Endoscopy Device Multi-Zone Imaging via Shared Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopy devices are limited in their ability to observe multiple zones of interest simultaneously due to their small field of observation, which restricts the interpretation of phenomena occurring over larger regions or in distant areas within the body.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopy device directs an excitation light beam into multiple lightguides using a shared scanning system, allowing each lightguide to function as an independent probe for simultaneous imaging of different zones of interest, with the option to vary the spectral content of the excitation light for multicolor scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single light guide is used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of observation is limited to a small area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single light guide into multiple separate light guides (first light guide, second light guide, etc.), each capable of independently observing a different zone of interest. This segmentation allows simultaneous observation of multiple distant areas while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-functional system where multiple light guides share common control mechanisms (scanning system, light source, detector). Each light guide can independently observe different zones, making the system capable of simultaneous multi-zone observation while utilizing shared resources to control overall complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light guides are used to observe several zones, then the field of observation is expanded, but the coupling constraints between lightguides become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coupling constraints from the light guide bundle by allowing each light guide to operate independently with its own distal end positioned at different zones. The proximal ends are grouped together and controlled by a shared scanning system, separating the complexity of positioning from the complexity of observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a shared scanning system and control mechanism as an intermediary between the light source and multiple light guides. This intermediary coordinates the operation of multiple light guides without requiring complex direct coupling between them, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If fiber ordering is preserved in the light guide bundle, then image reconstruction is simplified, but the coupling constraints and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by not requiring preservation of fiber ordering from proximal to distal ends. Instead, each light guide's distal end is independently positioned at its target zone, and the system reconstructs images based on which light guide detected the signal, not on the spatial arrangement of fibers in the bundle.
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 in vivo and in situ simultaneous imaging of multiple distant zones with improved resolution and flexibility, relaxing coupling constraints between lightguides and allowing for the observation of larger areas of interest without preserving fiber ordering.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide comprising a single optical fiber or a strand of a plurality of optical fibers. The guide allows a certain flexibility of insertion, and makes it possible to transport a light beam from the proximal end to the distal end of the guide
Implementation Method 2
The optical head makes it possible to focus on the surface or in depth of the examined body an excitation light beam coming from the guide
Implementation Method 3
The optical head also makes it possible to collect a light beam and to transmit this beam to the guide
Implementation Method 4
the same scanning system can direct an excitation light beam into more than one lightguide, so that multiple lightguides take advantage of the same scanning system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an endoscopy device comprising several light guides (1, 2, 3), each light guide comprising one or more optical fibres. The light guides are coupled with a sweeping system (4) arranged to direct an excitation light beam in alternation in one of the fibres of the guides from the proximal end of the guide comprising said one of the fibres. In this way, the proximal ends of the guides may make use of the same sweeping system, whereas the distal ends of the guides may be installed simultaneously in different zones of interest of an object or animal (10) under study for an almost simultaneous observation of the zones of interest. The invention also relates to an endoscopy method used in a device according to the invention. A device and a method according to the invention may be applied to quasi-simultaneous reflectance, fluorescence, multi-photon imaging of several areas of interest.