Endoscopic Flashing Detection for Clear Laser Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-induced emissions, known as flashing, interfere with imaging and spectroscopic signals during endoscopic procedures, causing distortion artifacts and inconsistent readings, which are undesirable during diagnostic or treatment procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system is implemented that includes a laser-source flashing component detector to generate a flashing alert or control signal, using spectroscopic filters and accumulators to differentiate between flashing and non-flashing components of the response light, and adjust system components to compensate for flashing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser source is used for treating targeted anatomical structure, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but laser-induced flashing interferes with imaging and spectroscopic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the response light into different wavelength components using a spectrometer, separating the laser-induced flashing signals from the useful imaging and spectroscopic signals. This allows independent analysis and compensation of flashing artifacts while preserving treatment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the response light for flashing characteristics and automatically adjusting imaging parameters or alerting the operator. This closed-loop approach maintains treatment effectiveness while dynamically compensating for flashing interference.
2Measurement precision
If spectroscopic analysis is performed to identify materials, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but flashing produces inconsistent spectroscopic readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flashing component from the total response light signal by analyzing spectral characteristics. By identifying and removing the flashing contribution, the system recovers the true spectroscopic signal for accurate material identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrometer acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the laser-treatment process and the spectroscopic analysis. It separates and characterizes different wavelength components, enabling distinction between flashing artifacts and genuine material signals.
3Ease of operation
If display screen shows image of target region, then visual guidance is improved, but flashing creates distortion artifacts on display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful flashing artifact into useful information by detecting its characteristic spectral signature. The same light that causes distortion provides a detectable signal that can be used to identify and compensate for the interference in real-time.
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 system effectively reduces the impact of laser-induced flashing on imaging and spectroscopic analysis, providing improved visual clarity and accurate data by alerting users and compensating system components to minimize interference.
Implementation Method 1
Spectroscopy and spectrometry can be used to help identify one or more materials through the visible light or other electromagnetic spectrum reflected or otherwise scattered, transmitted, or absorbed by a material
Implementation Method 2
light from the laser source can be used for treating a targeted anatomical structure or other region of interest. During treatment of the targeted anatomical structure, a laser-induced emission ('flashing') may be observed on a display screen being used to display an image of response light arriving at a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for endoscopically imaging a first target of a patient, using a light source and a light detector, and for laser-treating a same or different second target of the patient, using a laser source, the system. For example, the system can have at least signal processing circuitry, which can include a target response signal laser-source flashing component detector and a flashing analyzer.