Endoscope Illumination Filter for Fluorescence Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope apparatuses face difficulties in performing simultaneous normal endoscopic and fluorescent image observations due to interference from fluorescence or Raman scattering lights generated by optical elements in the illumination light path, which can mask the fluorescence from the subject, especially when the positional relationship of illumination light, subject, and light receiving system satisfies regular reflection conditions.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging device is designed with an illumination light filter section that shields unnecessary lights in the illumination light path, including fluorescence and Raman scattering, allowing both normal and fluorescent images to be captured by separating the light paths and using filters to exclude overlapping wavelength bands, enabling clear fluorescence observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical elements in the illumination light path are used to illuminate the subject, then illumination function is achieved, but fluorescence or Raman scattering lights are generated that interfere with fluorescence observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful fluorescence and Raman scattering lights generated by optical elements in the illumination light path by installing an optical filter in the illumination light path. This filter selectively blocks the wavelength bands corresponding to these harmful lights while allowing the excitation light to pass through, thereby eliminating the interference source before it can reach the subject and contaminate the fluorescence signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical filter as an intermediary element in the illumination light path. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively transmits the excitation light wavelength band while blocking the fluorescence and Raman scattering light wavelength bands generated by the optical elements, thus allowing the illumination function to continue while preventing harmful light generation from reaching the subject.
2Measurement precision
If optical filter is installed in the return light path to shield excitation light, then fluorescence detection is improved, but normal endoscopic observation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by installing the optical filter in the illumination light path before the light reaches the subject. This proactive placement prevents harmful fluorescence and Raman scattering lights from being generated in the first place, rather than attempting to filter them out after they mix with the return light. This allows the return light path to remain open for both normal endoscopic observation and fluorescence detection without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light path management into two separate locations: the optical filter is placed in the illumination light path to handle excitation light and block harmful lights, while the return light path remains unobstructed to allow both reflected light (for normal observation) and fluorescence to reach the detector. This spatial segmentation enables both observation modes to function simultaneously without mutual interference.
3Productivity
If illumination light path components are used, then illumination efficiency is maintained, but interference lights mix with subject fluorescence in the return light path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the interference lights (fluorescence and Raman scattering) generated by illumination path components by placing an optical filter in the illumination light path. This filter selectively blocks the wavelength bands of these interference lights while allowing the excitation light to pass through, thereby preventing the interference lights from mixing with the subject fluorescence in the return light path and preserving signal purity.
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 device effectively reduces interference from illumination light path-generated fluorescence and Raman scattering, allowing for accurate detection of subject fluorescence and simultaneous acquisition of both normal and fluorescent images, improving observation clarity and diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination light filter section which is provided in at least one of an optical path of the lights transmitted by the light transmission section and a light emitting end side of the light transmission section, and decreases from the lights transmitted by the light transmission section and guided to the subject, at least light in a band overlapping with the band of lights of which image is captured by the fluorescent image capturing section
Implementation Method 2
a light transmission section which is provided in the insertion section and guides light from the light source to a subject in the body cavity
Implementation Method 3
fluorescence observation in which excitation light is irradiated and fluorescence is received from the subject
Implementation Method 4
when the positional relationship of the illumination light, subject and light receiving optical system is the positional relationship where the portions satisfy regular reflection conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging device of the present invention comprises: a light source device; a light guide and illumination lens, provided in an insertion section that can be inserted into a body cavity, for constituting an illumination light path for guiding an illumination light from the light source device to a subject; an objective lens for receiving return lights from the subject; an image capturing section for acquiring a visible light band image from the return light; an excitation light cut filter and image capturing section for acquiring a fluorescent image from the return lights; and an illumination light filter, provided on the illumination light path, for decreasing light in a band overlapping with the band of light of which image is captured by the image capturing section from the illumination light incident on.