Dual Path Endoscope Segmented Optical Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems that combine visible and fluorescent light imaging modalities often require interspersed image acquisition or attenuated white light to enhance fluorescence signals, limiting the independence and quality of the imaging paths.
Innovation Solution
A dual path endoscope system with non-zero disparity between two image acquisition paths, utilizing separate optical channels for visible and infrared light, and image processing to generate 2D or combined 3D images, allowing independent operation of visible and fluorescence light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible and fluorescent light imaging are performed through the same channel, then the registration between the two images is simplified, but the image acquisition must be interspersed in time or the white light illumination is substantially attenuated to allow the weaker fluorescence signal to be brighter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate optical channels: one dedicated to visible light imaging and another to fluorescent light imaging. Each channel has its own light source and imaging path, allowing simultaneous independent operation without mutual interference, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified registration and acquisition efficiency
2Productivity
If visible and fluorescent light imaging are performed through separate channels, then the image acquisition can be independent and simultaneous, but the registration between the two images becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a image registration module that acts as an intermediary to automatically align and register images from the two separate optical channels. This module processes the images to compensate for positional differences, maintaining high registration accuracy while allowing independent simultaneous acquisition through separate channels
3Measurement precision
If white light illumination is attenuated to enhance fluorescence signal, then the fluorescence image quality is improved, but the visible light image quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into two independent light sources: a white light source for visible light imaging and a separate fluorescence excitation light source. This allows each light source to operate at full intensity in its own optical channel without attenuating the other, maintaining high quality in both visible and fluorescent images simultaneously
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-quality, independent acquisition and combination of visible and fluorescent images, improving anatomical reference and tissue perfusion visualization without attenuating the white light signal.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source configured to illuminate tissue with a first light, a second light source configured to illuminate tissue with a second light
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A novel dual-path-endoscope where a multi-function light source produces a first-light and a second-light toward an object. The first-light exhibits first-light-characteristics. The second-light exhibits second-light-characteristics different from the first-light-characteristics. The endoscope includes two light-paths, the disparity there between is larger than zero. Each light-path includes a respective pupil and a respective light-separator coupled with the pupil, transmitting there through one of the first-light and the second-light, associating the first-light and the second-light with a respective light-path. The dual-channel-imager includes two imaging sensors, each associated with a respective light-path and optically coupled with a respective light-separator. Each imaging-sensor exhibits sensitivity to the characteristics of the respective one of the first-light and the second-light. A first imaging-sensor acquires a first-image of the first-light reflected of the object and a second imaging-sensor acquires a second-image of the second-light reflected of the object. The processor processes the acquired images.