Fluorescence Observation Filter Window for Non-Fluorescent Tissue Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices struggle to effectively observe non-fluorescing areas in a fluorescent environment due to narrow band observation and complex filter arrangements that require complete changes for different applications, making it difficult to control light intensity and observe non-fluorescent regions.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a band pass filter and a transmission window arranged in a filter plane, allowing a wider range of light to pass, enabling the observation of non-fluorescent regions by incorporating a transmission window with a passband that extends beyond the filter area's passband, and utilizing moveable filter elements to adjust light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a band pass filter is used to separate excitation and emission wavebands, then fluorescence observation is improved, but observation of non-fluorescent areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple independent filter elements arranged in a filter plane, including both band pass filters for fluorescence observation and wide pass filters for non-fluorescent area observation. This segmentation allows each filter type to perform its specialized function while being part of the same system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is designed to provide multiple functions within a single configuration by incorporating both band pass and wide pass filters. The system can observe both fluorescent and non-fluorescent areas, as well as perform full spectrum observation, making it versatile for different observation needs without requiring separate filter systems.
2Illumination intensity
If complex filter arrangements are used to control light intensity, then light control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are designed to be movable within the filter plane, allowing dynamic adjustment of which filters are active in the optical path. This enables flexible control of light intensity and spectral composition by simply repositioning filter elements rather than using complex mechanical filter arrangements with multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls light properties by changing the spectral transmission parameters through different filter selections. By moving between band pass, wide pass, and neutral density filters, the system achieves intensity and spectral control through parameter changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If filter characteristics are optimized for a specific application, then observation quality is improved, but adaptability to other applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system incorporates multiple filter types (band pass, wide pass, neutral density) in a single configurable arrangement, enabling the same system to be optimized for different applications. Users can reposition filter elements to create the optimal filter configuration for each specific observation task, whether fluorescence imaging, non-fluorescent area observation, or full spectrum imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable filter elements allow the system to dynamically reconfigure for different applications. By changing the position of filter elements in the filter plane, the system can quickly adapt from one observation mode to another, maintaining high observation quality across multiple applications without requiring separate fixed filter systems.
4Measurement precision
If the excitation light spectrum and observation spectrum are separated, then fluorescence signal is improved, but non-fluorescent areas become dark and difficult to observe
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system segments the optical path into different spectral transmission zones using separate filter elements. Band pass filters handle fluorescence signal transmission while wide pass filters enable visibility of non-fluorescent areas. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The wide pass filter acts as an intermediary that allows excitation light to pass through to illuminate non-fluorescent areas while the band pass filter mediates the fluorescence emission path. This intermediary arrangement enables both fluorescent and non-fluorescent observation from the same excitation source.
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 controlled and flexible light observation of non-fluorescent regions in a fluorescent environment, improving visibility and reducing the need for complex filter changes, while maintaining high contrast in fluorescence emission wavebands.
Implementation Method 1
the filter system comprises a filter area comprising a band pass filter having at least one passband
Implementation Method 2
a transmission window, which is separate from the filter area, the transmission window having a passband which is wider than the passband of the filter area
Implementation Method 3
the fluorophore absorbing light in at least one spectral excitation waveband and emitting fluorescent light in at least one spectral emission waveband
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device (1) for the observation of a partly fluorescent object (2) such as tissue (3) comprising at least one fluorophore (4). The fluorophore (4) absorbs light in at least one spectral excitation waveband (46) and emits fluorescent light in at least one spectral emission waveband (54). In order to be able to observe also non-fluorescent regions in the tissue (3) without complicated filter arrangement, the medical device (1) according to the invention comprises at least one filter system (16, 38) which comprises, in a filter plane (18), comprises a filter area (20) and a transmission window (22). The filter area (20) comprises a band pass filter (24) having at least one passband (44) comprising the at least one excitation waveband. The transmission window has a passband (48) which is wider than the passband (44) of the filter area (20). In particular, a filter layer (64) of the filter area (20) may be missing in the transmission window (20).