Distal End Image Sensor Integration for Endoscope Imaging
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional endoscopic imaging systems are limited by the need for a large image sensor, which cannot fit in the distal end of an endoscope, leading to image quality degradation and increased fragility due to the separation of the image sensor from the distal end.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a light source that provides pulsed illumination in a light deficient environment, where the image sensor is placed at the distal tip of the endoscope, allowing for hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging data to be generated and overlaid on color images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit and light is transmitted along the endoscope, then the image sensor can capture color images, but the endoscope becomes delicate and easily misaligned or damaged, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image sensor from the handpiece unit and places it at the distal end of the endoscope. This eliminates the need for light transmission through the endoscope length, removing the source of misalignment and damage risks. The image sensor is integrated directly into the distal end structure, making it robust against mechanical stress while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distal end housing as an intermediary structure that protects and integrates the image sensor at the distal end. This housing serves as a mediator between the optical components and the mechanical structure, providing both protection and precise positioning without requiring complex light transmission paths through the endoscope.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple types of pixel sensors are used to capture color images, then color image data can be obtained, but the pixel array cannot fit in the small distal end of an endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single image sensor with a color filter array that performs multiple functions: capturing color images, fluorescence imaging, and hyperspectral data. The color filter array allows the same pixel array to detect different wavelength ranges by filtering incident light, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays for each imaging modality and fitting within the constrained distal end space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (wavelength ranges) detected by the image sensor through the use of color filters and selective illumination. By filtering light at different wavelengths and using the same pixel array to detect various spectral bands, the system achieves multi-functional imaging capability within a compact form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging are implemented, then comprehensive imaging data is obtained, but the system requires highly specialized equipment that is complex and not useful for multiple applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging capabilities into a single endoscopic system using a unified image sensor and controlled illumination source. The same image sensor captures all types of imaging data by detecting different wavelength ranges, and the single light source can emit multiple wavelengths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized equipment and simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive imaging functionality.
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 solution enables high-quality imaging with multiple data types in a space-constrained environment, improving image resolution and reducing the fragility of the endoscope by integrating the image sensor at the distal end.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence imaging captures the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed electromagnetic radiation and 'glows' as it emits a relaxation wavelength
Implementation Method 2
An endoscopic imaging system with a light source that provides pulsed illumination in a light deficient environment
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system 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 an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and 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 a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.