Fiber Endoscope Multi-Wavelength Imaging for Deeper Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical endoscopes primarily use visible light images, and different endoscope diameters are required for various parts and treatments, necessitating improved image quality for medical applications.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system utilizing multiple light sources with different wavelengths, including visible light and near-infrared light, combined with optical fibers and microlens arrays, to capture and process images of varying depths and tissue types, enhancing image quality and detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then image quality and tissue penetration depth are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (visible light and near-infrared light) into a single endoscope system through optical fiber coupling. The visible light source and near-infrared light source are integrated with the endoscope via optical fibers, allowing both wavelengths to be transmitted simultaneously through the same optical pathway, thereby improving image quality without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system is designed to perform multiple functions by accepting both visible light and near-infrared light through the same optical fiber pathway. The endoscope can capture images using different wavelengths for different tissue depths and types, making the system versatile for various diagnostic applications without requiring separate endoscopes for each wavelength
2Length of stationary object
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then tissue penetration depth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visible light and near-infrared light transmission through a single optical fiber pathway. The optical fiber is designed to transmit both wavelengths simultaneously, allowing the system to achieve deeper tissue penetration through near-infrared light while maintaining the simplicity of a single optical pathway rather than requiring separate pathways for each wavelength
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength parameter by introducing near-infrared light (900-1700 nm) in addition to visible light (400-800 nm). This parameter change enables deeper tissue penetration as near-infrared light can penetrate deeper into tissues compared to visible light, while the optical fiber remains the same physical structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If different endoscope diameters are used for different parts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic light source configuration where the endoscope can switch between visible light and near-infrared light modes. This dynamic capability allows the same endoscope diameter to adapt to different diagnostic needs - using visible light for superficial tissue examination and near-infrared light for deeper tissue examination, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple endoscope diameters
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 provides high-quality images by utilizing multiple wavelengths, enabling deeper tissue penetration and improved detection of tumors and vascular structures, facilitating better diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
A wavelength of light emitted by the first light source is between 400 nm and 800 nm. The first optical fiber is connected to the first light source. A wavelength of light emitted by the second light source is between 900 nm and 1700 nm. The second optical fiber is connected to the second light source.
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber endoscope has a first end and a second end, the first end is provided with a microlens array group
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system including first and second light sources, first, second and third optical fibers, a first optical fiber coupler, a bidirectional coupler, and an optical fiber endoscope is provided. A wavelength of light emitted by the first light source is between 400 nm and 800 nm. The first optical fiber is connected to the first light source. A wavelength of light emitted by the second light source is between 900 nm and 1700 nm. The second optical fiber is connected to the second light source. The first optical fiber coupler is connected to the first and second optical fibers. The third optical fiber is connected to the first optical fiber coupler. The bidirectional coupler is connected to the third optical fiber. The optical fiber endoscope has a first end provided with a microlens array group, and a second end connected to the bidirectional coupler.