Clockless Hyperspectral Endoscope Imaging With Pulsed Wavelength Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpieces are delicate, prone to misalignment, and limited to capturing color images, making them unsuitable for hyperspectral imaging due to size constraints and the need for multiple pixel sensors sensitive to various electromagnetic wavelengths, which increases physical space requirements and degrades image quality.

Innovation Solution

The system integrates an image sensor within the distal end of the endoscope, using a monochromatic pixel array without individual filters, and employs pulsing electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths to generate color and hyperspectral images, eliminating the need for an output clock and reducing sensor size by embedding the clock signal within the data stream, allowing for synchronized data recovery without external clocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pixel sensors sensitive to various electromagnetic wavelengths are used for hyperspectral imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but physical space requirements increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehyperspectral imaging capabilityVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging process by using a single monochromatic pixel array that sequentially captures different wavelength bands through pulsed illumination. Instead of having multiple simultaneous sensors, the system divides the spectrum into multiple bands captured at different time intervals, reducing spatial requirements while maintaining hyperspectral capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic pulsed illumination at different wavelengths to excite the sample, with the single pixel array capturing reflected light in sequential periods. This time-multiplexed approach allows hyperspectral data acquisition using one sensor instead of multiple simultaneous sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If image sensor is placed in handpiece unit, then color image capture is enabled, but device durability deteriorates and image quality degrades due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor image capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the illumination source and detection sensor into a single integrated unit at the distal end of the endoscope. This integration eliminates the need for separate light transmission paths and reduces the number of optical components that could misalign, thereby improving both durability and image quality while enabling color and hyperspectral imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional image sensor with color filter array is used, then color image capture is possible, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor image capture capabilityVSAvoidsensor manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the color filtering function from the pixel array itself and replaces it with external wavelength-selective illumination. Instead of fabricating complex color filter arrays on each pixel, the system uses simpler monochromatic sensors illuminated by wavelength-specific light sources, significantly easing manufacturing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If output clock and data transmission clock are used for synchronization, then data synchronization is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata synchronization precisionVSAvoidclock signal requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service synchronization where the pixel array's internal operating clock serves as the reference for both data transmission and illumination pulsing. The system uses the sensor's own clock signal to trigger illumination pulses and control data readout, eliminating the need for external clock inputs and reducing system complexity while maintaining precise synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11986160B2Image synchronization without input clock and data transmission clock in a pulsed hyperspectral imaging system

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Pulsed hyperspectral imaging without input clock or data transmission clock is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional data pads and a controller in communication with the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm; electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 565 nm to about 585 nm; or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.