Optical detection with controllable detector integration time

Abstract

In an optical detection device such as an endoscope, a detector having a controllable detector integration time can generate a detector signal from light reflected or emitted by a sample and collected by a user-replaceable optical fiber. A spectrum analyzer can measure a spectrum of the detector signal. A controller can receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber, such as a core diameter. In response to receiving the fiber parameter data, the controller can set or adjust the controllable detector integration time to have a value corresponding to the at least one value of the at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber. For example, the controller can decrease the controllable detector integration time value as the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable optical fiber increases.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 569,907, filed March 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This document generally relates to optical inspection devices, and more specifically to endoscopic systems. Background Technology

[0004] Operators, such as doctors, practitioners, or users, can use endoscopes to provide visual access to a patient's internal location. The operator can insert the endoscope into the patient's body. The endoscope delivers light to the target being examined, such as the target anatomical structure or object. The endoscope collects the light reflected from the object. The reflected light can carry information about the target being examined. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the example, the optical detection device may include: a detector having a controllable detector integration time, the detector being configured to receive collected light reflected or emitted by a sample from a user-replaceable fiber, and to generate a detector signal in response to receiving the collected light; a spectrum analyzer configured to measure the spectrum of the detector signal; and a controller configured to receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber; and to set or adjust the controllable detector integration time to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber in response to receiving the fiber parameter data.

[0006] In an example, a method for operating an optical detection device may include: receiving collected light reflected or emitted by a sample from a user-replaceable optical fiber using a detector having a controllable detector integration time; generating a detector signal using the detector in response to receiving the collected light; measuring the spectrum of the detector signal using a spectrum analyzer; receiving fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber using a controller; and setting or adjusting the controllable detector integration time to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber using the controller in response to receiving the fiber parameter data.

[0007] In the example, the spectral detection system may include: an illuminator disposed at a distal end of an endoscope and configured to illuminate a sample with illumination light; a user-replaceable optical fiber having a distal portion coupled to the endoscope and a distal end configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as collected light; a spectrometer detector with a controllable detector integration time configured to receive collected light from the user-replaceable optical fiber and generate a detector signal in response to receiving the collected light; a spectrometer spectrum analyzer configured to measure the spectrum of the detector signal; a spectrometer controller configured to receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of the core diameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber—the fiber parameter data being encoded as machine-readable data in or on the user-replaceable optical fiber—and to set or adjust the controllable detector integration time to have a value that decreases as the core diameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber increases in response to receiving the fiber parameter data; and a processing circuit system configured to determine the composition of the sample at least in part based on the spectrum of the collected light. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. Such embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive embodiments of the subject matter.

[0009] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of an example optical detection device is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for operating an optical detection device is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example of a computer-based clinical decision support system is shown, which is configured to control the integration time of the detector in response to one or more physical parameters of the optical fiber. Detailed Implementation

[0012] In an optical detection device, an optical fiber can transport light from a sample to a detector. For example, the optical detection device may include or be included within an endoscope. The endoscope may include an illuminator located at its distal end. The illuminator can illuminate the sample with illumination light. The optical fiber may have a distal portion coupled to the endoscope and a distal end capable of receiving at least some of the illumination light reflected or emitted by the sample, such as via reflection spectrum, fluorescence, Raman scattering, etc., as a light-collecting end.

[0013] The illuminator can be integrated with the endoscope, allowing it to provide similar illumination conditions across processes. However, the optical fiber can be user-replaceable, for example, for a single process. For configurations where the fiber is multimode, one or more physical parameters of the fiber can affect the amount of collected light delivered from the sample to the detector. For example, under similar illumination conditions, a fiber with a relatively large core diameter may deliver more collected light to the detector than a fiber with a relatively small core diameter. If a fiber with a small core diameter is used in the first process and replaced with a fiber with a large core diameter for the second process, the detector may experience an increase in light intensity from the first to the second process. If the optical detection device does not compensate for this increase in light intensity at the detector, the detector may experience saturation, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the optical detection device.

