Endoscope Image Sensor Synchronization Without Transmission Clock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units face challenges in capturing high-quality images in light deficient environments due to misalignment and fragility, and are limited to color imaging, while fluorescence imaging requires specialized systems that are costly and inefficient for multiple reagents.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a monochromatic pixel array and a pulsing emitter that generates RGB images with fluorescence data overlaid, using a Clock Data Recovery system to synchronize data without an output clock, allowing multiple imaging techniques in a single session with a single image sensor at the distal endoscope tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the system structure is simplified, but the image quality degrades due to misalignment and fragility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the image sensor in the handpiece unit (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the image sensor at the distal end of the endoscope. This inversion resolves the contradiction by improving image quality through better alignment and reduced fragility, while the modular design keeps the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the endoscope into distinct functional modules: the distal end contains the image sensor and optical elements, while the handpiece unit contains the light source and control electronics. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and image quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional color image sensor with color filter array is used, then color images can be captured, but the pixel array cannot fit in the small distal end of an endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by sequentially capturing images in different spectral bands (blue, green, red, and fluorescence) at different time intervals. This temporal multiplexing allows a single small pixel array to perform the function of multiple larger color sensors, resolving the contradiction between color imaging capability and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to the imaging process by sequentially capturing different spectral bands at different times. This transforms the spatial problem (fitting multiple color filters in a small area) into a temporal solution (capturing bands sequentially), allowing a single small pixel array to achieve multi-spectral imaging capability.
3Loss of information
If multiple fluorescent reagents are imaged simultaneously, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but specialized systems are costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can image multiple fluorescent reagents with different excitation wavelengths (e.g., 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm) using a single multi-wavelength light source and single pixel array. This multi-functional system replaces multiple specialized single-wavelength systems, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions (multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging, RGB color imaging, and depth imaging) into a single integrated system with one pixel array and one light source assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate imaging systems, reducing overall system complexity while preserving all diagnostic capabilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional endoscopes use separate light source and sensor units, then modular assembly is easier, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the nested doll principle by integrating the image sensor and optical elements within the distal end module, which is then nested within the larger endoscope assembly. This hierarchical nesting ensures precise relative positioning of optical components while maintaining modular assembly capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and alignment precision.
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, multi-modal imaging in light deficient environments with improved image resolution and reduced system complexity, allowing for precise identification of structures and tissues using fluorescence data overlaid on RGB images, enhancing medical diagnostics and reducing equipment fragility.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array that senses instances of reflected electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
an emitter that emits pulses of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
AI summary
Pulsed fluorescence imaging without input clock or data transmission clock is 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 plurality of bidirectional data pads and a controller in communication with 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 having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.