Systems, devices, methods and computer-accessible media for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation

Abstract

Exemplary devices, systems, methods, and computer-accessible media for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation can be provided. For example, a device can be used to direct electromagnetic radiation and a controller can be used to control the device to move the electromagnetic radiation at a certain velocity of motion. The device and / or controller can provide information regarding the velocity of motion. Furthermore, a computer can receive the information and, based on the information, perform the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation if the velocity of motion is greater than a predetermined velocity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 421,351 (filed November 1, 2022), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic radiation technology, and more particularly to systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-accessible media for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation. [Background technology]

[0003] Electromagnetic radiation can cause varying degrees of damage. For example, exposure to high levels of electromagnetic radiation can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome. As an example of electromagnetic radiation, laser exposure to the eye can have a wide range of effects, including pain, irritation, headache, flashes of light, dizziness, scotoma, blurred vision, floaters, burns, retinal bleeding, and more.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide devices, systems and / or methods for preventing or reducing electromagnetic radiation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Such problems and / or deficiencies may be at least partially addressed and / or overcome by providing exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure to provide systems, apparatus and methods for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-accessible media for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation can be provided. For example, a device can be used to direct electromagnetic radiation, and a controller can be used to control the device to move the electromagnetic radiation at a rate of motion. The device and / or controller can provide information regarding the rate of motion. Furthermore, a computer can receive the information and, based on the information, effectuate the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation when the rate of motion is greater than a predetermined rate.

[0007] For example, a light source can be provided, and the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation can be provided via a computer by controlling the light source. For example, a computer can be used to control the frequency and / or intensity of the electromagnetic radiation based on the information. The device can include at least one component configured to allow or at least partially prevent the electromagnetic radiation from passing through in a controlled manner. The device can control the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation by controlling the at least one component. The component can include a shutter or light blocking arrangement that can be configured to be opened and closed by the computer.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the device can include at least one optical component and a motor that can be configured to move the optical component. Movement of the optical component by the motor can be controlled by a controller. The controller can be provided in the catheter. The device can be configured to direct electromagnetic radiation based on an optical modality (e.g., an optical coherence tomography modality). The controller can include a spatial encoder that can provide a trigger signal that can be associated with the information. The spatial encoder can be configured to detect a rate of movement.

[0009] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller can include a catheter-lock switch capable of providing a trigger signal that can be associated with information. The catheter-lock switch can be configured to determine the installation status of the catheter. The controller can include an aperture position switch capable of providing a trigger signal that can be associated with information. The aperture position switch can be configured to determine the position of the optical aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can include an interlock circuit that can be configured to receive an input signal and transmit an output signal to the computer. The interlock circuit can be configured to control the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation output.

[0010] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller can include a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature associated with the rate of movement. An exemplary device can include a motor for directing the electromagnetic radiation.

[0011] These and other objects, features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method / process for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation (eg, laser light sources) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a set of example graphs illustrating various parameters used, relied on, or derived by example methods / processes, systems, and apparatus for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a first exemplary apparatus / system that can use or implement the exemplary method / process shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure using circular and / or spiral light exposure.

[0016] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second exemplary apparatus / system that can use or implement the exemplary method / process shown in FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure using raster motion / scanning light exposure.

[0017] [Figure 5]FIG. 5 illustrates a third exemplary apparatus / system that can use or implement the exemplary method / process shown in FIG. 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which may include an optical coherence tomography (OCT) component.

[0018] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an apparatus / system having safety features for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary device / system having safety features for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a multimodal characterization apparatus / system including a multimodal characterization system for coronary artery imaging according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a logic / block diagram of an exemplary system / apparatus including safety features for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating yet another imaging device / system having safety features to prevent or reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation, according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments and not limited by the illustrative embodiments shown in the figures and the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following description of the embodiments provides non-limiting representative examples that refer to reference numbers to particularly describe the features and teachings of different aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized from the description of the exemplary embodiments that the described embodiments can be implemented separately or in combination with other exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art who review the description of the exemplary embodiments should be able to learn and understand the different described aspects of the present disclosure. The description of the exemplary embodiments should facilitate understanding of the invention to the extent that other implementations not specifically covered but within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the description of the embodiments will be understood to be consistent with the application of the present disclosure.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the exemplary systems, apparatus, methods, and / or devices of the present disclosure may be provided that may include and / or implement safety circuitry for electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) energy hazard reduction. For example, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary reductions in laser light energy may be implemented by controlling and / or enforcing a specific (e.g., minimum) laser rotation speed or a minimum accessible laser aperture distance to reduce the effective laser safety classification (e.g., Class 1M) to the extent that exposure does not pose a risk to human eyes or skin. Corresponding functionality may be implemented using discrete electronic components, which may eliminate the need to provide and / or develop additional software and associated qualifications and validations.

[0026] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a safety circuit for electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) energy hazard reduction may be or include logic circuits in an arrangement that uses gates, discrete logic integrated circuits (ICs), transistors, and a low-frequency crystal oscillator as a time base to synchronize optical isolator outputs. Hardware inputs to the safety circuit may include, for example, incremental encoder pulses of a rotary motor that rotates the laser output aperture (e.g., rotary motor incremental encoder signal), a catheter insertion detection sensor / switch signal, and a laser "safe position" sensor signal (e.g., laser "safe position" optical switch signal).

