Pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy

Abstract

A system for pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy can include a light source, an optical sensor, and processing circuitry. The light source can be configured to generate light pulses from illuminating a target region. The light pulses can include an ON-phase, a frequency and a duration. The optical sensor can be configured to collect optical responses from the target region in response to the illumination. The processor can be configured to determine the frequency and the duration of the light pulses based on the collected optical responses and generate a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to collect the optical responses in synchronization with an ON-phase of each of the light pulses.

Description

PULSED LED SYNCHRONIZATION FOR SPECTROSCOPYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 718,214, filed November 8, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to spectroscopic signal detection and synchronization, such as during diagnostic or therapeutic laser procedures.BACKGROUND

[0003] Therapeutic laser systems are used during surgical laser procedures, such as laser lithotripsy, in which a physician may be required to interact with targets such as a tumor or a calculus (“stone”), in a patient’s body. Such systems may employ visible light emission, which can function as an aiming beam to provide spatial information of the therapeutic laser either before or while the therapeutic laser light is emitted. Light reflected or otherwise returned from a target may be analyzed using spectroscopy, such as to detect and characterize the target, to differentiate the target from tissue, or the like.SUMMARY

[0004] A system for pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy can include an illumination light source that can be configured to generate illumination light pulses for illuminating a target region (such as a target region of a patient, of a patient sample, etc.). The light pulses can be at a frequency and a duration. The system can include an optical sensor (e.g., a photodetector included in a spectrometer) configured to collect optical responses (e.g., reflectance measurements, absorption measurements, emissions measurements, scattering measurements, or the like) during ON-phases (or high-intensity phases) of the light pulses. The system can also include a processor. The term high-intensity phase of a light pulse refers herein to a period during which the light sourceAtorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 1 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1emits light at a significantly higher brightness or power level than other phases of the light pulse. This can occur in various contexts, such as in specialized applications like medical or industrial equipment where high-intensity light is needed for short durations. In some examples, the high-intensity phases of the light pulses can range from nanowatts to milliwatts. The processor can be configured to determine the frequency and the duration of the light pulses based at least in part on the collected optical responses from the light pulses and generate a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to use the optical responses (e.g., reflectance measurements, absorption measurements, emissions measurements, scattering measurements, or the like) in synchronization with the high-intensity phase of each of the light pulses.

[0005] The light source can be a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The LED light source can be a pulsed LED light source. The optical sensor can be included in a spectrometer that collects the optical responses, e.g., response measurements, during high-intensity phases of the light pulses. Response measurements can be collected, via the optical sensor, during high-intensity phases of the light pulses. The frequency and the duration of the light pulses can be determined based on the intensity of signals of the response measurements. The determined frequency and duration of the light pulses can be used to determine when to collect the response measurements to coincide with the high- intensity phases of the light pulses. In some examples, the collection of the response measurements can be performed without requiring control signals. In some examples, the collection of the response measurements can be performed by additionally using information associated with the control signals from the controlling processor. Additional optical signals, referred to as short integration time spectra, can be collected. The short integration time spectra can be analyzed to determine whether the high-intensity phases of the light pulses have shifted in time. The collection of the short integration time spectra and the analyzing of the short integration time spectra can be performed in a phase-locked loop (PLL) manner.

[0006] A trigger can be generated to prompt the optical sensor to collect response measurements in synchronization with the high-intensity phase of each of the light pulses. The trigger can indicate to collect the response measurements at a collection frequency that correlates with the frequency and duration of theAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 2 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1light pulses. The trigger can be adjusted and when the response data is collected can be adjusted based on detecting that the high-intensity phases of the light pulses have shifted. The trigger can be maintained at a particular frequency and instance of time in response to detecting that the high-intensity phases of the light pulses continue to synchronize with when the response data is collected.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of locations for placement of optical components within a laser system.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of portions of a laser system.

[0010] FIGS. 3A-3F each illustrate an example of a timing diagram associated with synchronization of a pulse and a scan.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example diagram of a method for pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example diagram of a method for pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a machine upon which one or more embodiments may be implemented.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) that can determine one or more optical signal parameters.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present systems and methods can help improve spectroscopic signal detection during a diagnostic or therapeutic laser procedure using a medical system. The medical system can enhance spectroscopy using adaptive pulsed LED synchronization. Surgical laser procedures, such as laser lithotripsy, can use such a medical system. This system can help address the challenges in continuous measurements without requiring specific synchronization to the lightAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 3 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1source. Some approaches may suffer from suboptimal signal intensity and signal -to-noise ratios, particularly when measurements must be collected at speeds exceeding the LED pulse period.

[0016] A phase-locked loop (PLL) type implementation can help synchronize the collection of short integration time spectroscopy measurements with the high-intensity periods (e.g., ON-phases) of a pulsed LED light source (also referred to herein interchangeably as a “light emitter” or a “light source emitter”). This synchronization can help increase or maximize signal intensity, thereby improving the quality of the spectroscopic data.

[0017] The system can include several components and processes, such as:

[0018] LED Pulse Generation: The LED light source can generate pulses at a defined frequency and duration, with the high-intensity phase of each pulse targeted for data collection.

[0019] Data Collection: The optical sensor can collect optical signals, or reflectance or other spectroscopy measurements at short integration times, which measurements can be stored in a memory buffer. This rapid capture of spectral data can be aligned with the pulses of the LED light source. A short integration time can refer to collecting data during a shorter pulse width than an illumination pulse.

[0020] Signal Examination: The system can evaluate the intensity of signals stored in the memory buffer to determine the frequency and duration of the LED pulses.

[0021] Trigger Creation: Based on the signal examination, the system can generate an electrical trigger to prompt the optical sensor to collect measurements during the high-intensity phase of each LED pulse.

[0022] Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Implementation: To help ensure ongoing synchronization, the system can occasionally capture additional optical signals, or additional short integration time spectra. These spectra can be analyzed to detect any temporal shifts between the LED pulse and the trigger. If a shift is detected, the system adjusts the trigger to maintain synchronization.

