Handheld Fluorescence Imaging With Field-Matched Multi-Port Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in achieving even, full field illumination with sufficient intensity, especially in complex topographies like human anatomical structures, and often waste illumination outside the field of view, leading to shadowed regions and inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple illumination ports with movable windows and filters that adjust to match the imaging field of view, using steerable lens modules and wavelength-dependent apertures to optimize illumination and imaging, including features like movable windows, filters, and dual illumination ports to ensure uniform illumination and efficient light usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single illumination port is used with anamorphic projection, then device complexity is reduced, but shadowed regions appear in complex topography and illumination uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent illumination ports (at least two) that can be separately controlled and positioned. Each port provides illumination from a different angle, allowing them to collectively cover complex topography without creating shadowed regions, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and illumination uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination ports are arranged in a spatial configuration that adds dimensional coverage (e.g., surrounding the imaging optics in a ring-like arrangement). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows comprehensive illumination of complex anatomical structures from various angles, eliminating shadowed regions while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination ports are used to minimize shadowed regions, then illumination uniformity improves, but illumination power is wasted outside the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
Each illumination port is equipped with optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or light guides) that shape and direct the illumination beam precisely to match the imaging field of view. This local optimization ensures that illumination power is concentrated where needed (within the field of view) rather than being wasted in surrounding areas, while still achieving uniform illumination across the entire field through multiple ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination ports and their optical elements are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing dynamic adaptation to different imaging fields of view and working distances. This enables the system to optimize illumination distribution in real-time, directing light precisely where needed and minimizing waste, while maintaining illumination uniformity across varying conditions.
3Illumination intensity
If existing open field illumination devices with ring light are used, then shadowed regions are minimized, but excess illumination is wasted outside the field of view and even illumination over a range of working distances cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination ports and optical elements are designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration for different working distances. The system can adapt its illumination geometry to maintain even illumination across a range of working distances, unlike fixed ring light designs. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between shadow reduction and working distance versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple illumination ports are designed to perform multiple functions: they can be configured for different working distances, adjusted to match various imaging fields of view, and optimized for different imaging modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain even illumination and minimize shadows across diverse operating conditions, achieving both shadow reduction and adaptability.
4Loss of energy
If illumination is matched to imaging field of view, then illumination power efficiency improves, but achieving even full field illumination becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The matched illumination is achieved by dividing the total illumination task among multiple illumination ports, each responsible for a specific portion of the field of view. Each port's illumination is optimized and directed precisely to its designated area, improving power efficiency. The collective contribution of all ports achieves even full field illumination, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and illumination evenness.
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
This approach provides uniform illumination across varying working distances, reduces shadowing, and optimizes illumination efficiency by matching the illumination profile to the imaging field of view, enhancing image quality and power conservation.
Implementation Method 1
a first movable window positioned upstream of the sensor with respect to a direction of travel of light along the optical path, wherein the first movable window is configured to move into the optical path in a deployed position for modifying light received from the target
Implementation Method 2
the filter may be configured to filter out visible light
Implementation Method 3
steerable lens modules and wavelength-dependent apertures to optimize illumination and imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are imaging devices and methods of use thereof, the imaging devices comprising at least one illumination port configured to output light for illuminating a target; an imaging sensor assembly configured to detect light traveling to the imaging sensor assembly; and at least one drape sensor configured to detect a drape mounted to the device.