Dual-Channel Fluorescence Imaging Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes that capture both white light and fluorescence images with a single optical path suffer from low frame rates due to alternating illumination, leading to motion blurring and reduced sensitivity and brightness in fluorescence images.
Innovation Solution
A video camera device with an optical subsystem, beamsplitter, meniscus lens, and image sensors that separates light into distinct imaging channels for white light and fluorescence, allowing for independent focusing and magnification control, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If alternating illumination is used for white light and fluorescence imaging with a single optical path, then both imaging modes can be captured, but the frame rate is significantly reduced leading to motion blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical path is segmented into two separate optical paths: one for white light imaging and another for fluorescence imaging. This allows both imaging modes to operate simultaneously without interference, eliminating the need for alternating illumination and thereby restoring high frame rates while maintaining dual imaging capability.
2Device complexity
If a single optical path is shared for white light and fluorescence imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity and brightness of fluorescence images are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is divided into separate channels for white light and fluorescence, allowing each channel to be optimized independently. The fluorescence channel can now be dedicated to capturing weak fluorescence signals without being diluted by the stronger white light signal, thereby improving sensitivity and brightness while the overall device remains relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternating frames are used for white light and fluorescence imaging, then both images can be captured, but the overall frame rate is reduced and motion blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of alternating between white light and fluorescence imaging, both imaging modes operate continuously and simultaneously through separate optical paths. This continuous operation eliminates the time loss associated with switching between modes, maintaining high frame rates while providing both imaging capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fluorescence imaging is performed with weak emitted light, then fluorescence-specific information is captured, but the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced making simultaneous imaging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical path into separate white light and fluorescence channels, the fluorescence channel can be optimized with dedicated sensitivity enhancement components. This allows the weak fluorescence signal to be captured with high signal-to-noise ratio without being overwhelmed by the stronger white light signal, while still enabling simultaneous dual-mode imaging.
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
The solution enables improved compatibility with various endoscope devices, enhances signal-to-noise characteristics, and allows for higher frame rates without motion blurring, resulting in better resolution and sensitivity for both white light and fluorescence images.
Implementation Method 1
A beamsplitter positioned downstream from the optical subsystem separates the light for the non-fluorescence image into a first imaging channel and light for the fluorescence image into a second imaging channel
Implementation Method 2
A meniscus lens positioned downstream from the beamsplitter in one of the first and second imaging channels, and functions to change a magnification such that a magnification of the first image channel is different from a magnification of the second imaging channel
Implementation Method 3
an optical subsystem that transmits reflected and scattered light for a non-fluorescent image and transmits emitted fluorescence light for a fluorescence image
Implementation Method 4
The image sensor or sensors are positioned downstream of the beamsplitter to receive the fluorescence and non-florescence image light. The image sensor or sensors are configured to capture the fluorescence and non-fluorescence image light as a fluorescence image and a non-fluorescence image
Data Source
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AI summary
A video camera device (28) and system for white light and fluorescence imaging performs imaging for both fluorescence and non-fluorescence light collected from an illuminated scene. A beamsplitter (114) downstream from an optical subsystem (110) separates light for a non-fluorescence image into a first imaging channel (303) and light for a fluorescence image into a second imaging channel (304). A meniscus lens (115) is positioned downstream from the beamsplitter (114) in one of the first and second imaging channels, and functions to change a magnification such that a magnification of the first image channel (303) is different from a magnification of the second imaging channel (304). One or more image sensors (214, 216) downstream of the beamsplitter (114) capture the fluorescence and non-fluorescence image light as a fluorescence image and a non-fluorescence image. The fluorescence image has an image size with a smaller area on the sensor or sensors than an image size of the non-fluorescence image.