[0023] Control Circuitry: The system can include control circuitry coupled to the light source, which is configurable to pulse the light source on and off. The optical sensor is thus enabled to collect or analyze response data when the light source is pulsed on.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 4 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

[0024] The methodology for spectroscopy involves generating light pulses at a specified frequency and duration, collecting reflectance or other response measurements during the high-intensity phases of these pulses, and determining the frequency and duration of the light pulses based on the intensity of the response measurements. A trigger can be generated to prompt the optical sensor to collect measurements in synchronization with the high-intensity phase of each pulse. The system is further capable of collecting short integration time spectra and analyzing them to determine whether the high-intensity phases of the light pulses have shifted in time, thereby adjusting the trigger and collection timing as necessary.

[0025] The medical system can include a response light detector, such as an optical sensor in a spectrometer to provide spectral analysis of a target (or a material component of a target) such as within a body of a patient. The optical sensor can be used to help detect and characterize the target or to differentiate the target from healthy tissue (e.g., to determine the margins of a tumor). For example, light (visible or non-visible) reflected, scattered, or otherwise emitted from the target toward an optical sensor of a spectrometer that can be included in, within, or coupled to the laser system can be collected by the optical sensor, such as for signal-processing and spectroscopic analysis. The spectrometer can analyze optical response samples received from the target and, based thereon, can determine a characteristic associated with the target. The characteristic of the target can include, for example, the composition of the target, hardness, density, or any similar characteristic. In addition, one or more of the laser settings (e.g., laser intensity) can be adjusted based at least in part on the target characteristic.

[0026] The system can further include a processor circuit or processing circuitry coupled to the light source and / or the optical sensor. The processor can be configurable to pulse the light source ON and OFF, and the optical sensor can be configured to synchronize with the ON pulse of the light source to collect the response measurements and analyze the collected response samples. The processor can further be configured to control the operation of the light source emitter and / or the optical sensor.

[0027] The processor or the optical sensor can further be configured to monitor the synchronization of the pulse of the light source and the timing of the collection of the resulting optical response samples. In response to the collectionAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 5 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1and the pulsing being out of synchronization, the collection timing can be adjusted to be in synchronization with the pulsing.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of components of a laser system 100. The laser system 100 can be coupled to an endoscopic system, such as an in-vivo insertable therapeutic or diagnostic endoscopic system, for performing patient diagnosis or treatment. An example of how the laser system 100 can be connected to an endoscopic system can be found in U.S. Patent 11,523,865, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a first optical component 102 such as a laser filter or a polarizer can be located at the output of an aiming beam emission source (e.g., a laser diode) 116 in a signal pathway of the aiming beam 104. The system 100 can also include a light source 118 (e.g., a laser module or component), which can emit a signal such as laser energy to ablate tissue, break up a stone (e.g., a kidney stone or a gallstone) or perform any suitable therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, and can emit signals in the visible spectrum or the non-visible spectrum. The first optical component 102 can be at least equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the aiming beam 104. The first optical component 102 can help reduce or remove the sources of noise (e.g., the spectrum spread of the main frequency / wav elength of the aiming beam 104), which can significantly improve detection of the signals received from the target 106.

[0029] Thus, in the example of FIG. 1, a signal emitted from the aiming beam emission source 116 can be filtered, attenuated, blocked, polarized, or otherwise affected by the first optical component 102, so that only signals of desired wavelengths and intensities pass through an endoscope 107 and are emitted from the surgical fiber 108 and reach the target 106. In an example, at least a portion of a signal emitted from the surgical fiber 108 can be reflected back from the target 106 (as denoted by the arrows). The laser system 100 can additionally include one or more additional optical components (e.g., second optical component s)), such as one or more notch filters 110 and 112 (or any suitable filter(s)) located in an optical path between the target 106 and the optical sensor located in the feedback sensor 114. The notch filters 110 and 112 can be used to remove any reflection signals reflected back from the target 106 with frequencies or wavelengths around, near, or substantially close to those of the aiming beam 104.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 6 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

[0030] In an example, the width of high attenuation wavelengths of the notch filters 110 and 112 (or any suitable filter(s)) can be greater than the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) specification of the aiming beam emission source 116 since the intensity of the aiming beam 104 can be orders of magnitude greater than the desired signal from the target (e.g., a spectroscopic signal). Therefore, even an apparently steep wavelength rise provided by the first optical component 102, or directly from the aiming beam emission source 116 can have an unacceptable level of interference at the tails of the emission pulse, or at the first optical component 102.

[0031] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more third optical components 122 (e.g., a refractive element such as a lens) located at or near the output of the aiming beam 104 as it passes through the first optical component 102 (not shown) and / or the optical path between the target 106 and the optical sensor in the feedback sensor 114 can be coated with a suitable material to provide, replace, or enhance the filtering effects provided by the first optical component 102 and / or the notch filters 110, 112.

[0032] Furthermore, as discussed above, any of the first optical component 102, the second optical component 120, and / or the third optical component 122 can include a polarizer that can be used to help improve the spectroscopic analysis. For example, a polarizer can be used in conjunction with, or as a replacement for, one or more other optical components such as filters. In an example, one or more additional optical components 124, 126 (such as refractive components (e.g., a lens), diffractive components (such as a grating), reflective components, a waveguide, an optical fiber, etc.) can be used to aid or assist with directing the aiming beam 104. For example, first additional optical component 124, can be located downstream the first optical component 102 and downstream the aiming beam emission source 116 in an optical signal pathway, where the aiming beam emission source 116 can include a laser diode, or a light emitting diode (LED), which aids in directing the aiming beam 104 in a first direction (e.g., horizontally on the page or in the “x” direction). Similarly, a second additional optical component 126 can be located near a VIS (e.g., designed to operate in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum) lens 128 (or any lens optimized to operate in the visible spectrum of light, or a range of 400-700 nanometers (nm)). The second optical component 126 can re-direct light in aAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 7 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., vertically on the page or in the “y” direction). The second additional optical component 126 can thus block the aiming beam 104. Therefore, the optical feedback signal from the target can be transmitted through a Fiber Port 121 (e.g., a VIS optical port) to the optical sensor in the feedback sensor 114.

