Optical Fiber Waveguide for Multi-Modal Endoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic imaging systems are limited by the inability to fit a traditional image sensor within the distal end of an endoscope, leading to image quality degradation, misalignment, and the need for multiple separate sensors for fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging, which are cumbersome and delicate.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with an emitter module that emits pulsed electromagnetic radiation through a waveguide to the distal end, using a monochromatic pixel array to capture RGB, hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping data simultaneously, overcoming space constraints and image quality issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit and light is transmitted along the endoscope, then the image sensor can capture color images, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment or damage, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers to create a copy of the light path, transmitting illumination light from the handpiece unit through optical fibers to the distal end of the endoscope. This allows the image sensor to be placed in the handpiece unit while maintaining image quality, as the optical fiber copy preserves the light transmission path without the mechanical alignment issues of traditional optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the light source in the handpiece unit and the imaging location at the distal end. This intermediary enables reliable light transmission through the flexible endoscope structure, resolving the contradiction between sensor placement and image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used for fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging, then comprehensive imaging data can be captured, but the system becomes cumbersome and delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical fiber waveguide system that can transmit multiple types of imaging light (fluorescence excitation light, hyperspectral illumination, laser mapping light) through the same physical pathway. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive imaging capability without requiring separate physical sensor systems for each imaging mode, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions (fluorescence, hyperspectral, laser mapping) into a single integrated endoscopic system using optical fiber waveguides. By merging these previously separate imaging modalities into one unified platform, the system achieves versatility while reducing the cumulative complexity and delicacy of multiple separate sensor systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the distal end of the endoscope is made small to fit within body cavities, then the endoscope can be inserted into narrow spaces, but traditional image sensors cannot fit in the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image sensor from the distal end of the endoscope and places it in the handpiece unit. By separating the sensor location from the imaging location and using optical fibers to transmit light between them, the system maintains a small distal end for easy insertion while accommodating the larger image sensor in the handpiece unit where space is available.
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 precise and accurate imaging in a light deficient environment, providing multiple datasets for identifying critical structures and topologies, and enabling real-time diagnostic capabilities with enhanced image quality and reduced sensor complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers... The waveguide may include plastic and/or glass optical fibers for communicating electromagnetic radiation from the emitter module to a distal end of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber waveguide for communicating electromagnetic radiation pulsed by an emitter in an endoscopic imaging system. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an endoscope comprising an image sensor for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a waveguide communicating the pulses of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the endoscope. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, and/or a laser mapping pattern.