higher precision even when a dynamic range of a pixel signal is changed. A correction unit corrects the digital signal output from the AD conversion unit based on a correction function using the digital signal output from the AD conversion as a variable so as to correct the characteristics of the digital signal output from the AD conversion unit with respect to the pixel signal input to the AD conversion unit. A correction method changing unit changes an order of a variable between first and other orders in the correction function according to a change in a dynamic range of the pixel signal. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144121 | LIGHT SOURCE POWER BASED ON PREDETERMINED SENSED CONDITION - A medical instrument having a lighting system for illumination a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130150668 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes: a plurality of connection portions to which an endoscope can be connected, respectively; a priority setting portion that sets a connection priority of the plurality of connection portions; a drive portion that supplies a drive signal to one endoscope; and a control portion that controls so that the drive portion supplies the drive signal to any one endoscope only based on the connection priority. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130150669 | PARFOCAL COUPLER FOR ENDOSCOPIC VIEWING SYSTEM - A coupler for connecting an endoscope to a camera including a cylinder having a zoom lens and a focus lens therein. A zoom adjustment member engages the cylinder with a first coefficient of friction and is movable relative thereto to cause axial movement of the zoom lens. The zoom adjustment member is operatively connected to a focus adjustment member such that movement of the zoom adjustment member causes the focus adjustment member to move thereby moving both the zoom lens and the focus lens axially. The focus adjustment member engages the zoom adjustment member with a second coefficient of friction and is movable relative thereto to cause axial movement of the focus lens within the cylinder. The first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction such that movement of the focus adjustment member does not cause movement of the zoom adjustment member. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130158348 | INTRODUCER FOR AN INTERNAL MAGNETIC CAMERA - An introducer for an internal magnetic camera is provided. The introducer may be arranged to enable the camera to be placed inside of a body cavity through an otomy or incision and then oriented next to the tissue of the body cavity opposite an External Control Unit (“ECU”) outside of the body cavity. The camera may be retained in the introducer by a magnet or a magnetic material, by a selectively engageable retainer, or by covering the camera within a cavity. The camera may be retained in the introducer by a latch. The camera may include a keyed surface that only can align with a matching keyed surface on the retainer in a single orientation. The introducer may include a spring to eject the camera from the introducer when the retainer is disengaged. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158349 | INSERTION AND EXTRACTION ASSISTING DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An insertion and extraction assisting device of an endoscope has a promotion unit attached on the front end side of the endoscope and a transmission section whose one end is connected to a promotion unit, and the other end is drawn along the endoscope, and an outside unit. The other end of the transmission section is connected to the outside unit, and rotational force or a turn signal from the outside unit is transmitted to the promotion unit, so that driving force is generated by the promotion unit. When the other end of the transmission section is connected to, the outside unit reads an ID code expressing a kind of the promotion unit and controls the rotational force or the turn signal to send to the promotion unit. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158350 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENT AND ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM - An electrical connecting element for supplying current to a light source, particularly an LED light source, that is or can be connected to a side of an endoscope, configured for introducing light into an optical system of the endoscope in a proximal region of the endoscope, and to an endoscopy system having an electrical connecting element, and to a use. Wherein the electrical connecting element is configured as a pre-formed, flat molded body having a longitudinally extended section, wherein the molded body has a curved shape at least in sections and is configured to be plugged onto an endoscope and to clasp tightly clinging thereon, wherein the molded body has electrical lines which have electrical contact surfaces in a proximal end region of the molded body in order to connect to a current supply, and electrical contact surfaces in a distal region for connecting to the light source. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158351 | ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR - An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina. said tube comprising: a first lumen having an open distal end that associates proximally to the Carina within the Trachea, with a first inflatable cuff; a second lumen having an open distal end that extends distally, past the Carina and associates within one of the Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch with a second inflatable cuff; a dedicated image sensor lumen spanning the length of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor lumen comprising an image sensor and illumination source disposed adjacent to the distal end of said first lumen, and configured to provide an image of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal Carina, the openings of the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening Right Bronchial branch; and at least one dedicated cleaning lumen disposed parallel with said dedicated image sensor lumen along the length of said endobronchial tube and wherein said cleaning lumen is configured to forms a cleaning nozzle at the distal end, wherein said cleaning nozzle is directed toward said image sensor lumen at its distal end. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130165749 | ENDOSCOPE CAPABLE OF CAPTURING 3D IMAGE - An endoscope including a tube and a distal section is provided. The distal section, coupled to a distal end of the tube, includes a left wafer-level image sensor, disposed to capture at least one left image, and a right wafer-level image sensor, disposed to capture at least one right image. Wherein, the captured left image and right image are processed as a 3D image. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165750 | ENDOSCOPE CAPABLE OF CHANGING DIRECTION - The invention is directed to an endoscope having a distal section coupled to a distal end of a tube, and a wire disposed in the tube, wherein a distal end of the wire is fixed at a distal point of the tube. The endoscope also includes a handling section coupled to a proximal end of the tube. The wire slidingly passes through a sliding point that is situated between the distal point and the proximal end of the wire, such that the wire is constrained at the sliding point. A proximal end of the wire is capable of being pulled to bend the tube. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165751 | WATERPROOF ENDOSCOPE AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The invention is directed to a waterproof endoscope having a wafer-level imaging module (WLM) bonded on a substrate. The endoscope also includes a holder, which has a groove formed into an inner surface of the holder. First glue is filled in the groove, and second glue is applied at a junction between the holder and the tube. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165752 | ENDOSCOPE INTEGRATED WITH A LIGHT SOURCE - The invention is directed to an endoscope having a wafer-level imaging module (WLM) and a light source bonded on a substrate. The endoscope also includes a holder, to which the substrate with the bonded WLM and the bonded light source is attached. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165753 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing device processes an image acquired by an imaging section that enables magnifying observation. The image processing device includes a motion information acquisition section that acquires motion information that indicates a relative motion of the imaging section with respect to an object, an imaging magnification calculation section that calculates an imaging magnification of the imaging section, and an image extraction section that extracts an image within a specific area from a captured image acquired by the imaging section as an extracted image. The image extraction section sets the position of the specific area within the captured image based on the motion information, and sets the size of a margin area based on the imaging magnification and the motion information, the margin area being an area except the specific area in the captured image. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130172671 | ROBOTIC CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES, MICRO-PATTERNED TREADS FOR FRICTION ENHANCEMENT OF A ROBOTIC CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE IN A BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT, AND PROCESS FOR FABRICATION OF MICRO-TREADS - Micro-patterned treads for endoscopes are disclosed. In an embodiment, the treads include a micro-patterned surface and a roller engaging surface. Micro-patterned tread bearing robotic capsule endoscopes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the endoscope includes a housing, a motor, a geared drive, rollers, and at least one micro-patterned tread. Methods of fabricating closed loop treads are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a solid layer of PDMS on one side of double-sided tape and wrapping a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape. In another embodiment, a method includes forming a timing belt PDMS strip on one side of double-sided tape and a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130172672 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ANCHORING AND OPERATION OF IN-VIVO MEDICAL DEVICES - In-vivo medical devices, systems and methods of operating such devices include a permanent magnetic assembly interacting with external magnetic fields for magnetically maneuvering said device to a desired location along a patient's GI tract, and anchoring said devices to the desired location for a period of time. The in-vivo medical device includes illumination sources, an optical system, and an image sensor for imaging the GI tract and thus assisting in locating the desired location. Some in-vivo medical devices include a concave window, which enables better imaging of small areas along the tissue. Furthermore, in-vivo devices with a concave window enable carrying operating tools without damaging the tissue of the GI tract, since prior to operation, the tools protrude from the concave window but remain behind the ends of the edges of the concave window. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130172673 | SPACE-OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION CATHETER - Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130172674 | SPACE-OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION CATHETER WITH CAMERA TRAIN HOLDER IN A CATHETER WITH OFF-CENTERED LUMENS - Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130172675 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A processor includes: first to third matrix circuits that generate an image signal of normal light and an image signal of special light based on an output of a CCD that picks up an image of returning light of light that is irradiated onto living tissue; a color discrimination circuit that discriminates a color tone for respective pixels in accordance with a luminance level of an image signal of the special light; and a color correction circuit that, in an observation mode that uses special light, if an observation object other than living tissue is discriminated as being a red color tone based on the color discrimination circuit, performs color correction to a yellow color tone that is similar to a color tone that the observation object other than living tissue is discriminated as being in an observation mode that uses normal light. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130172676 | MULTI-CAMERA ENDOSCOPE HAVING FLUID CHANNELS - There is provided a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising a unitary fluid channeling component adapted to channel fluid for insufflations and/or irrigation, the unitary fluid channeling component comprising: a proximal opening adapted to receive a fluid tube, the proximal opening being in fluid flow connection with a front fluid (I/I) channel and a side fluid channel. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130178702 | ANTENNA APPARATUS, ANTENNA, ANTENNA HOLDER, AND BODY-INSERTABLE APPARATUS SYSTEM - An antenna apparatus is configured to acquire information from a body-insertable apparatus that is configured to be inserted into a subject to move inside the subject. The antenna apparatus includes an antenna that includes one sheet on which plural receiving antennas are fixed and in which a first positioning hole is formed; and an antenna holder that includes a container portion which is configured to hold the antenna at a predetermined position and in a predetermined orientation and in which second positioning hole is formed at a position corresponding to the first positioning hole when the antenna is held. The antenna holder is configured to be attached to a predetermined position of the subject using the first and second positioning holes as an index when the antenna is held in the antenna holder. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130184524 | Scanning Endoscope Device - A scanning endoscope device including two core portions that are provided parallel to each other and that radiate illuminating beams having optical characteristics different from each other toward a subject; a driving unit that two-dimensionally scans the two illuminating beams radiated from the core portions by causing vibration of distal-end portions of the core portions; a light receiving unit that receives return beams, returned from the subject, of the two illuminating beams; a light splitting unit that splits the return beams received by the light receiving unit according to the optical characteristics; two light detecting units that photoelectrically convert the two return beams split by the light splitting unit to output captured image signals; and an image generating unit that generates two images for two viewpoint based on the each captured image signal. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184525 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, ENDOSCOPE DISTAL END PORTION INCLUDING THE IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS, AND ENDOSCOPE DISTAL END UNIT - A distal end rigid member, a prism provided inside the distal end rigid member and positioned at the rear in an optical axis direction of a lens for observing a site to be examined, an image pickup device fixed to a light exit surface of the prism inside the distal end rigid member, and a substrate including a surface fixed to the image pickup device and another surface fixed to an inner circumferential face of the distal end rigid member are included, and the other surface of the substrate is formed in a shape that reduces or eliminates a space between the inner circumferential face of the distal end rigid member and the other surface of the substrate. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184526 | CAPSULE-TYPE MEDICAL APPARATUS, GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND GUIDANCE METHOD THEREFOR, AND INTRASUBJECT INSERTION APPARATUS - Using a guidance system with a simple configuration, propulsive motion along a longitudinal direction and changing of the propulsion direction are easily performed with good precision and stability. There is provided a capsule-type medical apparatus which is inserted into the body of a subject and is guided by an external magnetic field, the capsule-type medical apparatus comprising: a substantially cylindrical capsule; a propulsion mechanism for converting rotary motion about a longitudinal axis R of the capsule into propulsive motion along the longitudinal axis R; a magnet accommodated inside the capsule and disposed in such a manner that the magnetic-pole direction thereof can be switched between a direction along the longitudinal axis R and a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis R; and a securing portion for securing the magnet to the capsule in each of the switched states of the magnetic-pole direction. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130190563 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPATIAL AND SPECTRAL IMAGING - A system and method for acquiring images containing spatial and spectral information of an object include acquiring defocused images using an optical system based on extended depth of field. The optical system further includes a filter array comprising an array of at least six different sub-filters that are arranged such that any group of four immediately adjacent sub-filters includes at least one red sub-filter, at least one green sub-filter and at least one blue sub-filter. The filter array is located at the aperture stop of the optical system. A coded mask is located at the focal plane of the optical system, and an imager is located beyond the focal plane such that images acquired by the imager are defocused. The images are refocused, and spectral and spatial information is restored by designated software. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190564 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope which is introduced into a subject; a change unit which changes a position or posture of the capsule endoscope in the subject with respect to the subject; a storage unit which stores in advance a change procedure of the capsule endoscope as a control parameter of the change unit; and a controller which controls the change unit in accordance with the parameter stored in the storage unit. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130197304 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING EFFECTS OF VIDEO ARTIFACTS - A method for reducing an effect of a video artifact includes adjusting a phase of a second imaging device's video clock signal so that a phase of the second imaging device's video synchronization signal matches a phase of a first imaging device's video synchronization signal. An endoscopic system includes a first imaging device, a second imaging device, a light source, and a controller that reduces an artifact in an image produced by the first imaging device. In some embodiments, the first imaging device faces the light source. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130197305 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDING SYSTEM AND MAGNETICALLY GUIDING METHOD - A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130197306 | Cable-Driven Morphable Manipulator - A device includes first and second sheets of first and second elastic materials, respectively, and a control wire. The first sheet has a first thickness and a first length and is shaped to have a first cross-section having a first inner periphery and a first outer periphery. The second sheet has a second thickness and a second length and is shaped to have a second cross-section having a second inner periphery and a second outer periphery. One of the first sheet and the second sheet has a spacing disposed in along one of the first length and the second length, respectively. The first outer periphery is less than or equal to the second inner periphery. The second sheet surrounds the first sheet. The control wire has an end constrained to one of the first sheet the first material and the second sheet. The control wire is disposed within the spacing. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130204084 | Solid State Variable Direction Of View Endoscope - An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130204085 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MAGNETIC ENDOSCOPE - A magnetic endoscopic system including a wireless endoscope. The wireless endoscope includes one or more cameras and one or more lights for viewing internal portions of a body. The wireless endoscope further includes one or more magnets. The magnetic endoscopic system also includes a positioner externally positioned against the body for moving the wireless endoscope when positioned entirely or partially within the portions of the body. The positioner includes at least one magnet for attracting the one or more magnets and magnetically moving the wireless endoscope. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130204086 | METHOD FOR CLEARING A BODY LUMEN ENVIRONMENT - An in vivo sensing device and system may contain or be used in conjunction with an image sensor and a body lumen clearing element or agent. A method may enable clearing a body lumen for in vivo sensing while using the device of the invention. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130217965 | Endoscope Apparatus - An endoscope apparatus includes an objective optical system mounted at a distal end portion of an endoscope, which is inserted into a tube cavity, and configured to form an image of an object, the objective optical system including a focusing lens movable in an optical axis direction, a solid-state image pickup device for color image pickup configured to pick up the image formed by the objective optical system, a color separation filter being arranged for each pixel in the solid-state image pickup device, a focus adjusting mechanism configured to move the focusing lens and automatically adjust the objective optical system to a focus position in a focused state, a moving range switching section configured to perform switching of a moving range of the focusing lens, a moving range limiting section configured to limit the moving range in association with the switching by the moving range switching section, and the like. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217966 | ENCAPSULATED ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM IN WHICH ENDOSCOPE MOVES IN LUMEN BY ITSELF AND ROTATION OF IMAGE OF REGION TO BE OBSERVED IS CEASED - An encapsulated endoscope system in accordance with the present invention comprises: an encapsulated endoscope that rotates to develop a thrust; a controller that moves the encapsulated endoscope in an intended direction of advancement; an imaging unit incorporated in the encapsulated endoscope; and an image processing unit that receives image data sent from the imaging unit, and produces an image, which results from rotation of the received image data, according to the rotational phase of the encapsulated endoscope. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217967 | METHOD OF USER INTERFACES FOR ELECTROSURGICAL TOOLS IN ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEMS - A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including capturing camera images of a surgical site; generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a first colored border portion in a first side and a second colored border in a second side opposite the first side; and overlaying the GUI onto the captured camera images of the surgical site for display on a display device of a surgeon console. The GUI provides information to a user regarding the first electrosurgical tool and the second tool in the surgical site that is concurrently displayed by the captured camera images. The first colored border portion in the GUI indicates that the first electrosurgical tool is controlled by a first master grip of the surgeon console and the second colored border portion indicates the tool type of the second tool controlled by a second master grip of the surgeon console. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130225922 | Device and Methods for in vivo Monitoring of an Individual - The present invention may be embodied as a retrievable device capable of sensing one or more properties of an individual (e.g., chemical or physical parameters, etc.) In use, the retrievable device can continuously determine the chemical concentrations within the vaginal tract. An embodiment of the retrievable device comprises a first housing having a light source and an image capture device, a second housing removably connected to the first housing and having a sensor, and a fitting for retrieving the device. The sensor may be an analyte sensor configured to obtain at least one measurement of a concentration of an analyte in a fluid. The analyte sensor comprises a sensor substance in a sol-gel material so the sensor substance reversibly interacts with an analyte of interest. In addition, the retrievable device can be configured to determine different physical parameters and re-implanted. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130225923 | IN VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS - A capsule endoscope includes: an in vivo information acquiring section that acquires information on an inside of a body of a subject; a battery that supplies power; a power source switch that turns on/off power supply from the battery to the in vivo information acquiring section; a detection section that includes at least two electrodes disposed on an outer face of a casing, and, upon detection of introduction to the inside of the body of the subject based on a change in electric resistance between the electrodes, outputs a detection signal; and a control section that controls the power source switch according to the detection signal. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130225924 | MEDICAL SCOPE WITH SINGLE USE PROBE - A medical scope with a probe capable of being utilized for a single imaging procedure is described. The medical scope has a control unit with a programmable memory unit, a socket for receiving a plug end of the probe, and the probe having a light guide and a pair of power wires extending along the length thereof. The control unit also has a display screen, a set of switches to control functions, and a light source. The probe includes a check bit memory unit for retaining a selected value that the control unit will detect, a zero value indicating a new probe and a non-zero value indicating a used probe. Therefore, the used probe will be rejected by the control unit and cannot be used again. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130231530 | MAGNETIC MANEUVERING SYSTEM FOR CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A magnetic maneuvering system for capsule endoscope includes the capsule endoscope, an annular fitting sleeved around the outer surface of the capsule endoscope. A plurality of magnetic driven parts are provided and distributed on the annular fitting member. The control device includes a magnetic driving part for magnetically actuating the magnetic driven parts, thus enabling the capsule endoscope to rotate and move in an organism as a result of the actuation of the magnetic driven parts. By magnetically controlling the magnetic driven parts, the capsule endoscope is allowed to rotate or move under the control of the control device to achieve better image retrieval results and improve over the poor image retrieval results obtained by the prior art since the location and direction of a traditional capsule endoscope, relying solely on the contractions of the digestive tract, cannot be controlled. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231531 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - An endoscopic device includes a proximal side contact portion coming into air-tight contact with an outer peripheral portion of the insertion section, and a cavity is defined between the insertion section and a fixed member to a distal direction side of the proximal side contact portion. In a protruding state of a hood, a first path which makes an inside of the hood communicate with the cavity is defined, and the hood is in air-tight contact with the fixed member over an entire circumference in circumferential directions at a distal side contact portion. In a housed state of the hood, a second path which makes the cavity to communicate with an outside of the fixed member is defined. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231532 | BATTERY MODULE AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE INCLUDING THE SAME - There is provided a battery module including batteries and a connection body, wherein the connection body includes a first connection portion which is electrically connected to the metal electrode of the battery and a second connection portion which is electrically connected to the metal electrode of the battery and is arranged in a region which overlaps with the individual batteries when the individual batteries connected by the connection body are viewed in a plan view from one of two sides in a direction of series connection of the individual batteries. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130237754 | Otoscanning With 3D Modeling - An otoscanner including an otoscanner body, the body comprising a hand grip, the body having mounted upon it an ear probe, a tracking illumination emitter, a plurality of tracking illumination sensors, and a display screen, the otoscanner body having mounted within it an image sensor; the ear probe comprising a wide-angle lens optically coupled to the image sensor, laser light source, a laser optical element, and a source of non-laser video illumination; the plurality of tracking illumination sensors disposed upon the otoscanner body so as to sense reflections of tracking illumination emitted from the tracking illumination emitter and reflected from tracking targets installed at positions that are fixed relative to the scanned ear; the image sensor coupled for data communications to a data processor, with the data processor configured so that it functions by constructing a 3D image of the interior of the scanned ear. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130237755 | FLEXIBLE VISUALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL INTUBATION INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - A flexible medical intubation instrument provided for placement into an animal or human patient comprises a catheter with at least a pair of longitudinally extending lumens or channels including a sensor and/or actuator channel and a working channel. In the sensor/actuator channel is provided a fixed or slideably removable sensor cable having a sensor for sensing a characteristic or condition. The entire instrument can flex laterally as it moves through curved passages or around obstructions during insertion or removal. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130245372 | ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - An endotracheal intubation assistance apparatus is adapted to assist in insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea of a patient, and includes a movable tubular stylet, a graspable controller, and a viewing device. The stylet has a leading section, a body section, a tail section, and two slits extending through the body section and the tail section. The tail section is divided by the slits into first and second driven sheets. The viewing device includes an elongate body and a viewing head. The elongate body and the viewing head are movable through the graspable controller, and are extendable outwardly from the leading section. When the first and second driven sheets move relative to each other, the leading section swings synchronously a distal end of the endotracheal tube and the viewing head. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245373 | SEAL ANCHOR WITH NON-PARALLEL LUMENS - A seal anchor member defines a housing defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having leading and trailing ends, and including a plurality of lumens extending between the leading and trailing ends, each lumen being adapted for substantially sealed reception of an object therein and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein at least two of the lumens define longitudinal axes that are non-parallel to facilitate angled, at-rest placement of multiple instruments within the seal anchor member. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245374 | TROCAR SYSTEM - The invention relates to a trocar system for a minimally invasive work station, comprising an endoscopic instrument ( | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253269 | CAPSULE-TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE - The position of an antenna incorporated in a capsule-type endoscope | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130267775 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes: an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of an insertion portion; one pair of pulling members extending from a bending portion; a pulley rotated by a motor; rotating bodies that are elastically deformable and arranged on the pulley; a suspension frame to which the pulling members are fixed; a manipulator provided to project from the operation portion, the manipulator being capable of applying an amount of force of pulling a part of a pulling member on the insertion portion side using a frictional resistance generated as a result of, upon a tilting operation being performed, the pulling member being pulled to reduce a diameter of the corresponding rotating body and the rotating body being thereby brought into contact with the pulley; and a force amount adjustment section capable of changing the amount of force of pulling by making an adjustment of a friction generation state. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130267776 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING PROBES AND RELATED METHODS - An imaging probe may be responsive to a detector and an activator for processing an interferometric signal received from the detector and, in response to user actuation of the activator, for causing capture of an image or a video of the sample and storage thereof in a memory. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130274552 | ANTENNA UNIT AND RECEIVING APPARATUS FOR CAPSULE MEDICAL APPARATUS - An antenna unit includes a receiving antenna which receives in-vivo information of a subject transmitted from a capsule medical apparatus, a wireless-signal generator which receives the in-vivo information of the subject received by the receiving antenna and generates a wireless signal including the received in-vivo information, a power supply unit which supplies power for the wireless signal generator, an outer covering on which the receiving antenna, the wireless-signal generator, the transmitting antenna, and the power supply unit are mounted. The power supply unit is flexible and can be transformed easily according to transformation of the outer covering. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130281779 | ENDOSCOPE WITH DISTAL TIP HAVING ENCASED OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND DISPLAY ORIENTATION CAPABILITIES - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130289349 | Small Diameter Endoscope for Pain Management - A small diameter, multi-channel endoscope for pain management in a subject includes a control handle and a flexible, elongated body functionally connected to the control handle. The body includes a distal end for positioning in or about a target structure. The body also includes a working channel that extends longitudinally through the body. The working channel includes a controllable deployment mechanism configured for selective application of at least one target substance to the target structure. Additionally, the body includes an image channel extending longitudinally through the body. The image channel includes a visualization system for conveying an image from the distal end of the body to a user. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289350 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING A TUBE - Apparatus and methods for extending a tube, the apparatus including a foldable tube having a folded portion inside an unfolded portion of the tube, and a source of fluid coupled to the unfolded portion for providing fluid into the unfolded portion to unfold and extend the folded portion out of the unfolded portion to become an extension of the unfolded portion. The apparatus and methods are useful, inter alia, for cleansing the colon in the normal direction, that is, from the cecum to the anus, using an apparatus that is introduced via the anus. A washing liquid is supplied deep into the colon via the soft feed tube that is inserted via the anus and is extended into the colon by inflation. The washing liquid is then drained out via the anus through a drainage channel. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130296649 | Optical Systems for Multi-Sensor Endoscopes - There is provided herein an optical system for a tip section of a multi-sensor endoscope, the system comprising: a front-pointing camera sensor; a front objective lens system; a side-pointing camera sensor; and a side objective lens system, wherein at least one of said front and side objective lens systems comprises a front and a rear sub-systems separated by a stop diaphragm, said front sub-system comprises, in order from the object side, a first front negative lens and a second front positive lens, said rear sub-system comprises, in order from the object side, a first rear positive lens, an achromatic sub-assembly comprising a second rear positive lens and a third rear negative lens, wherein the following condition is satisfied: f | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296650 | IN VIVO SENSING DEVICE WITH A FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT BOARD - A flexible circuit board for being inserted into an in-vivo imaging device is provided. The flexible circuit board may include a plurality of flexible installation units connected to one another through flexible connection units. The flexible installation units may be capable of having electrical components disposed thereon at a size suitable for being included in an in-vivo imaging device which may be inserted into a body lumen, e.g., a capsule endoscope. An in-vivo imaging device which may enclose such a full-flexible circuit board is also provided. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296651 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes an illumination unit which includes a modulation section configured to control a visible light source so that visible light from the visible light source is subjected to intensity modulation in a predetermined pattern, and emits modulated visible light as illumination light, a detection section configured to detect the modulated visible light, and a determination section configured to determine whether an insertion portion of an endoscope is present in an object based on a detection result of the detection section. The illumination unit is arranged outside the object, and the detection section is arranged at the insertion portion. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296652 | SOLID STATE ILLUMINATION FOR ENDOSCOPY - Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating devices located thereon. The solid state or compact electro-optic illuminating device can include, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), laser diode (LD), or other Infrared (TR) or Ultraviolet (UV) source. Solid state sources of various wavelengths may be used to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The solid state illuminating device may be placed on the exterior surface of the device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130303849 | CATHETER WITH IMAGING ASSEMBLY AND CONSOLE WITH REFERENCE LIBRARY AND RELATED METHODS THEREFOR - An imaging system having an imaging assembly having an imaging device for generating imaging signals corresponding to images of anatomy of a patient disclosed. The imaging assembly, which may be a component of a feeding tube assembly, transmits the imaging signals generated to a console, which presents images generated corresponding to the imaging signals on a display. A reference menu is presented on the display including menu items, which correspond to reference materials including photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, diagrams, animations, and/or text. Each of the materials provides information about anatomy, patient preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter features, console preparation, console operation, console features, system operation, system features, and/or contact information. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130303850 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH A VIA - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscope, having a hermetically sealed housing for accommodating, optical and/or electrical devices therein. The housing having a wall with a via provided in the wall to electrically connect an electrical contact formed on the inside of the wall with an electrical contact formed on the outside of the wall, wherein the via has a penetration in the wall, and the penetration is filled with a filling material to form a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the electrical contacts are formed as at least one electrically conductive conductor path on the inside of the wall and on the outside of the wall, wherein one conductor path on the inside of the wall, and one conductor path on the outside of the housing are connected to each other by means of the via, and wherein the filling material of the via consists of metal or solder. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130310643 | APPARATUS, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CAPSULE MICROSCOPY - An exemplary apparatus for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include a first optical arrangement configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic radiation to and from the portion(s). The apparatus can also include a wavelength dispersive second arrangement, which can be configured to disperse the electromagnetic radiation(s). A housing can be provided with a shape of a pill, and enclosing the first and second arrangements. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310644 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE - An electronic endoscope includes a distal end portion of an insertion portion which incorporates an image pickup unit, a first metal frame which holds an observation window, a second metal frame which holds an objective optical system, a third metal frame which is made to fit with a rear portion of the second metal frame and holds an electronic component, an anti-fogging unit which prevents fogging of the observation window, and a thermal insulation member which thermally insulates the anti-fogging unit and the second metal frame from each other to inhibit transmission of heat generated in the anti-fogging unit to the third metal frame, an outer circumferential face of which fits with an inner circumferential face of the first metal frame, and an inner circumferential face of which fits with an outer circumferential face of the second metal frame. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130317295 | Light assembly for remote visual inspection apparatus - An apparatus for use as a light assembly in remote visual inspection devices is provided. The light assembly may consist of a laser diode coupled to a fiber optic bundle that transmits collimated laser light onto a wavelength converter located in the distal end of the remote video inspection system. Wavelength converters consisting of phosphorescent materials can be used to convert collimated laser light into white light for inspection illumination purposes. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130317296 | DILATOR WITH DIRECT VISUALIZATION - Dilators with a threaded distal portion and direct visualization capability may be used for penetrating and dilating stiff tissues and bones. The threaded portion of a dilator engages the tissue between the insertion site and the target site, and may be rotated for advancing through the target tissue in a more controlled fashion. The direct visualization capability may be used to visualize the ligament as the threaded distal portion passes through the ligamentum flavum. The devices and methods described may be used in procedures, for example, where ligaments surrounding the epidural space need to be dilated in order to deliver one or more surgical instruments into the epidural space. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130317297 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope is disclosed. The capsule endoscope includes a shell, a plurality of image capturing units, a positioning unit, and a processing unit. The shell has a containing space. The image capturing units are disposed in the containing space and arranged such that the image capturing units capture images from different angles. The positioning unit is disposed in the containing space for positioning each of the image capturing units. The processing units is disposed in the containing space for acquiring angles of capturing images with the image capturing units according to positioning results of the image capturing units with the positioning unit. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130324796 | LOCOMOTION DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPIC APPLICATIONS AND RELATED METHODS - A locomotion device and related methods for navigation into an intracorporeal cavity such as a gastrointestinal tract are described. The locomotion device is based upon rotating pinching organs, associated actuators, and transmission systems wherein the rotating pinching organs are placed side by side and rotate in an opposite direction in order to draw and retain a tissue portion and establish an anchoring point of the locomotion device onto the substratum. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130324797 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source device radiating at least one or more illumination lights having a predetermined wavelength band to a subject; a CCD picking up an image of a return light from the subject based on radiation of the illumination light from the light source device; an image processing section outputting a first image signal of a first wavelength band having a peak wavelength of spectral characteristic, between a wavelength band including a maximum value and a wavelength band at a minimum value with regard to an absorption characteristic of living tissue, after image pickup by the CCD; and an observation monitor performing image display on the basis of the first image signal. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130331647 | Endoscopic Device Incorporating Diode Laser for PDD, PDT, And AF Applications - Endoscopic device incorporating diode lasers for use in PDD, PDT and AF applications. Devices according to the invention do not require an external light source, bulb lamp, or light delivery cables. Multiple laser diodes and multiple wavelengths can be employed in continuous or pulsed applications for simultaneous multi-mode diagnostic readout or simultaneous diagnostic readout and treatment. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331648 | Method and Apparatus for Viewing a Body Cavity - A method and apparatus to generate a planar representation of a longitudinally extending 360 degree continuous view within a body cavity of a patient is disclosed comprising advancing a portion of an imaging device into the body cavity of the patient, the imaging device having an image capture mechanism disposed on a distal end thereof configured to capture at least a 360 degree view of the inside of the body cavity. Further comprising withdrawing the imaging device at a controlled rate from the patient while simultaneously coordinating and generating 360 degree view image data from the imaging device and transmitting the image data from the imaging device to an image processor. The method further comprising processing the image data to produce a planar longitudinally continuous 360 degree view of the body cavity. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331649 | MAGNETICALLY MANEUVERABLE IN-VIVO DEVICE - An in-vivo device includes a magnetic steering unit (MSU) to maneuver it by an external electromagnetic field. The MSU may include a permanent magnets assembly to produce a magnetic force for navigating the device. The MSU may include a magnets carrying assembly (MCA) to accommodate the permanent magnet(s). The MCA may be designed to generate eddy currents, in response to AC magnetic field, to apply a repelling force. The in-vivo device may also include a multilayered imaging and sensing printed circuit board (MISP) to capture and transmit images. The MISP may include a sensing coil assembly (SCA) to sense electromagnetic fields to determine a location/orientation/angular position of the in-vivo device. Data representing location/orientation/angular position of the device may be used by a maneuvering system to generate a steering magnetic field to steer the in-vivo device from one location or state to another location or state. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130338436 | MEDICAL DEVICE VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member including a proximal region and a distal region. The elongate member can further include a handle at the proximal region and a tip at the distal region. The tip can include one or more openings, wherein one of the one or more openings at least partially houses an illumination unit. The illumination unit may further comprise a light source, a near-field diffuser proximate to the light source, and a far-field aperture proximate to the light source. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130338437 | System and Method for Mapping Anatomical Structures and Marking Them on a Substrate - The present disclosure provides a method and system for mapping anatomical structures and marking them on an image to be printed on a substrate including the steps of inserting an imaging device into a surgical site, obtaining an image of a defect located in the surgical site from the imaging device, adjusting the image, transmitting the image to a printer, and printing the image on a substrate. The printed image may be a size directly proportional to the defect. The adjusting step may further include the steps of setting a minimum margin to be maintained between the perimeter of the defect and the perimeter of the substrate, selecting a shape and size of the substrate, and identifying at least one anatomical feature of the surgical site. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130338438 | FLUORESCENCE ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - A fluorescence endoscope apparatus includes: a light source unit emitting light in a combination of light in plural types of wavelength bands in two types of wavelength ranges of RGB and two types of exciting light, with plural types of emitting patterns and in a time division; an image pickup unit receiving reflected light and two types of fluorescence; and an image-processing unit outputting a white light image and two types of fluorescence images. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130345506 | MAGNETIC-CONTROLLED SYSTEM APPLICABLE FOR COLONOSCOPY - A magnetic-controlled system for colonoscopy is provided, including a supporting rod, an image retrieving unit, annular sheaths and a controlling device. After the supporting rod enters the large intestine of an organism via the anus, the image retrieving unit at the top end segment of the supporting rod then retrieves images of the large intestine. The annular sheaths are disposed around the supporting rod. Each of the annular sheaths has a plurality of magnetic-driven parts. The controlling device has a rotatable magnetic driving part. The magnetic-controlled system allows the rotation of the magnetic-driven parts, which in turn rotates the annular sheaths to facilitate the supporting rod moving smoothly in the large intestine, by rotating the magnetic driving parts and forward moving of the controlling device. Therefore, the pain experienced by the patients when the supporting rod is moving ungainly inside the intestine is greatly relieved. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130345507 | ENDOSCOPE DESIGNS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Various embodiments of the present invention comprise endoscopes for viewing inside a cavity of a body such as a vessel like a vein or artery. These endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is inserted into the body cavity to provide illumination therein. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise disposable endoscopes that can be fabricated relatively inexpensively such that discarding these endoscopses after a single use is cost-effective. The endoscope may comprise a lens holder on a distal end of the endoscope for collection of light reflected from surfaces within the body in which the endoscope is inserted. This lens holder may have an inner cavity through which light passes along an optical path. Reflective surfaces on sidewalls of the inner cavity may direct light along this optical path. The endoscope may further comprise an elongated support structure for supporting a plurality of lenses disposed along the optical path. This optical path may lead to a detector onto which images are formed. