Tom Pouce III, an Electronic White Cane for Blind People: Ability to Detect Obstacles and Mobility Performances.

We present a protocol for evaluating the efficiency of an electronic white cane for improving the mobility of blind people. The electronic cane used during the test is the Tom Pouce III, made of LIDAR sensors (light detection and ranging) with tactile feedback. The protocol comprises two parts.

Autofluorescence imaging within the liver: a promising tool for the detection and characterization of primary liver tumors.

Objectives: To assess the performance of 405 nm-induced autofluorescence for the characterization of primary liver nodules on ex vivo resected specimens.

Materials And Methods: Forty resected liver specimens bearing 53 primary liver nodules were included in this IRB-approved prospective study. Intratissular spectroscopic measurements were performed using a 25-G fibered-needle on all ex vivo specimens: 5 autofluorescence measurements were performed in both nodules and adjacent parenchyma.

Development of a New Negative Obstacle Sensor for Augmented Electric Wheelchair.

Due to pathologies or age-related problems, in some disabled people, motor impairment is associated with cognitive and/or visual impairments. This combination of limitations unfortunately leads to an inability to move around independently. Indeed, their situation does not allow them to use a conventional electric wheelchair, for safety reasons, and for the moment there is no other technological solution providing safe movement capacity.

Towards an optical biopsy for the diagnosis of breast cancer in vivo by endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy.

The techniques of medical imaging allow the detection of suspect lesions in the breast, but they do not always evidence the malignant nature of these lesions. Breast biopsies and histological analyses are therefore implemented to establish a diagnosis. In order to reduce the number of these invasive procedures, a portable clinical system was designed based upon the excitation of Endogenous Fluorescence in vivo at 405 nm via a fiber-optics probe included in a disposable needle of small diameter (<1 mm).

Spatially selective laser irradiation method controlled by real-time image analysis: optical aspects.

We present a spatially selective irradiation method for laser treatment of biological surfaces. The purpose is to irradiate only the pathological targets and to preserve the healthy surrounding parts. We are interested here in the optical arrangement of the device and in the evaluation of its physical limitations before it is used for medical purposes.

Real time control of the spatial selectivity during laser treatment of a biological surface.

We propose a new irradiation technique to improve the spatial selectivity and the dose control during a laser treatment of a biological surface. The technique is based on the use of a spatial light modulator to project a rectangular laser image of 8 mm x 5 mm. The spatial distribution of the irradiation is controlled in real time by image analysis applied to the acquired image of the surface to be treated.