Identification of the composition of anatomical targets

Abstract

To provide techniques for identifying the composition of an anatomical target using a series of different colored light sources.SOLUTION: In an example, a method can include emitting light from multiple illumination sources, receiving an illumination response from an anatomical target at an optical sensor, providing an image representation of the anatomical target, and providing spectral intensity information of the illumination response in addition to the image. Each illumination source can emit light having a range of frequencies with a center at a different frequency than each other illumination source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 061,256, filed Aug. 5, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the identification of targets, and more particularly, to techniques for using a series of light sources of different colors to identify the composition of anatomical targets.

Background Art

[0003] Medical scopes enable a user to examine hidden areas of a patient. Visual inspection scopes for internal areas of a patient, such as endoscopes and laparoscopes, were first developed in the early 1800s and have been used to examine the inside of the body. A typical medical scope consists of a distal end with an optical or electrical imaging system, a proximal end with controls for operating tools and devices for viewing the image, and a solid or tubular elongated shaft connecting the ends. Some medical scopes allow a physician to pass tools or treatment agents through a hollow channel, for example, to excise tissue or remove an object.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Effectively using a medical scope depends on several factors such as experience, dexterity, and visual cues. Medical scopes that enable interaction within the small, confined spaces of a patient's body often use a screen or monitor to project an image of the area around the distal end of the medical scope. By improving the displayed image, it is possible to use the medical scope more effectively.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A technique is provided for identifying the composition of an anatomical target using a series of different colored light sources. In one example, the method may include the steps of emitting light from multiple light sources, receiving the irradiation response from the anatomical target with an optical sensor, providing an image representing the anatomical target, and providing spectral intensity information of the irradiation response in addition to the image. Each light source may emit light having a frequency range centered at a different frequency than the other light sources.

[0006] This section is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the invention. Further details are included to provide further information about this patent application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure provides an overall illustration of the composition identification system 100 in accordance with this subject. [Figure 2A] This diagram schematically illustrates how to operate an example lighting system in accordance with this subject. [Figure 2B] This figure illustrates the example spectral profile provided by the example controller. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an overall system employing an exemplary composition identification system in accordance with this subject. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates an overall system employing an exemplary composition identification system in accordance with this subject. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates an exemplary method of operating a lighting system that employs multiple light sources to determine the composition of an anatomical target. [Figure 6] This figure provides an overall illustration of wavelength plots of several intensity-normalized irradiation sources that can be used in the illustrative system of this subject. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Medical scopes can provide a screen of an anatomical target in a patient. Such medical scopes include, but are not limited to, endoscopes, laparoscopes, or morphoscopes, and other types of scopes used for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. During a medical scope procedure, the physician can control the position of the end of the scope to view the anatomical target. Whether for diagnosis or treatment, the composition of the anatomical target can provide additional information that can benefit the efficiency and effectiveness of many procedures. The inventors have discovered techniques to complement imaging in medical scope procedures. Such supplements may include providing compositional information about the anatomical target when the target is observed conventionally using a medical scope.

