Distal End Fluorescence Imaging Sensor for Light Deficient Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units are prone to misalignment and damage, limiting their use in capturing high-quality color and fluorescence images in light-deficient environments, such as body cavities, due to the need for precise optical elements and the inability to fit multiple sensors at the distal end.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system with a paired emitter and pixel array, where the image sensor is placed at the distal end, emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation for fluorescence excitation and capturing RGB data, allowing for real-time fluorescence imaging and overlay on RGB video streams, enabling identification of critical tissues and structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor can capture color images, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional endoscope configuration by placing the image sensor at the distal end inside the body cavity rather than in the handpiece unit. This reversal makes the optical path more robust as light travels directly from the distal end to the sensor without requiring precise alignment through the entire endoscope length, thereby improving reliability while maintaining image quality
2Measurement precision
If traditional image sensors with color filter arrays are used, then color images can be captured, but the pixel array cannot fit in the small distal end of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color filtering function from the physical color filter array and implements it through digital processing. By using a monochromatic sensor at the distal end and applying color information through computational methods, the system achieves color imaging capability without requiring the bulky physical CFA structure, thus fitting within the constrained distal end volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is configured with handpiece unit and light transmission, then color imaging is possible, but the system is limited to capturing only color images and cannot capture fluorescence images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system where the same distal-end sensor and optical path can capture both color images and fluorescence images. By placing the monochromatic sensor at the distal end and using pulsed excitation light sources, the system can switch between color and fluorescence imaging modes without requiring separate optical paths or multiple sensors, thereby achieving multi-functionality while managing device complexity
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 configuration enhances image quality by reducing optical complexity and enabling simultaneous color and fluorescence imaging within a single session, improving the identification of tissues and structures in light-deficient environments without the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. Certain fluorescent materials 'glow' or emit a distinct color that is visible to the human eye when the fluorescent material is subjected to ultraviolet light or other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
Implementation Method 2
an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation... at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises an excitation wavelength for fluorescing a reagent
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for fluorescence imaging in a light deficient environment are 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 controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that the controller synchronizes timing of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation during a blanking period of 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 between 770 nm and 790 nm and/or electromagnetic radiation between 795 nm and 815 nm.