Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging With Offset Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units face challenges such as misalignment, damage, and limited capability to capture both color and fluorescence images in light deficient environments, requiring multiple sensors and systems, which are costly and impractical for simultaneous imaging.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a monochromatic pixel array and multiple laser bundles emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, combined with dichroic mirrors and optical elements for homogeneous illumination, allows for simultaneous color and fluorescence imaging by pulsing electromagnetic radiation and capturing data at the distal end of the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to capture both color and fluorescence images, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single monochromatic image sensor that performs multiple functions by capturing both color images (through reflected visible light) and fluorescence images (through emitted fluorescent light) using the same sensor element. This eliminates the need for separate color and fluorescence sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulsing of electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths to sequentially illuminate the scene for color imaging and fluorescence imaging. By alternating between different wavelength pulses and capturing images at corresponding time intervals, the single sensor can distinguish between reflected light (color) and emitted light (fluorescence), achieving multi-functional imaging through temporal separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image sensor is placed in handpiece unit, then color imaging is achieved, but reliability and image quality deteriorate due to misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image sensor from the handpiece unit and relocates it to the distal end of the endoscope, close to the illumination source. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability of having the sensor in the handpiece, which is prone to misalignment and damage. The sensor is now integrated into the distal end structure where it is protected and properly aligned with the illumination optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the color imaging and fluorescence imaging functions into a single integrated imaging head at the distal end. The monochromatic sensor is combined with the multi-wavelength illumination source and optical elements in a unified structure, eliminating separate imaging systems and improving reliability through integration.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination is used, then color imaging is achieved, but fluorescence imaging capability is lost in light deficient environments
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically switches between different wavelength regimes based on the imaging mode required. It can pulse visible light wavelengths for color imaging and switch to ultraviolet or other appropriate wavelengths for fluorescence excitation. This dynamic adaptability allows the single illumination source to support both color and fluorescence imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength parameter of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the illumination source to match the requirements of different imaging modes. By adjusting the wavelength to be shorter than the fluorescence emission wavelength (as stated in the claims), the system can effectively excite fluorescent materials while the monochromatic sensor captures the emitted fluorescence signal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used for simultaneous color and fluorescence imaging, then imaging versatility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single monochromatic image sensor that serves dual purposes: capturing color information through reflected visible light and capturing fluorescence information through emitted fluorescent light. This universal sensor approach eliminates the need to purchase and maintain multiple separate sensors, significantly reducing cost while maintaining the capability for simultaneous color and fluorescence imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses preliminary wavelength selection and pulsing control to prepare the illumination sequence before image capture. By pre-programming the wavelength pulsing sequence and synchronizing it with the sensor exposure timing, the system can efficiently capture both color and fluorescence data in a single imaging session without requiring multiple sensors or repeated imaging passes, thereby reducing overall system cost.
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, simultaneous color and fluorescence imaging within a single imaging session, reducing the need for multiple sensors and systems, improving image quality and reducing the risk of damage to the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter includes multiple laser bundles that can operate independently of one another and emit different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
The system further includes one or more dichroic mirrors positioned to reflect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the multiple laser bundles
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. 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
Implementation Method 4
The pulses of electromagnetic radiation may be pulsed to a fiber optic bundle, and the fiber optic bundle may then carry the pulsed electromagnetic radiation to a distal end of an endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. 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 emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.