[0009] Figure 1 provides an overall illustration of a composition identification system 100 in accordance with this subject. The composition identification system 100 may include an illumination system 101 and an imaging system 102. The illumination system 101 may include a plurality of light sources 103 and a controller 104. The imaging system may include an optical sensor 105 and a controller 106. Each light source 103 may provide light having a narrow range of wavelengths. The narrow range of wavelengths of each light source 103 may enclose the center frequency characteristics of the color of the light emitted by the light source 103, and the center frequency of a first light source 103 may differ from the center frequencies of other light sources. It is understood that a light source may include more than one light source capable of realizing the narrow range of wavelength characteristics of the light source. For example, if the light source provides "blue" light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the light source may have several "blue" LEDs. An advantageous aspect of the illumination system 101 is that the illumination sources 103 of the illumination system 101 can be activated by the controller 104 in a continuous pattern so that the light emitted from the illumination system 101 appears as white light to several systems and users of the composition identification system 100. In some examples, in addition to achieving on / off control of each illumination source, the controller 14 can modulate other properties of each individual illumination source, such as amplitude, on / off duty cycle, intensity, or combinations thereof. While the illumination sources 103 sequentially illuminate the anatomical target 107, a second controller, such as the controller 106 of the imaging system 102, can acquire a spectral profile of the light reflected from the target 105 in order to determine or estimate the composition of the target 105. Since the light emitted by the illumination system 101 appears as white light or light having a broad visible light spectrum, the illumination system 101 can be used to visually identify anatomical targets 107 and to illuminate them for electrically observing and recording images of the anatomical targets 107.At the same time, the irradiation light used to form the profile has a predetermined wavelength and intensity, and because images capturing the response irradiation of individual irradiation sources can be captured and evaluated, the spectral profile can be very accurate. The color selected for the individual irradiation source 103 can be related to the spectral profile of a known composition.

[0010] In one example, controllers 104 and 106 can aggregate the spectral profiles of the response irradiation captured by the optical sensor 105. The spectral profiles can reveal the level to which the color of the irradiation source 103 is absorbed or not absorbed by the anatomical target 107. If the spectral profiles match a known profile, the composition of the anatomical target 107 can be determined. While such analysis can be performed using white light with random wavelengths and intensities across a broad spectrum, using the irradiation sources 103 of the exemplary illumination system 101 allows for less noise compared to random wavelengths in conventional systems, due to the predetermined narrowband of each irradiation wavelength and the predetermined intensity of each irradiation source 103, and enables faster acquisition of the spectral profiles of the response irradiation.

[0011] In one example, the controller 106 of the imaging system 102 and the controller 104 of the illumination system 101 can be coupled via a communication link 108 to synchronize the sequencing of multiple illumination sources 103 and the sampling of the optical sensor 105. In one example, the multiple illumination sources 103 may include LEDs, lasers, quantum dots, or a combination thereof.

[0012] Figure 2A schematically illustrates how to operate an exemplary lighting system (e.g., 101 in Figure 1) in accordance with this subject. The lighting system may include multiple light sources. Each light source may project light having a different wavelength from some of the other light sources in the lighting system. For example, a first light source may project light with a wavelength of about 400 nanometers (nm), a second light source may project light with a wavelength of about 500 nm, and a third light source may project light with a wavelength of about 630 nm. In some examples, the lighting system may have additional light sources capable of projecting light having a specific wavelength or a specific center frequency. In the example plot in Figure 2A, the lighting system includes light sources capable of individually generating red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet light. The plot of control signals for the light sources of the lighting system shows that the method can pulse each light source at any one time interval, for example, on the order of microseconds (about μs). The method shows that the lighting system provides illumination continuously. In some examples, the irradiation period of one light source may overlap with a portion of the irradiation period of a second light source. In some examples, the compositional irradiation provided by the continuous pulsed emission of multiple light sources in the exemplary illumination system can appear as white light or light having the full spectrum of visible frequencies, such that the circulation of individual light sources is undetectable to the human eye. Thus, the optical sensor, camera, or display of the imaging system can capture and project a well-illuminated image of the screen area and display the image. In applications where a clear and well-illuminated image is not required, the interval between activations of individual light sources may be longer than 1 μs, such as several milliseconds (ms) or more.

[0013] When a target object is illuminated, an optical sensor can collect the response illumination from a single illumination source of the illumination system, and a controller can analyze the image to evaluate the absorption rate by the target object of a specific color projected by the illumination source. As the illumination system repeatedly enables and disables each illumination source, the controller can integrate absorption information for each wavelength projected onto the target object by the illumination system's illumination sources and aggregate the target object's spectral profile. In one example, a controller capturing images for spectral analysis can be synchronized with the illumination system's controller. Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary spectral profile provided by an exemplary controller. The exemplary spectral profile includes line 210 marking the expected normalized intensity for the response illumination from a white reference target object. Spectral profile information can provide a representation of the target object's composition. In some examples, spectral profile information can be displayed together with images captured by a camera, allowing the user to obtain timely feedback that enables them to determine the target object's composition. Such feedback can enlighten the operator on how to plan or adjust the treatment of the target object, depending on whether the system is used for diagnosis or treatment.

