Automated Calibration System for Fiber Optic Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic probes for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures face challenges in ensuring accurate data collection due to uneven field illumination, which affects the precision of detecting precancerous and cancerous cells, particularly in the mucosal layer of tissues.
Innovation Solution
An automated calibration system for fiber optic probes, comprising a probe guide and a target assembly with multiple calibration targets, allows for precise alignment and calibration of the probe, addressing issues of uneven illumination and improving data accuracy through a method involving the use of phantom, white, flat field, mercury argon, and black calibration targets to account for various optical properties and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic probes are used for minimally invasive diagnostic procedures, then diagnostic capability is improved, but data accuracy deteriorates due to uneven field illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a calibration system that performs preliminary calibration actions before actual diagnostic measurements. Multiple calibration targets (phantom, white, flat field, mercury argon, and black targets) are used to pre-adjust the probe's optical properties, ensuring that subsequent diagnostic measurements are not affected by uneven field illumination. This preliminary calibration establishes a baseline that compensates for systematic optical errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces calibration targets as intermediary objects between the light source and the tissue being examined. These targets serve as mediators that help characterize and correct the optical path. By measuring the probe's response to known calibration targets, the system can identify and compensate for illumination non-uniformities, thereby improving measurement accuracy without changing the probe's fundamental diagnostic capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calibration targets are used for comprehensive calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration process into separate segments, each addressing a specific aspect of optical calibration. Different calibration targets serve distinct purposes: phantom targets for tissue-mimicking calibration, white targets for reflectance calibration, flat field targets for illumination uniformity, mercury argon targets for wavelength calibration, and black targets for dark current correction. This segmentation allows comprehensive calibration while maintaining modularity and ease of implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal calibration system that can perform multiple calibration functions using a single integrated approach. The same probe and detector system used for diagnostic measurements is also used for calibration, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment. The calibration targets are designed to be compatible with the probe's optical path, allowing comprehensive calibration without adding significant complexity to the overall system architecture.
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 automated calibration system enhances the accuracy and stability of data collected by fiber optic probes, specifically improving the detection of precancerous and cancerous cells by ensuring consistent and precise light transmission and reception, thereby increasing the effectiveness of diagnostic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
transmit light to and from the tissue... light that is elastically scattered is received with a second optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
light that is elastically scattered is received with a second optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
Low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS) spectroscopy is an angular resolved backscattering technique that is sensitive to sub-diffusion light transport length scales
Data Source
AI summary
An automated calibration system that includes a probe guide and a target assembly. The probe guide receives an optical probe, and the target assembly includes one or more calibration targets. The target assembly is slideable relative to the probe guide so that a first calibration target is aligned under the optical probe in a first position of the target assembly and a second calibration target is aligned under the optical probe in a second position of the target assembly.