Single Camera Head for Multi-Wavelength Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems require multiple dedicated camera heads for different fluorescent materials, making it complicated and costly to perform auto fluorescence imaging with various fluorescent materials.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that includes a light source apparatus emitting light in both visible and near-infrared wavelength bands, and an image pickup apparatus with a branching optical system using dichroic films to separate and image fluorescence from different wavelength bands, allowing a single camera head to capture fluorescent images from multiple types of fluorescent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated camera heads are used for different fluorescent materials, then the imaging capability for various fluorescent materials is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single camera head that can image multiple types of fluorescent materials (ICG, fluorescein, 5ALA, laserphyrin) with different emission wavelengths. The camera head incorporates multiple image pickup elements with different spectral sensitivities and dichroic mirrors that can be switched to direct appropriate wavelength bands to the suitable image pickup element, enabling one device to perform functions previously requiring multiple dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the switchable optical configuration using dichroic mirrors. The dichroic mirrors can be switched between different positions to dynamically adjust the optical path, directing light of different wavelength bands to different image pickup elements based on which fluorescent material is being imaged. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its imaging characteristics in real-time without requiring multiple fixed dedicated camera heads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated camera heads are used for different fluorescent materials, then the imaging capability for various fluorescent materials is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single camera head that can image multiple types of fluorescent materials (ICG, fluorescein, 5ALA, laserphyrin) with different emission wavelengths. The camera head incorporates multiple image pickup elements with different spectral sensitivities and dichroic mirrors that can be switched to direct appropriate wavelength bands to the suitable image pickup element, enabling one device to perform functions previously requiring multiple dedicated devices.
3Device complexity
If a single camera head is used for multiple fluorescent materials, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring fluorescence from different wavelength bands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection task across multiple image pickup elements, each optimized for specific wavelength bands. The first image pickup element detects near-infrared fluorescence (e.g., from ICG), while the second image pickup element detects visible light fluorescence (e.g., from fluorescein, 5ALA, laserphyrin). This segmentation of the detection function across specialized sensors simplifies the measurement task for each element while maintaining overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dichroic mirrors as intermediary optical elements that mediate between the incoming fluorescence and the image pickup elements. These dichroic mirrors selectively reflect or transmit different wavelength bands, acting as intermediaries that direct the appropriate fluorescence wavelengths to the suitable image pickup element. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the detection process by automatically routing different fluorescence signals to the appropriate sensors.
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 the capture of suitable fluorescent images for various fluorescent materials, even when multiple types are used, simplifying operations and reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple camera heads.
Implementation Method 1
a branching optical system that includes a dichroic film separating the light belonging to the visible light wavelength band and the light belonging to the near-infrared wavelength band from each other
Implementation Method 2
a first fluorescent material emitting fluorescence belonging to a near-infrared wavelength band
Implementation Method 3
a second fluorescent material emitting fluorescence belonging to a visible light wavelength band
Implementation Method 4
a fluorescent image of the fluorescence emitted from the first fluorescent material is picked up by the first image pickup element, and a fluorescent image of the fluorescence emitted from the second fluorescent material is picked up by the second image pickup element
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a light source emitting light at least a first excitation wavelength band to excite a first fluorescence material emitting a first fluorescence in a near-infrared wavelength band and light a second excitation wavelength band to excite a second fluorescence material emitting a second fluorescence in a visible wavelength band, a first image sensor receiving light including the first fluorescence and outputs a first imaging signal, a second image sensor receives light including the second fluorescence and output a second imaging signal, an optical element that separates the first fluorescence into a first optical branch and the second fluorescence into a second optical branch; and a pass filter in the first optical branch transmitting light having a near-infrared wavelength band and block light having a wavelength equal to or less than a predetermined wavelength belonging the visible wavelength band.