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the safety circuit may include, for example, an opto-isolator at the safety circuit output that provides galvanic isolation between the logic circuit and the laser. Additionally, a digital output may be provided from the logic circuit that may be used, for example, by a microcontroller to monitor the state of the interlock signal. This signal may, for example, be intentionally read-only, reducing or eliminating the possibility of a faulty microcontroller altering the interlock signal.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, pulses from a rotation motor encoder can be used to clock a shift register. The shift register can be periodically reset, for example, at a fixed rate, selected to enforce a minimum rotation speed (or laser beam travel speed). If the rotation speed is high enough, the most significant bit of the shift register can likely go high and be latched to facilitate an interlock (e.g., a safety circuit included in the interlock) being de-asserted (e.g., laser turned on) given the state of the catheter insertion detection circuit and / or laser “safe position” sensor. In some exemplary embodiments, exemplary circuitry providing digital hysteresis can be employed to prevent / reduce undesired oscillations at or near the minimum rotation speed set point.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary safety circuits can be implemented in several different ways. For example, the safety circuit can be integrated into an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip. This is a single-chip solution rather than using several separate logic chips. Alternatively, the safety circuit can be implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or other programmable logic device. As another option, safety circuits according to exemplary embodiments can utilize alternative logic chips to optimize power consumption or change logic voltage levels (e.g., 1.8 VDC, 5.0 VDC, etc.). As yet another option, the safety circuit can utilize different oscillator frequencies to change rotation speed thresholds, for example, if lower or higher laser powers are used or if laser safety standards change. As yet another example according to exemplary embodiments, the safety circuit can have an additional / alternative output stage (optical isolator or relay) to directly control the power supply of the laser source. Additionally, safety circuits can be used to reduce the hazards of energy sources other than laser light, such as radio frequency (RF), and rotation of the output aperture can effectively reduce the incident power.

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety circuit can be modified to add functionality, for example, by using an adjustable frequency oscillator to allow for different rotational speed set points and / or by adding more laser "safe position" sensors for different energy intensities.

[0031] According to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the safety circuit can be purely hardware-based (i.e., software-free). The safety circuit can directly use encoder pulses from the existing motor to measure when the speed (e.g., rotational speed) exceeds a calculated “safety threshold” (e.g., a minimum revolutions per minute (RPM) “safety threshold”). That is, the interlock can be controlled by the existing motor encoder signal. As used herein, the rotational / translation speed can also refer to and / or include the laser beam travel / motion speed (e.g., over a sample). The safety circuit of the exemplary embodiment can incorporate hardware-based “digital hysteresis” to prevent toggling at or near threshold transition points. In this exemplary design, the laser output aperture can be open to atmosphere, eliminating the need for a mechanical shutter (or the like) for additional safety.

[0032] An exemplary electromagnetic radiation device / system can be configured to control the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation device / system can include, for example, a device configured to direct electromagnetic radiation and a controller configured to control the device to move the electromagnetic radiation at a certain movement velocity. The device and / or controller can provide information regarding the movement velocity. A computer can be provided that can be configured to receive the information and, if the movement velocity is greater than a predetermined velocity, generate or output the electromagnetic radiation based on the information. Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer can be configured to receive a first information signal and a second information signal and, if the first movement velocity and the second movement velocity (e.g., and / or the third movement velocity) are both greater than a predetermined velocity based on the first and second information signals, generate or output the electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation device / system can further include a light source. The computer can be configured to control the generation or output of the electromagnetic radiation by controlling the light source. The computer can be configured to control the frequency and / or intensity of the electromagnetic radiation based on the information. The device can include at least one component that can be configured to facilitate or at least partially prevent the passage of electromagnetic radiation in a controlled manner. The computer can be configured to control the generation or output of the electromagnetic radiation by controlling at least one component. The component can include a shutter or light blocking arrangement that can be configured to be opened and closed by the computer. The device can include at least one optical component and a motor that can be configured to move the at least one optical component. Movement of the optical component by the motor can be controlled by a controller that can be provided in, for example, a catheter system. The device can be configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation based on an optical modality.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method / process 100 for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a laser light source) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method / process 100 may be implemented in or used in an exemplary electromagnetic radiation device / system, which may include a safety circuit, as described in various exemplary embodiments herein. As shown in FIG. 1 , in step 105 of method / process 100, a motor of the electromagnetic radiation may begin (or continue) translating the aim position of the optical path on the tissue. This may be done by adjusting various optical components and / or its own position, angle, etc. In step 110, a spatial encoder associated with the motor may output a signal at the start of each motor cycle. Each motor cycle may refer to a motion cycle of the motor. For example, the motor may rotate a cycle, and the motor may also move back and forth to complete a cycle (e.g., a reciprocating motion). In step 115, an interlock mechanism (which may include a safety circuit in the electromagnetic radiation system) may accept / receive the signal output by the spatial encoder (i.e., spatial encoder input). In step 120, the interlock mechanism can transmit an output signal when the frequency of the spatial encoder input represents a predetermined motorcycle speed, e.g., a motorcycle speed equal to or greater than 100 RPM. In step 125, the output signal transmitted by the interlock mechanism can enable light transmission to tissue through the optical path. For example, when the frequency of the spatial encoder input represents a motorcycle speed less than the predetermined motorcycle speed, the output signal transmitted by the interlock mechanism can completely or partially block light transmission to tissue through the optical path, thereby preventing or reducing tissue damage caused by exposure to the light transmission.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the motor cycle speed may be other than RPM, for example, in a laser raster scanning system / instrument, it may be the rate of movement across the tissue. According to some exemplary embodiments, the motor may oscillate, for example, one motion cycle of the motor may be a back and forth cycle. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, a cycle may be defined as one revolution / oscillation of the motor, two times one half of one revolution / oscillation of the motor, etc.