[0014] In one example, a controller can control the sequencing of light sources while synchronizing image capture when a particular light source illuminates a target object. For instance, the controller can initiate the illumination interval of a first light source. While the first light source is illuminating the target object, the controller can provide a signal to the imaging system to capture a single image of the target object illuminated solely by the light from the first light source.

[0015] Figure 3 provides an overall illustration of system 320 employing an exemplary composition identification system in accordance with this subject. System 300 may include a medical scope 311, an illumination system 301, and an imaging system 302. In some examples, the imaging system 302 may include a monitor coupled to the proximal end 318 of the medical scope 311 for displaying an image of an anatomical target 307 at the distal end 319 of the medical scope 311. The medical scope 311 may include a shaft 314 or probe, an optical sensor 306, and an irradiation path or optical path 313. The shaft 314 may extend into the patient's orifice or incision. In some examples, the shaft 314 may be flexible to maneuver torsion and rotation while being positioned at the anatomical target 307. The shaft 314 may include one or more channels 317.

[0016] The optical sensor 306 can be integrated with the shaft. The optical sensor 306 can receive light from an area around the distal end 319 of the shaft, including light reflected or generated by the anatomical target 307. The optical sensor 306 can provide an image signal 312 to the imaging system 302. In one example, the imaging system 302 may include a display or monitor so that the user of the medical scope 311 can view a real-time image of the anatomical target 307.

[0017] The illumination system can illuminate the anatomical target 307 so that the optical sensor 306 can capture an image of the anatomical target 307 or other optical effect. In some examples, the illumination system may be part of the medical scope 311. In some examples, the illumination system may be separated from the medical scope 311. In some examples, light from multiple illumination sources 303 of the illumination system can be carried through the optical path 313 of the shaft of the medical scope. In some examples, the illumination system may include multiple illumination sources 303. Each illumination source 303 may provide light of a different color from the other illumination sources. For example, a first illumination source may provide light having a narrow frequency range centered on a first frequency, and each other illumination source in the illumination system may provide light having a narrow frequency range centered on other frequencies. In some examples, each illumination source may emit light centered on a different frequency or wavelength from the light emitted from each other illumination source. In some examples, the boundary frequencies of the light from each illumination source are visible light, but the subject is not limited thereto. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) is a parameter commonly used to describe the width of a "bump" in a curve or function. It is given by the distance between points on the curve where the function reaches half of its maximum value. In some examples, each light source may provide light with an FWHM of less than 20 nanometers (nm). In some examples, the FWHM parameter for one or more of the light sources may be less than 10 nm. In some examples, the FWHM parameter for one or more of the light sources may be less than 5 nm.

[0018] Figure 6 provides an overview of wavelength plots for several intensity-normalized light sources that can be used in the illustrative system of this subject. The plot includes a first wavelength plot 601 for a violet light source with a wavelength centered at approximately 401 nm. The plot includes a second wavelength plot 602 for a blue light source with a wavelength centered at approximately 456 nm. The plot includes a third wavelength plot 603 for a green light source with a wavelength centered at approximately 511 nm. The plot includes a fourth wavelength plot 604 for an orange light source with a wavelength centered at approximately 588 nm. The plot includes a fifth wavelength plot 605 for a red light source with a wavelength centered at approximately 634 nm. Figure 6 also illustrates the scales of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) 606 and 607 for the second wavelength plot 602 and the third wavelength plot 603. Rough estimates suggest that the FWHM 606 for the second wavelength plot is approximately 35 nm, and the FWHM 607 for the third wavelength plot is approximately 25 nm.

