Endoscopic Hyperspectral Imaging with Pulsed Light in Low-Light Cavities
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with integrated color digital cameras are delicate and prone to misalignment or damage due to their configuration, which degrades image quality, and existing hyperspectral and fluorescence imaging systems require large pixel arrays that cannot fit within the confined space of the endoscope's distal end, compromising image quality and necessitating frequent repairs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a light engine that pulses electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths, combined with a sensor at the endoscope's distal tip, enabling RGB, fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging without the need for complex optical components, allowing multiple reagents to fluoresce simultaneously and providing precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If endoscopes with integrated color digital cameras are used, then color imaging capability is improved, but the device becomes delicate and prone to misalignment or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the imaging functions into distinct sensor types (RGB color sensors, fluorescence sensors, and hyperspectral sensors) that can be independently optimized and positioned. This segmentation allows each sensor to be tailored for its specific function while reducing the complexity of integrating all functions into a single delicate camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system integrates multiple imaging modalities (RGB color, fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging) into a single platform, allowing it to perform diverse diagnostic functions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified sensor array and control system that can switch between different imaging modes, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If large pixel arrays are used for hyperspectral and fluorescence imaging, then imaging precision is improved, but the physical space requirements cannot fit within the confined space of the endoscope's distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from spatial arrangement to temporal arrangement of imaging functions. Instead of requiring large physical pixel arrays for each imaging modality, the system uses a single sensor array that sequentially captures different spectral bands and fluorescence signals over time, processing the temporal data to reconstruct high-precision images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the sensor array dynamically, adjusting sensitivity, integration time, and spectral filtering to optimize for different imaging modes (RGB, fluorescence, hyperspectral). This allows the same physical sensor to achieve high precision across multiple imaging functions without requiring larger physical dimensions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple distinct types of pixel sensors are used for color imaging, then color image quality is improved, but the total pixel array size increases and cannot fit on the small distal end of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensor types (RGB color sensors, fluorescence sensors, and hyperspectral sensors) into a single integrated sensor array at the distal end of the endoscope. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate camera modules and reduces the overall volume required for multi-functional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a nested architecture where multiple sensing functions are layered within a single sensor array structure. The RGB, fluorescence, and hyperspectral sensing capabilities are nested within the same physical footprint, with each function utilizing different spectral regions or temporal windows to achieve its measurement goal.
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 imaging with enhanced precision and reduced vulnerability to damage, facilitating real-time differentiation of tissues and conditions within the body cavity, reducing the need for multiple imaging systems and minimizing physical space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A system with a light engine that pulses electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths, combined with a sensor at the endoscope's distal tip, enabling RGB, fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging
Implementation Method 2
pulses electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths, combined with a sensor at the endoscope's distal tip
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic imaging system for use in a light deficient environment includes an imaging device having a tube, one or more image sensors, and a lens assembly including at least one optical elements that corresponds to the one or more image sensors. The endoscopic system includes a display for a user to visualize a scene and an image signal processing controller. The endoscopic system includes a light engine having an illumination source generating one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation and a lumen transmitting one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation to a distal tip of an endoscope.