[0033] The laser energy emitted from the light source 118 may have the same or different wavelength or frequency from that of the aiming beam 104 emitted from the aiming beam emission source 116. Accordingly, any of the optical components discussed above can be used to block, attenuate, redirect, or the like, a portion of the laser energy associated with the aiming beam 104 that is either emitted from the aiming beam emission source 116 or returned from the target 106 during a medical procedure.

[0034] The frequency associated with the specification of any of the optical components, such as the first optical component 102, the notch filters 110, 112, or the like, can be dependent on the wavelength of the aiming beam 104. The wavelength of the aiming beam 104 may drift or vary by an amount, such as 1-2 nanometers due to external factors (e.g., temperature) and thus the one or more optical components can be selected to account for such a drift. For example, one or more of the optical components can be selected that have a wavelength range or spread, such as a 10 nm range, to account for the wavelength drift of the aiming beam 104. Additionally, or alternatively, an optical component such as a laser filter can be selected to be optimized for the specific aiming beam emission source 116 (e.g., aiming beam laser diode) being used. For example, a rejection frequency of one or more of the optical components can be based on a wavelength of the aiming beam emission source 116 such as to reject frequencies that correspond to that aiming beam wavelength. The various optical components and filters discussed above can be included within a light impenetrable housing that can be coupled to an internal laser fiber 130, which can in turn be coupled to the light source 118, the surgical fiber 108, and / or the feedback sensor 114.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of portions of a laser system 200. The laser system 200 can include a light source (e.g., a “pulsed LED source”) 118 for generating a light-emitting diode (LED) pulse.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 8 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

[0036] The light source 118 can generate a pulse at a certain frequency and duration. For example, the light source 118 can generate the light pulses at a single specified frequency, which may optionally be user-controllable or automatically controllable by a processor, and at a single specified duration, which may optionally be user-controllable or automatically controllable by a processor. The light source 118 may have operational tolerances on the frequency and the duration, such that the frequency and / or the duration may drift slightly while the light source 118 is operational. The drift may be relatively slow compared to the pulse repetition rate. Because the drift is slower or significantly slower than the pulse repetition rate, a stream of multiple pulses can be characterized by a single value of frequency and a single value of duration. The single value of frequency and / or the single value of duration may change over time, such as by a slow drift, or by a user-initiated or process-initiated change in settings for the light source 118.

[0037] The light source 118 can have a high-intensity phase during which a high-intensity light is generated and sent through the laser system 200. The high- intensity phase of each pulse can refer to a time frame during which the laser system 200 can collect optical response samples. In this way, the collection of the reflectance measurements can occur during the high-intensity phase to ensure that the collection is performed during the most efficient and useful portion of the LED pulse and not during a portion where more inaccurate or less useful optical response samples would be collected due to a limited phase during which the LED pulse is not occurring.

[0038] The laser system 200 can include an optical sensor detector 204. The optical sensor detector 204 can collect optical response samples. The optical response samples can be taken at short integration times and stored in a memory buffer 206. The collection can occur concurrently with an LED pulse generation. The short integration time can allow for rapid capture of spectral data and align it with the pulsed nature of the light source 118. The optical sensor detector 204 can begin to collect spectral data based on a trigger. The trigger can be an indication that a particular period of the LED pulse is occurring. For example, the trigger can indicate that a high-intensity portion of the LED pulse has begun or is occurring. In this way, the trigger can synchronize the collection of theAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 9 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1spectral data with the occurrence of the high-intensity portion of the LED pulse from the light source 118.

[0039] The laser system 200 can include a signal and trigger processor 208. The processor 208 may include processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can be located in a single location, or can be distributed over multiple locations and connected by wired or wireless connections. For example, processing circuitry in one location may perform one task, and processing circuitry in another location may perform another task. The signal and trigger processor 208 can control hardware, firmware, and / or circuitry used to examine a spectral signal and generate the trigger based on the spectral signal. The spectral signal can be stored in the memory buffer 206 from prior collection from the optical sensor detector 204. The processor of the signal and trigger processor 208 can examine the intensity of the signals stored in the memory buffer 206. Based on these intensity readings, the processor of the signal and trigger processor 208 can determine the frequency and / or duration of the LED pulses. From this information, the processor of the signal and trigger processor 208 can create a trigger (e.g., an electrical trigger) that can be used to prompt the optical sensor detector 204 to collect the optical response samples. For example, the response samples that are being detected are used to generate the trigger. Then, integration of the response samples is gated by the trigger. This trigger can be timed to coincide with the high-intensity phase of each LED pulse. In some examples, the gating response samples used to determine the trigger can be discarded. In some examples, the gating response samples can be included in the integration of the response samples.

[0040] The laser system 200 can include phase-locked loop (PLL) control circuitry 210. The PLL control circuitry 210 can be used to maintain synchronization of the high-intensity portion of the LED pulse and the trigger to gate collection or analysis of data to coincide with the high-intensity portion of the LED pulse. The laser system 200 can store additional short integration time spectral data in the memory buffer 206 for the PLL control circuitry 210 to analyze and adjust the trigger. For example, the spectral data can be examined to determine if any temporal shift between the LED pulse and the trigger has occurred, as will be described further in association with FIGS. 3A-3F below. If such a shift is detected, the laser system 200, through the signal and triggerAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 10 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1processor 208, can adjust the trigger accordingly. This can occur in a similar fashion to a phased-lock loop in that an output signal (the timing or periodicity of the trigger) whose phase is related to the phase of an input signal (the timing or periodicity of the high-intensity portion of the LED pulse) is used to provide synchronization.