[0019] In one example, referring again to FIG. 3, the plurality of illumination sources 303 can assist in determining the composition of the anatomical target 307. For example, the illustrated system can be used to diagnose or correct certain conditions where a "stone," such as a kidney stone, causes a health problem. Knowledge of the composition of the stone can assist in selecting an appropriate treatment to correct the health problem. Determining the composition of the stone can include irradiating the stone with different colors or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plurality of illumination sources 303, capturing the reflected or fluorescent emission of the applied irradiation with an optical sensor 306, and analyzing the levels of absorption of the captured light and the irradiation light to determine the composition of the anatomical target 307. It is understood that visible light is one form of electromagnetic radiation. In one example, the controller of the imaging system 302 and the controller of the illumination system 301 can be coupled via a communication link 308 to synchronize the sequencing of the plurality of illumination sources 403 and the sampling of the optical sensor 305. In one example, the plurality of illumination sources 303 can include LEDs, lasers, quantum dots, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In one example, the optical path 313 can include one or more optical fibers for transmitting light from the plurality of illumination sources 303. In one example, the shaft 314 can include one or more optional optical paths 323. In one example, the combined light from the plurality of illumination sources 303 can be transmitted through a common optical medium such as a common optical fiber or an optical fiber cable. In some examples, the light from the plurality of illumination sources 303 can be transmitted separately through a plurality of optical paths or a plurality of optical media such as a plurality of optical fibers or a plurality of optical fiber cables. In some examples, the light from each illumination source 303 can be transmitted individually from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft 314 through an individual optical medium. In some examples, the light from a subset of the plurality of illumination sources 303 can be transmitted as an individual group from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft 314 through an individual optical medium.

[0021] Figure 4 shows an overall view of a system employing an exemplary composition identification system 400 according to the present subject matter. The system 400 can include a medical scope 411 and an imaging system. In some examples, the imaging system can include a camera 415 at the distal end 419 of the medical scope 411, and a monitor coupled to the proximal end 418 of the medical scope 411 for displaying an image of an anatomical target 407 disposed at the distal end 419 of the medical scope 411. In some examples, the medical scope 411 can include a shaft 414 or a probe, a camera 415, and a lighting system. The shaft 414 can be extended into a patient's opening or incision. In some examples, the shaft 414 can be flexible to manipulate torsion and rotation while being positioned on an anatomical target. The shaft can include one or more channels 417.

[0022] The camera 415 can be disposed in one of the channels of the shaft 414. The camera 415 can receive light from an area around the distal end 419 of the shaft 414, including light reflected or generated by the anatomical target 407. The camera 415 can provide an image signal to the imaging system. In one example, the monitor of the imaging system can display an image such that a user of the medical scope 411 can view a real-time image of the anatomical target 407.

[0023] The illumination system 401 can illuminate the anatomical target 407 so that the camera 415 can capture an image of the anatomical target 407 or other optical effects. In some examples, the illumination system 401 may be part of the medical scope 411. In some examples, the illumination system 401 may be separated from the medical scope 411. In some examples, light from the illumination sources of the illumination system 401 can be carried through the optical path 413 of the shaft 414 of the medical scope 411, or through one or more optional optical paths 423. In some examples, the illumination system 401 may include multiple illumination sources 403. Each illumination source 403 may provide light of a different color from the other illumination sources. For example, a first illumination source may provide light having a narrow frequency range centered on a first frequency, and each other illumination source in the illumination system may provide light having a narrow frequency range centered on other frequencies. In some examples, the boundary frequencies of the light from each illumination source are visible light, but the subject is not limited in this way.

[0024] In one example, multiple irradiation sources 403 can help determine the composition of an anatomical target 407. For example, the illustrated system 400 can be used to diagnose or correct certain conditions in which “stones,” such as kidney stones, cause health problems. To correct the health problem, knowledge of the stone composition can help in selecting the appropriate treatment. Determining the stone composition may include the steps of irradiating the stone with different colors or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, capturing the reflected irradiation or fluorescence emission of the applied irradiation with an optical sensor 405, and analyzing the levels of absorption of the captured and irradiated light to determine the composition of the anatomical target 407.