[0014] To at least partially compensate for fiber-to-fiber variations in the amount of light delivered to the detector, the optical detection device can control the detector's integration time in response to one or more physical parameters of the fiber. For example, in an optical detection device such as an endoscope, a detector with a controllable integration time can generate a detector signal from light reflected or emitted from a sample and collected by a user-replaceable fiber. A spectrum analyzer can measure the spectrum of the detector signal. A controller can receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber, such as its core diameter. In response to receiving the fiber parameter data, the controller can set or adjust the controllable detector integration time to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber. For example, the controller can decrease the controllable detector integration time value as the core diameter of the user-replaceable fiber increases.

[0015] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of an example of an optical detection device 100 is shown. The optical detection device 100 may be a spectrometer or other suitable device.

[0016] During the procedure, the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 can deliver therapeutic light to a sample 130, such as a kidney stone. The therapeutic light can be absorbed by the sample 130, generating thermal stress within the sample 130 that can cause the sample 130 to break into smaller fragments. During periods when the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 is not directing therapeutic light to the sample 130 and the sample 130 is being illuminated by the illuminator 170, a portion of the light reflected or emitted by the sample 130 can be collected by the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 and directed proximally away from the sample 130. A detector 110 positioned at or near the proximal end of the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 can detect the light reflected or emitted by the sample 130 and collected by the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120.

[0017] Detector 110 may have a controllable detector integration time. Detector 110 may be a spectrometer detector. Detector 110 may include a photosensitive element 112, such as a sensor, which may generate a current or voltage in response to receiving incident light. The photosensitive element 112 may be a multi-pixel sensor, such as an imaging sensor, or it may be a non-imaging sensor (e.g., a single large pixel). Detector 110 may include detector electronics 114, which may controllably store charge from the photosensitive element 112 and may generate an electrical signal that can be read by additional circuitry such as a spectrum analyzer 140 or a controller 150. Detector saturation may occur when detector electronics 114 receives more charge than it can store during the duration of the detector integration time. Detector electronics 114 may control the detector integration time, such as by controlling at least one of a start time and an end time, where the detector integration time corresponds to the time interval or duration between the start time and the end time.

[0018] Detector 110 can receive collected light reflected or emitted by sample 130 from user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120. Detector 110 can generate detector signal 116 in response to receiving the collected light. The detector signal can correspond to the detector integration time multiplied by the average power level of the collected light arriving at detector 110 during the detector integration time.

[0019] Optical detection device 100 may include a spectrum analyzer 140 that measures the spectrum of detector signal 116. The spectrum analyzer 140 may be a spectrometer. The spectrum analyzer 140 may generate a spectrum analysis electrical signal 142, which may be read by another electrical device such as a controller 150. Examples of suitable configurations for the spectrum analyzer 140 may include wavelength separation elements (such as gratings) and multiple detectors, each corresponding to a specified wavelength or wavelength range. Examples of suitable configurations for the spectrum analyzer 140 may include a spectrometer. Examples of suitable configurations for the spectrum analyzer 140 may include: a series of wavelength separation elements, such as multiple dichroic filters, one or more of which may be optionally arranged sequentially or in series, or one or more of which may be optionally arranged in parallel; and multiple detectors, each corresponding to a specified wavelength or wavelength range. Examples of suitable configurations for the spectrum analyzer 140 may include multiple detectors, each having an associated wavelength-sensitive filter, such as a bandpass filter or a notch filter. Other configurations can be used. The spectrum analysis electrical signal 142 can be analog, digital, or a combination of analog and digital.

[0020] The optical detection device 100 may include a controller 150. The controller 150 may be a spectrometer controller. The controller 150 may be referred to as a processing circuit system. The controller 150 may be implemented solely in software, solely in hardware, or as a combination of software and hardware. The controller 150 may be implemented on a single processor or on multiple processors. For a controller configuration utilizing multiple processors, the processors may be housed in a common housing 155, or at least two of the multiple processors may be spaced apart in different housings. The controller 150 may include: one or more processors; and a memory containing instructions executable by one or more processors to cause one or more processors to perform operations. Examples of such operations are described in detail below.

[0021] The controller 150 can receive fiber optic parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120. In response to receiving the fiber optic parameter data, the controller 150 can set or adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120. The following are three examples describing suitable physical parameters.

[0022] In the first example, at least one physical parameter may include the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber 120. For example, the user-replaceable fiber 120 may include a core having a circular cross-section and a cladding surrounding the core, the cladding being formed of a material with a refractive index less than that of the core. Light propagates within the core along the length of the user-replaceable fiber 120 and is retained within the core via total internal reflection at the (generally cylindrical) interface between the core and the cladding. An optional protective sheath may surround the cladding. In the first example, the controller 150 may adjust the controllable detector integration time to have a value that decreases as the core diameter of the user-replaceable fiber 120 increases. For example, the controller 150 may adjust the controllable detector integration time to have a value inversely proportional to the square of the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber 120 at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber 120.

[0023] In the second example, at least one physical parameter may include the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber 120 at its distal end. For example, the core may have a non-circular cross-section, such as being elongated, irregular, polygonal, or having one or more corners. Non-circular cross-sections can occur in polarization-maintaining fibers, fibers comprising multiple cores, and other situations. In the second example, the controller 150 may adjust the controllable detector integration time to have a value that decreases as the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber 120 at its distal end increases. For example, the controller 150 may adjust the controllable detector integration time to have a value inversely proportional to the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber 120 at its distal end.

[0024] In the third example, at least one physical parameter may include the numerical aperture of the user-replaceable fiber 120. The numerical aperture of the user-replaceable fiber 120 is a measure of the size of the angle at which light can enter the user-replaceable fiber 120 and propagate along its length. Typically, the numerical aperture can be determined by the refractive index of the core and cladding materials. In the third example, the controller 150 may adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to have a value that decreases with increasing numerical aperture.

[0025] The three examples described above are merely examples of physical parameters. Other suitable physical parameters can also be used. Below are four examples illustrating how controller 150 receives fiber optic parameter data.

[0026] In the first example, fiber optic parameter data can be encoded as machine-readable data in or on the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120. For example, the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 122. The optical inspection device 100 may include an RFID tag reader 124 that can read data from the RFID tag 122. The data read from the RFID tag 122 may directly include fiber optic parameter data, may include data that can be queried from a suitable database capable of providing fiber optic parameter data, or may include a combination of both. As another example, the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 may include a barcode, such as a QR code. The optical inspection device 100 may include a barcode reader that can read data from the barcode. As another example, the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 may include circuitry. The optical inspection device 100 may include a circuitry reader that can read data from the circuitry. Other suitable machine-readable data may also be used.

[0027] In the second example, the user can select a fiber optic type from a specified or predetermined list of fiber optic types. The list may include component names or other suitable identifiers that the user may be familiar with. As a specific example, if the user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 is commercially available in three different configurations, the specified or predetermined list may include the corresponding three component names. In the second example, the controller 150 may cause the user interface 158 to prompt the user to select one of a specified plurality of fiber optic types. The user interface 158 may include a computer monitor, display, touch-sensitive display, or other suitable device for displaying information to the user and receiving input from the user. The controller 150 may receive the selection of the chosen fiber optic type from the specified plurality of fiber optic types from the user interface 158. The controller 150 may submit a query to a fiber optic type database that associates fiber optic types with corresponding physical parameter values, providing the selected fiber optic type. The controller 150 may retrieve the retrieved physical parameter values ​​from the fiber optic type database in response to the query. The controller 150 may form fiber optic parameter data, at least in part, based on the retrieved physical parameter values.

[0028] In the third example, the user can select a physical parameter value, such as the core diameter, from a specified or predetermined list of physical parameter values, such as a list of core diameter values. The list may include physical parameter values ​​corresponding to various configurations of the user-replaceable fiber 120. As a specific example, if the user-replaceable fiber 120 is commercially available in three different configurations, each with a different core diameter value, the specified or predetermined list may include three core diameter values. In the third example, the controller 150 may cause the user interface 158 to prompt the user to select one of a specified plurality of physical parameter values. The controller 150 may receive the selection of the selected physical parameter value from the specified plurality of physical parameter values ​​from the user interface 158. The controller 150 may form fiber parameter data at least in part based on the selected physical parameter value.

[0029] In the fourth example, the user can directly input physical parameter values, such as fiber core diameter, into a designated field in the user interface 158. In the third example, the controller 150 can cause the user interface 158 to prompt the user to directly input physical parameter values. The controller 150 can receive the input physical parameter values ​​from the user interface 158. The controller 150 can at least partially form fiber optic parameter data based on the input physical parameter values.

[0030] Optical detection device 100 may include or be included within endoscope 160, for example, to facilitate spectral identification of the composition of sample 130 or a target (e.g., kidney stones). For example, a distal portion of user-replaceable fiber optic cable 120 may be coupled to endoscope 160. The distal end 162 of endoscope 160 may include illuminator 170, which can illuminate sample 130 with illumination light. Illuminator 170 can deliver broadband light, such as white light, to sample 130. Illuminator 170 may include a light source that generates broadband light. For example, the light source may include one or more white light-emitting diodes disposed on the distal end of endoscope 160. As another example, the light source may include an arc lamp, such as a xenon arc lamp, disposed remotely from endoscope 160, and connected to endoscope 160 by an optical fiber that delivers broadband light from the arc lamp to endoscope 160. The distal end of the user-replaceable optical fiber 120 can receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample 130 as collected light. The optical detection device 100 may also include a processing circuit system 180 that can determine the composition of the sample 130 at least partially based on the spectrum of the collected light. For example, the processing circuit system 180 can select one or more materials from a materials database that have a spectrum that most closely matches the spectrum of the collected light.

[0031] In some examples, the optical detection device 100 can control the integration time based on a comparison of the measured signal strength with a predefined threshold. Controlling the integration time in this way can provide additional input to the integration time control process for the physical properties of the surgical fiber.

[0032] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method 200 for operating an optical inspection device such as optical inspection device 100 is shown. Figure 2 The method described is merely one example of a method for operating an optical detection device; other suitable methods may also be used.

[0033] At operation 202, method 200 may include: receiving collected light reflected or emitted by a sample such as sample 130 from a user-replaceable optical fiber such as user-replaceable optical fiber 120 using a detector such as detector 110 having a controllable detector integration time.

[0034] At operation 204, method 200 may include generating a detector signal using a detector in response to receiving collected light.

[0035] At operation 206, method 200 may include using a spectrum analyzer, such as spectrum analyzer 140, to measure the spectrum of the detector signal.

[0036] At operation 208, method 200 may include receiving fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of a user-replaceable fiber using a controller such as controller 150.

[0037] In the first example, fiber parameter data can be encoded as machine-readable data in or on a user-replaceable fiber.

[0038] In the second example, the controller may receive fiber optic parameter data by: prompting the user interface to select one of a plurality of specified fiber optic types; receiving the selection of the selected fiber optic type from the user interface; submitting a query to a fiber optic type database that associates fiber optic types with corresponding physical parameter values, the query providing the selected fiber optic type; retrieving the retrieved physical parameter values ​​from the fiber optic type database in response to the query; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the retrieved physical parameter values.

[0039] In the third example, the controller can receive fiber optic parameter data by: prompting the user interface to select one of a plurality of specified physical parameter values; receiving the selection of the selected physical parameter value from the plurality of specified physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the selected physical parameter value.

[0040] At operation 210, method 200 may include, in response to receiving fiber optic parameter data, using a controller to set or adjust the integration time of a controllable detector to a value having at least one value corresponding to at least one physical parameter of a user-replaceable fiber optic cable.

[0041] The distal portion of a user-replaceable optical fiber can be coupled to an endoscope, such as endoscope 160. The distal end of the endoscope may include an illuminator, such as illuminator 170, which can illuminate a sample with illumination light. The distal end of the user-replaceable optical fiber can receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as collected light. Method 200 may optionally further include determining the composition of the sample, at least in part, based on the spectrum of the collected light using a processing circuitry system.

[0042] Figure 3A schematic diagram of an example of a computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) 300 is shown, which can control the integration time of a detector in response to fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of a user-replaceable fiber. In various embodiments, the CDSS 300 includes: an input interface 302 through which one or more physical parameters of the fiber are provided as input features to an artificial intelligence (AI) model 304; a processor that performs an inference operation in which one or more physical parameters of the fiber are applied to the AI ​​model to determine whether the parameter values ​​satisfy specified conditions; and a user interface (UI) or output interface 308 through which the determination can be transmitted to a user, such as a clinician.

[0043] In some implementations, input interface 302 may be a direct data link between CDSS 300 and one or more medical devices, such as optical detection device 100 or endoscope 160, that generate at least some of the fiber optic parameter data in the fiber optic parameter data. For example, input interface 302 may transmit fiber optic parameter data directly to CDSS during treatment and / or diagnostic medical procedures. Alternatively or alternatively, input interface 302 may be a classic user interface that facilitates interaction between the user and CDSS 300. For example, input interface 302 may facilitate a user interface through which the user can manually input at least one physical parameter of a user-replaceable fiber. Alternatively or alternatively, input interface 302 may provide CDSS 300 with access to an electronic patient record from which one or more input features can be extracted. In any of these cases, input interface 302 is configured to collect parameter values ​​associated with a specific patient when or before using CDSS 300 to assess a medical condition, such as kidney stones, treated by optical detection device 100 or endoscope 160.

[0044] Based on one or more of the aforementioned input features, a processor, such as controller 150, uses an AI model to perform inference operations to generate determinations. For example, input interface 302 can feed at least one physical parameter of a user-replaceable fiber optic cable into the input layer of the AI ​​model, which then propagates the input feature to the output layer. The AI ​​model can provide a computer system with the ability to perform tasks by inferring based on patterns discovered in the analysis of data, without being explicitly programmed. The AI ​​model explores the research and construction of algorithms (e.g., machine learning algorithms) that can learn from existing data and make predictions for new data. Such algorithms operate by building AI models from example training data to make data-driven predictions or decisions represented as outputs or evaluations.

[0045] There are two main paradigms for machine learning (ML): supervised ML and unsupervised ML. Supervised ML uses prior knowledge (e.g., examples that correlate inputs with outputs or outcomes) to learn the relationship between inputs and outputs. The goal of supervised ML is to learn a function that, given some training data, best approximates the relationship between inputs and outputs, so that the ML model can achieve the same relationship to generate the corresponding output given the input. Unsupervised ML, on the other hand, trains the ML algorithm using information that is neither classified nor labeled, enabling the algorithm to act on that information without guidance. Unsupervised ML is useful in exploratory analytics because it can automatically identify structures in the data.

[0046] Common tasks for supervised ML are classification and regression problems. Classification problems (also known as categorization problems) aim to classify an item into one of several category values ​​(e.g., is the object an apple or an orange?). Regression algorithms aim to quantify some items (e.g., by assigning scores to some input values). Some examples of commonly used supervised ML algorithms are logistic regression (LR), Naive Bayes, random forest (RF), neural networks (NN), deep neural networks (DNN), matrix factorization, and support vector machines (SVM).

[0047] Some common tasks in unsupervised ML include clustering, representation learning, and density estimation. Examples of commonly used unsupervised ML algorithms include K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and autoencoders.

[0048] Another type of machine learning is federated learning (also known as collaborative learning), which trains algorithms on multiple distributed devices that store local data without exchanging data. This contrasts with traditional centralized machine learning techniques, which upload all local datasets to a single server, and with more classic distributed methods, which typically assume that local data samples are uniformly distributed. Federated learning enables multiple participants to build general, robust machine learning models without sharing data, thus enabling the resolution of critical issues such as data privacy, data security, data access permissions, and access to heterogeneous data.

[0049] The AI ​​model can be trained continuously or periodically before the inference operation is performed by a processor such as controller 150. Then, during the inference operation, patient-specific input features provided to the AI ​​model can propagate from the input layer, through one or more hidden layers, and finally to the output layer that corresponds to the identified features.

[0050] The AI ​​model can include a database that contains patient-specific data. This database can provide patient records to the CDSS 300. The AI ​​model can receive parameter values ​​from sensors.

[0051] During and / or after the reasoning operation, the distance (Z) value can be transmitted to the user via a user interface (UI) and / or automatically cause actuators or alarms connected to the processor to perform the desired action. For example, the processor can cause an actuator to move an optical fiber relative to the endoscope. Alternatively, the processor can cause an alarm to alert the practitioner.

[0052] CDSS 300 can optionally be used to determine the action to be taken in response to parameter values.

[0053] In the foregoing detailed description, the methods and apparatus of this disclosure have been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this specification and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0054] To further illustrate the apparatus and related methods disclosed herein, a list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Each of the following non-limiting examples may exist independently or may be combined with any or more of the other examples in any permutation or combination.

[0055] In Example 1, the optical detection apparatus may include: a detector having a controllable detector integration time, the detector being configured to receive collected light reflected or emitted by a sample from a user-replaceable optical fiber, and to generate a detector signal in response to receiving the collected light; a spectrum analyzer being configured to measure the spectrum of the detector signal; and a controller being configured to receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber; and to set or adjust the controllable detector integration time to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber in response to receiving the fiber parameter data.

[0056] In Example 2, the optical detection device of Example 1 may optionally be configured such that: the optical detection device is a spectrometer; the detector is a spectrometer detector; the spectrum analyzer is a spectrometer spectrum analyzer; and the controller is a spectrometer controller.

[0057] In Example 3, the optical detection device of any one of Examples 1 to 2 may optionally be configured such that: at least one physical parameter includes the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber; and the controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to have a value that decreases as the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber increases.

[0058] In Example 4, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally be configured such that the controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value inversely proportional to the square of the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber.

[0059] In Example 5, the optical detection device of any one of Examples 1 to 4 may optionally be configured such that: at least one physical parameter includes the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber; and the controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to have a value that decreases as the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber increases.

[0060] In Example 6, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally be configured such that the controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value inversely proportional to the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber.

[0061] In Example 7, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 6 may optionally be configured such that: at least one physical parameter includes the numerical aperture of a user-replaceable optical fiber; and the controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to have a value that decreases as the numerical aperture increases.

[0062] In Example 8, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 7 may optionally be configured such that fiber parameter data is encoded as machine-readable data in or on a user-replaceable fiber.

[0063] In Example 9, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 8 may optionally be configured such that the controller is configured to receive fiber optic parameter data by: prompting a user interface to select one of a plurality of specified fiber optic types; receiving from the user interface the selection of the selected fiber optic type from the plurality of specified fiber optic types; submitting a query to a fiber optic type database that associates fiber optic types with corresponding physical parameter values, the query providing the selected fiber optic type; in response to the query, retrieving the retrieved physical parameter values ​​from the fiber optic type database; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the retrieved physical parameter values.

[0064] In Example 10, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 9 may optionally be configured such that the controller is configured to receive fiber optic parameter data by: prompting the user interface to select one of a plurality of specified physical parameter values; receiving the selection of the selected physical parameter value from the plurality of specified physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the selected physical parameter value.

[0065] In Example 11, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 10 may optionally be configured such that the controller is configured to receive fiber optic parameter data by: prompting the user interface to directly input physical parameter values; receiving the input physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the input physical parameter values.

[0066] In Example 12, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 11 may optionally be configured such that the distal portion of a user-replaceable fiber is coupled to the endoscope.

[0067] In Example 13, the optical detection device of any of Examples 1 to 12 may optionally be configured such that: the distal end of the endoscope includes an illuminator configured to illuminate the sample with illumination light; and the distal end of a user-replaceable optical fiber is configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as collected light.

[0068] In Example 14, the optical detection apparatus of any of Examples 1 to 13 may optionally further include: a processing circuit system configured to determine the composition of the sample at least in part based on the spectrum of the collected light.

[0069] In Example 15, a method for operating an optical detection device may include: receiving collected light reflected or emitted by a sample from a user-replaceable optical fiber using a detector having a controllable detector integration time; generating a detector signal using the detector in response to receiving the collected light; measuring the spectrum of the detector signal using a spectrum analyzer; receiving fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber using a controller; and setting or adjusting the controllable detector integration time to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable optical fiber using the controller in response to receiving the fiber parameter data.

[0070] In Example 16, the method of Example 15 can optionally be configured such that fiber parameter data is encoded as machine-readable data in or on a user-replaceable fiber.

[0071] In Example 17, the method of any one of Examples 15 to 16 may optionally be configured such that the controller receives fiber optic parameter data by: prompting the user interface to select one of a plurality of specified fiber optic types; receiving from the user interface the selection of the selected fiber optic type from the plurality of specified fiber optic types; submitting a query to a fiber optic type database that associates fiber optic types with corresponding physical parameter values, the query providing the selected fiber optic type; retrieving the retrieved physical parameter values ​​from the fiber optic type database in response to the query; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the retrieved physical parameter values.

[0072] In Example 18, the method of any one of Examples 15 to 17 may optionally be configured such that the controller receives fiber optic parameter data by: prompting the user interface to select one of a plurality of specified physical parameter values; receiving the selection of the selected physical parameter value from the plurality of specified physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and forming fiber optic parameter data at least in part based on the selected physical parameter value.

[0073] In Example 19, the method of any one of Examples 15 to 18 may optionally be configured such that: a distal portion of a user-replaceable optical fiber is coupled to an endoscope; the distal end of the endoscope includes an illuminator configured to illuminate a sample with illumination light; the distal end of the user-replaceable optical fiber is configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as collected light; and the method further includes: determining the composition of the sample at least in part based on the spectrum of the collected light using a processing circuit system.

[0074] In Example 20, the spectral detection system may include: an illuminator disposed at a distal end of an endoscope and configured to illuminate a sample with illumination light; a user-replaceable optical fiber having a distal portion coupled to the endoscope and having a distal end configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as collected light; a spectrometer detector having a controllable detector integration time, configured to receive the collected light from the user-replaceable optical fiber and generate a detector signal in response to receiving the collected light; and a spectrometer spectrum analyzer. The spectrometer is configured to measure the spectrum of the detector signal; the spectrometer controller is configured to receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of the core diameter of the user-replaceable fiber—the fiber parameter data being encoded as machine-readable data in or on the user-replaceable fiber—and to set or adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to have a value that decreases as the core diameter of the user-replaceable fiber increases in response to receiving the fiber parameter data; and the processing circuitry is configured to determine the composition of the sample at least in part based on the spectrum of the collected light.

Claims

1. An optical detection device, comprising: A detector with a controllable detector integration time, the detector being configured to receive collected light reflected or emitted by a sample from a user-replaceable optical fiber, and to generate a detector signal in response to receiving the collected light; A spectrum analyzer configured to measure the spectrum of the detector signal; as well as The controller is configured to: Receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber; and In response to receiving the fiber optic parameter data, the integration time of the controllable detector is set or adjusted to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber optic cable.

2. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical detection device is a spectrometer; The detector is a spectrometer detector; The spectrum analyzer is a spectrometer spectrum analyzer; and The controller is a spectrometer controller.

3. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one physical parameter includes the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable optical fiber; and The controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value that decreases as the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable optical fiber increases.

4. The optical detection device according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value inversely proportional to the square of the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber.

5. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one physical parameter includes the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber. as well as The controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value that decreases as the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber increases.

6. The optical detection device according to claim 5, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value inversely proportional to the surface area of ​​the core of the user-replaceable fiber at the distal end of the user-replaceable fiber.

7. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one physical parameter includes the numerical aperture of the user-replaceable fiber; and The controller is configured to adjust the integration time of the controllable detector to a value that decreases as the numerical aperture increases.

8. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The fiber parameter data is encoded as machine-readable data in or on the user-replaceable fiber.

9. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to receive the fiber optic parameter data as follows: This prompts the user interface to select one of several specified fiber optic types. Receive a selection of a fiber optic type from the specified plurality of fiber optic types from the user interface; Submit a query to a fiber type database that associates fiber types with corresponding physical parameter values, and the query provides the selected fiber type. In response to the query, retrieve the physical parameter values ​​from the fiber type database; and The fiber optic parameter data is formed at least in part based on the retrieved physical parameter values.

10. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to receive the fiber optic parameter data as follows: This prompts the user interface to select one of a set of specified physical parameter values. Receive a selection of a physical parameter value from the specified plurality of physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and The fiber optic parameter data is formed at least in part based on the selected physical parameter values.

11. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to receive the fiber optic parameter data as follows: This allows the user interface to prompt the user to directly input physical parameter values; Receive input physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and The fiber optic parameter data is formed at least in part based on the input physical parameter values.

12. The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The distal portion of the user-replaceable optical fiber is coupled to the endoscope.

13. The optical detection device according to claim 12, wherein: The distal end of the endoscope includes an illuminator configured to illuminate the sample with illumination light; as well as The distal end of the user-replaceable optical fiber is configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as the collected light.

14. The optical detection device according to claim 13, further comprising: A processing circuit system configured to determine the composition of the sample at least in part based on the spectrum of the collected light.

15. A method for operating an optical inspection device, the method comprising: The detector with a controllable detector integration time receives collected light reflected or emitted by the sample from a user-replaceable optical fiber; In response to receiving the collected light, a detector signal is generated using the detector; The spectrum of the detector signal is measured using a spectrum analyzer; The controller receives fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber. as well as In response to receiving the fiber optic parameter data, the controller sets or adjusts the integration time of the controllable detector to a value corresponding to at least one value of at least one physical parameter of the user-replaceable fiber optic cable.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The fiber parameter data is encoded as machine-readable data in or on the user-replaceable fiber.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The controller receives the fiber optic parameter data as follows: This prompts the user interface to select one of several specified fiber optic types. Receive a selection of the chosen fiber type from the specified plurality of fiber types from the user interface; Submit a query to a fiber type database that associates fiber types with corresponding physical parameter values, and the query provides the selected fiber type. In response to the query, retrieve the physical parameter values ​​from the fiber type database; and The fiber optic parameter data is formed at least in part based on the retrieved physical parameter values.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The controller receives the fiber optic parameter data as follows: This prompts the user interface to select one of a set of specified physical parameter values. Receive a selection of a physical parameter value from the specified plurality of physical parameter values ​​from the user interface; and The fiber optic parameter data is formed at least in part based on the selected physical parameter values.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein: The distal portion of the user-replaceable optical fiber is coupled to the endoscope; The distal end of the endoscope includes an illuminator configured to illuminate the sample with illumination light; The distal end of the user-replaceable optical fiber is configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as the collected light; and The method further includes: The composition of the sample is determined, at least in part, based on the spectrum of the collected light using a processing circuit system.

20. A spectral detection system, comprising: An illuminator is located at the distal end of the endoscope and is configured to illuminate the sample with illumination light; User-replaceable optical fiber, the user-replaceable optical fiber having a distal portion coupled to the endoscope and having a distal end configured to receive at least some of the illumination reflected or emitted by the sample as a light-collecting light. A spectrometer detector with a controllable detector integration time, the spectrometer detector being configured to receive the collected light from the user-replaceable optical fiber and to generate a detector signal in response to receiving the collected light; A spectrometer spectrum analyzer configured to measure the spectrum of the detector signal; Spectrometer controller, the spectrometer controller being configured to: Receive fiber parameter data corresponding to at least one value of the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber, the fiber parameter data being encoded as machine-readable data in or on the user-replaceable fiber; as well as In response to receiving the fiber parameter data, the integration time of the controllable detector is set or adjusted to have a value that decreases as the diameter of the core of the user-replaceable fiber increases; as well as A processing circuit system configured to determine the composition of the sample at least in part based on the spectrum of the collected light.

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