Dual Photosensitive Imaging Device with Movable Optical Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical imaging systems face challenges due to the need for different imaging devices and room settings for various procedures and individual preferences, leading to increased effort and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging system with dual photosensitive imaging members and an optical element that can route images to either or both members, allowing selective or simultaneous image reception, and a control unit to manage different imaging settings and combine image data for enhanced flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging devices and room settings are used for different procedures, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity and setup effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging capabilities (visible light imaging and fluorescence imaging) into a single imaging device by integrating multiple photosensitive imaging members and optical elements. This allows the device to perform different imaging functions without requiring separate devices or complex room settings, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate different imaging procedures. It includes multiple photosensitive imaging members that can detect different wavelengths (visible light and fluorescence), an optical element that can be positioned to route light to different imaging members, and a control unit that manages various imaging modes. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging devices are maintained for different procedures, then procedural adaptability is improved, but availability effort and setup work increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural adaptabilityVSAvoidavailability effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device incorporates dynamic components including a movable optical element that can be repositioned between different imaging members, and a control unit that dynamically adjusts imaging parameters based on the required procedure. This dynamic configuration allows rapid switching between imaging modes without physical reconfiguration or setup work, improving availability efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single imaging device is used for all procedures, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging capability for specific wavelengths is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidwavelength coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device segments the optical path and imaging functions into distinct components: multiple photosensitive imaging members specialized for different wavelengths (visible light and fluorescence), and an optical element that can be positioned to direct light to the appropriate imaging member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a unified device, achieving comprehensive wavelength coverage without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 adaptable imaging capabilities, reducing the need for multiple devices and setups by allowing simultaneous or selective image capture and processing, enhancing image quality and flexibility for different procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the optical element is configured to route an incoming image to the first photosensitive imaging member and/or the second photosensitive imaging member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the optical element may be configured to be rotatable about an axis with a predetermined angle to the optical path of the incoming image, preferably perpendicular to the optical path. According to such rotational angle, the incident angle of the optical path with respect to the reflecting and/or transmitting portions of the optical element may be adapted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

the first photosensitive imaging member and/or the second photosensitive imaging member may be provided by one or more CCD-chips or a CCD-chip array, respectively. Alternatively, an active pixel sensor (CMOS) may be used as first photosensitive imaging member and/or second photosensitive imaging member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4064673B1Imaging device for a medical imaging system, medical imaging system and method for generating medical images
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 BHS TECH GMBH
  • EP4064673B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to an imaging device (1) for a medical imaging system (100), comprising: at least one first photosensitive imaging member (10), at least one second photosensitive imaging member (20), and an optical element (30), wherein the optical element (30) is configured to route an incoming image to the first photosensitive imaging member (10) and/or the second photosensitive imaging member (20).