[0035] 2 shows a set of example graphs illustrating various parameters used, relied upon, or obtained by example methods / processes, systems, and devices (e.g., laser light sources) for preventing or reducing electromagnetic radiation exposure according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The steps performed may correspond to steps performed in example method / process 100 shown in FIG. 1. Graph 210 provides a spatial / position encoder output signal associated with a motor of an electromagnetic radiation system / device versus time. Graph 220 shows an example interlock output signal of an interlock mechanism corresponding to graph 210 versus time. Graph 230 shows the light / energy output of the electromagnetic radiation system / device corresponding to graphs 210 and 220. In this example embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation system / device is a laser system / device. As shown in graphs 210, 220, and 230, if the frequency of the spatial / position encoder output signal associated with the motor of the laser system / instrument (e.g., which is the inverse of the period of motion Δτ1) is below a certain threshold frequency, such as, for example, about 10, 50, 100 RPM, and all values ​​therebetween, the interlock mechanism outputs a first signal to the controller of the laser system to block transmission of laser light along the optical path, resulting in a reduction in laser output, for example, to zero energy output. For example, the output first signal may close a gate, such as a gate in a safety circuit, to block, prevent, or reduce at least some form of optical transmission, whether or not the optical transmission passes through the interlock.

[0036] However, if the frequency of a spatial / position encoder output signal associated with a motor of the laser system / instrument (e.g., the inverse of the motion cycle Δτ) is equal to or greater than a specified threshold frequency, such as, for example, about 10, 50, 100, 1000, 10,000, 100,000 RPM, and all values ​​therebetween, the interlock mechanism can output a second signal to a controller of the laser system to facilitate transmission of laser light along the optical path such that the laser output power is increased and / or maintained, for example, to 100% energy output. For example, the output second signal can open a gate, such as, for example, a gate in a safety circuit, to facilitate at least some light transmission, regardless of whether the light transmission passes through the interlock. Furthermore, as soon as the frequency of the spatial / position encoder output signal associated with the motor of the laser system / instrument (e.g., the inverse of the motion cycle Δτ3) is again below a specified threshold frequency, e.g., less than about 10, 50, 100 RPM, and all values ​​therebetween and above, the interlock mechanism outputs the first signal to the controller of the laser system to again block transmission of the laser light along the optical path, resulting in the laser output being reduced, e.g., to zero energy output.

[0037] Exposure to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., optical radiation) can cause harm to biological structures through thermal and non-thermal effects (e.g., photochemical). Careful calculation of electromagnetic radiation dose is important for the safe clinical use of light sources (e.g., lasers). Exemplary threshold frequencies can be any appropriate threshold frequency designed to reduce electromagnetic radiation to a safe range, taking into account laser characteristics (e.g., optical power, wavelength, repetition rate, pulse duration) and / or aspects of the experimental procedure (e.g., biological structure, beam spot size on the sample, duration of exposure). Thus, exemplary threshold frequencies can be calculated based on known safe exposure limits (e.g., maximum permissible exposure (MPE), e.g., nominal eye hazard distance (NOHD), e.g., nominal hazard zone (NHZ)) specified by classification documents (e.g., IEC 60825, e.g., ANSI Z136).

[0038] For example, the frequency may be calculated in RPM of the motor (e.g., 10 RPM, 50 RPM, 100 RPM, 1000 RPM, 10000 RPM, 100000 RPM, and all values ​​in between, etc.) or in Hertz of the scan rate of the imaging system (e.g., 0.167 Hz, 1.67 Hz, 16.7 Hz, 167 Hz, 1667 Hz, and all values ​​in between, etc.). Conversely, a limiting motion cycle (e.g., Δτ1 or Δτ2 or Δτ3, e.g., the inverse of the frequency) may be used to calculate the motor or scan rate. These rates are derived from position dwell times (e.g., pixel dwell times, e.g., voxel dwell times, e.g., irradiance dwell times on a biological structure), e.g., 1 us (e.g., 1 ps, 1 ns, 1 μs, 1 ms, 10 s, and anything in between or beyond).