[0041] FIGS. 3A-3F each illustrate an example of a timing diagram associated with synchronization of a pulse and a scan. FIGS. 3A-3F each illustrate timing diagrams including timing of LED pulses 431 and timing of scans 432, used to collect spectral data, over a period of time 434. FIG. 3 A illustrates timing of LED pulses 431 and timing of scans 432 where the scans 435-1, 435-2, 435-3 are delayed such that the spectral collection is not synchronized with the timing of the high-intensity portion of the LED pulses 431. For example, a first pulse portion (e.g., high-intensity portion) 433-1 of the pulse 431 occurs prior to a first scan 435-1. A first LED pulse 438 occurs from the start of the first pulse portion 433-1 to a start of the second pulse portion 433-2, where the first LED pulse 438 includes the first pulse portion 433-1 and a portion 436 where the light is OFF or minimal.

[0042] Likewise, a second pulse portion (e.g., second high-intensity portion) 433-2 occurs prior to a second scan 435-2 and a third pulse portion 433-3 occurs prior to a third scan 435-3. This spectral data can be analyzed by a signal and trigger component, such as signal and trigger processor 208 in FIG. 2, to synchronize the pulse 431 and the scan 432.

[0043] In one example, the high-intensity portion of the LED pulse (e.g., the first pulse portion 433-1) can include an integration time or time for accumulation of light that lasts from 1-2 milliseconds (ms). That is, the ON time of the LED pulse is from 1-2 ms. The total LED pulse (e.g., first LED pulse 438) time can last from 16-17 ms. In this case, the light is OFF for most of the cycle period of the LED pulse (e.g., during the portion 436 in the first LED pulse 438). The duration of the LED pulse can be fixed by the power line frequency. The scanning duration can be a configurable variable that can last, for example, 14 ms to 100 ms, and as long as 5, 10, 15 seconds. If the lighting is low, the collection can be performed to accumulate over a long period of time to capture more light. However, scanning for longer periods of time can consume more power, consume more data storage resources, etc., so shorter scanning periods can beAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 1 1 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1beneficial. To take advantage of these parameters, the collection of optical response samples can be synchronized with the integration time or the high- intensity phase of the LED pulse during a shorter collection period. This can provide the highest signal during collection, and therefore the highest signal to noise ratio, while not over-collecting the spectral data during non-high-intensity periods. In contrast, when at least some of the collection occurs outside the highest intensity portion, the signal will be lower but the noise will be the same so the signal to noise ratio will be lower, which should be avoided.

[0044] FIG. 3B illustrates an adjustment to the timing of the scan 432 such that the scan portions occur earlier in the timing than in FIG. 3 A. For example, a first scan 435-4 occurs earlier in the timing such that the first scan 435-4 starts while the first pulse portion 433-4 is still occurring. While a total portion of the first scan 435-4 does not occur during the first pulse portion 433-4, at least some of the first scan 435-4 does occur within the first pulse scan 432. This can provide more light for the collection than the example of FIG. 3 A, but there is still a portion with low light that would decrease the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0045] FIG. 3C illustrates an adjustment of the timing of the scans 432 such that the scan portions 435-7, 435-8, 435-9 occur at a same time as the high- intensity portions 433-7, 433-8, 433-9 of the pulses. The adjustment illustrated in FIG. 3C can include timing the scan portions 435-7, 435-8, 435-9 to be earlier than those in FIGS. 3A and 3B. This synchronizes the scan portions 435-7, 435- 8, 435-9 with the high-intensity portions 433-7, 433-8, 433-9.

[0046] FIG. 3D illustrates when the timing of scans 432 is more frequent than the timing of the pulses 431. For example, the scans 435-10, 435-11, 435-12 are occurring faster than the pulses 433-10, 433-11, 433-12 and therefore sometimes there is an overlap (as with pulse 433-12 and scan 435-12) and sometimes there is not. To synchronize, the frequency of the scans 435-10, 435-11, 435-12 can be lowered and their timing adjusted (as was adjusted with respect to FIGS. 3 A- 3C).

[0047] FIG. 3E illustrates when the timing of the scans 432 is less frequent than the timing of the pulses 431. To synchronize, the frequency of the scans 435-13, 435-14, 435-15 can be increased and adjusted accordingly. FIG. 3F illustrates when the timing of the scans 432 occurs at a frequency that is a multiple of the timing of the pulses 431. In this example, the frequency of theAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 12 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1scans 435-16 through 435-20 could be adjusted or the intervening scans, such as scans 435-17, 435-19 could be discarded and the scans that are synchronized, such as scans 435-16, 435-18, and 435-20, could be recorded and / or the corresponding optical response samples could be used for analysis. In this way, any number of synchronization techniques can be used to ensure that the optical response samples that are used have the highest signal-to-noise ratio.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an example diagram of a method 400 for pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy. The method 400 may include or comprise a number of Operations or Steps (441-445). These Operations are exemplary, and the executed method can omit one or more of the listed Operations, can repeat Operations, can include other Operations, or can execute the Operations concurrently, substantially simultaneously, or in any order, as appropriate or desired.

[0049] At operation 441, a high-intensity phase, a frequency and a duration of light pulses can be determined based on collected optical responses. The collected optical responses can include spectroscopy measurements that are collected at short integration times. In one example, the collected optical responses can include frequency spectra domain or interchangeably be converted to time domain measurements, however embodiments are not so limited. The collected optical responses may be stored in memory. This collection process can occur concurrently with the LED pulse generation. The short integration time periods allow for the rapid capture of spectral data and aligns with the pulsed behavior of the LED pulses. A processor of the laser system can examine the intensity of the optical responses stored in the memory buffer. A threshold intensity can be used to determine when the high-intensity phases of each light pulse occur. Based on the intensity readings and the intensity threshold, the processor can determine the frequency and duration of the LED pulses. For example, the processor can determine when each high-intensity phase begins and ends to determine the duration of each pulse. The processor can determine a frequency of the LED pulses by determining how many light pulses during a particular period of time have occurred.

