An image processing unit of a processor for an endoscope includes: an emphasis processing calculation unit performing nonlinear gradation conversion for a pixel value of a pixel of interest, using each pixel of a captured image as the pixel of interest; and a preprocessing unit setting a reference upper limit characteristic line and a reference lower limit characteristic line in order to adjust an output pixel value after the nonlinear gradation conversion and calculating a degree of variation in pixel values in a partial setting region around the pixel of interest. The emphasis processing calculation unit calculates an output ratio of the output pixel value to a maximum pixel value that can be taken by the captured image, an adjustment upper limit value and an adjustment lower limit value, and an emphasis-processed pixel value, using the adjustment upper limit value, the adjustment lower limit value, and the output ratio.

An image processing unit of a processor for an endoscope includes: an emphasis processing calculation unit performing nonlinear gradation conversion for a pixel value of a pixel of interest, using each pixel of a captured image as the pixel of interest; and a preprocessing unit setting a reference upper limit characteristic line and a reference lower limit characteristic line in order to adjust an output pixel value after the nonlinear gradation conversion and calculating a degree of variation in pixel values in a partial setting region around the pixel of interest. The emphasis processing calculation unit calculates an output ratio of the output pixel value to a maximum pixel value that can be taken by the captured image, an adjustment upper limit value and an adjustment lower limit value, and an emphasis-processed pixel value, using the adjustment upper limit value, the adjustment lower limit value, and the output ratio.

A camera system for use with retractors. The system includes a camera assembly configured for mounting on the proximal end of a retractor system, such as the proximal end of a blade such that the entirety of the camera assembly is disposed at the proximal end of the retractor system may be disposed such that the distal-most optical element overhangs the working channel established by the retractor, and includes a reflector and a rotatable mount for the reflector, camera assembly viewing axis may be altered without changing the position of the entire camera assembly.

Controlled motion capsules and associated systems and methods are described. Controlled motion capsules can decelerate, and stop, without damaging epithelial walls. If any components fail, a controlled motion capsule, without added energy, becomes its most compact shape, passing harmlessly through the GI tract. Controlled motion capsule may include a shape changing material, comprising a reversible soft copolymer, in a container in the capsule, with a nonionizing radiation emitter, and a controller to activate the nonionizing radiation to expand and contract the shape changing material, on detection of certain conditions or instructions. Expansion of the shape changing material, including contact with epithelial walls, decelerates and can stop the controlled motion capsule movement. Motion control allows scientists to study the microbiome, doctors to deliver intestinal drugs at precise locations, and to closely examine signs of precancerous growth.

A novel in-vivo image capture device for capsule endoscope and its method of operation are described. The device includes a wafer level camera module design, high sensitivity backside illumination pixel with high definition image output and LED's to provide illumination, which is synchronized with an image sensor strobe signal. A frame rate of the device can be adjusted based on an angular motion detection from a gyroscope sensor, in which a high frame rate mode is maintained during fast motion while a low frame rate is maintained during slow or no motion. The image capture device also includes machine learning based SOC for image processing, enhancement, and compression. The SOC can process and store zone average of images. The image capture device also includes a high density flash storage to store images in the device, thus no RF transmitter is needed, which make the system more convenient to use.

A method for imaging a patient's gastrointestinal tract using a capsule camera and a patient positioning system are disclosed. According to the method, the capsule camera is administered to a patient by swallowing the capsule camera through patient's mouth. For each target examination position selected from a set of examination positions: the patient positioning system is adjusted to a target positioner bed position associated with the target examination position with the patient on the positioner be. Adjusting patient positioning system comprises adjusting the positioner bed to tilt at a tilt angle, and wherein the set of examination positions comprises at least two different tilt angles; and the patient positioning system still is held at the target examination position for a pre-defined period of dwelling time to allow the capsule camera to capture stable pictures. Image data captured by the capsule camera are then collected.

An information processing apparatus (2000) detects an abnormal region (30) from a predetermined range (16) of a video frame (14). The information processing apparatus (2000) determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in a case where the abnormal region (30) is detected from the predetermined range (16) of a certain video frame (14) and the abnormal region (30) is not detected from the predetermined range (16) of a predetermined video frame (14) generated later than the video frame (14). In a case where the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the information processing apparatus (2000) performs a predetermined notification.

An information processing apparatus (2000) detects an abnormal region (30) from a predetermined range (16) of a video frame (14). The information processing apparatus (2000) determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in a case where the abnormal region (30) is detected from the predetermined range (16) of a certain video frame (14) and the abnormal region (30) is not detected from the predetermined range (16) of a predetermined video frame (14) generated later than the video frame (14). In a case where the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the information processing apparatus (2000) performs a predetermined notification.

A surgical vision system for imaging heat capacity and cooling rate of tissue has an infrared source configured to provide infrared light to tissue, the infrared light sufficient to heat tissue, and an infrared camera configured to provide images of tissue at infrared wavelengths. The system also has an image processing system configured to determine, from the infrared images of tissue, a cooling or heating rate at pixels of the images of tissue at infrared wavelengths and to display images derived from the cooling rate at the pixels.

A surgical vision system for imaging heat capacity and cooling rate of tissue has an infrared source configured to provide infrared light to tissue, the infrared light sufficient to heat tissue, and an infrared camera configured to provide images of tissue at infrared wavelengths. The system also has an image processing system configured to determine, from the infrared images of tissue, a cooling or heating rate at pixels of the images of tissue at infrared wavelengths and to display images derived from the cooling rate at the pixels.