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary apparatus / system 300 that can utilize the exemplary method / process shown in FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary apparatus / system 300 can be or can include an electromagnetic radiation system, such as a laser system. The system 300 can include a power source 302, a light source 304 (such as a laser-generated source), an interlock mechanism 306 including a safety circuit as disclosed herein, a spatial encoder 308, a motor 310, and a movable mirror 312. The interlock mechanism 306 can be configured to control light transmission by blocking or allowing light transmission. The spatial encoder 308 can encode a motion cycle of the motor 310. The interlock mechanism 306 can receive signals / pulses from the spatial encoder 308 and can control light transmission based on the received signals / pulses as described herein. In this exemplary embodiment, motor 310 can be configured to control movable mirror 312 to obtain a circular or spiral trace (e.g., motor 312 performs a rotational movement / scan) of light exposure 314. Movable mirror 312 can include an optical shutter.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a second exemplary apparatus / system 400 that can utilize the exemplary method / process shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary apparatus / system 400 can be or include an electromagnetic radiation system, such as, for example, a laser system. The exemplary apparatus / system 400 can include a power source 402, a light source 404 (such as a laser-generated source), an interlock mechanism 406 including a safety circuit as disclosed herein, a spatial encoder 408, a motor 410, and a movable mirror 412. The interlock mechanism 406 can be configured to control light transmission by blocking or allowing light transmission. The spatial encoder 408 can encode a motion cycle of the motor 410. The interlock mechanism 406 can receive signals / pulses from the spatial encoder 408 and can control light transmission based on the received signals / pulses as described herein. In this exemplary embodiment, motor 410 can be configured to control a movable mirror 412 (e.g., motor 412 performs a raster movement / scan) to obtain a trace of light exposure 414. Movable mirror 412 can include an optical shutter.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a third exemplary device / system 500 that can utilize the exemplary method / process shown in FIG. 1 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device / system 500 can be an electromagnetic radiation system, such as a catheter-based imaging system. The exemplary device / system 500 can include an optical coherence tomography (OCT) source 502, an interferometer 504, an interlock mechanism 506 including the safety circuit disclosed herein, an OCT detector 508, a computer storage display 510, and a fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) 512 or rotary junction. The fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) 512 or rotary junction can facilitate the passage of an optical signal from a stationary structure (e.g., the OCT source 502) to a rotating mechanism (e.g., a rotating waveguide) of the fiber optic system. The exemplary rotating mechanism can include a motor that can rotate within the endoscope so that the B-path rotates through the endoscope. The interlock mechanism 506 can be configured to control light transmission by blocking or allowing light transmission. The rotating mechanism can include, for example, a spatial encoder that can encode the motion cycle of the motor. The interlock mechanism 506 can receive signals / pulses from the spatial encoder and can control the light transmission based on the received signals / pulses as described herein. In this exemplary embodiment, the motor can be configured to control the rotating waveguide to obtain a trace of the light exposure 514.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an exemplary device / system 600 having safety features for preventing or reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary device / system 600 can include a laser source 602, an optical relay 604, and a catheter interface unit 606. Inside the catheter interface unit 606, the system 600 can include a motor 608, a rotary encoder 610 associated with the motor 608, an aperture 612 through which laser light can be transmitted, and an interlock mechanism 616, which can include a safety circuit. The exemplary device / system 600 also can include a catheter connection interface 614 coupled to the catheter interface unit 606. The optical relay 604 can be configured to transmit laser light from the laser source 602 through the aperture 612 to the catheter connection interface 614. The interlock mechanism 616 can be configured to receive rotational pulses or signals from the rotary encoder 610, which can detect the rotational speed / frequency of the motor 608.

[0043] The interlock mechanism 616 can control light transmission based on the received signal / pulse, as described above. For example, if the motor rotational speed / frequency is less than a certain threshold frequency, such as 10, 20, ..., 100,000 RPM, and all values ​​therebetween, the interlock mechanism 616 can output a first signal to the controller of the system 600 to block transmission of laser light through the aperture 612, thereby, for example, reducing the laser power, e.g., zeroing the energy output. The output first signal can cause the controller of the exemplary device / system 600 to fully or partially close a shutter to block laser transmission through the aperture 612. In this exemplary manner, the laser light is prevented from reaching a catheter disposed within the catheter connection interface 614, thereby reducing or preventing potential danger or damage to tissue caused by the laser light. Similarly, if the rotational speed / frequency of the motor is equal to or greater than a certain threshold frequency, such as 10, 20, ..., 100,000 RPM and all values ​​therebetween, the interlock mechanism 616 can output a second signal to the controller of the exemplary device / system 600 to enable transmission of laser light through the aperture 612 so that the laser power is met for its intended purpose, such as medical imaging. The output second signal can cause the controller of the exemplary device / system 600 to fully or partially open the shutter to facilitate transmission of the laser through the aperture 612. In this exemplary method, the laser light can reach a catheter disposed in the catheter connection interface 614 and perform laser imaging.

[0044] 7 shows a diagram of another exemplary device / system 700 having safety features for preventing or reducing electromagnetic radiation exposure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary device / system 700 can include a laser source 702, an optical relay 704, and a catheter interface unit (CIU) 706. Inside the catheter interface unit 706, the system 700 can include a motor 708, a rotary encoder 710 associated with the motor 708, an aperture 712 through which laser light can pass, a catheter lock switch 716, an optical isolator home position sensor 718 capable of detecting a home position of the aperture 712, and a multi-input interlock mechanism / circuit 720 including a safety circuit. The exemplary device / system 700 can also include a catheter connection interface 714 coupled to the catheter interface unit 706. The optical relay 704 can be configured to transmit laser light from the laser source 702 through the aperture 712 to the catheter connection interface 714.