[0050] A light source can generate the light pulses at a specified frequency and duration. An optical sensor can use or collect the optical responses, or optical response samples, during high-intensity phases of the light pulses. The lightAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 13 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1source can be a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The LED light source can be a pulsed LED light source. The optical sensor can collect the optical data at short integration times to rapidly capture spectral data. The light source and the optical sensor can operate such that the optical data are collected during a shorter period of time than a pulse period of the light source.

[0051] At operation 443, a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to use the optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase (e.g., high-intensity phase) of each of the light pulses can be generated. In some examples, the optical responses can include an OFF-phase and / or a LOW phase that are each lower than the ON-phase. The duration and frequency of the high-intensity phases of the light pulses can be used to time the trigger at the appropriate time points that occur at the appropriate time frequencies to collect during each of the high-intensity phases. The processor can maintain synchronization between the light pulses and the trigger by adjusting the trigger in response to detection of temporal shifts of the light pulses. The processor can synchronize a period of data collection with the high-intensity phase of each of the light pulses. The processor can synchronize a period of data collection with the high-intensity phase of each of the light pulses to maximize signal -to-noise ratio and generate more clear signals.

[0052] At operation 445, optical responses can be used, collected, or analyzed, via the optical sensor, in response to receiving the trigger that indicates when the light source is in the ON-phase. Further, synchronization between the light pulses and the trigger can be maintained by the control circuity by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting of temporal shifts of the light pulses. The control circuity can detect additional short integration time spectra to determine if the temporal shifts have occurred. The synchronization can be maintained by using phased-lock loop (PLL) control circuitry. The control circuitry can adjust the trigger to match the temporal shift in response to determining that the temporal shifts have occurred. The control circuity can be coupled to the light source. The control circuitry can pulse the light source ON and OFF. The optical sensor can collect the optical response samples when the light source is pulsed ON. The processor can analyze additional optical response samples to detect temporal shifts between the light pulses and the trigger.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 14 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

[0053] At operation 447, the synchronization can be maintained by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates an example diagram of a method 500 for pulsed LED synchronization for spectroscopy. The method 500 is an alternative method to method 400 described in association with FIG. 4. The method 500 may include or comprise a number of Operations or Steps (551-555). These Operations are exemplary, and the executed method can omit one or more of the listed Operations, can repeat Operations, can include other Operations, or can execute the Operations concurrently, substantially simultaneously, or in any order, as appropriate or desired.

[0055] At operation 551, light pulses can be generated, using a light source, from illuminating a target region. The light pulses can be at a specified frequency and a specified duration. The light source can be a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The LED light source can be a pulsed LED light source. An optical sensor can use or collect the optical responses during ON-phases (e.g., high-intensity phases) of the light pulses.

[0056] At operation 552, optical responses can be collected, via an optical sensor, from the target region in response to the illumination. The optical responses can be used or collected during ON-phases (e.g., high-intensity phases) of the light pulses.

[0057] At operation 553, the high-intensity phase, the frequency and the duration of the light pulses can be determined based on the collected signals. For example, the collected signals can indicate a frequency and duration of the collected signals. The determined frequency and duration of the light pulses can be used to determine when to collect the collected signals to coincide with the high-intensity phases of the light pulses. The collected optical responses can include optical response samples (e.g., reflectance spectroscopy measurements, among other samples) that are collected at short integration times. The collected optical responses may be stored in memory. This collection process can occur concurrently with the LED pulse generation. The short integration time periods allow for the rapid capture of spectral data and aligns with the pulsed behavior of the LED pulses. A processor of the laser system can examine the intensity of the optical responses stored in the memory buffer. A threshold intensity can be usedAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 15 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1to determine when the high-intensity phases of each light pulse occur. Based on the intensity readings and the threshold intensity, the processor can determine the frequency and duration of the LED pulses. For example, the processor can determine when each high-intensity pulse begins and ends to determine the duration of each pulse. The processor can determine a frequency of the LED pulses by determining how many light pulses during a particular period of time have occurred.

[0058] In some examples, additional optical responses, such as short integration time spectra, can be collected. The short additional optical responses can be analyzed to determine whether the high-intensity phases of the light pulses have shifted in time. For example, the duration and frequency of the additional optical responses can be determined based on when the high-intensity phases of the collected additional optical responses are occurring. If the duration of the additional optical responses is different than the duration of the optical responses or the frequency of the additional optical responses is different than the frequency of the optical responses, the timing of the trigger may have shifted. The trigger can then be adjusted to match the frequency and duration of the additional optical responses to capture the optical responses during the high- intensity phases of the light pulses. The collection of the short integration time spectra and the analyzing of the short integration time spectra can be performed in a phase-locked loop (PLL) manner.

[0059] At operation 554, a trigger can be generated to prompt the optical sensor to use optical responses in synchronization with the high-intensity phase of each of the light pulses. The trigger can indicate to collect or retain the optical responses at a collection frequency that correlates with the frequency and duration of the light pulses. As an example, the trigger can indicate when to collect the optical responses during the high-intensity phases. As an example, collection of the optical responses can occur during both high-intensity phases and other portions of the LED pulse and the trigger can indicate which portion of the collected optical responses to discard or remove, thereby retaining the portions during the high-intensity phases. The trigger can be adjusted and when the optical signal sample is collected can be adjusted based on detecting that the high-intensity phases of the light pulses have shifted. The trigger can be maintained at a particular frequency and instance of time in response to detectingAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 16 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1that the high-intensity phases of the light pulses continue to synchronize with when the optical responses is collected.

[0060] At operation 555, the synchronization can be maintained by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses. In response to the trigger being adjusted, a collection of the optical responses can be adjusted to maintain the synchronization of the timing of the collection of data and the timing of the high-intensity light pulses, as was described in association with FIGS. 3A-3F. Further, the synchronization can be maintained by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of a machine 600 upon which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) discussed herein may perform. In some embodiments, the machine 600 can operate as a standalone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. For example, the machine 600 can be coupled to or connected to the processor and / or the optical sensor to cause the processor or the optical sensor to perform one or more of their operations described above. In a networked deployment, the machine 600 can operate in the capacity of a server machine, a client machine, or both in server-client network environments. In an example, the machine 600 may act as a peer machine in peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The machine 600 can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations.

[0062] Examples, as described herein, may include, or may operate by, logic or a number of components, or mechanisms. Circuit sets are a collection of circuits implemented in tangible entities that include hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Circuit set membership can be flexible over time and underlying hardware variability. Circuit sets include members that can, alone orAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 17 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1in combination, perform specified operations when operating. In an example, hardware of the circuit set can be immutably designed to carry out a specific operation (e.g., hardwired). In an example, the hardware of the circuit set can include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) including a computer readable medium physically modified (e.g., magnetically, electrically, moveable placement of invariant massed particles, etc.) to encode instructions of the specific operation. In connecting the physical components, the underlying electrical properties of a hardware constituent are changed, for example, from an insulator to a conductor or vice versa. The instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., the execution units or a loading mechanism) to create members of the circuit set in hardware via the variable connections to carry out portions of the specific operation when in operation. Accordingly, the computer readable medium is communicatively coupled to the other components of the circuit set member when the device is operating. In an example, any of the physical components can be used in more than one member of more than one circuit set. For example, under operation, execution units can be used in a first circuit of a first circuit set at one point in time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuit set, or by a third circuit in a second circuit set at a different time.

[0063] Machine (e.g., computer system) 600 can include a hardware processor 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof), a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, some or all of which can communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus) 630. The machine 600 can further include a display unit 610, an alphanumeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 614 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit 610, input device 612 and UI navigation device 614 can be a touch screen display. The machine 600 can additionally include a storage device (e.g., drive unit) 608, a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 620, and one or more sensors 616, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine 600 can include an output controller 628, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection toAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 18 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).

[0064] The storage device 608 can include a machine readable medium 622 on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 624 (e.g., software) embodying or used by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 624 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604, within static memory 606, or within the hardware processor 602 during execution thereof by the machine 600. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 602, the main memory 604, the static memory 606, or the storage device 608 can constitute machine readable media.

[0065] While the machine readable medium 622 is illustrated as a single medium, the term "machine readable medium" can include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions 624.

[0066] The term "machine readable medium" may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 600 and that cause the machine 600 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Nonlimiting machine readable medium examples may include solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media. In an example, a massed machine readable medium comprises a machine readable medium with a plurality of particles having invariant (e.g., rest) mass. Accordingly, massed machine-readable media are not transitory propagating signals. Specific examples of massed machine readable media may include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD- ROM disks.

[0067] The instructions 624 can further be transmitted or received over a communications network 626 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 620 utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g.,Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 19 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks can include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi®, IEEE 802.16 family of standards), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others. In an example, the network interface device 620 can include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or phonejacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communications network 626. In an example, the network interface device 620 can include a plurality of antennas to wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MEMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques. The term "transmission medium" shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 600, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such software.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) 760 that is configured to determine an optical signal parameter(s), such as intensity, frequency, duration, etc., and a trigger timed to coincide with a high-intensity (ON) phase of an LED pulse based on the frequency, duration, intensity, etc., of an LED pulse and / or other optical outputs and sources. In various embodiments, the CDSS 760 includes an input interface 764 through which the LED pulse, light source, and / or associated parameter(s) which are specific to a patient are provided as input features to an artificial intelligence (Al) model 766, a processor 602 which performs an inference operation in which the light source, or LED pulse, parameters(s) are applied to the Al model 766 to generate the trigger and / or other timing parameters associated with collecting optical signals, and a user interface (UI) through which the trigger and / or other timing parameters are communicated to a user, e.g., a clinician.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 20 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

[0069] In some embodiments, the input interface 764 may be a direct data link between the CDSS 760 and one or more medical devices that generate at least some of the input features. For example, the input interface 764 may transmit optical input(s), such as LED pulse frequency, duration, intensity, etc., directly to the CDSS 760 during a therapeutic and / or diagnostic medical procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, the input interface 764 may be a classical user interface that facilitates interaction between a user and the CDSS 760. For example, the input interface 764 may facilitate a user interface through which the user may manually enter data associated with the patient and used for collection of the optical input(s). Additionally, or alternatively, the input interface 764 may provide the CDSS 760 with access to an electronic patient record from which one or more input features may be extracted. In any of these cases, the input interface 764 is configured to collect one or more of the following input features in association with a specific patient on or before a time at which the CDSS 760 is used to assess the timing of the optical data collection:[first period of optical collection][Nth period of optical collection]

[0070] Based on one or more of the above input features, the processor, such as processor 602 in FIG. 6, performs an inference operation using the Al model 766 to generate the timing of the optical data collection. For example, input interface 764 may deliver the frequency and / or duration of an LED pulse into an input layer of the Al model 766 which propagates these input features through the Al model 766 to an output layer that is transferred to an output interface 768. The Al model 766 can provide a computer system the ability to perform tasks, without explicitly being programmed, by making inferences based on patterns found in the analysis of data. Al model 766 explores the study and construction of algorithms (e.g., machine-learning algorithms) that may learn from existing data and make predictions about new data. Such algorithms operate by building an Al model 766 from example training data to make data-driven predictions or decisions expressed as outputs or assessments.

[0071] There are two common modes for machine learning (ML): supervised ML and unsupervised ML. Supervised ML uses prior knowledge (e.g., examples that correlate inputs to outputs or outcomes) to learn the relationships between the inputs and the outputs. The goal of supervised ML is to learn a function that,Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 21 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1given some training data, best approximates the relationship between the training inputs and outputs so that the ML model can implement the same relationships when given inputs to generate the corresponding outputs. Unsupervised ML is the training of an ML algorithm using information that is neither classified nor labeled, and allowing the algorithm to act on that information without guidance. Unsupervised ML is useful in exploratory analysis because it can automatically identify structure in data.

[0072] Common tasks for supervised ML are classification problems and regression problems. Classification problems, also referred to as categorization problems, aim at classifying items into one of several category values (for example, is this object an apple or an orange?). Regression algorithms aim at quantifying some items (for example, by providing a score to the value of some input). Some examples of commonly used supervised-ML algorithms are Logistic Regression (LR), Naive-Bayes, Random Forest (RF), neural networks (NN), deep neural networks (DNN), matrix factorization, and Support Vector Machines (SVM).

[0073] Some common tasks for unsupervised ML include clustering, representation learning, and density estimation. Some examples of commonly used unsupervised-ML algorithms are K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and autoencoders.

[0074] Another type of ML is federated learning (also known as collaborative learning) that trains an algorithm across multiple decentralized devices holding local data, without exchanging the data. This approach stands in contrast to traditional centralized machine-learning techniques where all the local datasets are uploaded to one server, as well as to more classical decentralized approaches which often assume that local data samples are identically distributed. Federated learning enables multiple actors to build a common, robust machine learning model without sharing data, thus allowing to address critical issues such as data privacy, data security, data access rights and access to heterogeneous data.

[0075] In some examples, the Al model 766 may be trained continuously or periodically prior to performance of the inference operation by the processor, such as processor 602 in FIG. 6. Then, during the inference operation, the patient specific input features provided to the Al model 766 may be propagated from an input layer, through one or more hidden layers, and ultimately to an output layerAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 22 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1that is transferred to the output interface 768 and corresponds to the timing of the optical data collection For example, the input layer may include optical data frequency, duration, and / or intensity and the output layer may include the timing of the high-intensity or ON-phase of the LED pulse and timing of the overall gathering of the LED pulse.

[0076] During and / or subsequent to the inference operation, the timing of the optical data collection may be communicated to the user via the user interface (UI) and / or automatically cause the optical detector, such as the spectrometer detector 204 in FIG. 2, for performing a desired action, such as collecting optical data during ON-phases of an LED pulse(s). For example, the CDSS 760 may inform a clinician of the timing of the optical data collection or may inform the clinician of the optical data output that was collected based on the timing. The optical data outputs could be used to suggest diagnosis and / or treatment options and a corresponding Al generated confidence level. The collected optical data could be compared to specific patient record data stored in a database 762 to make this determination or diagnosis.

[0077] An example of an input feature can include a dimension of the surgical fiber to be used during the procedure.

[0078] An example of an input feature can include a type of light or laser source.

[0079] An example of an input feature can include the type of scope being used during the procedure.

[0080] An example of an input feature can include a wavelength or frequency to be blocked or attenuated.

[0081] An example of an input feature can include an amount of time to turn a light or laser source off.ADDITIONAL NOTES AND EXAMPLES:

[0082] In Example 1, a medical system for performing spectroscopy can comprise: a light source configured to generate light pulses to illuminate a target region, the light pulses having an ON-phase, a frequency, and a duration; an optical sensor configured to collect optical responses from the target region in response to the target being illuminated by the light pulses; and processing circuitry configured to: detect the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration ofAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 23 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1the light pulses based on the collected optical responses; generate a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to use the optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase of each of the light pulses; and maintain the synchronization by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting, via the optical responses, a temporal shift of the light pulses.

[0083] In Example 2, the medical system of Example 1 can optionally be configured such that the optical sensor is configured to have an integration time for collecting individual ones of the optical responses, the integration time being equal to or less than the duration of one of the light pulses.

[0084] In Example 3, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-2 can optionally be configured such that: the collected optical responses are stored in a memory buffer accessible to the processing circuitry; and the processing circuitry is configured to determine the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based at least in part on one or more of the optical responses stored in the memory buffer.

[0085] In Example 4, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-3 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured to collect, and store in the memory buffer, additional optical responses from the target region.

[0086] In Example 5, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-4 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured to determine whether a temporal shift has occurred based at least in part on the additional optical responses.

[0087] In Example 6, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-5 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured to examine an intensity of the stored additional optical responses and determine the frequency and the duration of the light pulses based on the examined intensity.

[0088] In Example 7, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-6 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured to adjust the trigger using the examined intensities of the stored additional optical responses and the determined frequency and duration of the light pulses based on the examined intensity.

[0089] In Example 8, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-7 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured toAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 24 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1repeatedly collect further optical responses at specified time intervals to determine subsequent intensities, frequencies, and durations of subsequent light pulses used to further adjust the trigger.

[0090] In Example 9, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-8 can optionally further comprise a phased-lock loop (PLL) control circuity configured to maintain the synchronization.

[0091] In Example 10, the medical system of any one of Examples 1-9 can optionally be configured such that the light source is a light emitting diode (LED) light source.

[0092] In Example 11, a method for performing spectroscopy can comprise: generating, with a light source, light pulses that have an ON-phase, a frequency, and a duration; illuminating a target region with the generated light pulses; collecting optical responses, via an optical sensor, from the target region in response to the target region being illuminated by the light pulses; determining the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based on the collected optical responses; generating a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to collect optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase of each of the light pulses, the trigger indicating to collect the optical responses at a collection frequency that correlates with the frequency and the duration of the light pulses; and maintaining the synchronization by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses.

[0093] In Example 12, the method of Example 11 can optionally further comprise: collecting, via the optical sensor, optical data at the collection frequency in response to the trigger that indicates when the light source is pulsed on.

[0094] In Example 13, the method of any one of Examples 11-12 can optionally further comprise: collecting additional optical responses; and analyzing the additional optical responses to determine whether the ON-phase of the light pulses have shifted in time.

[0095] In Example 14, the method of any one of Examples 11-13 can optionally further comprise: adjusting the trigger and adjusting when optical data is collected based on detecting that the ON-phase of the light pulses have shifted.

[0096] In Example 15, the method of any one of Examples 11-14 can optionally further comprise: maintaining the trigger at a specified frequency andAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 25 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1instance of time in response to detecting that the ON-phases of the light pulses continue to synchronize with collection of optical data.

[0097] In Example 16, the method of any one of Examples 11-15 can optionally be configured such that collecting and analyzing of additional optical responses is performed in a phase-locked loop manner.

[0098] In Example 17, a medical system for performing spectroscopy can comprise: a light source configured to generate light pulses to illuminate a target region, the light pulses having an ON-phase, a frequency, and a duration; an optical sensor configured to collect optical responses from the target region in response to the target being illuminated by the light pulses; processing circuitry; and memory coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to store the optical responses, the memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to execute instructions, the instructions comprising: determining the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based on the collected optical responses; generating a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to use the optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase of each of the light pulses; collecting, via the optical sensor, or analyze optical data in response to the trigger that indicates when the light source is in the ON-phase; and maintaining the synchronization by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses.

[0099] In Example 18, the medical system of Example 17 can optionally be configured such that the instructions further comprise: maintaining synchronization between the light pulses and the trigger using a phased-lock loop (PLL) control circuitry.

[0100] In Example 19, the medical system of any one of Examples 17-18 can optionally be configured such that the instructions further comprise: collecting additional optical responses from the target region; storing the collected additional optical responses in a memory buffer; and determining whether a temporal shift has occurred based at least in part on the additional optical responses.

[0101] In Example 20, the medical system of any one of Examples 17-19 can optionally be configured such that the instructions further comprise: detecting additional short integration time spectra to determine whether a temporal shiftAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 26 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1has occurred; and storing the detected additional short integration time spectra in a memory buffer.

[0102] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0103] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0104] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 27 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A medical system for performing spectroscopy, the medical system comprising: a light source configured to generate light pulses to illuminate a target region, the light pulses having an ON-phase, a frequency, and a duration; an optical sensor configured to collect optical responses from the target region in response to the target being illuminated by the light pulses; and processing circuitry configured to: detect the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based on the collected optical responses; generate a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to use the optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase of each of the light pulses; and maintain the synchronization by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting, via the optical responses, a temporal shift of the light pulses.

2. The medical system of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is configured to have an integration time for collecting individual ones of the optical responses, the integration time being equal to or less than the duration of one of the light pulses.

3. The medical system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein: the collected optical responses are stored in a memory buffer accessible to the processing circuitry; and the processing circuitry is configured to determine the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based at least in part on one or more of the optical responses stored in the memory buffer.

4. The medical system of claim 3, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to collect, and store in the memory buffer, additional optical responses from the target region.Atorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 28 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO15. The medical system of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine whether a temporal shift has occurred based at least in part on the additional optical responses.

6. The medical system of any one of claims 4-5, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to examine an intensity of the stored additional optical responses and determine the frequency and the duration of the light pulses based on the examined intensity.

7. The medical system of claim 6, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to adjust the trigger using the examined intensities of the stored additional optical responses and the determined frequency and duration of the light pulses based on the examined intensity.

8. The medical system of any one of claims 4-7, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to repeatedly collect further optical responses at specified time intervals to determine subsequent intensities, frequencies, and durations of subsequent light pulses used to further adjust the trigger.

9. The medical system of any of one claims 1-8, further comprising a phased-lock loop (PLL) control circuity configured to maintain the synchronization.

10. The medical system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode (LED) light source.

11. A method for performing spectroscopy, the method comprising: generating, with a light source, light pulses that have an ON-phase, a frequency, and a duration; illuminating a target region with the generated light pulses; collecting optical responses, via an optical sensor, from the target region in response to the target region being illuminated by the light pulses; determining the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based on the collected optical responses;Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 29 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1generating a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to collect optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase of each of the light pulses, the trigger indicating to collect the optical responses at a collection frequency that correlates with the frequency and the duration of the light pulses; and maintaining the synchronization by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: collecting, via the optical sensor, optical data at the collection frequency in response to the trigger that indicates when the light source is pulsed on.

13. The method of any of one claims 11-12, further comprising: collecting additional optical responses; and analyzing the additional optical responses to determine whether the ON- phase of the light pulses have shifted in time.

14. The method of any one of claims 12-13, further comprising: adjusting the trigger and adjusting when optical data is collected based on detecting that the ON-phase of the light pulses have shifted.

15. The method of any one of claims 12-14, further comprising: maintaining the trigger at a specified frequency and instance of time in response to detecting that the ON-phases of the light pulses continue to synchronize with collection of optical data.

16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, wherein collecting and analyzing of additional optical responses is performed in a phase-locked loop manner.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 30 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO117. A medical system for performing spectroscopy, the medical system comprising: a light source configured to generate light pulses to illuminate a target region, the light pulses having an ON-phase, a frequency, and a duration; an optical sensor configured to collect optical responses from the target region in response to the target being illuminated by the light pulses; processing circuitry; and memory coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to store the optical responses, the memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to execute instructions, the instructions comprising: determining the ON-phase, the frequency, and the duration of the light pulses based on the collected optical responses; generating a trigger to prompt the optical sensor to use the optical responses in synchronization with the ON-phase of each of the light pulses; collecting, via the optical sensor, or analyze optical data in response to the trigger that indicates when the light source is in the ON-phase; and maintaining the synchronization by adjusting the trigger in response to detecting a temporal shift of the light pulses via the optical responses.

18. The medical system of claim 17, wherein the instructions further comprise: maintaining synchronization between the light pulses and the trigger using a phased-lock loop (PLL) control circuitry.

19. The medical system of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the instructions further comprise: collecting additional optical responses from the target region; storing the collected additional optical responses in a memory buffer; andAttorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 31 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1determining whether a temporal shift has occurred based at least in part on the additional optical responses.

20. The medical system of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the instructions further comprise: detecting additional short integration time spectra to determine whether a temporal shift has occurred; and storing the detected additional short integration time spectra in a memory buffer.Attorney Docket No. 5409.891 WO1 32 Client Reference No. GAP24023-URKT-WO1

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