3 MOS Camera Prism Segmentation for Fluorescence Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to capture clear near-infrared fluorescence images due to inadequate reception of specialized near-infrared light, leading to poor resolution of fluorescence images during surgeries or examinations, making it difficult for doctors to grasp diseased parts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A 3 MOS camera system comprising a first prism for IR light, a second prism for A% of visible light, and a third prism for the remaining visible light, with image sensors optically shifted by one pixel, and a video signal processor combining signals to enhance resolution and visibility of fluorescence and color images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If near-infrared light is shared among multiple color separation prisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of near-infrared fluorescence image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into three separate imaging elements, each dedicated to capturing a specific wavelength range: one for near-infrared light (700-1000nm), one for green light (500-600nm), and one for red light (600-700nm). This segmentation allows each imaging element to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex shared optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning the three imaging elements at different locations in the image sensor array. The first imaging element is positioned at a first position, the second at a second position, and the third at a third position, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple wavelength ranges without optical interference. This spatial separation resolves the contradiction by enabling dedicated wavelength capture while maintaining manageable device architecture.
2Device complexity
If light is shared among multiple color separation prisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resolution of fluorescence image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by assigning dedicated imaging elements to specific wavelength ranges. The first imaging element captures near-infrared fluorescence with specialized optimization, while the second and third imaging elements capture green and red light respectively. This segmentation ensures that near-infrared light is not diluted or mixed with other wavelengths, maintaining high resolution and clarity in fluorescence imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple imaging elements that act as independent copies of the optical detection function, each optimized for its specific wavelength range. By having separate imaging elements for near-infrared, green, and red light, the system creates multiple specialized copies rather than one shared general-purpose detector, thereby preserving resolution and imaging quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If visible light is divided into A% and (100-A)% among two prisms, then the adaptability of imaging is improved, but the loss of light amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visible light spectrum into two distinct ranges: green light (500-600nm) captured by the second imaging element and red light (600-700nm) captured by the third imaging element. This segmentation with clear wavelength boundaries allows for efficient light distribution without significant overlap or loss, as each imaging element receives light in its optimal wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the wavelength ranges assigned to each imaging element to maximize light efficiency. By setting the green light range as 500-600nm and red light range as 600-700nm, the system creates clear parameter boundaries that minimize spectral overlap and maximize light capture efficiency for each channel, reducing overall light loss while maintaining imaging adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 3 MOS camera system achieves clearer fluorescence and enhanced color image resolution, enabling doctors to easily identify diseased parts by separating and processing IR and visible light effectively, improving image quality and diagnostic clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a first prism that causes a first image sensor to receive IR light of light from an observation part
Implementation Method 2
a second prism that causes a second image sensor to receive visible light of A % of the light from the observation part, a third prism that causes a third image sensor to receive remaining visible light of (100−A) % of the light from the observation part
Implementation Method 3
ICG (indocyanine green) is administered as a fluorescent reagent into a subject, and the ICG is excited by emission of excitation light or the like to capture and observe a near-infrared fluorescence image emitted by the ICG
Data Source
AI summary
A 3 MOS camera includes a first prism that causes a first image sensor to receive IR light of light from an observation part, a second prism that causes a second image sensor to receive visible light of A % (A: a predetermined real number) of the light from the observation part, a third prism that causes a third image sensor to receive remaining visible light of (100−A) % of the light from the observation part, and a video signal processor that combines a color video signal based on imaging outputs of the second image sensor and the third image sensor and an IR video signal based on an imaging output of the first image sensor and outputs the combined signal to a monitor, the second image sensor and the third image sensor being respectively bonded to positions optically shifted by substantially one pixel.