[0045] For example, interlock mechanism 720 can be configured to receive rotational pulses or signals that can be detected from rotary encoder 710: (i) the rotational speed / frequency of motor 708, (ii) a signal from catheter lock switch 716, whether or not a catheter is positioned within catheter connection interface 714, and / or (iii) a signal from opto-isolator home position sensor 718, which can detect whether aperture 712 is positioned in the home position. Interlock mechanism 720 can control optical transmission based on the rotational pulses or signals received from rotary encoder 710, the signal from catheter lock switch 716, and / or the signal from opto-isolator home position sensor 718. For example, when a catheter is placed (installed) in the catheter connection interface 714 (i.e., the catheter lock switch 716 detects that a catheter is placed in the catheter connection interface 714) and the motor 708 is rotating the laser aperture 712 (e.g., the rotational speed / frequency of the motor 708 is greater than a certain threshold frequency, e.g., 10 RPM), the interlock mechanism 720 can output a signal to the controller of the exemplary device / system 700 to facilitate transmission of laser light through the laser aperture 712 so that the laser output is sufficient for its intended purpose, such as medical imaging.

[0046] The output signal can cause the controller of the exemplary device / system 700 to fully or partially open the shutter to facilitate laser transmission through aperture 712. In this exemplary manner, laser light can reach a catheter disposed in catheter connection interface 714, thereby enabling imaging or signal transmission / collection via the laser light. Similarly, when a catheter is not disposed in catheter connection interface 714 (e.g., catheter lock switch 716 detects that a catheter is not disposed in catheter connection interface 714) and the CIU laser aperture 712 is a safe distance from a user-accessible catheter port (e.g., optical isolator home position sensor 718 detects that aperture 712 is disposed in the home position), interlock mechanism 720 can output a signal to the controller of the exemplary device / system 700 to facilitate laser light transmission through laser aperture 712. This allows the laser output to fulfill its intended purpose, such as system diagnostic evaluation prior to medical imaging. The output signal can cause the controller of the exemplary device / system 700 to fully or partially open the shutter to facilitate laser transmission through aperture 712. In this exemplary method, laser light can be delivered to a catheter connected to catheter connection interface 714 for imaging.

[0047] In other exemplary situations, for example, if the motor rotational speed / frequency is less than a specified threshold frequency and / or if the aperture 712 is not located in a home position, the interlock mechanism 720 can output a signal to the controller of the exemplary device / system 700 to reduce the laser power, blocking transmission of the laser light through the aperture 712. For example, to zero the energy output. The output signal can cause the controller of the exemplary device / system 700 to fully or partially close a shutter to block laser transmission through the aperture 712. In this exemplary manner, the laser light can be prevented from reaching the catheter connection interface 714, thereby reducing or preventing potential danger or damage to tissue caused by the laser light.

[0048] 8 shows a diagram of an exemplary multimodal characterization device / system 800 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary device / system 800 can include a computer monitor 810, a console 820, and a catheter interface device 830 that can be connected to a laser. The system 800 can further include a technician monitor 812, a support plate or tray 814, an electro-optical transmission cable 822, and a patient interface catheter 832. The catheter interface device 830 can interface with the console 820 via the electro-optical transmission cable 108 and the patient interface catheter 112.

[0049] 9 shows a logic / block diagram of an exemplary system / apparatus 900 for preventing or reducing exposure from electromagnetic radiation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Using the exemplary apparatus / system 900, an electromagnetic radiation system (e.g., a laser) can be designed to provide a hardware-mediated interlock / switch to prevent activation of the laser unless one of the following conditions is met: (1) a catheter is not deployed and the laser aperture is at a safe distance from a user-accessible port that can be enforced by discrete logic (e.g., located on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)), or (2) a catheter is connected and a light beam scanner (e.g., a rotary motor) is moving the light beam position beyond a certain speed.

[0050] For example, when the interlock / switch is asserted, the laser emission can be latched off in, for example, less than 2 microseconds (e.g., according to the manufacturer's specifications). As an additional fail-safe, the laser can be designed not to automatically re-enable the laser emission when the interlock / switch is de-asserted. Instead, for example, (1) the interlock / switch can be de-asserted and (2) (after de-asserting the interlock / switch) a "laser emission ON" command can be issued via a software interface over the Universal Serial Bus (USB) (e.g., StartScan() in the API).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9 , a laser safe position signal can be provided to the interlock / switch by a laser safe position switch 902 or sensor to determine whether the laser aperture is in a safe position. The laser safe position switch or sensor can detect whether the laser aperture position is in a safe position, for example, by determining whether a linear motor controlling the laser aperture is in a safe position. This exemplary laser safe position switch or sensor can be a transmissive photointerrupter. A catheter-placed signal can be provided to the interlock / switch by a catheter lock switch 904 (such as a momentary microswitch located in the catheter connector) to determine whether the catheter is placed. The catheter lock switch can detect whether the catheter is placed in the catheter port of the laser system. As described herein, for example, if the catheter lock switch detects that the catheter is not placed in the catheter port of the laser system and the laser safe position switch or sensor detects that the laser aperture position is a safe distance from the user-accessible catheter port, the interlock / switch can be triggered to send a signal to the laser system controller to activate the laser or allow the laser light to traverse a desired path to perform the intended action.

