Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit (6) capable of supporting multiple input devices. SOLUTION: The camera control unit (6) detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes include altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a long time from being spent in resume seeking of a focus, which is automatically performed in accordance with change in a parameter, and to prevent resume seeking of a focus from being performed unnecessarily as a scene changes. SOLUTION: Methods and systems for adjusting a video imaging system that includes an auto-focus mechanism are disclosed, wherein when a command 40 to require the implementation of an auto-focus procedure is received from a user of the video imaging system, the auto-focus mechanism is scanned over a range of focal distance from a first setting to a second setting indicated by the command. A sequence of images is captured by using the imaging system while scanning. The images in the sequence are processed so as to compute a measure of focal quality with respect to each of the images 42. The measure of the focal quality is analyzed so as to select an optimal focal distance, and a focal distance is set to the optimal focal distance in the auto-focus mechanism 50. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote head imaging system having a camera control unit capable of supporting a plurality of input devices.SOLUTION: A camera control unit (6) detects input devices connected with it, and changes an internal function of the camera control unit according thereto. The change includes a change of clock timing, a change of a video output parameter, and a change of image processing software. Additionally, a user can select a software program instruction and a set having different hardware configuration information, based on an installed head. A remote head imaging system utilizes a field programmable circuit such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) so as to facilitate the change in a configuration.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide improved illumination systems with automated temperature control and intelligent adaption to their state of activity.SOLUTION: A medical instrument has a lighting system for illumination a target area, the system comprising a light source 34 and associated power controller 36, the system being configured to switch 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.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a kidney endoscope configured so as to be inserted into a dissection of the renal pelvis of a patient. SOLUTION: The flexible endoscope includes a handle with a control section and a shaft extended from the handle. The shaft includes a front end with a first active deflection section connected in series with a second active deflection section. The control part is configured so as to separately deflect the first and second deflection sections. The first and second deflection sections are configured so that they reach the calyx of kidney at the lowermost without requiring to be passively deflected against the tissue of the kidney of a patient to dispose the tip end of the kidney endoscope on the calyx of kidney at the lowermost. The first and second deflection sections are limited so as to be deflected in one common plane. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bladder-kidney endoscope configured so as to be inserted through a dissection of the renal pelvis of a patient. SOLUTION: The flexible endoscope includes: a handle; a shaft which is extended from the handle and has a front end including a first active flexible part and a second active flexible part, wherein the first active flexible part is limited so as to be flexible in a first plane, and the second active flexible part is limited so as to be flexible in a second plane different from the first plane, wherein the first plane is tilted to the second plane, and the first active flexible part includes a shaft including a plurality of rings rotatably connected to adjacent rings by two ball parts at both sides; and a means to observe the inside of the almost spherical shape through a fixed entrance inside the almost spherical shape by an optical lens on the front end of the shaft, without performing axial rotation of the shaft. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved illumination system which is intelligent and adaptive to automatic temperature control and its action state. SOLUTION: A medical apparatus includes the illumination system for illuminating a target region. The illumination system includes a light source 32 and a power controller 36 related to the light source, and is configured to perform changeover from a first illumination mode into a second illumination mode, based on a sensed or determined state change. The state change is a state where prescribed temperature and/or the signals of a scene and brightness from an image sensor related to the medical apparatus are changed or not changed. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT