Adjustable Aperture Camera Assembly for Open Surgery Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in simultaneously achieving high-quality visible light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging, particularly in open surgery environments, where the intensity and depth of field of images need to be optimized.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with an adjustable aperture mechanism that allows for two configurations: one to increase the transmission of near-infrared fluorescence light and another to enhance the depth of field for visible light imaging, along with a system that separates and filters visible and IR light for enhanced image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture opening is increased to transmit more near-infrared fluorescence light, then the fluorescence detection capability is improved, but the depth of field for visible light imaging decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable between at least two configurations: a first configuration with a larger opening for enhanced fluorescence light transmission, and a second configuration with a smaller opening for increased depth of field in visible light imaging. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance for different imaging modes as needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the aperture opening is decreased to increase depth of field for visible light imaging, then the depth of field is improved, but the transmission of near-infrared fluorescence light decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture mechanism provides dynamic control by switching between configurations: a smaller opening in the second configuration increases depth of field for visible light navigation imaging, while a larger opening in the first configuration maximizes fluorescence light transmission for observation imaging.
3Device complexity
If a single aperture setting is used for both visible light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality for both modes cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed aperture or complex independent controls for each wavelength, the invention employs a simplified dual-configuration aperture mechanism that provides optimized aperture settings for both visible light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging modes through straightforward mechanical adjustment.
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 solution enables real-time visualization of blood vessels and other tissues during surgery by optimizing fluorescence detection and depth of field, thereby improving tissue perfusion assessment and surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a beamsplitter configured to split the combined light into the visible light along a visible light path and the infrared fluorescence light along an infrared light path
Implementation Method 2
a notch filter configured to remove excitation laser light from the combined light
Implementation Method 3
a bandpass filter configured to transmit only the infrared fluorescence light to the infrared sensor
Implementation Method 4
a hot mirror disposed along the visible light path between the beamsplitter and the visible light sensor. The hot mirror is configured to transmit the visible light and to reflect the infrared fluorescence light
Implementation Method 5
an infrared sensor configured to receive the infrared fluorescence light and to generate infrared fluorescence image data
Implementation Method 6
a visible light sensor configured to receive the visible light and to generate visible light image data
Implementation Method 7
an aperture mechanism having an adjustable opening disposed along the combined light path
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a visible light source configured to output visible light and a near infrared laser light source configured to output an excitation laser light. The system also includes a camera assembly having: a housing with an opening configured to receive a combined light, which includes visible light and infrared fluorescence light. The combined light entering the housing along a combined light path, the combined light may include visible light and infrared fluorescence light; an aperture mechanism having an adjustable opening disposed along the combined light path; a beamsplitter configured to split the combined light into the visible light along a visible light path and the infrared fluorescence light along an infrared light path; a visible light sensor configured to receive the visible light and to generate visible light image data; and an infrared sensor configured to receive the infrared fluorescence light and to generate infrared fluorescence image data.