[0052] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9 , the rotational motor speed signal 906 can be provided to an interlock / switch by an incremental rotary encoder to determine the cycle or frequency of the rotational motor (e.g., and therefore the speed of translation of the scanning light beam on the sample). The incremental rotary encoder can encode the cycle or frequency of the rotational motor as pulses and send the pulses to the interlock / switch. When the catheter lock switch detects that the catheter is placed in the catheter port of the laser system and the incremental rotary encoder detects that the rotational cycle or frequency of the rotational motor is greater than a predetermined cycle or frequency, such as 9 RPM or 0.15 Hz, the interlock / switch can be triggered to send a signal to the laser system controller to activate the laser or allow the laser light to traverse a desired path to perform an intended action.

[0053] In this exemplary embodiment, the interlock signal may be generated by an optical isolator that asserts or deasserts an interlock on the laser, causing the controller of the laser system to open or close a shutter to allow or block light transmission.

[0054] 10 shows a diagram of another imaging device / system 1000 having safety features to prevent or reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary device / system 1000 can include a computer 1010, a laser 1020, a CIU main 1030, and a catheter mount port 1040. The CIU main 1030 can include a carriage 1050, a catheter lock switch 1060, a laser light aperture position sensor 1070, and a CIU main PCBA 1080 containing interlock / switch logic. The carriage 1050 can include a laser light aperture 1090, a rotation motor 1100, and an encoder 1110.

[0055] The exemplary computer 1010 can control the laser 1020, for example, by sending a USB control signal 1120 to the laser 1020. The laser 1020 can transmit laser light to the laser light aperture 1090 through a laser optical fiber 1130. The CIU main PCBA 1080, which can include interlock / switch logic, can receive one or more of the following exemplary inputs: (i) a rotary motor incremental encoder signal transmitted by an encoder 1110, which can detect and encode the rotation cycle or frequency of the rotary motor 1110; (ii) a catheter insertion detect switch signal generated and transmitted by a catheter lock switch 1060, which can determine whether a catheter is placed in the catheter mount port 1040; and (iii) a "laser safe position" optical switch signal generated and transmitted by a laser aperture position sensor 1070, which can determine whether the laser aperture 1090 is in a safe position.

[0056] After the CIU main PCBA 1080, which may include interlock / switch logic, receives one or more of the above three inputs, the CIU main PCBA 1080, which may include interlock / switch logic, can generate and send an interlock signal 1140 to the laser 1020 to control the laser light. For example, when the catheter lock switch 1060 detects that a catheter is not placed in the catheter mount port 1040 and the laser aperture position sensor 1070 detects that the laser light aperture 1090 is a safe distance from the user-accessible catheter port, the CIU main PCBA 1080, which includes interlock / switch logic, can be triggered to send an interlock signal 1140 to the laser system's controller to activate the laser or facilitate the laser light passing through a desired path to perform an intended action. When the catheter lock switch 1060 detects that a catheter is placed in the catheter mount port 1040 and the encoder 1110 detects that the rotational cycle or frequency of the rotary motor 1100 is greater than a predetermined cycle or frequency, such as 9 RPM or 0.15 Hz, the CIU main PCBA 1080 containing the interlock / switch logic can be triggered to send an interlock signal 1140 to the laser system controller to activate the laser or facilitate the laser light passing through the desired path to perform the intended action.

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include an interlock / switch safety circuit that may be configured to direct electromagnetic radiation based on an optical modality. The optical modality may be an optical coherence modality (e.g., OCT, NIRS, etc.). The controller may include a spatial encoder that may provide or indicate a trigger signal that may be associated with information. The device may include at least one optical component configured to move a position of an incident light beam on a sample. The incident light beam may be moved to perform measurements. The incident light beam may be raster scanned to create an image. The incident light beam may be used to be translated and / or rotationally scanned to create an image. The incident light beam may be translated to generate an image (e.g., by translating the sample or by translating the light beam).

[0058] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an interlock / switch safety circuit can be provided that can be configured to direct electromagnetic radiation based on the rate of movement from two or more devices configured to control the position of an incident light beam (e.g., a motor that causes rotation of the light beam and a motor that causes translation of the light beam). In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the interlock / switch safety circuit can be configured to direct electromagnetic radiation based on both the rotational rate and the translation rate (e.g., during pullback) of an imaging probe (e.g., a cardiac catheter imaging probe). In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the rate of light beam movement by a first device configured to move the light beam can cause a first determined amount of light transmission (e.g., 10%, e.g., 20%, e.g., 30%, ..., e.g., 100%). In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the rate of light beam movement by a second device configured to move the light beam can cause a second determined amount of light transmission (e.g., 10%, e.g., 20%, e.g., 30%, ..., e.g., 100%). According to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the combined rate of light beam movement by the first device and the second device can facilitate a determined amount of light transmission. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an interlock / switch safety circuit can be configured to direct electromagnetic radiation based on the rate of movement from multiple devices configured to control the position of an incident light beam, and can change control parameters based on an operating mode (e.g., a user-selectable operating mode, a non-user-selectable operating mode using a barcode / QR code placed on a disposable item being used), or can be used or implemented for exemplary procedures, etc.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can facilitate higher light output to tissue after rotation at a certain speed, which can be used in high-sensitivity optical coherence tomography ("OCT") and / or near-infrared spectroscopy ("NIRS") imaging systems. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include interlock / switch circuitry that reduces accidental light exposure to the eye / skin, reduces local light exposure to the tissue, and increases signal, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and OCT sensitivity (e.g., greater than about 90 dB sensitivity, e.g., greater than about 110 dB sensitivity) to promote safety and remain in compliance with medical safety standards guidelines. An OCT system can include, for example, a splitter, a reference arm (e.g., a mirror, a fast scanning optical delay line ("RSOD"), a non-reflective reference, etc.), an interferometer, a sample arm (which may include a non-biological or biological sample or structure), an interference detector that receives return signals / radiation from the sample arm and the reference arm, interferes with them, and generates an interference signal, and a system / computer / controller configured to interpret the interference signal and generate information and / or an image of the structure / sample based on the interpreted interference signal. However, it is not limited to these.