[0025] In one example, the optical sensor 405 can receive response illumination, such as light from an illumination system reflected from an anatomical target 407 and the area surrounding the anatomical target 407. The optical sensor 405 can be located at the proximal end 418 of the shaft 414 and can receive response illumination via an optical path 416 extending into the working channel 417 of the medical scope 411. In one example, the optical path 416 may include optical fiber or optical cable. In one example, the controller of the optical sensor 405 and the controller of the illumination system 401 can be coupled via a communication link 408 to synchronize the sequencing of multiple illumination sources 403 and the sampling of the optical sensor 405. In one example, the multiple illumination sources 403 may include LEDs, lasers, quantum dots, or a combination thereof.

[0026] Figure 5 provides an overall illustration of an exemplary method of operating an illumination system employing multiple light sources to determine the composition of an anatomical target. In 501, light from multiple light sources can be emitted from the illumination system to illuminate the anatomical target and generate an illumination response. In some examples, each individual light source may emit light of a different color from the other light sources. In some examples, the light sources can be pulsed sequentially so that only a portion of the multiple light sources emit light at a particular moment. In some examples, sequential pulsed emission of the light sources can make it possible for each color of the light source to be the only color emitted at a particular moment. At the same time, the effect of sequential pulsed emission of the light sources can appear as if the illumination system is emitting light with a wide range of wavelengths across the white light or visible light spectrum.

[0027] In 503, the optical sensor can receive an irradiation response from an anatomical target. In some examples, the optical sensor may include a photosensitive transistor such as a CMOS device, or a photosensitive charge-coupled device (CCD). In some examples, the optical sensor may be a spectrometer. In 505, an image of the anatomical target may be provided to the user, for example, via a monitor. In 507, spectral information about the anatomical target may be provided to the user. The spectral information can be derived from the irradiation response received by the optical sensor. In some examples, the spectral information may be provided via a second monitor. In some examples, the spectral information may be provided via the same monitor that provides the image. In some examples, the controller may compare the spectral information, which may be in the form of a spectral profile, with profiles of known materials and phenomena. Thus, if the derived spectral profile matches a known material or phenomenon with some certainty, a warning or display can be shown on the monitor for the user. In some examples, the optical sensor may include multiple photosensitive devices mapped to the field of view, and the spectral profile may include spectral information for multiple regions within the field of view. Therefore, if the spectral profile derived for a particular area matches a known material or phenomenon (e.g., cancerous tissue, cysts, scar tissue), that area can be graphically highlighted to indicate a potential area of ​​interest. In some examples, the parameters for matching the derived spectral profile to a warning state can be conditioned on the hardness or softness of the material to which the spectral profile matches, and the hardness of the material can be displayed on the monitor.

[0028] Notes and examples In the first example, Example 1, the target analysis system may include a sensor configured to receive response irradiation from an anatomical target, an irradiation device comprising a plurality of irradiation sources for irradiating the anatomical target, wherein each irradiation source is configured to emit light having a full width at half maximum centered at a different frequency than the other irradiation sources, and an imaging system configured to control each of the plurality of irradiation sources and provide an image representing the anatomical target, and in addition to the image, provide spectral intensity information of the received irradiation.

[0029] In Example 2, the subject of Example 1 is configured to provide an image in addition to a spectral intensity signal of the received irradiation.

[0030] In Example 3, the theme of Examples 1 and 2 includes the fact that the full width at half maximum of the light emitted by each illumination source does not overlap with the frequency range of the full width at half maximum of the light emitted by the other illumination sources.

[0031] In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1-3 includes a controller configured to modulate the individual intensity of one of the multiple light sources.

[0032] In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1-4 is configured such that the controller periodically changes the intensity state of the irradiation device to realize a temporal chain of multiple irradiation states, and the first irradiation state among the multiple irradiation states is different from the irradiation state immediately preceding the second irradiation state among the multiple irradiation states, and the first irradiation state is different from the irradiation state immediately following the third irradiation state among the multiple irradiation states.

[0033] In Example 6, the subject of Example 5 includes microseconds.

[0034] In Example 7, the subject of Examples 1-6 includes an endoscope configured to support a sensor.

[0035] In Example 8, the subject of Example 7 includes a first optical path configured to transmit response irradiation from a first end of the endoscope to a second end of the endoscope.

[0036] In Example 9, the subject of Example 8 includes an optical sensor configured to receive an illumination response from a first optical path.

[0037] In Example 10, the subject of Example 9 includes the fact that the optical sensor includes a camera.

[0038] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 9-10 includes the fact that the optical sensor includes a spectrometer.

[0039] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 1-11 includes the case where multiple irradiation sources include more than two irradiation sources.

[0040] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 1-12 includes the case where multiple irradiation sources include quantum dots.

[0041] Example 14 is a method for identifying the composition of an anatomical specimen, the method comprising: emitting light from a plurality of light sources to irradiate an anatomical target and generate an irradiation response, wherein each light source is configured to emit light having a range of frequencies centered at different frequencies from the other light sources; receiving the irradiation response from the anatomical target with an optical sensor; providing an image representing the anatomical target; and providing spectral intensity information of the irradiation response in addition to the image.

[0042] In Example 15, the subject of Example 14 includes the step of emitting light from multiple sources, which includes the step of temporally sequencing the pulses of light from each of the multiple sources in order to provide temporally sequenced pulses of light.

[0043] In Example 16, the subject of Example 15 includes the step of acquiring one or more images of an anatomical target during the duration of each pulse of light in a time-sequenced sequence of light pulses.

[0044] In Example 17, the subject of Example 16 includes the step of synchronizing the steps of temporally sequencing pulses of light from each of a plurality of light sources and acquiring one or more images of an anatomical target.

[0045] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 15-17 includes microseconds.

[0046] In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 15-18 includes microseconds.

[0047] In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 15-19 includes the case where multiple irradiation sources include quantum dots.

[0048] Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium that, when executed by a processing circuit, contains instructions causing the processing circuit to perform an action that performs one of Examples 1 to 20.

[0049] Example 22 is an apparatus that includes means for carrying out any of Examples 1 to 20.

[0050] Example 23 is a system for implementing any of Examples 1 through 20.

[0051] Example 24 is a method for implementing any of Examples 1 through 20.

[0052] The above detailed description includes references to accompanying drawings that form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments by which the invention can be carried out for illustrative purposes. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also intend examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the inventors also intend examples in which, with respect to a particular example (or one or more embodiments thereof) or with respect to another example (or one or more embodiments thereof) any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more embodiments thereof) shown or described are used.

[0053] In the event of any inconsistency in usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document shall prevail.

[0054] In this text, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more, independently of any other instance or use of the terms “at least one” or “one or more,” as is common in patent documents. In this text, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive OR, and therefore “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise specified. In this text, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as plain English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, meaning that systems, devices, articles, compositions, formulations, or processes that include elements in addition to those listed after such terms are still considered to fall within the scope of the subject matter discussed. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” which may appear in claims, are used simply as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those subjects.

