Fluorescence Analysis System Using Periodic LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in medical and veterinary settings is the low intensity of fluorescence light compared to ambient lighting, making it difficult to observe fluorescent markers or diseased areas, especially in operating rooms where traditional filtering methods are cumbersome and disrupt color perception.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a low-remanence white light illumination source with periodic LED excitation and a separate light source for fluorescent elements, synchronized with a fluorescence analysis device, allows for independent optimization of ambient illumination and spectral characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive filters and enabling the use of cameras to capture both natural and fluorescence images effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional filtering methods are used to suppress ambient light in the fluorescence spectral range, then fluorescence detection is enabled, but color perception is severely disturbed and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic modulation of the ambient light source at a specific frequency (e.g., 100 Hz) and uses synchronous detection in the camera to isolate the fluorescence signal. By modulating the ambient light and detecting only signals at the modulation frequency, the system can suppress ambient light without filtering out fluorescence, thereby maintaining color perception while enabling precise fluorescence detection.
2Measurement precision
If filtering is applied to suppress ambient light spectrum portions, then fluorescence can be detected, but expensive filters with outstanding extinction performance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filtering system with an electronic solution based on temporal modulation and synchronous detection. Instead of using complex optical filters with high extinction ratios, the system modulates the ambient light source electronically and uses frequency-domain separation to isolate fluorescence signals, thereby eliminating expensive filters while maintaining detection precision.
3Measurement precision
If ambient light is filtered to enable fluorescence observation, then fluorescence analysis is possible, but the lighting severely disturbs color perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modulates the ambient light source periodically and uses synchronous detection to separate the fluorescence signal from the ambient light. This allows the ambient light to remain intense and color-preserving for visual observation, while the modulation technique enables fluorescence detection without requiring attenuation of the ambient light intensity or distortion of its spectral composition.
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 system enhances the visibility of fluorescent areas by optimizing illumination and spectral characteristics, allowing for precise detection of fluorescent markers without disturbing color perception, and enables the use of different fluorescent elements with varying optical characteristics, improving diagnostic accuracy in medical and veterinary applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first low-remanence white light illumination source formed of an assembly of light-emitting diodes periodically excited at a frequency greater than 24 Hz
Implementation Method 2
a second light source for exciting fluorescent elements located in said field
Data Source
AI summary
A system of analysis with the naked eye and by fluorescence of a field in an illuminated area comprising a periodically-excited first low-remanence white light illumination source; a second light source for exciting fluorescent elements located in said field, active at least during part of the time periods when the first source is off; and a fluorescence analysis device active during time periods when the first source is off and the second source is on.