[0060] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electromagnetic radiation system / apparatus that may include an interlock / switch safety circuit. The disclosed electromagnetic radiation system may be configured to perform optical diagnostics, such as imaging, including OCT imaging, reflectance imaging, fluorescence imaging, Raman imaging, and near-infrared imaging; spectroscopy, including diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and near-infrared spectroscopy; and / or optical therapy (e.g., marking, ablation). The exemplary electromagnetic radiation system / apparatus may be configured to receive multiple inputs and generate multiple outputs to control multiple light sources, signal other software (e.g., trigger programs), and signal other hardware (e.g., data acquisition (DAQ), pullback motors).

[0061] Exemplary electromagnetic radiation systems / instruments can be configured to have minimum motor (e.g., rotational motor) translation speeds (e.g., 1 m / s, 50 m / s, 100 m / s, 1000 m / s, 10,000 m / s, and all values ​​therebetween or greater) or rotational speeds (e.g., 10 RPM, 100 RPM, 1000 RPM, and all values ​​therebetween or greater) to accommodate higher or lower laser energies, different tissue types (e.g., skin, eye, heart, brain), and different environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity). In some exemplary embodiments, the light beam on the sample generated by the electromagnetic radiation systems disclosed herein can have a maximum position dwell time (e.g., pixel dwell time, e.g., voxel dwell time), for example, 1 us (e.g., 1 ps, 1 ns, 1 μs, 1 ms, 10 s, and anything therebetween or greater).

[0062] Exemplary interlock / switch safety circuits can be configured to act as switches to connect / disconnect power to the laser, to output signals (e.g., triggers) to the laser module to turn on optical transmission, and / or to open or close internal or external shutters on the laser module. Exemplary interlock / switch safety circuits can be configured to control the position of an optical filter, to control a variable transmission filter, to control a duty cycle, and / or to act as a variable control to control the rate of the laser repetition rate.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, the spatial encoder can output a signal proportional to the motor speed. In some exemplary embodiments, the “interlock” / safety switch can be hardware- or software-based, or both, preferably hardware-based logic circuitry, i.e., requiring little or no software, thus reducing regulatory burdens on the software class. In some embodiments, the “interlock” / safety switch can include multiple levels of interlocks for additional safety (e.g., rotation speed, catheter lock, CIU carriage home position, temperature sensitivity, light sensitivity). For example, the exemplary devices / systems described herein can include a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature of the rotation motor (e.g., the rotation motor can generate heat when rotating at a sufficient speed). When the monitored temperature is at or above a predetermined temperature threshold, the “interlock” / safety switch can be triggered to shut off the laser system or block transmission of laser light.

[0064] In other exemplary embodiments, the "interlock" / safety switch can be configured for other hardware controls, such as a linear pullback motor. For example, the linear pullback motor can be controlled by the interlock / safety switch to pull back the catheter, which controls the optical delivery. In other exemplary embodiments, the "interlock" / safety switch can be configured to receive motion rate information from the linear pullback motor, which can be used to control the optical delivery (e.g., in conjunction with the rotational motor speed). In some exemplary embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation systems disclosed herein can have an optical output power greater than 1 mW (e.g., greater than 0.01 mW, e.g., greater than 10 mW, e.g., greater than 10,000 mW, and all values ​​therebetween or greater). In some exemplary embodiments, the optical beam on the sample generated by the electromagnetic radiation systems disclosed herein can have a spot size of, for example, about 25 mW / μm for, for example, a light beam of about 500 mW with a spot size greater than about 5 μm. 2(e.g., about 100 mW / μm 2 less than about 1000 mW / μm 2 less than about 10000 mW / μm 2 less than the irradiance of

[0065] As used in this disclosure, a computer may include any device (which may have a processor) that can be configured to receive information and, for example, generate or output electromagnetic radiation if the velocity of movement is greater than a predetermined velocity based on the information. A computer may also include storage devices (e.g., memory, hard drive, RAM, ROM, removable storage, etc.) and network connection ports for receiving and transmitting data. A computer may also be or include a microprocessor, logic circuit, etc.

[0066] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation can be provided. The exemplary method can include directing electromagnetic radiation, controlling a device to move the electromagnetic radiation at the movement velocity using information about the movement velocity, receiving the information, and performing the generation or output of the electromagnetic radiation if the movement velocity is greater than a predetermined velocity based on the information.

[0067] Throughout this disclosure, the following terms take on at least the meanings explicitly associated therewith herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or." Furthermore, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean one or more unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that the singular form is intended.