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130345508 | LIGHT IRRADIATING DEVICE, SCANNING ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE, MANUFACTURING METHOD OF LIGHT IRRADIATING DEVICE, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SCANNING ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - In a light irradiating device of a scanning endoscopic device, a proximal end of a lens optical system is located apart from a distal end of an optical fiber in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a lens-side facing portion faces a fiber-side facing portion apart from the fiber-side facing portion by a second dimension smaller than a first dimension between the distal end of the optical fiber and the proximal end of the lens optical system in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the lens optical system and the distal end of the optical fiber are located between a distal end and a proximal end of the window in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130345509 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPIC MEASUREMENT AND MAPPING OF INTERNAL ORGANS, TUMORS AND OTHER OBJECTS - A system and method for endoscopic measurement and mapping of internal organs, tumors and other objects. The system includes an endoscope with a plurality of light sources and at least one camera; a processor; a memory; and a program stored in the memory. The program, when executed by the processor, carries out steps including projecting light beams from the plurality of light sources so light points associated with the light beams appear on an object; and generating at least one image frame of the object based on the light points. The program, when executed by the processor, can further carry out steps including converging positions of the light points and determining a measurement of the object. The determining step can further include using a “shape from motion” process, a “shape from shading” process, and an inter-frame correspondence process, and can be performed by a third party for a transactional accommodation. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140005475 | Image Tracking System and Image Tracking Method Thereof | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140005476 | FLUORESCENCE-ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140005477 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT FOR EXAMINING THE CERVIX | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140012078 | Accelorometer Based Endoscopic Light Source Safety System - An endoscope, endoscopic system and method that has an automatic-shutoff feature when the endoscope is stationary. The endoscope has a motion sensor and a controller, the motion sensor providing signals to the controller and the controller instructing a light source to reduce its output intensity if the controller does not receive signs from the motion sensor. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012079 | PIPE ENDOSCOPE - A pipe endoscope includes: a transparent observation container having a bottomed cylindrical shape which is open on a base end side and sealed on a tip side; a scope which is inserted into the observation container and includes an objective lens at a tip of the scope; and an image processing device which is connected to the scope and processes information collected by the scope to display a video image. The observation container includes: a protrusion which is projected to the tip side beyond a sealed bottom part having light-transmitting property, and a tip of which is processed to have curvature; and a detachable light source which irradiates the periphery of the bottom part with light. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012080 | ENDOSCOPIC CAMERA AND ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - Provided is an endoscopic camera capable of expanding its visual field up to an oblique back side. An endoscopic camera includes: a rigid case having a cylindrical shape with a top end portion being obliquely cut off; a camera head provided at the top end portion of the rigid case; a semispherical cover mounted on the top end portion of the rigid case to cover at least a part of the camera head; and a tilt motor adapted to rotate the camera head around a tilt shaft. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012081 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING VIDEO-ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE DATA OF A VIDEO ENDOSCOPE - A method for displaying video-endoscopic image data of a video endoscope having at least one lateral viewing direction, wherein at least one objective which is movable relative to an image sensor about the longitudinal axis of a shaft of the video endoscope and has at least one lateral viewing direction is arranged on the distal end of the shaft of the video endoscope, wherein the viewing direction is changed over from a first viewing direction to a second viewing direction on account of a viewing direction changeover command. Also provided are a video endoscopy system wherein the viewing direction can be changed over from a first viewing direction to a second viewing direction on account of a viewing direction changeover command and a software program product comprising program code means for carrying out the above method. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140018622 | ENDOSCOPIC CAMERA SINGLE-BUTTON MODE ACTIVATION - A variable direction of view endoscope system including an endoscope having an image receiver with a variable direction of view adjustable over a viewing range bound by a first limit and a second limit and a single button for adjusting the variable direction of view of the image receiver, wherein actuation of the single button advances the variable direction of view sequentially through the viewing range. When the image receiver is at the second limit of the viewing range, actuation of the single button adjusts the image receiver back to the first limit of the viewing range. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018623 | CONTROL APPARATUS, BIO-OPTICAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A control apparatus controls a bio-optical measurement apparatus which is configured to be inserted into a subject through an endoscopic device and is configured to perform an optical measurement of a biological tissue in the subject. The endoscopic device is configured to capture, by inserting a distal end part of the endoscopic device into the subject, in-vivo images of the subject by an imaging unit provided at the distal end part. The control apparatus includes a position determining unit configured to determine a position of the distal end part in the subject, and a permission signal outputting unit configured to output a permission signal for permitting the bio-optical measurement apparatus to perform the optical measurement based on a determination result by the position determining unit. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140031622 | ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR AND A CLEANING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - An endobronchial tube which contains an integrated camera and light source and a cleaning nozzle arrangement disposed within dedicated peripheral lumen within the tube's wall. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031623 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system is provided by which observation image brightness can be suppressed from irregularly fluctuating before and after changing of an observation mode and observer's discomfort feeling can be reduced. The endoscope system includes an imaging element, an image processing section that generates an observation image from an imaging signal, a display section that displays the observation image, an illumination mode changing section that changes illumination modes of a light source device, an image processing mode changing section that changes an image processing mode, and a light source control section that controls the light source device. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031624 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus according to a present embodiment has a CCD and an LED control section which controls LED1 and LED2. The LED control section sequentially drives the two LEDs, LED1 and LED2, on the basis of an image pickup start timing signal corresponding to each image pickup cycle S for the CCD within the image pickup cycle S such that driving time periods for LED1 and LED2 do not overlap. The LED control section also variably controls the driving time periods for LED1 and LED2 to adjust an amount of exposure within the image pickup cycle S and performs control so as to conduct, within the image pickup cycle S, at least a first drive within the image pickup cycle S of LED2 that is a second or subsequent one to be driven with reference to a timing for driving of LED1 that is driven earlier. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140039256 | TUBE FOR INSPECTING INTERNAL ORGANS OF A BODY - An inspection tube for use in the medical practice, in which sensors, such as a miniature electronic camera, are incorporated in the distal face of the tube. The sensors receive energy supplied via conduits running along the length of the tube, preferably embedded within the wall. Signals of the sensors are transmitted to the rear of the tube where they are fed into receivers. Sensor cleaning can be affected in some embodiments by conducting cleaning agents through a channel in the wall of the tube. An alarm procedure can be affected by comparing sensed pattern with a reference base pattern and defining a critical deviation from the reference base . | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039257 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND FOCUS CONTROL METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an imaging section that includes a phase difference detection element for implementing phase detection autofocus, and acquires a captured image, a phase difference calculation section that calculates a phase difference based on a signal output from the phase difference detection element, a lens position selection section that selects a lens position that is either a near point-side lens position or a far point-side lens position based on the phase difference, the near point-side lens position and the far point-side lens position being discrete lens positions set in advance, and a driver section that changes a lens position of the imaging section to the lens position selected by the lens position selection section. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140046131 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes an image acquisition section, an attention area setting section, and a scaling section. The image acquisition section acquires a captured image that includes an object image. The attention area setting section sets an attention area within the captured image based on information from the endoscope system. The scaling section performs a local scaling process that relatively enlarges the attention area as compared with another area. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140051924 | In Vivo Capsule Device with Electrodes - A capsule endoscopic device with movement control is disclosed. The capsule endoscopic device comprises a capsule housing, one or more electrodes disposed fixedly through the capsule housing and a processing unit inside the capsule housing. The electrodes apply electrical stimulus to living body tissue in a patient's gastrointestinal track. The processing unit generates the electrical stimulus according to a quantified movement of the capsule endoscopic device to adjust movement of the capsule endoscopic device. Also, the capsule device can be configured for multi-function electrodes. In one embodiment, the capsule device can be configured to use the electrodes to adjust movement in vivo. In another embodiment, the capsule device can be configured to use the electrodes to download data stored in an archive memory inside the capsule device. In yet another embodiment, the capsule device can configure the electrodes to collect electrochemical data. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140051925 | FILTER SWITCHING DEVICE FOR FLUORESCENCE ENDOSCOPIC TELEVISION CAMERA SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, and more particularly, to a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, which selectively transmits light to a detector sensor of a television camera according to the white light condition or the fluorescence condition to diagnose patients using a fluorescence endoscope. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140051926 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF FLUIDS AND MEDICALINSTRUMENTATION - Methods and devices for orally administering fluids and medical instrumentation to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. An apparatus is described comprising a pacifier configured to hold fluid and configured for sucking. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a balloon positioned within a cavity of the pacifier. The balloon is configured to facilitate expulsion of the fluid from the cavity and to limit a user's ingestion of air. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge or ampoule configured to store a fluid and expel the fluid through the pacifier. Systems are disclosed which include the pacifier apparatus, a known quantity of fluid or powder, and sterile packaging. Other systems are disclosed whereby various attachments, both medical and non-medical, couple to the apparatus. Methods of using and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140058197 | Low Profile Electrode Assembly - A tissue electrode assembly includes a membrane configured to form an expandable, conformable body that is deployable in a patient. The assembly further includes a flexible circuit positioned on a surface of the membrane and comprising at least one base substrate layer, at least one insulating layer and at least one planar conducting layer. An electrically-conductive electrode covers at least a portion of the flexible circuit and a portion of the surface of the membrane not covered by the flexible circuit, wherein the electrically-conductive electrode is foldable upon itself with the membrane to a delivery conformation having a diameter suitable for minimally-invasive delivery of the assembly to the patient. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058198 | LIGHT SOURCE POWER BASED ON PREDETERMINED SENSED CONDITION - A medical instrument having a lighting system for illuminating a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058199 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING MEASURED DATA FROM THE STOMACH OF A PATIENT - In a method to obtain measurement data from the stomach of a patient using an endoscope, a degassed aqueous drink solution is administered to the stomach of the patient and the measurement data are acquired with the degassed aqueous drink solution present in the stomach. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140066710 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTRAOPERATIVE CONTROL OF ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING - An endoscopic imaging system including a rigid endoscope, a housing, a user input assembly, control circuitry, an actuator, and a position sensor. The endoscope defines a centrifugal bore and has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The endoscope includes a lens assembly positioned within the centrifugal bore. The housing of the device has an internal compartment and is securely coupled to the proximal end portion of the endoscope. Optical coupling for light is provided which allows for unlimited rotation and provides for improved image stability. The user input assembly receives user input controls corresponding to a selected rotational position of the endoscope. The control circuitry receives the user input controls and transmits them to the actuator, which controllably rotates the endoscope about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope in response to the user input controls. The position sensor produces a position signal indicative of the rotational position of the endoscope. The control circuitry uses the position signal to determine the required axial rotation of the endoscope. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066711 | LAPAROSCOPE SYSTEM - A visual system for laparoscopy comprising a visual device having a visual head member and an elongated connector; a manipulation device having a handheld operation portion, an insertion portion and a first contact element; and an external device comprising means to communicate with the vision head member, via the first contact element, when the elongated connector is mounted in an lumen of the insertion portion. The insertion portion of the manipulation device is configured to be extendable out from a body cavity through an airtight passage whereby the elongated connector is configured to be slidably mounted into the lumen of the insertion portion outside of the body cavity upon the insertion portion is withdrawn into the body cavity. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066712 | ENDOSCOPE WITH DISTAL TIP HAVING ENCASED OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND DISPLAY ORIENTATION CAPABILITIES - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140081083 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes an image acquisition section, an attention area setting section, and a dimming control section. The image acquisition section acquires a captured image that includes an object image. The attention area setting section sets an attention area within the captured image based on information from the endoscope system. The dimming control section performs a dimming control process that controls the intensity of illumination light based on the attention area set by the attention area setting section. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140088355 | Medical Devices for the Identification and Treatment of Bodily Passages - Medical devices are described. More particularly, medical devices and methods for the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are described herein. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member, a handle, and a wire member. The elongate member is moveable between a first straight, or substantially straight, configuration to a second curved configuration. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140088356 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a distal rigid portion, a bending portion comprising a first bending portion and a second bending portion and a flexible tube portion. The endoscope further includes an operation wire, a wire guide member, a bending operation portion. The endoscope further includes a regulation wire, the regulation wire being longer than the bending portion, the regulation wire being inserted through the first bending portion and the second bending portion, the regulation wire being provided to face the operation wire in the diametrical direction of the bending portion, the regulation wire regulating the bending of the bending portion so that the second bending portion is bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the first bending portion and the bending portion is bent in an S-shape when the first bending portion is bent. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140088357 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: an image processing portion that constructs three-dimensional data based on preoperative multi-slice image data and extracts a predetermined luminal organ; a position detection that acquires position information of an image pickup portion; a position alignment portion that makes position information of the image pickup portion correspond to coordinates of the three-dimensional data; and an image processing portion that generates trail information based on the position information of the image pickup portion, and based on a result of the position alignment portion, creates an image in which past trail information, insertion shape information including current distal end position information with respect to the image pickup portion, and determination information obtained by determining whether or not the image pickup portion passes through a duct in three-dimensional data of the predetermined luminal organ are superimposed in a distinguishable manner on three-dimensional image information of the predetermined luminal organ. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140088358 | ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING SYSTEM - An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140094651 | Imaging Catheter System - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094652 | Feeding Tube System with Imaging Assembly and Console Connector - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094653 | Imaging Catheter System - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094654 | MEDICAL DRIVE DEVICE - An object is to detect the pressing force of a tip driven unit. In the controller | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094655 | ENDOSCOPE WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL EXTENDIBLE ARMS AND ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE CAPTURE FOR USE THEREWITH - An endoscope and methods of use thereof are provided, which includes at least one multi-functional extending arm supporting a plurality of imaging, lighting and other sensory elements. The arms provide a mounting platform upon which cameras, lights and sensors may be mounted to generate multiple-angled images and video, arena-like lighting and other data for performing a minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) procedure. The arms may be inserted through a single portal in the endoscope and extended outward in multiple directions from the single portal once inserted into a body cavity. The endoscope may also include support arms which support the extending arms within the body cavity and a stabilization plate which anchors the endoscope to an external surface of the body. An endoscopic tool with optical, lighting and other sensors integrated into a functional end is also provided. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140107415 | Auto Zoom for Video Camera - An endoscope, endoscopic system and method for filling a medical display with a medical image involving sizing the medical image so that it covers at least one of the dimensions of the medical display. Automatically sizing the medical image to fit either the vertical, horizontal, or corner-to-corner dimensions of the surgical display, the sizing of the image involving adjusting the image size to account for changing zoom factors, endoscopes and imaging conditions. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140114127 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - Provided is a medical instrument which has improved operability of an insertion portion and can guide a distal end of the insertion portion to an intended position. The medical instrument includes: an insertion portion ( | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140121459 | Solid State Variable Direction Of View Endoscope With Rotatable Wide-Angle Field For Maximal Image Performance - An endoscope and endoscopic surgical system for improving the image resolution/performance of a solid state variable direction of view endoscope. The endoscope and endoscopic surgical system has an optical rotator element that optically rotates the entire wide-angle field so as to make any portion of the wide-angle field visible to an image sensor. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140128673 | Large-Field-Of-View Lens System For Capsule Endoscope And Capsule Endoscope Having Large-Field-Of-View Lens System - A lens system and a for a capsule endoscope includes a first lens having a concave aspheric surface having a radius R2 and a second lens having a convex aspheric surface having a radius R3 facing the first lens. A third lens has a convex aspheric surface having radius R6. The lens system satisfies the following conditions: (1) R2/Gap>1 and ABS(R3/R2)>1.28; (2) 1| 05-08-2014 | |
| 20140128674 | CONTACT-FREE MAGNETIC COUPLING FOR AN ENDOSCOPE, AND ENDOSCOPE - A contact-free magnetic coupling for an endoscope. The contact-free magnetic coupling including: an outer coupling part; and an inner coupling part. Wherein the inner coupling part is disposed within the outer coupling part such that a gap remains between the outer and inner coupling parts; the outer coupling part and the inner coupling part each comprise an annular body; the annular body of the outer coupling part is disposed between first side anchor plates, which together form a substantially “U”-shaped cross section that is open toward an interior; and/or the annular body of the inner coupling part is disposed between second side anchor plates, which together form a substantially “U”-shaped cross section that is open toward an exterior. Wherein the annular body of the outer coupling part and/or the inner coupling part comprises an axially magnetized annular magnet. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140128675 | Vivo CAMERA WITH MULTIPLE SOURCES TO ILLUMINATE TISSUE AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES - An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140135576 | COAXIAL MICRO-ENDOSCOPE - A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140135577 | Observation Instrument Comprising A High-Resolution Image Recorder - An instrument includes a hollow body with an internal diameter and an optoelectronic image recording system, which is arranged in an end region of the body and has a lens system on an image entrance side. The lens system has a cylindrical section and an image sensor. An external diameter of the cylindrical section is less than the internal diameter of the body, such that an interspace remains between an inner side of the body and an outer side of the lens system, providing access in the body for components. With a viewing direction of 0° to 90° from the optical axis of the lens system, a deflection prism is arranged on the image entrance side at the lens system, and has a section extending laterally beyond the external diameter of the cylindrical section. An image entrance plane of the image sensor runs approximately parallel to the optical axis. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140142380 | CAPSULE MEDICAL DEVICE - A capsule medical device includes: a casing having a capsule shape; a plurality of batteries, each having a first face, a second face, a first electrode and a second electrode; and a short-circuit prevention member, wherein the short-circuit prevention member includes an insulating member having an annular shape, covering the portion of the second electrode, and formed with an aperture from which the first electrode is exposed, an outer diameter of the annular shape is smaller than an inner diameter of the casing, and larger than an outer diameter of the battery, and a diameter of the aperture is larger than a diameter of the first electrode, and smaller than a diameter of the portion of the second electrode. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142381 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system is provided. The first optical system includes a first lens system configured to form a first optical image of a first object and a first image sensor configured to convert the first optical image into first image data and output the first image data. The second optical system includes a second lens system configured to form a second optical image of a second object and a second image sensor configured to convert the second optical image into second image data and output the second image data. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142382 | FOLDING ENDOSCOPE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and a channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. At least two elongate arms having proximal and distal ends are pivotally connected at the distal ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms and when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction. A linkage mechanism is connected to the arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism so that upon activation by the actuator the at least two elongate arms are pivotally deployed from a closed position to an open position. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140148645 | METHOD AND INSTRUMENTS FOR TREATING GERD - The invention relates surgical abdominal methods of treating a reflux disease in a patient by implanting a movement restriction device that, when implanted in a patient, restricts the movement of the stomach notch in relation to the diaphragm muscle preventing the cardia to slide up through the diaphragm hiatus opening. Also disclosed is a laparoscopic instrument for providing a movement restriction device to be invaginated in the stomach fundus wall of a human patient to treat reflux disease. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140155694 | Endoscope Objective Optical System - Provided is an endoscope objective optical system including, in order from an object side, an aperture stop, a front group having positive refractive power, and a rear group having positive refractive power, in which the rear group is formed by joining a single lens having positive refractive power and a single lens having negative refractive power and is joined to an imaging device; a joining surface between the single lenses has positive refractive power; and the endoscope objective optical system satisfies following Conditional Expression ( | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140163319 | CONTINUOUS VIDEO IN A LIGHT DEFICIENT ENVIRONMENT - The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features is disclosed and described. The features of the system may include controlling a light source through duration, intensity or both; pulsing a component controlled light source during the blanking period; maximizing the blanking period to allow optimum light; and maintaining color balance. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140171736 | Transitional Region Having Cuts and A Skive for an Imaging Catheter - An imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient's vasculature with an imaging element may include a proximal portion having a relatively higher stiffness that provides rigidity for pushing the imaging device through a patient's vasculature, and may include a distal portion having a relatively lower stiffness that enables threading through a curved vasculature of the patient. The imaging device also may include a transition region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171737 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND IMAGE PICKUP CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An endoscope apparatus including: an image pickup device; a detection device that detects whether or not an image region at which a part of an object region is edged along a direction parallel to the scan lines in a state that is different to a case where a plurality of the scan lines are simultaneously exposed exists in a frame image due to differences of exposure timings for each of the scan lines of the image pickup device based on an image feature amount in the frame image that is obtained from the image data for each of the scan lines that is outputted from the image pickup device; and an exposure control device that changes an exposure time of each of the scan lines by the image pickup device simultaneously for all of the scan lines if the detection device detects the image region. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171738 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND IMAGE PICKUP CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An endoscope apparatus, comprising: an image pickup device; a detection device that detects whether or not an image region at which a part of an object region is edged along a direction parallel to the scan lines in a state that is different to a case where a plurality of the scan lines are simultaneously exposed exists in a frame image due to differences of exposure timings for each of the scan lines based on an image feature amount in the frame image that is obtained from the image data for each of the scan lines that is outputted from the image pickup device; and an exposure control device that lengthens an exposure time of each of the scan lines by the image pickup device in comparison to a case where the detection device does not detect the image region, if the detection device detects the image region. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140180004 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes a white LED that emits synthesized light of the excitation light and the fluorescence, a CCD that picks up an image of an observation part, a brightness detecting section that detects brightness of an optical image of the observation part based on an image pickup signal outputted by the CCD, a light adjusting circuit that adjusts driving time of the semiconductor light source, a color correction parameter deriving section that derives a first color correction parameter for correcting a gain of a color component signal related to the excitation light in a video signal, and a second color correction parameter for correcting a gain of a color component signal related to the fluorescence, and a color tone varying section that corrects the excitation-light-related gain with the first color correction parameter, and corrects fluorescence-related gain with the second color correction parameter. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180005 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - In a capsule endoscope, inside a housing, a plurality of connecting sections of a circuit board formed by arranging a plurality of board sections to one another in a row via the connecting sections are bent at 180 degrees and the plurality of board sections are arranged such that principal planes of the respective board sections are orthogonal to a center axis of the housing. The capsule endoscope includes two transducer sections, a first image pickup chip connected to the transducer section via two signal lines and configured to generate a clock signal and acquire first image data according to the generated clock signal, a second image pickup chip configured to acquire second image data according to the clock signal transmitted by one signal line from the first image pickup chip, and a transmitting section configured to transmit the first image data and the second image data by radio. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140194683 | TROCAR, AND SURGERY ASSISTANCE SYSTEM | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194684 | Medical Device for Conducting a Medical Examination and/or Intervention Within a Human or Animal Body - The invention is related to a medical device ( | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194685 | Trocar System - A trocar system, having a trocar, a trocar sleeve, an optical channel extending coaxially in the trocar for receiving an optical unit, and a hollow transparent distal tip of the trocar, which can be observed from the interior by means of the optical unit, wherein a working channel extends continuously from the proximal end to the distal end in the trocar and opens into an outlet opening in the region of the distal end, and wherein the inner wall of the working channel is formed at least in an axially continuous sub-region of the circumference thereof by the trocar sleeve. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194686 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - An endoscopic device includes: a light source unit configured to repeat for every frame period, an operation of emitting illumination light during a front period and turning off the illumination light during a back period of the frame period; a buffer memory mounted in an endoscopic scope and configured to store image information of a frame image signal output from an image capturing unit; and an information transmitting unit configured to read out the image information of the frame image signal from the buffer memory and transmit the image information to an image processing unit, in which the information transmitting unit reads out the image information of the frame image signal from the buffer memory within the frame period. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194687 | FILTER FOR USE WITH IMAGING ENDOSCOPES - A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multi-mode light source that produces light for white light and fluorescence imaging modes. A filter is positioned at the distal end of an imaging endoscope so that the endoscope can produce fluorescence and white light images of a tissue sample. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140200405 | EXTENDABLE INTUBATION STYLET - An extendable Intubation stylet including a handle member and a trigger mechanism moveable relative to the handle member between a retracted position and an extended position. A hollow semi-rigid stylet member extends from the handle member from a proximal end to a distal end. A flexible stylet member has a proximal end and a distal end and extends through the semi-rigid stylet member with the proximal end of the flexible stylet member connected with the trigger mechanism and configured such that when the trigger mechanism is in the retracted position, the flexible stylet member distal end is proximate the semi-rigid stylet member distal end and when the trigger mechanism is in the extended position, the flexible stylet member distal end is extended from the semi-rigid stylet member distal end. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200406 | ANTI-FOGGING DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE - Anti-fogging system for an endoscope including an endoscope having an outer housing, an imaging arrangement, and a distal window. A filter lens is located at the distal window, with the filter lens allowing a first portion of electromagnetic light to pass therethrough while absorbing a second portion of electromagnetic light in order to heat the filter lens. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140206936 | SIDE LOOKING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY - Two surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instruments exit at an intermediate position of the guide tube and are oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as they exit. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140213849 | METHOD OF VIEWING INTERNAL ORGANS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES - A laparoscope for introduction into a body cavity includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. Each of the proximal and distal portions has an outer surface. The distal portion is disposed in a bent configuration relative to the proximal portion once inserted into the body cavity. At least one illumination device is disposed on the outer surface of the distal portion and is in electronic communication with a control unit. At least one image capturing device is disposed adjacent the illumination device and is in electronic communication with the control unit and a display unit. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140221740 | WIRELESS ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL DEVICE - A wireless endoscopic surgical device used for minimally invasive procedures comprises a handheld component and a separate power module. The handheld component consisting of a handle and a conduit houses a wireless imaging system and a single LED light source. The imaging system comprises a wireless camera coupled to an optical assembly. Both the intensity of the LED and the camera action can be controlled by a battery-operated power module. The handle and conduit are designed to accommodate surgical tools. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221741 | Self Assembly of In-Vivo Capsule System - An in-vivo self-assembly capsule system is disclosed, where the in-vivo capsule system comprises a first primary capsule, at least one second capsule, and a self-connection means for connecting the first primary capsule and said at least one second capsule by providing holding force when the first primary capsule and said at least one second capsule are in contact in human GI tract. The self-connection means comprises an interlocking means disposed on the first primary capsule and said at least one second capsule. The interlocking means may correspond to hooks disposed on one connecting side and loops disposed on another connecting side, or hooks disposed on both connecting sides. The interlocking means may also correspond to a first magnet and an interaction piece affixed to two corresponding capsules respectively, and the interaction piece corresponds to a second magnet or a ferromagnetic component. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221742 | INGESTIBLE ENDOSCOPIC OPTICAL SCANNING DEVICE - An ingestible scanning device includes, in an embodiment, a capsule housing having a transparent window and sized so as to be ingestible, a photo-sensing array located within the capsule housing, a mirror located within the housing and oriented to direct an image from a surface outside the transparent window to the photo-sensing array, and a light source for illuminating the surface outside the transparent window. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221743 | LENS FRAME UNIT, AND ENDOSCOPE COMPRISING LENS FRAME UNIT - A lens frame unit includes a lens frame body that houses an optical member, a heat transfer unit that covers at least part of the lens frame body, a heat-generating unit, a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature and a same single electrical wiring board on which the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are mounted. The heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are arranged on the electrical wiring board so as to be separated from each other, and the electrical wiring board is disposed such that the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit are in contact with the heat transfer unit. Thermal resistance between closest positions of the heat-generating unit and the temperature measurement unit is greater than thermal resistance between the heat-generating unit and the heat transfer unit, and between the temperature measurement unit and the heat transfer unit. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221744 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND IMAGE GENERATION METHOD - A blue signal B, a green signal G, and a red signal R are obtained by imagining a subject illuminated with white light W using a color CCD | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221745 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND IMAGE GENERATION METHOD - Only irregularities on the body tissue, such as a superficial microstructure or a hypertrophy, are made clear. A blue signal B, a green signal G, and a red signal R are obtained by imaging a subject illuminated with white light W using a color CCD | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140235943 | Vision Probe with Access Port - An anatomical probe system comprises an elongated flexible body and an elongated probe extending within the flexible body. The probe has a distal end and includes an outer wall defining a channel. The probe also includes an access port in the outer wall in communication with the channel. The access port is spaced proximally of the distal end. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140235944 | JAWED TIP ASSEMBLY - A tip assembly is presented herein. The tip assembly can have a member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The tip assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the member. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140249368 | METHOD OF PACKAGING IMAGING DEVICE CHIP, METHOD OF ASSEMBLING ENDOSCOPE, IMAGING MODULE, AND ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes: an imaging device chip having a chip connection portion; a tubular housing tube used to a scope tip portion of an endoscope; a substrate to which the imaging device chip is fixed, the substrate having a substrate connection portion, the substrate being capable of bending at near the substrate connection portion when the substrate is inserted into the housing tube; a lead wire connecting the substrate connection portion and the chip connection portion; flexible and non-conductive resin covering an entirety of the lead wire; and an imaging module including the substrate provided with the imaging device chip thereon, the imaging module inserted into the housing tube. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249369 | IMAGING APPARATUS AND RIGID ENDOSCOPE - An aim is to provide an imaging apparatus that can reduce the size without being constrained by the size of a mechanism that drives the apparatus, and can accurately move a field of view over a wide range in a narrow space. The apparatus includes an image-wise light receiving means, a spherical housing that holds therein the image-wise light receiving means, a base that supports the spherical housing and enables the spherical housing to freely move along a surface thereof, a drive wire having an end fixed to the spherical housing, and a drive section to which the other end of the drive wire is fixed to drive the free movement of the spherical housing via the drive wire. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140275775 | Narrowband Illumination of Paranasal Cavities for Visual Localization of Target Tissue - An apparatus comprises a guidewire body and a light source. The guidewire body includes an optically transmissive element. The guidewire body is sized for insertion in a sinus ostium of a patient. The light source is in optical communication with the optically transmissive element of the guidewire body. The light source is operable to transmit infrared light or narrowband visible light through the optically transmissive element. A detector may be used to detect light transmitted by the optically transmissive element through the patient. The detector may include a camera or a photodetector. Glasses may be used to provide an overlay of a camera image or to filter out light to enable focusing on light of a specific wavelength. A beam processing element may be used to provide a beam waist with an average irradiance of more than 10 W/cm | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275776 | IMAGE DETECTING CAPSULE DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING THEREOF - This invention relates to a system their manufacturing technologies for enhanced endoscopic diagnosis. More particularly, this invention is related to endoscope capsule system, which may increase its operating time as high as 80 hours, and may reduce the size of the capsule system. Furthermore, the diagnosis procedure using the capsule system may be applicable to all patients with various age groups, where capsule size and large set of images for accuracy in diagnosis, are required. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275777 | Resector Balloon Catheter With Multi-Port Hub - A catheter assembly includes a resector balloon catheter and a hub coupled to the proximal portion of the catheter. The hub includes an inflation port that supplies fluid to a first lumen of the catheter to inflate a resector balloon. The hub further includes a delivery port for delivering an agent, such as drugs, to a second lumen of the catheter for delivery to the distal end of the catheter. The hub also includes an aperture for inserting a device, such as an imaging device, into the second lumen of the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a third lumen, and the hub includes an additional port in fluid communication with the third lumen. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275778 | Imaging Stylet for Intubation - An imaging stylet is provided, including a deformable outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end with a longitudinal axis, and an opening provided at the distal end, an imaging device disposed at the distal end of the outer housing, a deformable support member disposed in the outer housing, and an actuator disposed in the outer housing and coupled to the imaging device. The imaging device is movable by the actuator from an inactivated position, in which the imaging device is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the distal end, to an activated position, in which the imaging device extends out of the opening at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275779 | Flexible Shaft with Multiple Flexible Portions - A surgical device is provided including a control unit having at plurality of steering members and a flexible elongated guide shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft includes an image sensor and the proximal end of the shaft is in operable communication with the control unit, and at least one flexible portion. The shaft is partitioned into a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments operably mated at a first mating point located substantially midway through the shaft. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275780 | POWER SUPPLY THROUGH A SINGLE TRACK OF DISCRETE ELECTRODES AND METHOD THEREFOR - At least two distinct electrical members each having electrical elements are provided. The electrical members are moveable with respect to each other and one or more sensors determine the relative position of the electrical members. The electrical members may be used in a medical device such as an endoscopic system. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275781 | TAMPER-EVIDENT CAMERA ENCLOSURE - A housing for an instrument such as an endoscopic camera head is provided. The housing includes at least two parts which are attachable to each other, creating a sealed and tamper-evident housing without the use of externally exposed fasteners. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275782 | ACTIVATION OF IMAGING CAPSULES WITH ALTERNATING CURRENT - An imaging capsule activating system includes a capsule containing a radiation source and an arrangement with the radiation source mounted thereon. The arrangement is configured to selectively allow emission of radiation from the radiation source. A blocking arrangement is configured to selectively block emission of radian from the radiation source. In a rest position, the emission of radiation from the arrangement is blocked. A movement arrangement configured to move the blocking arrangement relative to the arrangement. A controller operates the radiation source and the blocking arrangement. An activation coil is electrically coupled with the controller and has an initial configuration without current flow. An external activating coil receives the imaging capsule and is operable to inductively induce current flow in the activation coil within the capsule. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140288369 | MECHANICAL IMAGE ROTATION FOR RIGIDLY COUPLED IMAGE SENSOR AND ENDOSCOPE - The disclosure extends to endoscopic devices and systems for image rotation for a rigidly coupled image sensor. The disclosure allows for a distal prism to rotate, which changes the angle of view of the user or operator, while the sensor remains fixed at a constant location. This allows the device to be used in the same manner as expected by a user or operator. The user or operator may rotate an outer lumen, thereby changing the angle of view, while the sensor remains in a fixed position and the image viewable on screen remains at a constant horizon. The prism may rotate while the sensor does not rotate, such that the user does not lose orientation. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140296633 | REMOTE ENDOSCOPE HANDLE MANIPULATION - Systems and methods permit remote control of the operation of an endoscope. The system includes a control housing that removably attaches to an endoscope, with the housing including actuators and manipulators that engage with a control device of the endoscope in order to operate the control device. The system includes an axial roller that may be used to control the depth of the endoscope shaft within a patient's body. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140296634 | BODY-INSERTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM AND IN-VIVO OBSERVATION METHOD - An object of the present invention is to actively control at least one of the position and direction of the imaging field in a subject and to observe a desired observed region in the subject certainly in a short period of time. A body-insertable device system according to the present invention includes a capsule endoscope | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140296635 | TROCAR SLEEVE - A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140303438 | Solid State Variable Direction Of View Endoscope - An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140309494 | MEDICAL DEVICE, AND THE METHODS OF USING SAME - A medical device is provided for insertion into a cavity of a patient to visual the internal membranes of the patient. The medical device can be an endotracheal tube, a suction tube, a bronchoscope, a tube changer, an esophageal tube, an intubating tube, an esophageal tube in combination with a separate intubating tube, a device for manipulating the position of the epiglottis of the patient, a stylet, or a tube insertable into the vagina of the patient. The medical device has a camera lumen having a sealed window at one end thereof attached thereto, and a separate camera which is insertable into the camera lumen and is removable from the camera lumen. The camera is used to monitor the internal membranes of the patient during the medical procedure. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309495 | Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope System With Modular Imaging Units - An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140316196 | VIDEOSTROBOSCOPY OF VOCAL CHORDS WITH CMOS SENSORS - The disclosure relates and extends to a light source having a strobing or pulsing sequence suitable for use with a CMOS sensor that does not require, have, or use a global shutter. Instead, the CMOS sensor synchronizes the strobing input with the blanking portion of the sensor readout pattern and disables the strobing during sensor readout, or when the strobing would otherwise leave artifacts in the image. The CMOS sensor freezes its readout during the strobing. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316197 | LIGHT SOURCE POWER BASED ON PREDETERMINED SENSED CONDITION - A medical instrument having a lighting system for illuminating a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316198 | Circuit Board Assembly of a Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope - There is provided herein, an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, the assembly including a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; and a flexible illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front looking viewing element, and a side foldable panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the side looking viewing element. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316199 | ARTHROSCOPIC SYSTEM - A digital endoscope having an outer sheath that encloses an elongate core. The elongate core of the digital endoscope has a square radial cross section that serves as a light pipe for illumination within the endoscope. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140323803 | METHODS OF CONTROLLING A ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOL WITH A DISPLAY MONITOR - In one embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a robotic surgical tool is disclosed. The method for controlling a robotic surgical tool includes moving a monitor displaying an image of a robotic surgical tool; sensing motion of the monitor; and translating the sensed motion of the monitor into motion of the robotic surgical tool. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140323804 | Inductive Powering Apparatus for Capsule Device - A capsule device with an inductive powering apparatus is disclosed. The capsule device comprises a secondary coil to generate an induced secondary voltage when a first alternating magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil externally. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a power conversion device to convert the induced secondary voltage into a DC output voltage for the capsule device. In particular, the power conversion device comprises a voltage booster to generate the DC voltage from a lower induced secondary voltage. Accordingly, the system can be operated using a lower secondary voltage, which will reduce the influence of magnetic flux on the circuit boards inside the capsule. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140330077 | SURGICAL TROCARS AND IMAGE ACQUISITION METHOD USING THE SAME - Surgical trocars, and image acquisition method using the same, include a body having a passage configured to receive at least one surgical instrument, and at least one camera movably coupled to an outer wall of the body. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140336457 | ENDOSCOPE - In the case of an endoscope | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140336458 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID ENDOSCOPIC AND LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140336459 | ENDOSCOPE ASSEMBLY WITH A POLARIZING FILTER - An endoscope includes an imaging device, a first polarizing filter disposed in front of the imaging device, a light source, and a second polarizing filter disposed in front of the light source. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140343358 | SECONDARY IMAGING ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - Described herein are various detachable secondary imaging endoscopic devices that can be used in conjunction with an endoscope to provide additional fields of view so that multiple regions of a body cavity may be imaged simultaneously. In one variation, a secondary imaging endoscopic device comprises an endoscope attachment member configured to be disposed over an endoscope, a first imaging element and a corresponding first light source at a first location on the endoscope attachment member, and a second imaging element and a second light source at a second location that is adjacent to the first location. In some variations, a secondary imaging device comprises a fluid delivery module having one or more ports for fluid delivery. The multiple simultaneous images acquired by the secondary imaging endoscopic device imaging elements and the main endoscope imaging element can be combined or arranged together to form a continuous view of a body cavity. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343359 | CONTROL AND DISPLAY DEVICE - A device for display of medical vision images and video may include a portable display screen and housing. The device may also include a mounting mechanism located on the back of the housing. The mounting mechanism may be configured to removably engage a complementary mounting mechanism on a structure for removably mounting the portable display screen and housing to the structure. The device may also include means for communicatively coupling the portable display screen to one or more optoelectronic vision and illumination modules for control and processing of information. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140357949 | POWER SOURCE CONTROL FOR MEDICAL CAPSULES - A power source apparatus and a system incorporating said power source for medical capsules are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention allow the medical capsule to enable/disable electrical power supplied to a sub-system in the capsule device without special tools and/or skills after the medical capsule is manufactured. In one embodiment, the power source apparatus comprises a plunger responsive to a magnetic field, a spring to interact with the plunger, a battery and a control piece. The plunger is moved between first and second positions according to a magnetic field applied externally. Accordingly, the control piece enables or disables the power depending on the plunger positions. In another embodiment, a capsule system uses an electrical interconnect with pressure contacts between the power source and the capsule sub-system connecting the second circuit board to the power-output nodes. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140357950 | PHOTODYNAMIC DIAGNOSIS STEREO COLPOSCOPE (PDD) FOR FEMALE GENITAL TRACT DISEASES AND EARLY DETECTION OF NEOPLASTIC LESION - The invention, namely a colpostereoscope for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of diseases of the female genital tract and early detection of neoplastic lesions, also functions as a standard colpostereoscope, using the current technique of colposcopy, but it also has the ability to make observations by means of the phenomenon of fluorescence owing to the fact that it has variable linearity filter systems not only in the excitation parts but also in the suppression parts and can therefore can be used universally with any fluorescent compound or medicinal product, as in photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). The display on the monitor is three-dimensional owing to the use of two video cameras with a DLP (Digital Light Processing) and HDTV (High Definition Television) systems with the use of active lenses. This equipment offers health benefits to women owing to the fact that after just one consultation it is possible to carry out a variety of actions to combat sexually transmitted diseases at low financial cost and also to provide early prevention of cervical cancer. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140364689 | REDUCED AREA IMAGING DEVICE INCORPORATED WITHIN ENDOSCOPIC DEVICES - A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140364690 | IMAGING DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - An imaging device includes a light source capable of emitting multi-types of illumination light beams, an imaging unit including an imaging element driven by a rolling shutter method, a light source control unit, a frame image control unit, and an image generation unit. The frame image control unit controls the light source control unit and the imaging unit so as to obtain an output having a frame group, in which second exposure frames Exp2 and Exp4 are respectively disposed before and after a first exposure frame Exp3, as one period. The imaging signal generation unit generates an imaging signal according to illumination light using a ratio of a period from the exposure start timing of each horizontal pixel line to the switching timing of the illumination light and a period from the switching timing of the illumination light to the exposure end timing in the first and second exposure frames. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140364691 | Circuit Board Assembly of A Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope - There is provided herein, an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, the assembly including a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; and a flexible illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front looking viewing element, and a side foldable panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the side looking viewing element. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140364692 | Fluid Distribution Device For A Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope - There is provided herein a tip section for an endoscope assembly that includes a fluid distribution device for circulating fluid for cleaning a body cavity. In an embodiment, the tip section includes a groove aligned with side jet channels, where multiple holes drilled above the groove, through the periphery of a tip cover covering the tip section, provide an exit for the fluid circulated by the side jet channels in all directions around the tip cover. In another embodiment, the tip section includes a removable attachment that covers jet channel openings. Multiple holes drilled through the cover provide a multiple jet exit for the fluid circulated by the jet channels in multiple directions around the tip cover. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140371528 | ENDOSCOPE AND A METHOD FOR CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF THE MEMBERS THEREOF - An endoscope and a method for chemical modification of the members thereof are provided, on one hand, a transparent isolation film is utilized such that the tissue fluid inside a subject cannot stick to a lens of the endoscope to maintain the optimal image capturing status of the lens of the endoscope without the need to extract the endoscope frequently from the body of the subject, such that not only the time consumed in the examination process may be reduced, but also the uncomfortable feeling of the subject in the examination process may be decreased; on the other hand, a chemical modification method for members of the endoscope is provided to reduce the negative impact on the lens of the endoscope resulted from liquid pollutant or mist, moisture. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371529 | Transparent Endoscope Head Defining a Focal Length - A catheter configured for imaging objects substantially in focus is described herein. An imaging device is disposed on the distal end of the catheter. The imaging device has an effective focal plane that is located in front of the imaging device. The catheter also includes a transparent focal instrument that has an outer periphery that is positioned at the effective focal plane of the imaging device, to enable objects in contact with the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument to be imaged substantially in focus. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371530 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTION PIECE FOR A VIDEO ENDOSCOPE, VIDEO ENDOSCOPE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN A VIDEO ENDOSCOPE - The invention relates to an electrical connection piece for a video endoscope having a hermetically closed video unit in a shaft of the endoscope, a video endoscope, and a method for producing an electrical connection in a video endoscope. The electrical connection piece according to the invention includes an at least partially flexible printed circuit board having conductive tracks, wherein the printed circuit board has a base surface with openings for contact pins of a hermetic feedthrough, and a flexible first arm and a flexible second arm that branch off in different, in particular opposite, directions from the base surface, wherein the first arm and the second arm each have a flat end surface at the respective ends facing away from the base surface, wherein the conductive tracks extend between the openings on the base surface and electrical contacting surfaces in the end surfaces. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140378762 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, WIRELESS TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - There is provided a wireless communication system including a wireless capsule including an imaging section, a posture control section, a first wireless communication section which transmits an image captured by the imaging section and receives a control signal for controlling the posture control section, and a power supply section which supplies power to the imaging section and the posture control section, and a wireless terminal apparatus including a second wireless communication section which receives the image transmitted from the first wireless communication section, and transmits the control signal, a display control section which performs a control in a manner that the image is displayed on a display section, a posture detection section which detects a posture of the display section, and a generation section which generates the control signal based on a posture signal detected by the posture detection section. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140378763 | OVERALL ENDOSCOPIC CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention provides a system for controlling an endoscope, comprising a. an endoscope adapted to provide real time images of FOV within a body cavity; said FOV defines FOVx-axis, FOVy-axis and FOVz-axis, b. a maneuvering system for maneuvering said endoscope; said maneuvering system defines an X-axis, a y-axis; and, a z-axis; c. control means adapted to receive commands of motions from a user to maneuver said endoscope; and d. a data processing system in communication with said control means, adapted to instruct said maneuvering system to maneuver said endoscope according to said commands of motions; wherein said data control means instructs said maneuvering system to maneuver said endoscope according to said commands of motions relative to said FOVx-axis, said FOVy-axis and said FOVz-axis, regardless of said X-axis, said y-axis and said z-axis as defined by said maneuvering system. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140378764 | Self-stabilized encapsulated imaging system - Wireless capsule endoscope technology has been used to image portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the small bowel. However in other GI organs, especially those having larger-lumens, the capsule may become destabilized and tumble, precluding meaningful interpretation of the acquired images. The present invention describes a method and apparatus for permitting capsule imaging of organs having larger-lumens without tumbling, and includes an outer shell surrounding the capsule that targets the colon, as an example. Once the colon has been reached, the shell breaks or dissolves, and allows expansion of expandable materials attached to each end of the capsule, thereby stabilizing the capsule in the targeted organ, while permitting it to be moved by peristalsis and/or other means for locating the capsule. Imagers and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are activated during the expansion process, and enable overlapping of images. The capsule is moved through the colon, taking images at chosen frame rates with data being wirelessly transmitted by means of an RF transmitter, and is eventually expelled from the body. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150011824 | Endoscope with Electrically Adjustable Liquid Crystal Adaptive Lens - Various embodiments of an endoscope capable of varying a focal length electrically are disclosed. In one embodiment, the endoscope comprises an optical imaging system within an inner portion of the elongate tube, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a liquid crystal adaptive lens (LCAL) comprising a ground plate, a first reference plate, a first liquid crystal layer and a first plurality of closed-loop electrodes configured to receive variable control voltages and a control system configured to adjust variable control voltages. In another embodiment, the LCAL in the endoscope may further comprise a second reference plate, a second liquid crystal layer and a second plurality of closed-loop electrodes. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011825 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE INTENDED, IN PARTICULAR, FOR A MEDICAL USAGE - An endoscopic device includes an optical guide head configured to be at least partially inserted into a body or a cavity in order to view or image an object or a site that is poorly accessible to the naked eye. The optical guide head of such an endoscopic device is formed from an optical rod with a refractive index gradient. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150018611 | Self-Illuminating CMOS Imaging Package - A microelectronics chip contains an integrated CMOS imaging sensor integrated with a LED die. Circuitry is established on the chip for a shared power arrangement. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018612 | MEDICAL DEVICE, MEDICAL SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - Provided is a medical device including a plurality of storage units each configured to store a different medicine, and a medicine discharge unit configured to selectively discharge at least one of a first medicine and a second medicine, each of which is stored in the plurality of storage units, when the medical device reaches a periphery of a predetermined site of an intracorporeal site of a subject. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018613 | 3D SCANNER WITH STEAM AUTOCLAVABLE TIP CONTAINING A HEATED OPTICAL ELEMENT - A 3D scanner for recording topographic characteristics of a surface of at least part of a body orifice, where the 3D scanner includes a main body having a mounting portion; a tip which can be mounted onto and un-mounted from the mounting portion, where the tip is configured for being brought into proximity of the body orifice surface when recording the topographic characteristics such that at least one optical element of the tip is at least partly exposed to the environment in the body orifice during the recording; and a heater for heating the optical element, where the heat is provided by way of thermal conduction; where the tip can be sterilized in a steam autoclave when un-mounted from the main body of the 3D scanner such that it subsequently can be reused. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018614 | Apparatus and method for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in digestive tract of a human body - A system for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in a human GI track is disclosed. The system comprises a magnetic dipole for placement in human GI track, an external magnet in a sphere shape generating dipole magnetic field and applying external translational and or rotational magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope, and a control system for moving the external magnet to manipulate the object along the variable axis in a desired direction of movement. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018615 | Apparatus and method for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in digestive tract of a human body - System and method to provide a suspended capsule endoscope at a liquid gas interface is described. The capsule comprises a permanent magnetic dipole and has a density greater than the density of the liquid. An sphere-shaped external magnet is used to suspend and control the movement of the capsule endoscope at the liquid/gas interface. The capsule endoscope can translate along variable axes, rotate and tilt, according to the movement of the external magnet. The external magnet performs a translation and rotation simultaneously to keep the capsule endoscope still and anchored at the same position of the liquid/gas interface. The external magnet adjusts its distance to the liquid/gas interface during the rotation in order to apply a constant magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018616 | MEDICAL TREATMENT INSTRUMENT - A medical treatment instrument includes a tube-shaped elongated main body; and an insertion guide part mounted to a distal end of the elongated main body. The insertion guide part includes a frame body mounted to a distal portion of the elongated main body; and a flexible bridge portion which is disposed so as to bridge points of an end edge of the frame body, the flexible bridge portion including a linear body or band-shaped body projecting in a distal direction beyond the elongated main body. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150025316 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes an insertion portion, an objective optical window, an image pickup device, a position/direction detection section that acquires position information of the objective optical window, and a memory that records the subject internal image acquired by the image pickup device in association with the position information of the objective optical window. The endoscope system aligns the position information of the objective optical window with a reference position of a predetermined organ in the subject in a coordinate system of a three-dimensional model image based on an amount of change or the like of the subject internal image information in the subject and generates an image with the subject internal image pasted onto the two-dimensional model image of the predetermined organ which is the three-dimensional model image two-dimensionally developed in which the position of the objective optical window is associated with the position in the coordinate system. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150038786 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A scanning endoscope system includes: a fiber that guides illuminating light emitted from a light source; a first actuator provided on a side of the fiber, the first actuator expanding/contracting according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a second actuator disposed at a position facing the first actuator across the fiber, the second actuator expanding/contracting according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; and a drive signal output section that applies a first drive signal that varies with reference to a first voltage that brings the first actuator into a contracted state to the first actuator and applies a second drive signal that varies with reference to a second voltage that brings the second actuator into a contracted state to the second actuator. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150038787 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes illumination units and an image pickup unit that acquires an object image, in a distal end portion of an insertion portion. Each the illumination unit includes: a light-emitting section including an LED, the light-emitting section outputting light from an upper surface; a wiring board including a recess portion with the light-emitting section disposed therein, and a connection electrode connected to a device electrode of the LED via a relay electrode and an internal wiring in a first principal surface; a prism disposed above the upper surface of the light-emitting section with a transparent resin layer interposed therebetween, the prism changing a direction of the light outputted by the light-emitting section; and a signal cable connected to the connection electrode. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150045619 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOSAICING ENDOSCOPE IMAGES USING WIDE ANGLE VIEW ENDOSCOPE - A system for mosaicing endoscope images has an endoscope, a computer and a monitor. The endoscope has a relatively wide viewing angle such as 30 degrees to capture video images of a target area. The computer determines feature points on the captured video frames, aligns the video images in a common reference frame and displays them as one mosaiced image while dynamically extending the scene synchronous with the movement of the endoscope. The system creates a distortion free near real-time panorama of the endoscope scene using the wide angle view endoscope, and is useful for physicians while performing endoscopic procedures since the field of view can be extended to provide a better visual-spatial orientation. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045620 | CURVED MANUAL SURGICAL EQUIPMENT - Provided is a curved manual surgical equipment allowing a plurality of surgical equipments to access affected areas. The curved manual surgical equipment includes: a curved frame; and a manual surgical equipment which includes a handle allowing an operator to control a surgical equipment, an internal connector allowing the surgical equipment to perform the translation and rotation motions, and an end effector attached to a tip of the internal connector to operate on affected areas and is inserted into an inner space of the curved frame in plural, wherein the internal connector is configured to include a plurality of rotating parts which performs translation and rotation motions within the curved frame; and a link which transfers pressure, tension, and rotating force between the plurality of rotating parts. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150065796 | OPTICAL UNIT, ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF OPTICAL UNIT - An optical unit includes: a cylindrical member whose thickness varies in a circumferential direction; a transparent member disposed at one end, in an axial direction, of the cylindrical member; and a joining member which joins the transparent member to the cylindrical member and thereby seals the cylindrical member at the one end in the axial direction, and a portion, joining a side surface of the transparent member to an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member, of the joining member is thicker at a position where the cylindrical member is thick than at a position where the cylindrical member is thin. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150065797 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE DEVICE, IMAGING MODULE, AND IMAGE PICK-UP LENS MOLDING METHOD - The invention provides an electronic endoscope device, an imaging module, and an image pick-up lens molding method that can prevented dew formation of an objective lens optical system and facilitate manufacture. An objective lens optical system of an imaging module includes a tip lens | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150065798 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE DEVICE AND IMAGING MODULE THEREFOR - Provided are an imaging module for an endoscope that favorably blocks incidence of flare light to an imaging element and an electronic endoscope device including the same. The imaging module for an endoscope includes an objective lens optical system; a transparent optical member | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150065799 | Solid State Variable Direction Of View Endoscope - An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an optical lens system to at least partially even out the information density across an imaging surface area of the imager. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150073212 | Endoscope Apparatus - An endoscope apparatus with which the inside of an inspection object can be observed in detail is provided. In addition, the structure of the endoscope apparatus is simplified. The endoscope apparatus includes a tubular insertion portion having an end portion, and the end portion is provided with a light-emitting device and an optical device. The optical device is provided on an end surface in the end portion, and the light-emitting device is provided along a side surface of the end portion. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073213 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONSUMPTION OF AN IN VIVO DEVICE - A method and device may control energy consumption of in an in vivo imaging device by determining or estimating an amount of energy needed to capture images at a frame rate until a complete passage of the device through a predetermined region of the gastrointestinal tract, and alter or limit the frame capture rate accordingly. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150080652 | LESION DETECTION AND IMAGE STABILIZATION USING PORTION OF FIELD OF VIEW - Images with an overall field of view (FOV) may be captured during an endoscopic procedure but only a portion of the overall FOV displayed to an endoscopist. The overall FOV may be analyzed to identify an area of interest of a patient's organ based on the presence of a possible lesion during the endoscopic procedure. The endoscopist may be notified of the identified area of interest. After an area of interest is identified, the location of the area of interest may be tracked. Image stabilization may be provided by changing the displayed portion of the overall FOV to maintain the area of interest within the displayed portion as the area of interest moves relative to the endoscope. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080653 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROCESSOR DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A subject irradiated with violet light and green light is imaged to obtain RGB signals, based on which a base image is produced. Frequency filtering processing is applied to the B signal to obtain a blood vessel extraction signal, in which a most superficial blood vessel, a superficial blood vessel, and a middle-layer blood vessel at different depths are extracted. Edge strength of each blood vessel in the blood vessel extraction signal is calculated. Display control processing based on the edge strength of each blood vessel is applied to the base image. Thereby, a first image or a second image is produced. In the first image, the most superficial blood vessel, the superficial blood vessel, and the middle-layer blood vessel are displayed in a distinguishable manner. In the second image, the most superficial blood vessel, the superficial blood vessel, and the middle-layer blood vessel are selectively enhanced or suppressed. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150087902 | Phase Contrast Microscopy With Oblique Back-Illumination - A method of creating a phase contrast image is provided. In some embodiments the method comprises illuminating the target region of a sample with a first light source to provide a first oblique back illumination of the target region of the sample, and detecting a first phase contrast image from light originating from the first light source and back illuminating the target region of the sample. In some embodiments the method further comprises illuminating the sample with a second light source to provide a second oblique back illumination of the target region of the sample, and detecting a second phase contrast image from light originating from the second light source and back illuminating the target region of the sample. In some embodiments a difference image of the target region of the sample is created by subtracting the second phase contrast image of the target region of the sample from the first phase contrast image of the target region of the sample. Apparatus for carrying out the methods are also provided. The methods and apparatus find use, for example, in endoscopy. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087903 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A V-LED, B-LED, G-LED and R-LED for an endoscope are all driven to apply normal light to an object of interest in a body. An image sensor images the illuminated object and outputs an RGB image signal. A measurement sensor measures a light amount of red light from the R-LED. A light source controller acquires a current value for the R-LED according to a light amount signal from the measurement sensor and a target light amount signal for the R-LED. A normal color converter and the R-LED receive a current of the current value. Each LUT_Mij in the normal color converter is referred to for outputting a matrix coefficient according to the current value of the R-LED. The RGB image signal is converted into a processed image signal by matrix operation according to the matrix coefficient. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087904 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a heat influence reducing portion that radiates heat, which is generated with light guiding of a light guide portion via a position near a second lens and conducted to the second lens, to a frame member to reduce a local temperature difference in the second lens in a projecting portion in which a first lens of a front observation window through which an inserting direction for insertion into a lumen is observed and the second lens having a truncated conical shape used for observing a viewing field region of a side observation window through which a direction crossing the inserting direction is observed are arranged. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087905 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING FLEXIBLE TUBE - In an endoscope, a flexible device of an elongated tube has a variable stiffness device. The variable stiffness device includes a movable control wire and a coil spring, to which compression force is applied to change stiffness. There occur changes in stiffness of the flexible device in plural radial directions of the coil spring at an equal point in an axial direction. The variable stiffness device is so constructed that a difference between maximum and minimum levels of stiffness of the variable stiffness device is set at most 0.2 time as much as stiffness of the flexible device with internal structures other than the variable stiffness device. Thus, unexpected grip feeling in manipulation of an operator at the time of advance can be removed in relation to undulating motion of the coil spring. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150094533 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Retro Peritoneal Dissection - The foregoing application describes a system and method of performing a minimally invasive surgical operation. More specifically, the invention involves the use of disposable cannula and slender dilators of variable lengths, which incorporate a source of illumination to carry light to a surgical site and video capabilities for capturing and displaying images from a | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150105615 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - When a bendable medical instrument is used, the present invention reduces a risk that a body of the medical instrument is damaged. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105616 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING SIGNALS CORRESPONDING TO FIRST AND SECOND NARROWBAND WAVELENGTH BANDS - An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source device radiating at least one or more illumination lights having a predetermined wavelength band to a subject; a CCD picking up an image of a return light from the subject based on radiation of the illumination light from the light source device; an image processing section outputting a first image signal of a first wavelength band having a peak wavelength of spectral characteristic, between a wavelength band including a maximum value and a wavelength band at a minimum value with regard to an absorption characteristic of living tissue, after image pickup by the CCD; and an observation monitor performing image display on the basis of the first image signal. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105617 | In Vivo CAMERA WITH MULTIPLE SOURCES TO ILLUMINATE TISSUE AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES - An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150112132 | ELONGATE MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHEATH - An elongate medical instrument that may comprise steering mechanisms, optical sensors, light emitters, and/or fluid flow paths is disclosed. A removable sheath may be utilized to isolate the instrument from contamination when the instrument is used within the human body. The sheath may be disposable or reusable. In some instances, the elongate device may be used to position other components, such as elongate tubes. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150112133 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope is provided with an endoscope shaft and a main body connected to the endoscope shaft. The endoscope includes a camera connection to which an optical recording device can be mechanically fixed. The main body is electrically conductive. The camera connection includes an electric insulating body that electrically insulates an optical recording device, mechanically fixed to the camera connection, from the main body. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150112134 | TREATMENT INSTRUMENT FOR MEDICAL USE - A treatment instrument for medical use includes a tubular insertion portion that includes a curvable flexible part, the tubular insertion portion being insertable into a body of a patient; and a dilating body that is provided at an outer circumference of the flexible part, the dilating body being configured to dilate in a radial direction relative to the flexible part. The tubular insertion portion includes a reduced-diameter part that is provided at a distal end of the tubular insertion portion in an axial direction, the reduced-diameter part having an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the tubular insertion portion at a location proximal of the reduced-diameter part. A distal part of the dilating body is fixed to at least the reduced-diameter part. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150112135 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - An image processing apparatus performs positioning between a plurality of spectral band images obtained by capturing images inside a lumen using a plurality of rays of light having wavelength bands different from one another. The image processing apparatus includes: a spectral band image acquisition unit configured to acquire the spectral band images; a spatial frequency component extraction unit configured to extract feature data for each spatial frequency band from each pixel in at least one spectral band image of the spectral band images; a weight calculation unit configured to calculate weights for each spatial frequency band given to the at least one spectral band image, based on the feature data for each spatial frequency band extracted from each pixel in the at least one spectral band image; and a positioning unit configured to perform positioning between the spectral band images based on the weights for each spatial frequency band. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150119642 | ARTICULATING CANNULA ACCESS DEVICE - Devices and methods are disclosed for less invasive surgery. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit improved access within a body cavity when performing a minimally invasive procedure, typically through a small opening, a surgical port, or during an open surgical procedure. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150119643 | In Vivo CAMERA WITH MULTIPLE SOURCES TO ILLUMINATE TISSUE AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES - An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150119644 | ENDOSCOPE CONNECTOR METHOD AND APPARATUS - An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope connector for connecting any given one of a plurality of working assemblies to an imaging assembly. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150133729 | DISPOSABLE AND REUSABLE COMPLEX SHAPED SEE-THROUGH ENDOSCOPE - Transparent domes useful for covering at least a lens located on a scope's distal face, taking the form of a single layer membrane affixed to the distal end of the scope, a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the scope, or an inflatable and deflatable balloon having an exterior wall for contacting at least the lens at the scope's distal face. Methods for performing diagnostic or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within bodily cavities including collapsed intestines using transparent domes and scopes. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150133730 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDING SYSTEM AND MAGNETICALLY GUIDING METHOD - A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150141751 | LINE OF SIGHT WIRELESS ENDOSCOPY - Endoscope imaging apparatus, including an endoscope, which is configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient and an image sensor configured by means of the endoscope to form an image of the body cavity, and to transmit image signals in response to the image formed. The apparatus further includes an optical transmitter, physically connected to the endoscope, and configured to receive the image signals, to encode the image signals, and to transmit optical radiation comprising the encoded image signals. An optical receiver with a mounting fixture is configured for connection to a light boom, and is also configured to receive the optical radiation, to decode the optical radiation to recover the image signals, and to transmit the recovered image signals. A camera control unit is configured to receive the recovered image signals and in response to display the image on a screen. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141752 | Optical Wireless Docking System for Capsule Camera - A capsule endoscopic system with wireless docking device is disclosed, where the system comprises a capsule device and a docking device for receiving the data from the capsule device. The docking device supplies power to the capsule device and retrieves data from the capsule device wirelessly. The capsule device comprises an archival memory to store data captured inside a body lumen by the capsule device, a wireless transmitter to transmit the stored data, a secondary coil. The docking device comprises a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil to supply power to the capsule device wirelessly when the capsule device is docked in the docking device and a wireless receiver to receive the data from the capsule device. The wireless link can be a radio frequency (RF) link or an optical link. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141753 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE - An image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an illuminating section which sequentially irradiates an object with first and second illuminating light beams polarized in first and second directions. First and second polarization images are generated based on signals representing light transmitted through polarizers having the polarization transmission axis in respective directions that are parallel to, and intersect with, the first direction while the object is being irradiated with the first illuminating light beam, and third and fourth polarization images are generated based on signals representing light transmitted through polarizers having the polarization transmission axis in respective directions that are parallel to, and intersect with, the second direction while the object is being irradiated with the second illuminating light beam. A depressed object surface region is detected based on the first and second polarization images and/or the third and fourth polarization images. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141754 | LIVING BODY INFORMATION ACQUISITION SYSTEM - Provided is a living body information acquisition apparatus comprising a sensor configured to acquire living body information of an inside of a subject, and a power supply apparatus comprising a power supply circuit configured to be able to wirelessly supply power necessary for driving the sensor of the living body information acquisition apparatus, wherein the living body information acquisition apparatus further comprises a power receiving circuit configured to receive power supplied from the power supply circuit and an extension part that is provided so as to extend from a main body part of the living body information acquisition apparatus, and is formed from a flexible member which can contain thereinside at least a part of the power receiving circuit. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150148599 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPIC DOCKING SYSTEM - A capsule endoscopic system is disclosed, wherein the system comprises a capsule endoscope, a docking station, second circuits and contact means to cause the second circuits connected to first circuits inside the capsule endoscope when the capsule endoscope is docked in the docking station in a first rotational orientation and in a second rotational orientation. The capsule endoscope comprises a capsule housing, the first circuits, and first contacts disposed fixedly on or through the capsule housing, wherein the first contacts are connected to the first circuits. The docking station comprises one or more second contacts. The docking station also includes a docking bay to receive the capsule endoscope. The second contacts are configured to contact the first contacts and to cause the first circuits to connect to the second circuits when the capsule endoscope is docked in the first rotational orientation and the second rotational orientation. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148600 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - The present invention provides a medical instrument which is capable of reducing damage, such as cutting of a wire, to the medical instrument even if excessively large load is applied to an inserting portion. A medical instrument including: a deformable portion; a wire configured to deform the deformable portion; a driving unit configured to drive the wire; a drive control unit configured to control the driving unit; and a load detecting unit configured to detect load applied to the deformable portion, wherein when the load detected by the load detecting unit exceeds a threshold value, the drive control unit controls the driving unit to retain posture of the deformable portion. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148601 | CATHETERS WITH INDENTED MARKERS - A catheter may include an elongate tubular member having an outer wall and an inner wall defining a wall thickness. The inner wall may define a lumen extending therethrough. The elongate tubular member may include a first plurality of recessed portions disposed in a distal section, wherein the first plurality of recessed portions each includes a visual marker disposed therein. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148602 | STEERING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A steerable endoscopic tool uses concentric sleeves of varying curvature to steer a tool tip toward or in the direction of a location of surgical interest. By rotating and/or axially displacing such sleeves relative to one another the tool tip may be maneuvered within a current field of view with several degrees of freedom without any physical movement of an endoscope, thus facilitating improved surgical access and control without complex mechanical systems in the endoscope or at the surgical site. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148603 | Imaging Catheter with Thermal Management Assembly - An imaging catheter assembly that includes an elongate body having a first body end, and an opposite second body end; an imaging assembly secured to the first body end, the imaging assembly having a first imaging assembly end remote from the first body end and a second imaging assembly end adjacent the first body end, the imaging assembly including a flex circuit having an electronic component mounting portion, a camera mounting portion adjacent the first imaging assembly end, and a light mounting portion adjacent the first imaging assembly end; a camera mounted on the camera mounting portion, the camera having a field of view, a light source mounted on the light mounting portion for illuminating at least a portion of the field of view of the camera; and at least one temperature sensor mounted on the flex circuit for measuring a temperature of the light source and a temperature of an ambient environment of the imaging assembly; and a control circuit in communication with the light source and the at least one temperature sensor, the control circuit controlling an output of the light source to control a difference between the temperature of the ambient environment and the temperature of the light source. The control circuit controls the difference between the temperature of the ambient environment and the temperature of the illumination source to a predetermined amount. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148604 | METHODS OF PROCESSING DATA OBTAINED FROM MEDICAL DEVICE - Computerized information processing methods for processing data from a medical device, such as an ingestible probe. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data obtained by the probe so as to produce a plurality of image frames, and further processing the frames to identify a plurality of frames of potential interest to a reviewer, and using the identified frames to form a preview of the entire data set. In one implementation, the processing of the data includes identification of one or more artifacts or shapes within the data associated with a medical condition, and selection of the frames for the preview includes those frames with the identified artifacts or shapes. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148605 | SYSTEM FOR USE IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A system and method for use in surgical procedures. The system includes an endoscope, an imaging device coupled to the endoscope, an imaging processor coupled to the imaging device, and at least one management system coupled to the imaging processor, in which a function of the management system is automatically adjusted upon receipt of a communication from the imaging processor. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150289755 | MULTI-VIEW IMAGING SYSTEM FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - The invention concerns a multi-view imaging system for laparoscopic surgery comprising: A tubular member; A first imaging device having a longitudinal body and an active end for acquiring images, intended to be inserted through the tubular member, and movable in the tubular member in translation along the longitudinal axis and/or in rotation about the longitudinal axis; A second imaging device comprising at least two cameras each mounted on a support member and movable relative to the tubular member between: a stowed position in which the cameras are positioned inside the tubular member, and a deployed position in which the cameras are positioned outside the tubular member at the distal end, the cameras being arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and being held secure relative to the tubular member by holding means, so as to follow any movement of the tubular member. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150297065 | OPERATION CONTROL SYSTEM OF CAPSULE TYPE ENDOSCOPE, AND CAPSULE TYPE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM COMPRISING SAME - The present invention relates to an operation control system for spirally operating a capsule endoscope along a tubular organ, and a capsule type endoscope system comprising the same. The operation control system for a capsule endoscope of the present invention comprises: a magnetic field generation portion ( | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150297066 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, RECEPTION APPARATUS, LIGHT EMISSION CONTROL METHOD OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE DEVICE - A capsule endoscope or a reception apparatus executes a first light emission motion in which only a light emission module configured to perform light emission in an imaging direction of an imaging module that is performing imaging performs the light emission when no lesioned part is detected and executes a second light emission motion in which a light emission module configured to perform the light emission in a second imaging direction of an imaging module different from an imaging module that is imaging the lesioned part performs the light emission in synchronization with the light emission by a light emission module configured to perform the light emission in a first imaging direction of the imaging module that is imaging the lesioned part when the lesioned part is detected. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150297067 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, RECEPTION APPARATUS, IMAGING CONTROL METHOD OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE DEVICE - A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope having a first imaging module configured to direct an imaging direction in a first direction, image a first imaging range, and output first image data, a second imaging module configured to direct an imaging direction in a second direction different from the first direction, image a second imaging range that does not overlap the first imaging range, and output second image data, and a first wireless communication interface configured to transmit the first image data and the second image data; and a reception apparatus having a second wireless communication interface configured to receive the first image data and the second image data. The capsule endoscope or the reception apparatus has a moving direction detecting section, a moving speed detecting section, a speed determining section, and an imaging instruction section. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150312483 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE ADJUSTING METHOD - An endoscope apparatus includes an observation optical system, a solid-state imaging element, a memory section, and an image processing section, wherein the memory section stores the information therein for specifying the image cutting-out region for the process of cutting out the image for display, which corresponds to an overlapping region in which a displayable pixel area of the solid-state imaging element and an imaging area of the optical image to be formed on the solid-state imaging element by the observation optical system overlap one another, and overlap one another when the center of the imaging area is matched with the center of the display area, as the image cutting-out information, and the image processing section expands the image for display to an image size of the display area, when an image size of the cut-out image for display becomes smaller than the image size of the display area. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150313445 | System and Method of Scanning a Body Cavity Using a Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope - A method for scanning a body cavity by using an endoscope for capturing images of internal walls of the body cavity is provided. The method includes providing a two dimensional model of the internal walls of the body cavity, the model being used as a reference frame, capturing a sequence of images of the internal walls of the body cavity, associating a plurality of information with at least one of the captured images, and mapping each captured image on a corresponding pre-defined location on the reference frame in real time, in the order of capture, until no portion of the reference frame remains unmapped or until all acquired images are mapped. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150313584 | SUSTANTIALLY RIGID AND STABLE ENDOLUMINAL SURGICAL SUITE FOR TREATING A GASTROINTESTINAL LESION - Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150314110 | BALLOON VISUALIZATION FOR TRAVERSING A VESSEL - Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tubular vessel, e.g., of a patient's vasculature. In one example, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. The balloon may define one or more channels configured to facilitate fluid flow between proximal and distal ends of the balloon after the balloon is inflated within the tubular vessel. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150320300 | Systems and Methods of Distributing Illumination for Multiple Viewing Element and Multiple Illuminator Endoscopes - A lens actuation system for an endoscope comprises at least one viewing element configured to capture images, a plurality of illuminators configured to illuminate a plurality of fields of view (FOVs) associated with the at least one viewing element, a controller, and actuatable lenses positioned in front of at least one of the plurality of illuminators and/or in front of the at least one viewing element. The actuatable lenses are configured to change dynamically a) an illumination direction of the at least one of the plurality of illuminators, and/or b) a direction of incoming light beams to the at least one viewing element. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150320301 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus has an illuminating unit that performs illumination with a first light once and performs illumination with a second light a plurality of times within a predetermined time period, an image pickup unit that outputs a first image pickup signal based on the illumination with the first light and a second image pickup signal based on the illumination with the second light, a clipping processing unit that clips the first and the second image pickup signals, a brightness calculating unit that calculates a first brightness, a composite ratio calculating unit that calculates a composite ratio according to a brightness target value and the first brightness, a composite processing unit that combines the first and the second image pickup signals according to the composite ratio, and a setting unit that sets a clip level according to the composite ratio. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150320409 | ENTRAPMENT AND CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MORCELLATOR AND METHOD OF ENTRAPPING AND CONTAINING MATERIAL PRODUCED DURING MORCELLATION PROCEDURE - Entrapment and collection systems and method of entrapping and collecting biologic material produced on a patient are disclosed. The systems include a collection bag which formed of a flexible sheet material having a hollow interior, a first mouth and a second mouth. The first mouth is openable to enable the biological structure to be disposed in the hollow interior and to enable a removal instrument, e.g., a morcellator, to be introduced therethrough to engage the biologic structure to effect a procedure on it. The second mouth enables a viewing instrument to be extended through it for visualizing the procedure and is closeable by a drawstring to entrap biologic material produced by the procedure after the removal instrument and viewing instrument have been removed, whereupon the collection bag may be withdrawn from the body of the patient. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150327756 | LIGHT GUIDING OPTICAL SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPIC APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A light guiding optical system includes a light guide configured to guide light from an entrance end to an exit end by internally reflecting the light a plurality of times, and an optical unit configured to condense the light emitted from the exit end of the light guide in a first section. The exit end of the light guide has an aperture that has a size in a first direction perpendicular to the first section, which is larger than a size in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150335230 | PHOTOELECTRIC COMPOSITE MODULE, CAMERA HEAD, AND ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - There is provided a photoelectric composite module according to the present disclosure including: a first connecting member having an outer frame having a tubular shape, and a plurality of contacts provided in an interior of the outer frame; a first printed board on which a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal is mounted, and which is configured to act as a relay between the contacts and the photoelectric conversion element; and a second printed board configured to act as a relay between the contacts and an electrical signal cable. The first printed board and the second printed board are three-dimensionally arranged. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150340133 | HERMETIC FEEDTHROUGH, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HERMETIC FEEDTHROUGH, PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A hermetic feedthrough for a video endoscope for feeding electrical lines from a first partial space into a second partial space, the hermetic feedthrough including: a partition wall for hermetically sealing the two partial spaces, and a printed circuit board produced by a thin-film technique and in which the electrical lines are embedded in a plastic, is cast with a plastic compound in a mold and post-cured, wherein the plastic compound forms the partition wall. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150342447 | FLUOROSCOPY APPARATUS - A fluoroscopy apparatus includes a light-source configured to irradiate biological tissue with illumination light including excitation light; and a processor including hardware, wherein the processor is configured to implement: a reflected-light-image generating portion configured to generate a reflected-light-image of the biological tissue based on captured reflected light reflected from the biological tissue irradiated with the illumination light from the light-source; and a fluorescence-image generating portion configured to generate a fluorescence image based on captured fluorescence generated at the biological tissue due to irradiation thereof with the excitation light from the light-source, wherein the illumination light is visible light that does not include at least a portion of the wavelength region between 490 nm and 540 nm, and wherein the excitation light includes some wavelengths of the illumination light and generates fluorescence having a wavelength included in the at least a portion of the wavelength region. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150342448 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes a light source unit that emits first and second narrow band light sequentially, a color filter in which first and second filters having different spectral characteristic are disposed, an image pickup device that receives light passing through the first filter in a first pixel and receives light passing through the second filter in a second pixel, and can set an exposing period and a reading period of an electric signal for each pixel, and a control unit that performs control for causing the first narrow band light to be emitted, causing the first pixels to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the second pixel in a first period, and causing the second narrow band light to be emitted, causing the second pixel to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the first pixel in a second period. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150342836 | Imaging Feeding Tube with Illumination Control - A feeding tube assembly having a flexible feeding tube with an imaging assembly including an illumination source configured to illuminate an ambient environment of the imaging assembly and an imaging device configured to generate and transmit imaging signals indicative of images of an alimentary canal of a subject is disclosed. The feeding tube assembly has controller in communication with the illumination source wherein the controller is configured to energize the illumination source during an acceptable illumination condition. A method of facilitating operation of the flexible feeding tube with an imaging assembly including an imaging device and an illumination source and a controller is also disclosed. The imaging assembly is configured to generate imaging signals indicative of images of an alimentary canal of a subject. The illumination source is configured to illuminate an ambient environment of the imaging assembly. The controller is configured to receive the imaging signals and control the illumination source during an acceptable illumination condition. The method involves energizing the illumination source when an acceptable illumination condition is present and de-energizing the illumination source when the acceptable illumination condition is not present. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150351609 | BENDING OPERATION APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE - In a bending operation apparatus provided with pinions, and two pairs of rack members connected to two pair of operation wires arranged to extend up to a bending part, where operation wires are arranged in tubular covering members, bend-preventing members which cover the operation wires in an extendable and contractable manner in driving directions of the operation wires to prevent bends of the operation wires are provided between joint portions of the operation wires with the rack members and a covering member fixing part. Further, moving ranges of the rack members are set to be changeable. Furthermore, covering member holding parts are arranged on an inner peripheral face of a connection tube part of the bending operation apparatus. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150351619 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LIGHT CONTROL IN AN IN-VIVO IMAGING DEVICE - 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. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150358518 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE - An image pickup apparatus includes a solid-state image pickup device chip, an FPC whose terminals are connected to the solid-state image pickup device chip, and a plurality of electronic components mounted on a front surface of the FPC, wherein behind a back face of the solid-state image pickup device chip, the FPC is disposed by being folded in such a way that the FPC will provide mounting surfaces for the plurality of electronic components in a plurality of layers and that the plurality of electronic components will be superimposed via the FPC. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150374204 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus is provided with: a power generating section supplying power to a target circuit of an endoscope; a scope information acquiring section acquiring scope information about the endoscope from the endoscope; a protection circuit provided in association with the power generating section, the protection circuit being capable of operating in a plurality of protection modes; and an operation controlling section controlling the power generating section, and selecting and setting one protection mode from among the plurality of protection modes for the protection circuit, based on the scope information. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150374208 | OTOSCOPE - An otoscope comprising a handle portion and a head portion being substantially tapered along its longitudinal axis, the head portion having a proximal end adjacent to the handle portion and a smaller distal end adapted to be introduced in an ear canal of a patient's outer ear. The otoscope further comprises an electronic imaging unit at the distal end of the head portion, and fixing means configured to fix an at least partially transparent probe cover adapted to be put over the head portion in a gas-tight manner to the head portion and/or to the handle portion, and wherein the otoscope further comprises a probe cover moving mechanism configured to move at least a portion of the probe cover. A probe cover for such an otoscope and a method of identifying objects in a subject's ear are also disclosed. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150374215 | DEVICE FOR EXAMINATION OF THE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - The device for examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract equipped with a camera and connections system with the ability to connect a computer, video recorder, video printer and keyboard to describe the resulting image on the screen, characterized in that the device is in the form of a worm-like-shaped capsule equipped with the transparent dome with the camera ( | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150380140 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORIENTATION AND MOVEMENT OF REMOTE OBJECTS - The disclosed invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for orientating an object in an enclosed area using a magnetic dipole deployed in the enclosed area and thereafter applying an external rotating magnetic field for applying a rotational force to the dipole along one or more selected axis. The external magnetic field is moved to manipulate object in the desired direction(s) of movement. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160000300 | System and Method for Wirelessly Transmitting Operational Data From an Endoscope to a Remote Device - A system for wirelessly transmitting data from an endoscope, comprising an endoscope having a control body, an insertion tube extending from the control body, the distal end of the insertion tube containing an image sensor and a light source, and a control head connected to the control body, which comprises a battery; a light source amplifier connected to the battery, the light source amplifier operable to boost the intensity of the light source; a video processor configured to create compressed video data from a video stream captured via the image sensor; and a wireless communication module configured to negotiate a wireless connection with a mobile device, wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to transmit the compressed video data to the mobile device over the wireless connection, and wherein the wireless communication module comprises a channel discriminator configured to automatically avoid RF interference. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160000306 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: an image pickup apparatus in which an insertion portion is detachable, the image pickup apparatus picking up an optical image of light from an observed object; a focus changing section that can change focus of the image pickup apparatus; a control section that generates a control signal to control the optical image in a focused state in a state in which the insertion portion is fitted to the image pickup apparatus; a storage section that stores data associating a type of the insertion portion and control information; an identification section that reads a predetermined code to identify the type of the insertion portion; and an optical characteristic acquiring section that acquires the control information corresponding to the type of the insertion portion identified by the identification section to acquire an optical characteristic of the insertion portion used to generate the control signal. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160000307 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND ACTUATION METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes an image pickup device that is inserted into a subject and picks up an image inside the subject and a memory that records an intra-subject image acquired by the image pickup device and position information of the image pickup device in association with each other. The endoscope system includes an image generating section that applies, to the intra-subject image, when it is determined that a release signal is generated as a predetermined trigger signal, predetermined processing for distinguishably displaying the intra-subject image at a time when the release signal is generated and generates an image obtained by pasting the intra-subject image onto a model image of a predetermined organ. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160007833 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160008562 | LARYNGEAL MASK WITH RETRACTABLE RIGID TAB AND MEANS FOR VENTILATION AND INTUBATION | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160015248 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIRELESSLY SYNCHRONIZING IMAGE SHUTTER OF IMAGE SENSOR AND LIGHT SOURCE - A method and apparatus for wirelessly synchronizing operation of an image sensor of an endoscopic video camera unit having a wireless transmitter with operation of a portable endoscopic light source unit includes transmitting a message packet with a target camera shutter period, light source target phase/trigger time/OFF time and light source target ON time to the light source unit. The light source unit controls the start time and the ON time for light output by a light source. The video camera unit includes a light detector for detecting the actual light source start time and duration of light output to provide closed-loop feedback. A camera controller ensures synchronization between the shutter period of the image sensor and actual operation of the light source based on the actual phase and actual ON time sensed by the light detector and the previously communicated target phase/trigger time/OFF time and target ON time. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160015257 | Multi-Camera Endoscope - A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope includes a front-pointing camera on a planar surface of a distal end of the tip section and two side-pointing cameras positioned on a cylindrical surface in proximity to the planar surface such that the side field of view provided by the two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view provided by the front-pointing camera. The tip section further includes a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160015258 | Multi-Focal, Multi-Camera Endoscope Systems - A multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope having a tip section including a first optical assembly for generating a first image of a body cavity; a second optical assembly for generating a second image of a body cavity; at least one illuminator associated with each of the first optical assembly and second optical assembly; and a processing system configured to: zoom the first optical assembly and thereby generate a zoomed first image in place of the first image; and automatically cause a physical display to eliminate a display of the second image and to only display said zoomed first image. To eliminate the display of the second image, the processing system reduces a power supply to the second optical assembly, reduces an illumination intensity of an illuminator associated with the second optical assembly or causes the physical display to power off, darken, or blacken. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160015261 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope including: a distal end housing which is provided at a distal end of an endoscope insertion unit; an observation window which is provided at the distal end housing; an imaging part which is provided inside the distal end housing and configured to image an imaging target which is positioned outside the distal end housing through the observation window; an imaging part moving unit which is configured to move the imaging part with respect to the observation window and to change a range of an imaging view field of the imaging part; a cleaning unit configured to clean an outer surface of the observation window; and a synchronizing unit which is configured to synchronize a change operation of a rang of an imaging view field of the imaging part by the imaging part moving unit with a cleaning operation by the cleaning unit. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160022126 | ENDOSCOPIC LIGHT SOURCE AND IMAGING SYSTEM - An endoscopic system having a light source that can operate in two modes is provided. The first mode provides a white light to an endoscope to transmit the light to a surgical site or other object, the reflection of which can be received by the endoscope and for the process. The second mode of the light source provides infrared excitation light and light in the blue and green wavelength spectra to an endoscope to transmit the light to an object such as a surgical site. The blue and green reflected light, as well as light from excitation markers, which is an infrared light at a different wavelength than the excitation infrared light, is received by the endoscope and further processed. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160030693 | TRACHEAL TUBE - Provided is a tracheal tube that can be easily inserted into the inside of a subject and enables real-time observation of a state after tracheal intubation. The tracheal tube ( | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160037999 | LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS - A light source apparatus includes: a control section that acquires information relating to a ratio of a light amount value for light with second wavelength band to a light amount value for light with first wavelength band, obtains a light amount value for the light with the first wavelength band so that an observation image has a predetermined brightness, and, from the information relating to the ratio, determines a light amount value for the light with the second wavelength band, and generates light adjustment information for making first and second semiconductor light sources emit light with the light amount value for the light with the first wavelength band and the light amount value for the light with the second wavelength band; and a drive section that, based on the light adjustment information generated by the control section, drives the first and second semiconductor light sources. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160038001 | SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR VISUALIZATION OF AN ENCLOSED SPACE - The present invention provides a device and system which combines a stylet with imaging and display capabilities to enable visualization of confined spaces. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160038010 | MAIN BODY APPARATUS OF ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A main body apparatus includes a first detection fiber that transmits light received by an endoscope; a first beam splitter that divides the light transmitted by the first detection fiber into a first optical path and a second optical path, and can guide the light; a second detection fiber that is a detection fiber different from the first detection fiber, and that transmits light received by the endoscope; a second beam splitter that reflects the light transmitted by the second detection fiber into a third optical path oriented in the same direction as the first optical path, and can guide the light; a photodetector that can detect light intensities of the light from the first optical path and the third optical path; and an auxiliary image pickup device that can receive the light from the second optical path. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160038014 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF PLACEMENT - The present invention provides improved medical devices equipped with a visualization device for intubation, extubation, ventilation, drug delivery, feeding and continuous remote monitoring of a patient. The present invention also provides methods for rapid and accurate placement of a medical device in a patient and continuous real time monitoring, including a remote monitoring, of the patient after the placement. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160045104 | Flexible-wire Traction-type Capsule Endoscope and Manufacture Method thereof - The present invention discloses a flexible-wire traction-type capsule endoscope and a manufacture method thereof, which mainly includes a capsule endoscope housed in a pockety body and leads out a flexible wire for traction. The manufacture method of the flexible-wire traction-type capsule endoscope includes steps of mold integrating, film coating, adhering, shaping, assembling, sealing and wire fixing. According to the present invention, a finished product of the flexible-wire traction-type capsule endoscope is prepared by assembling a conventional capsule endoscope with a processed pockety body, and finally sealing and fixing. The manufacturing technique of the product is simple and easy, raw materials used are natural without pollution and are cheap, and the processing procedure is easy to be automatized, i.e., the productivity is easy to improve; from the aspect of application, the flexible-wire traction-type capsule endoscope has a small structure volume, is easy to swallow, and causes small negative reactions to patients. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160051126 | MICRO-ENDOSCOPE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A micro-endoscope and method of making the same includes a mounting housing, a camera module received within the mounting housing, and an encapsulation material interposed between the camera module and the mounting housing for fixedly mounting the camera module within the mounting housing and/or inhibiting the passage of light between the camera module and the mounting housing. The micro-endoscope further includes a light guide having the mounting housing received therein. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160051127 | MANIPULATOR, MANIPULATOR SYSTEM, AND MANIPULATOR CONTROL METHOD - A manipulator including an insert unit capable of being inserted into the body cavity, an operating unit for operation of the insert unit, an extending/retracting unit for moving the insert unit forward or backward, a drive unit for driving the insert unit and extending/retracting unit, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit in association with operation of said operating unit. The insert unit includes a bendable portion, the drive unit includes a bending movement driving portion for generating driving force for bending the bendable portion and an extension/retraction driving portion for generating driving force for moving the extending/retracting unit forward or backward, and the control unit controls the extension/retraction driving portion and bending movement driving portion in association with operation of the operating unit. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160051133 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND OPERATION METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion; an illumination portion that emits a plurality of illuminating lights of different hues to each other; an image pickup portion that picks up an optical image formed by an objective optical system in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a channel that opens in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a laser probe that is inserted through the channel and has an irradiation portion in a distal end region; a hue range setting portion that sets a hue range of the laser probe in accordance with a hue of an illuminating light; an image analysis portion that detects a hue range portion in a color image obtained from the image pickup portion; and a control portion that permits laser output only in a case where the hue range portion is detected. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160058272 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE, CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POSTURE OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes a capsule enclosure having an external wall surface; an image pickup device provided inside the capsule enclosure; a light source provided inside the capsule enclosure; a plurality of electrode structures each including an electrode, a water repellent layer, and a dielectric layer positioned between the electrode and the water repellent layer, the plurality of electrode structures being provided on the external wall surface of the capsule enclosure such that the electrode is positioned on an external wall surface side of the capsule enclosure; a power supply provided inside the capsule enclosure; at least one reference electrode provided on the external wall surface of the capsule enclosure and connected to reference potential of the power supply; and a drive circuit configured to apply a drive voltage to the plurality of electrode structures based on the power supply. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160066769 | IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging device includes: an imaging element that generates an image signal of a subject; an observation method determining unit that determines, based on identification information indicating types of a control device connected to the imaging device, whether the control device adopts a first observation method for processing an image signal indicating a plurality of images of the subject per one frame period or a second observation method for processing an image signal indicating a single image of the subject per one frame period; and a data reducing unit. If the control device adopts the second observation method, the data reducing unit reduces a data amount of the image signal to be transmitted to the control device per unit time such that a transmission rate indicating the data amount of the image signal per unit time is acceptable to the control device that adopts the second observation method. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160066772 | INFRARED ENDOSCOPIC BALLOON PROBES - Balloon probes, adapted for use in endoscopy and other medical procedures, are useful to obtain spectroscopic information reflected or emitted from a tissue of interest in the infrared spectral region. The information collected by the probe is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The invention also relates to methods utilizing these probes to analyze a surface of interest, in a minimally invasive manner, in connection with the diagnosis and treatment of disease. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160073854 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING SPATIAL SENSOR DATA IN FULL-FIELD THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE MEASUREMENT - Embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize one or more spatial sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and/or IMU, in providing position and/or orientation data for continuous real-time, full-field, and three-dimensional (“3-D”) surface data maps. An electromagnetic radiation source is configured to project electromagnetic radiation onto a surface. An image sensor is configured to capture image data representing the projected pattern as reflected from the surface. One or more spatial sensors are used to provide coordinate data for providing the position and/or orientation information. Using the coordinate information, an image processing module may be configured to stitch together the individual full-field 3-D data frames into a complete representation of the surface under study. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160073855 | SINGLE-USE, PORT DEPLOYABLE ARTICULATING ENDOSCOPE - The multi-section deployable and articulating endoscope is designed with tubing and flat cables that are small enough that the endoscope becomes a thin stick that is minimally invasive and usable with other devices in a common port. The endoscope includes very thin flat cables that are used for electrical connectivity and threaded above and below an articulation and deployment hinge for opening the endoscope passively using an adjustable tension spring, or by pulling on a first cable and closing the endoscope by pulling on a second cable, When in a tubular configuration the endoscope may be inserted into the port and an insufflation membrane inside the port forms an air seal with the endoscope, which aids in insufflation and desufflation. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160073927 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - The endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, and an image pickup portion that picks up an image of inside of the subject; an image pickup information acquisition portion that acquires positional information of the image pickup portion; an insertion form information acquisition portion that acquires insertion form information of the insertion portion inside the subject; and a control portion that, on a stereoscopic model image that simulates a predetermined organ inside the subject, superimposes an insertion form image that is based on insertion form information that is acquired by the insertion form information acquisition portion, and based on positional information of the image pickup portion that is acquired by the image pickup information acquisition portion, also pastes an image pickup image that is picked up by the image pickup portion, and presents the resulting stereoscopic model image. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160080620 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGING A SUBJECT - The present invention provides apparatus and method for imaging a subject in clinical examination. An apparatus for imaging a subject, comprising: a plurality of light sources ( | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160081539 | MEDICO-SURGICAL VIEWING ASSEMBLIES, GUIDES AND INTRODUCERS - A laryngoscope ( | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086331 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EXAMINING OR IMAGING AN INTERIOR SURFACE OF A CAVITY - A method for examining an interior surface of a cavity includes the steps of capturing partial images of an interior surface of a cavity; joining the captured partial images to form a complete image of said interior surface of the cavity; and providing an warning if the joined partial images does not form a complete image of said interior surface of the cavity. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160089001 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, ENDOSCOPE, AND ENDOSCOPE CONNECTOR - There are provided an endoscope system capable of suppressing an increase in the size of a first connector of an endoscope and of performing non-contact electric power supply and non-contact signal transmission, an endoscope, and an endoscope connector. A power receiving unit and a power supply unit are disposed opposite to each other along an insertion direction of first and second connectors, and an image signal transmission unit and an image signal receiving unit are disposed opposite to each other along the insertion direction of the first and second connectors. A first circuit board is disposed on the opposite side to the power supply unit with respect to the power receiving unit so as to partially overlap the power receiving unit in the insertion direction. The power receiving unit and the image signal transmission unit are disposed so as not to overlap each other in the insertion direction. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160095499 | Colon Capsule with Textured Structural Coating for Improved Colon Motility - The present invention discloses a capsule device with textured structural surface so that the capsule device has desired surface properties when it travels through designated regions in the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule device according to the present invention comprises a sensor and a capsule housing, where the sensor is sealed in the capsule housing. The capsule housing having a textured surface to cover at least one region of an exterior surface of the capsule housing to increase holding force between the luminal wall and the capsule device when the capsule device travels inside a gastrointestinal (GI) tract after being swallowed. A coating can be added to cover the textured surface so as to make the capsule surface smooth for easy to swallow. The coating layer will dissolve when the capsule device is in contact with the acid fluid inside the GI tract. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095500 | ENDOSCOPE - Provided is an endoscope including an inserted portion that is inserted into a body, an observation optical system that is provided at a distal-end portion of the inserted portion and that acquires an image of the heart, and a supporting expansion portion that makes the heart support the distal-end portion of the inserted portion and that is provided with a basal-end-portion balloon, which is provided closer to a base-end portion than the distal-end portion of the inserted portion is, and a distal-end-portion balloon, which is provided so as to overhang forward from the distal-end portion of the inserted portion, wherein the base-end-portion balloon is disposed on the opposite side from the distal-end-portion balloon, with the inserted portion interposed therebetween. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095510 | ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR A URETEROSCOPE - An attachment device for a ureteroscope may include a proximal guide configured to removably connect to a ureteroscope and a distally extending sheath. The sheath may have sufficient rigidity to maintain a generally straight configuration. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160100741 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: an illumination unit configured to irradiate a visual field area with illumination light that produces return light from a specific substance; a sensor unit having a two-dimensional surface on which a plurality of pixels is arranged for receiving the return light from the visual field area and photoelectrically converting the return light to generate electrical signals; a reading unit configured to read out the electrical signals per a specified frame cycle; a reset pulse generation unit configured to generate reset pulses for releasing electric charges accumulated in the plurality of pixels; a reset pulse controller configured to adjust timing of generating the reset pulses such that a plurality of frame cycles is included in a period between generation of two consecutive reset pulses; and an illumination controller configured to cause the illumination unit to emit the illumination light in each of the plurality of frame cycles. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160106303 | Focusable Camera Module For Endoscopes - A focusable camera module for an endoscope, including a housing including a lens assembly in a distal end of the housing, a carrier disposed within the housing, the carrier having a distal end with an aperture, an image sensor attached inside the carrier adjacent to the aperture, a flexible circuit attached to an edge of the image sensor, and a motor slideably displacing the carrier between a retracted position and an extended position, the aperture adjacent to the lens assembly in the extended position, and an endoscope including the focusable camera module. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160106305 | IMAGE CAPTURE UNIT IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109235 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - An embodiment comprises and apparatus having an image capture device with an image axis and a gyroscope operable to indicate the orientation of the image axis. An embodiment of a capsule endoscopy system comprises an imaging capsule and an external unit. The imaging capsule may comprise an image capture device having an image axis and a gyroscope operable to indicate the orientation of the image axis. The external unit may comprise a gyroscope operable to indicate an orientation of a subject and a harness wearable by a subject and operable to align the gyroscope with the subject. The imaging capsule may send and image to an external unit for processing and display, and the external unit may provide for calculation of the image-axis orientation relative to the body. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160114117 | Camera Tube with Guide Surface for Intubation Stylet and Method of Use - A camera tube used in connection with a laryngeal mask cooperates with an intubation stylet. The camera tube is an elongate member having a length extending between opposite distal and proximal ends of the elongate member. The distal end of the camera tube has a camera. The camera tube has an exterior surface and an intubation stylet guide support surface extending radially outward from the exterior surface along a portion of the length adjacent to the distal end. The intubation stylet guide support surface is configured to cooperate with an intubation stylet guide support surface. The user may manipulate the proximal end of the camera tube to change the orientation of the intubation stylet with in the laryngeal mask while using the camera to visualize the patient's laryngeal opening. Once the intubation stylet is aligned with the patient's laryngeal opening, the intubation stylet may be advanced therethrough. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160120396 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - A capsule endoscope includes: an imaging unit configured to capture inside of a subject and to generate an image of the inside of the subject; a brightness distribution measurement unit configured to measure a brightness distribution in the image generated by the imaging unit; and an imaging controller configured to switch a frame rate of the imaging unit to a frame rate higher than a reference frame rate when an area having brightness lower than a predetermined value is distributed at a center of the image in the brightness distribution measured by the brightness distribution measurement unit and to switch the frame rate of the imaging unit to a frame rate lower than the reference frame rate when the area having the brightness lower than the predetermined value is distributed outside the center of the image. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160128545 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to implement an image acquisition process that acquires a plurality of in vivo images; an in-focus evaluation value calculation process that calculates an in-focus evaluation value that represents a degree of in-focus corresponding to each of the plurality of in vivo images; a focus control process that controls a focus operation of an imaging optics by performing a control process that switches a position of a focus adjustment lens included in the imaging optics between a plurality of discrete positions based on the in-focus evaluation value; and a freeze image setting process that selects at least one in vivo image from the plurality of in vivo images based on the degree of in-focus represented by the in-focus evaluation value, and sets the selected at least one in vivo image to be a freeze image. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160135674 | A MEASUREMENT PROBE - A probe for measuring features in inaccessible locations comprising an elongate body adapted to be inserted into said inaccessible location, a probe tip being defined at a distal end thereof, a light source for transmitting light from said probe tip to illuminate a surface adjacent the probe tip, an image sensor for generating an image of the surface adjacent the probe tip and image processing means programmed to carry out digital imaging correlation upon subsequent images generated by said optical sensor to determine the motion of the probe tip. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160141485 | PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE INCLUDING THE SAME - A capsule endoscope includes a power supply operably coupled to a piezoelectric element. The power supply is configured to provide an alternating electric signal to the piezoelectric element. A housing defines a cavity therein to receive the piezoelectric element and the power supply. The piezoelectric element is configured to frictionally couple with an inner circumferential surface of the housing to impart movement. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160143520 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system including a control section that controls an LED driving section to supply driving currents to LEDs of a plurality of colors to cause the LEDs to emit lights in a frame-sequential manner and a processor that divides a total exposure period in one frame period of the frame-sequential light emission into ratios of light emission periods for each of the respective colors obtained by dividing light amount ratios of the lights of the plurality of colors, which should be received in a CCD, respectively by respective maximum light emission intensities of the LEDs of the plurality of colors and sets respective maximum light emission periods of the LEDs of the plurality of colors. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160150943 | Digital Swappable Endoscope | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160150944 | IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD WHICH UTILIZES MULTIDIRECTIONAL FIELD OF VIEW ENDOSCOPY | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160150948 | OPTICAL SCANNING UNIT, OPTICAL SCANNING OBSERVATION APPARATUS, AND OPTICAL FIBER SCANNING APPARATUS | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160157708 | ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR - An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina. said tube comprising: a first lumen having an open distal end that associates proximally to the Carina within the Trachea, with a first inflatable cuff; a second lumen having an open distal end that extends distally, past the Carina and associates within one of the Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch with a second inflatable cuff; a dedicated image sensor lumen spanning the length of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor lumen comprising an image sensor and illumination source disposed adjacent to the distal end of said first lumen, and configured to provide an image of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal Carina, the openings of the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening Right Bronchial branch; and at least one dedicated cleaning lumen disposed parallel with said dedicated image sensor lumen along the length of said endobronchial tube and wherein said cleaning lumen is configured to forms a cleaning nozzle at the distal end, wherein said cleaning nozzle is directed toward said image sensor lumen at its distal end. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160166132 | Endoscopic Image-Acquisition Unit | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160166133 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160166134 | SMALL DIAMETER VIDEO CAMERA HEADS AND VISUALIZATION PROBES AND MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING THEM | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160166791 | FLEXIBLE TUBE HOLDING DEVICE AND INTUBATION SYSTEM WITH METHODS OF USE | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160174808 | Main Optical System for Endoscope | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160174809 | Robust Storage and Transmission of Capsule Images | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160174811 | IMAGING DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160174818 | CALIBRATED MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160183769 | INSERTION INSTRUMENT AND INSERTION APPARATUS COMPRISING THIS INSERTION INSTRUMENT - An insertion instrument includes an insertion portion having a curving portion, and an operation portion body coupled to the proximal side of the insertion portion. The operation portion body includes a first surface, and a second surface extending from the first surface and extending in a direction different from the direction in which the first surface extends. A finger side other than a thumb of a grasping hand is located in the second surface. The operation portion body includes a first curving operation portion which is provided in the first surface and which curves the curving portion in a first direction, a functional switch which is provided in the second surface and which operates a predetermined function of the insertion instrument, and a second curving operation portion which is provided in the second surface. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160183775 | CONTINUOUS VIDEO IN A LIGHT DEFICIENT ENVIRONMENT - The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features is disclosed and described. The features of the system may include controlling a light source through duration, intensity or both; pulsing a component controlled light source during the blanking period; maximizing the blanking period to allow optimum light; and maintaining color balance. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160183777 | ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR - An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina. said tube comprising: a first lumen having an open distal end that associates proximally to the Carina within the Trachea, with a first inflatable cuff; a second lumen having an open distal end that extends distally, past the Carina and associates within one of the Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch with a second inflatable cuff; a dedicated image sensor lumen spanning the length of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor lumen comprising an image sensor and illumination source disposed adjacent to the distal end of said first lumen, and configured to provide an image of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal Carina, the openings of the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening Right Bronchial branch; and at least one dedicated cleaning lumen disposed parallel with said dedicated image sensor lumen along the length of said endobronchial tube and wherein said cleaning lumen is configured to forms a cleaning nozzle at the distal end, wherein said cleaning nozzle is directed toward said image sensor lumen at its distal end. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160192823 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160192825 | LAPAROSCOPE SYSTEM | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160192830 | ENDOSCOPIC METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TRANSNASAL PROCEDURES | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160192831 | ENDOSCOPE WITH ADJUSTABLE VIEWING DIRECTION | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160192833 | IN-VIVO IMAGING DEVICE WITH BACKSCATTER BLOCKING | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160192834 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160198933 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR SCANNING ENDOSCOPE | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160249793 | Capsule Camera Device with Multi-Spectral Light Sources | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160374545 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: illuminating windows configured to emit a first illuminating light to the front and a second illuminating light to the side inside the subject; an observation window configured to acquire an image of the subject from the front; an observation window configured to acquire an image of the subject from the side; an image generation portion configured to generate a first image based on an image of the subject from the front and a second image based on an image of the subject from the side; a control portion configured to compare brightnesses of the first image and the second image; a polarization filter configured to adjust the amount of at least one of the first illuminating light and the second illuminating light; and a drive portion configured to drive a polarization filter on the basis of a result of the brightness comparison by the control portion. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160374546 | Otoscope Providing Multi-Directional Illumination - An otoscope provides a disposable speculum sleeve that conducts light to a narrow tip holding an electronic camera. By removing the light source from the tip, the diameter of the tip may be further reduced to allow the space of the ear canal to be shared between the otoscope and a tool such as a curette for removing foreign objects or to permit the tip to navigate around ear obstructions. The sleeve may provide for multidirectional illumination of the ear structure for improved visualization. The tip and sleeve may be flexible for increased patient comfort when using a compact tip design. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170231475 | IN-VIVO VISUALIZATION SYSTEM | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180020904 | IMAGING UNIT FOR AN ENDOSCOPE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN IMAGING UNIT | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190142240 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE PROCESSOR AND ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190142243 | DATA RECEPTION DEVICE, CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, DATA RECEPTION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190142248 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190142253 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190142254 | ENDOSCOPE DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190142256 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220139547 | Method and Apparatus for Medical Devices Under Regulatory Control - Systems, devices, methods, and program products are provided for operating a medical system that is operable within at least two different medical device regulatory classes. A device control module receives an indicator for performing at least one procedure with a medical device. Based on the indicator, it selects a binary image for booting the control module from among multiple images including a controlled-type and a non-controlled type, which operate in different regulatory classes. A controlled-type image, which may be FDA PMA or other regulatory classes, is verified to be unaltered, and is then used to operate as a regulated medical device. The indicator can be automatic or manual. The indicator may result from connection of a specific medical device or peripheral device or may be user input. | 05-05-2022 |
