Endoscope Hyperspectral Imaging Distal Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral imaging technologies for medical applications are complex, costly, and limited in real-time data acquisition, leading to impaired image quality and reduced spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope device with a hyperspectral imaging assembly integrated in the distal portion of the shaft, allowing for compact design, short light paths, and simultaneous acquisition of spatial and spectral information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imaging devices are used with external camera placement and long light paths, then spectral imaging capability is achieved, but image quality is impaired due to absorption, dispersion, and scattering effects
Solution Approach 1:
The camera sensor is integrated directly into the endoscope shaft structure, nesting the imaging device within the flexible shaft. This eliminates the need for external camera placement and long light path transmission, thereby reducing absorption, dispersion, and scattering effects that degrade image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the camera sensor from the conventional external positioning and integrates it directly into the distal portion of the endoscope shaft. This extraction from the traditional setup eliminates the harmful long light path transmission effects while maintaining spectral imaging capability.
2Measurement precision
If rigid endoscope shafts are used to guide imaging light to proximal camera sensors, then usable image data can be generated, but device flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the camera sensor proximally and using rigid shafts to guide light to it, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the camera sensor distally within the flexible shaft. This allows the endoscope to maintain flexibility while still capturing usable image data directly at the distal tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical rigid shaft structure with a flexible shaft that can accommodate the distally placed camera sensor. This substitution allows the endoscope to navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining imaging capability through the flexible light transmission path.
3Measurement precision
If pushbroom or whiskbroom methods are used for hyperspectral imaging, then spectral data acquisition is achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is limited due to complex scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope shaft itself serves as the scanning mechanism, utilizing its natural motion during insertion and manipulation to scan across the tissue surface. This eliminates the need for separate complex scanning actuators while maintaining spectral data acquisition capability and enabling real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible endoscope shaft performs multiple functions: it provides the mechanical scanning motion for spectral data acquisition, maintains flexibility for navigation, and houses the camera sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate scanning mechanisms and enables real-time imaging.
4Measurement precision
If conventional external camera sensors are used for hyperspectral imaging, then spectral imaging is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required actuators and optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the camera sensor, light transmission path, and scanning function into a single integrated endoscope assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external actuators and complex optical element assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining spectral imaging capability.
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
The solution enables high-quality medical imaging during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, improving spatial resolution and allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of spectral data.
Implementation Method 1
capture images of an object region (20) to be imaged
Implementation Method 2
generate hyperspectral image data comprising spatial and spectral information
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscope device (10) with a shaft (12) having a proximal and a distal section (14, 16). The endoscope device (10) further comprises a hyperspectral image acquisition assembly (18) configured to acquire images of an object region (20) and generate hyperspectral image data comprising spatial and spectral information. The image acquisition assembly (18) is arranged in the distal section (16) of the shaft (12). The invention further relates to an endoscope (70) and a medical system (72).