[0068] In this description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood that implementations of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to "some examples," "other examples," "one example," "one example," "various examples," "one embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "various embodiments," "one implementation," "implementations," "exemplary implementations," "various implementations," "some implementations," etc., indicate that implementations of the disclosed technology so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics, but not necessarily all implementations include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase "in one example," "in one exemplary embodiment," or "in one implementation" does not necessarily refer to the same example, exemplary embodiment, or implementation, although it may.

[0069] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal numbers "first," "second," "third," etc. to describe a common object merely indicates that different instances of a similar object are being referred to and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given order in time, space, ranking, or in any other way.

[0070] While particular implementations of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what are currently considered to be the most practical various implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed implementations, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0071] This specification uses examples to disclose some implementations of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice some implementations of the disclosed technology, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of particular implementations of the disclosed technology is defined in the appended claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the appended claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have insubstantial differences from the literal language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A device for controlling the production or output of electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation; and a controller configured to control the device to move the electromagnetic radiation at a velocity of motion, at least one of the device or the controller providing information regarding the velocity of motion; a computer configured to receive the information and, based on the information, perform the generating or outputting of the electromagnetic radiation when the speed of the movement is greater than a predetermined speed; Equipment comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a light source, and the computer is configured to control the generation or the output of the electromagnetic radiation by controlling the light source.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the computer is configured to control at least one of a frequency or an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation based on the information.

4. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device includes at least one component configured to allow or at least partially prevent the electromagnetic radiation from passing through in a controlled manner, and the computer is configured to control the generation or output of the electromagnetic radiation by controlling the at least one component.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one component includes a shutter or light blocking arrangement configured to be opened and closed by the computer.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device includes at least one optical component configured to move the at least one optical component.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein movement of the at least one optical component is controlled by the controller.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to be provided in a catheter system.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation based on an optical modality.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the optical modality is an optical coherence tomography modality.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes a spatial encoder that provides a trigger signal related to the information.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the spatial encoder is configured to detect a rate of movement.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes a catheter lock switch that provides a trigger signal related to the information, the catheter lock switch configured to determine a catheter placement status.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes an aperture position switch that provides a trigger signal related to the information, the aperture position switch configured to determine a position of an optical aperture.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes an interlock circuit configured to receive input signals and send output signals to the computer.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the interlock circuit is configured to control the intensity of the output of the electromagnetic radiation.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device includes a motor for directing the electromagnetic radiation.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device includes at least one optical component configured to translate a position of an incident light beam on a biological structure.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein at least one of the device or the controller controls the incident light beam to be raster scanned over the biological structure.

20. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the device or the controller controls the incident light beam to be scanned in a rotational fashion over the biological structure.

21. A method for controlling the production or output of electromagnetic radiation, directing the electromagnetic radiation using a device; using information about the velocity of movement to control the device to move the electromagnetic radiation at the velocity of movement; receiving the information and, based on the information, performing the generating or outputting of the electromagnetic radiation when the speed of the movement is greater than a predetermined speed; A method for providing

22. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising controlling the generation or output of the electromagnetic radiation by controlling a light source.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising controlling at least one of a frequency or intensity of the electromagnetic radiation based on the information.

24. facilitating the passage of, or at least partially preventing the passage of, said electromagnetic radiation in a controlled manner; controlling the generation or output of the electromagnetic radiation by controlling at least one component that facilitates the passage of the electromagnetic radiation or at least partially preventing the passage of the electromagnetic radiation; 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising:

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one component comprises a shutter or light blocking arrangement configured to be opened and closed by the computer.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of moving the at least one optical component.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the movement of the at least one optical component is controlled by a controller that controls the generation or the output of the electromagnetic radiation.

28. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the controlling is performed by a controller configured to be provided in the catheter system.

29. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the directing of the electromagnetic radiation is based on an optical modality.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the optical modality is an optical coherence tomography modality.

31. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the controlling is performed by a controller including a spatial encoder that provides a trigger signal related to the information.

32. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising detecting the rate of movement with the spatial encoder.

33. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the controlling is performed by a controller including a catheter lock switch that provides a trigger signal related to the information, the method further comprising determining a catheter placement status using the catheter lock switch.

34. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the controlling is performed by a controller including an aperture position switch that provides a trigger signal related to the information, the method further comprising determining a position of an optical aperture using the aperture position switch.

35. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the controlling is performed by a controller including an interlock circuit configured to receive input signals and send output signals to the computer.

36. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising controlling the intensity of the output of the electromagnetic radiation with the interlock circuit.

37. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising directing the electromagnetic radiation using a motor.

38. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising translating the position of the incident light beam on the biological structure with at least one optical component.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of the device or the controller controls the incident light beam to be raster scanned over the biological structure.

40. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising controlling the incident light beam to be rotationally scanned over the biological structure.

41. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium for controlling the generation or output of electromagnetic radiation, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer configuration, cause the computer configuration to perform a procedure, comprising: directing said electromagnetic radiation using a device and controlling said device using information about the velocity of motion to move said electromagnetic radiation at said velocity of motion; receiving the information and, based on the information, performing the generating or outputting of the electromagnetic radiation when the speed of the movement is greater than a predetermined speed; 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising:

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