[0055] The above description is intended to be descriptive, not limiting. For example, the above examples (or one or more of their embodiments) can be used in combination with one another. A person skilled in the art can use other embodiments by considering the above description. The abstract is provided so that the reader can quickly grasp the nature of the present technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it is not used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, various features can be grouped together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as meaning that any feature disclosed without being claimed is intended to be essential to any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may be in fewer features than all of the particular disclosed embodiments. The following embodiments are incorporated herein as examples or embodiments in the detailed description, and each embodiment is intended to stand alone as a distinct embodiment, and such embodiments are intended to be combined with one another in various combinations or permutations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 14 Controllers 100 Composition Identification System 101 Lighting System 102 Imaging System 103 Irradiation source 104 Controller 105 Optical sensor, target 106 Controllers 107 Anatomical Goals 108 Communication Links 210 line 300 Systems 301 Lighting System 302 Imaging System 303 Irradiation source 305 Optical Sensor 306 Optical Sensors 307 Anatomical Goals 308 Communication Link 311 Medical endoscope 312 Image signal 313 Optical Path 314 Shaft 317 channels 318 Proximal end 319 Distal end 320 System 323 Optical Path 400 Composition Identification System 401 Lighting System 403 Irradiation source 405 Optical Sensor 407 Anatomical Goals 408 Communication Link 411 Medical endoscope 413 Optical Path 414 Shaft 415 Camera 416 Optical Path 417 Operating Channels 418 Proximal end 419 Distal end 423 Optical Path 601 First wavelength plot 602 Second wavelength plot 603 Third wavelength plot 604 Fourth wavelength plot 605 Fifth wavelength plot 606 Full width at half maximum, FWHM 607 Full width at half maximum, FWHM

Claims

1. An irradiation device comprising multiple irradiation sources configured to irradiate an anatomical target, wherein the multiple irradiation sources are configured to emit light having different wavelengths, and are configured to be activated sequentially so that the time average of the irradiation is such that it appears as white light when perceived by the human eye. At least one optical sensor is configured to receive a portion of the irradiation reflected from the anatomical target in response to the light emitted from each irradiation source as response irradiation, and to form an image signal based at least partially on the response irradiation, It is a controller, From the aforementioned image signals, an image representing the anatomical target is provided. From the aforementioned response irradiation, spectral intensity information of the received response irradiation is provided. A controller configured to determine the composition of the anatomical target based at least partially on the spectral intensity information, Each irradiation source is configured to emit light with a full width at half maximum of less than 20 nm. The plurality of irradiation sources comprises a first irradiation source, a second irradiation source, a third irradiation source, a fourth irradiation source, a fifth irradiation source, and a sixth irradiation source. The first irradiation source is configured to emit red light, The second irradiation source is configured to emit orange light, The third irradiation source is configured to emit yellow light, The fourth irradiation source is configured to emit green light, The fifth irradiation source is configured to emit blue light, A target analysis system in which the sixth irradiation source is configured to emit violet light.

2. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide the spectral intensity signal of the received response irradiation in addition to the image.

3. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irradiation sources are configured to emit light having different wavelength spectra that do not overlap with each other.

4. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irradiation sources are configured to emit light having different full widths at half maximum that do not overlap with each other.

5. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to modulate the individual intensity of one of the plurality of irradiation sources.

6. The controller is configured to periodically change the intensity state of the irradiation source in order to realize a temporal chain of multiple irradiation states. The first irradiation state among the plurality of irradiation states is different from the irradiation state immediately preceding the second irradiation state among the plurality of irradiation states. The target analysis system according to claim 5, wherein the first irradiation state is different from the irradiation state immediately following the third of the plurality of irradiation states.

7. The target analysis system according to claim 6, wherein the period of each irradiation state in the temporal chain of multiple irradiation states is 1 microsecond or longer.

8. The target analysis system according to claim 1, further comprising an endoscope configured to support at least one optical sensor.

9. The target analysis system according to claim 8, comprising a first optical path configured to transmit the response irradiation from a first end of the endoscope to a second end of the endoscope.

10. The target analysis system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one optical sensor is configured to receive response irradiation from the first optical path.

11. The target analysis system according to claim 8, wherein light from each irradiation source is configured to be transmitted individually from the first end of the endoscope to the second end of the endoscope via separate optical media.

12. The target analysis system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one optical sensor includes a camera.

13. The target analysis system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one optical sensor includes a spectrometer.

14. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irradiation sources includes more than two irradiation sources.

15. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of irradiation sources includes a quantum dot.

16. The target analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irradiation sources are configured to be activated sequentially by on / off control of each irradiation source.

Images