Miniaturized Confocal Scanner for Endoscopic Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical instrumentation is too large for endoscopic applications, and existing confocal imaging systems are challenging to miniaturize for use through instrument channels of endoscopes, while also facing issues with imaging artifacts due to subject movement.

Innovation Solution

A miniaturized confocal imaging device using MOEMS components with a 2-axis confocal scanner for vertical optical sectioning, incorporating a fixed pinhole for both illumination and detection, and employing a collimating lens to focus a laser beam to a micron-sized spot within the sample, allowing for real-time, non-contact thickness measurements of biological tissues and transparent films.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional optical instrumentation is used, then imaging resolution and accuracy are improved, but device size becomes too large for endoscopic applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested optical configuration where the illumination path and detection path are integrated through a shared pinhole aperture. The illumination beam and collected light both pass through the same pinhole, with the detection optics nested within the illumination path geometry. This nesting allows confocal imaging functionality to be achieved in a compact form factor suitable for endoscopic instrument channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs vertical section imaging capability that scans the focal point through the tissue depth dimension (z-axis) to create optical sections. This dimensional scanning approach allows high-resolution imaging without requiring large lateral optical components, as the depth information is acquired through axial scanning rather than lateral array detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If confocal imaging apparatus is miniaturized, then device size is reduced for endoscopic use, but imaging artifacts from subject movement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements rapid scanning at high frame rates (capable of thousands of frames per second) to capture images before subject movement significantly degrades image quality. By acquiring multiple frames rapidly, the system captures the tissue state at nearly the same moment in time, minimizing motion artifacts inherent to miniaturized endoscopic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs continuous high-speed scanning through the tissue sample, maintaining constant illumination and detection throughout the scanning process. This continuous action allows the system to acquire comprehensive depth information and multiple focal planes without interruption, reducing gaps where motion artifacts could occur and enabling real-time imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If rapid scanning is implemented, then imaging artifacts from subject movement are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidscanning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a simpler configuration using a fixed pinhole and focused laser beam. Instead of requiring multiple moving mirrors or complex galvanometer systems, the invention uses a stationary pinhole aperture combined with controlled focal point scanning, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining rapid scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables high-resolution, miniaturized confocal imaging capable of scanning in one, two, or three dimensions, providing vertical and horizontal section images, and facilitating real-time thickness measurements for diagnosing diseases like cancer and glaucoma, while reducing imaging artifacts from subject movement.

Implementation Method 1

employing a collimating lens to focus a laser beam to a micron-sized spot within the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

A miniaturized confocal imaging device using MOEMS components with a 2-axis confocal scanner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMOEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems): MOEMS

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a fixed pinhole for both illumination and detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpatial filtering: Spatial Filter

Data Source

PatentUS9675252B2Scanning optical systems

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 BRITISH COLUMBIA CANCER AGENCY BRANCH

AI summary

Scanning mechanisms that have application in confocal imaging use electromagnetic actuation to move elements in an optical system. An objective lens mounted to a flexure comprising a magnetic material is actuated in the axial direction by an electromagnet coil. An optical path may pass through the coil. Scanning in transverse directions may be provided using magnetically actuated flexible beams which move the tip of an optical fiber or other pinhole in one or more transverse directions. Actuators may be actuated using driving currents that include an AC component and a DC bias component. The scanning mechanisms may be miniaturized and may be constructed to provide real-time imaging.