Coaxial Imaging System with Dichroic Beam Splitter for Simultaneous NIR and Visible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared fluorescence imaging systems suffer from inefficiencies due to inadequate sensitivity and the need to switch between imaging modalities, leading to suboptimal surgical workflows and imaging quality during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an imaging system that combines visible and fluorescent light imaging capabilities, using a coaxial setup with a dichroic shortpass beam splitter to direct infrared and visible light to a detector, allowing for simultaneous generation of high-sensitivity fluorescence images without disrupting surgical workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional halogen light sources are used for excitation, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but imaging sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source parameter from traditional halogen to laser, transforming the excitation mechanism to achieve higher imaging sensitivity while maintaining system feasibility through controlled parameter modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component to separate and direct different wavelength light paths, enabling simultaneous visible and infrared imaging without requiring separate complete imaging systems, thus balancing complexity with functionality
2Productivity
If separate imaging modalities are used for visible and infrared imaging, then each modality can be optimized independently, but the surgical workflow is disrupted due to switching between modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visible light and infrared light imaging capabilities into a single integrated imaging system that operates simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch between modalities during surgery and thereby improving workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both visible and infrared wavelengths through a single device, allowing the surgeon to access both imaging modalities without leaving the surgical field, thus enhancing productivity
3Measurement precision
If excitation light is not directed coaxially with fluorescence light, then the optical path is simpler, but shadows are created and tissue identification is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric beam path design where the excitation light path and fluorescence collection path are deliberately arranged to be coaxial, creating a symmetric illumination pattern that eliminates shadows and improves tissue identification accuracy
4Illumination intensity
If visible light is reflected toward the detector at high intensity, then the visible image is brighter, but the user cannot readily view tissue through eyepieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different intensity characteristics to different light paths: the reflected visible light to the detector is attenuated to low intensity to preserve eyepiece viewing, while the transmitted light to the detector maintains sufficient intensity for image generation, creating locally optimized quality for each function
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
This system enhances imaging sensitivity and ease of use by reducing shadows and improving registration of fluorescence and visible images, providing improved penetration depth and seamless operation during surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
using a coaxial setup with a dichroic shortpass beam splitter to direct infrared and visible light to a detector
Implementation Method 2
lasers have been used to achieve higher absorption and as a result increase fluorescence of the infrared or near infrared dyes
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence, including the use of fluorescent molecules tagged to other structures such as cells, nanoparticles, small molecules and peptides are useful for organ, organ substructure, tissue and potentially cellular identification in medical imaging
Implementation Method 4
a beam splitter to transmit visible light toward eye pieces and reflect fluorescent light toward a detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are imaging systems and methods for simultaneous near-infrared light or infrared and visible light imaging of a sample comprising: a detector to form a fluorescence image of the sample and a visible image of the sample; a light source configured to emit near infrared or infrared light to induce fluorescence from the sample; and a plurality of optics arranged to direct the near infrared or infrared light toward the sample and form the fluorescence image of the sample and the visible light image of the sample on the detector, including methods to reduce ghosting, shadowing and motion artifacts.