Fluorescence Imaging Synchronization for Ambient Light Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence imaging systems for detecting cancerous tumors in surgical settings are limited by the need to switch off ambient light, which interrupts surgical workflow and reduces signal sensitivity due to background noise in brightly lit environments.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging system that synchronizes with a rapidly switched ambient lighting system, allowing the fluorescence imager to collect data during brief periods of darkness imperceptible to the human eye, enabling imaging in brightly lit environments without interference from ambient light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ambient light is switched off to eliminate background noise, then fluorescence signal detection sensitivity is improved, but surgical workflow is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic switching of ambient light at high frequency (above human flicker perception threshold) synchronized with periodic activation of the fluorescence imager. This allows the imager to capture fluorescence signals only during darkness periods while ambient light remains perceptibly on, eliminating background noise without interrupting surgical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates the timing of ambient light switching with the fluorescence imager operation through a synchronization circuit. The imager is activated only during darkness periods when ambient light is off, optimizing signal detection while maintaining continuous perceptible illumination for the surgical team
2Productivity
If ambient light is dimmed and light filters are used to maintain illumination, then surgical workflow continuity is improved, but fluorescence signal detection sensitivity deteriorates due to reduced signal and added background noise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously dimmed light with filters, the system employs periodic on/off switching of ambient light at frequencies above human perception. During the 'off' periods, the fluorescence imager captures images without background noise interference, achieving high sensitivity while maintaining workflow continuity during the 'on' periods
3Ease of operation
If fluorescence imaging is performed in brightly lit environments, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to background light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables fluorescence imaging in brightly lit surgical suites by periodically switching ambient light off during image capture. The high-frequency switching above human flicker perception maintains the perception of continuous bright illumination while creating darkness periods for noise-free fluorescence signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization circuit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the ambient light control system and the fluorescence imager. It ensures the imager operates only during darkness periods while ambient light switching remains synchronized above the flicker threshold, mediating between bright environment requirements and sensitive detection needs
Data Source
AI summary
Fluorescent markers used to identify a tissue may be imaged in a bright environment by synchronizing the imaging process with rapidly switched ambient lighting so that imaging occurs in phase with a switching off of the ambient lighting. In this way, valuable fluorescent imaging may be performed in an environment that appears to be brightly illuminated, for example in the area of a surgical suite.