Fluorescence Imaging Synchronization with Pulsed Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence imaging in medical applications is hindered by interference from operating theater lights, particularly infrared radiation, which complicates the detection of fluorescent signals due to the use of rolling shutter sensors and fast light sources, leading to image deformations and incomplete exposure of photodiodes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a sensor with photodiodes in a matrix, synchronized with pulsed and continuous light sources, where correction factors are applied based on calibration measurements to optimize image processing, ensuring accurate fluorescence signal extraction by subtracting images taken under different illuminations and applying correction matrices to account for varying exposure times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rolling shutter sensor is used to enable continuous acquisition during readout, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to image deformations when the region of interest and sensor move relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulsed light source that synchronizes with the rolling shutter readout cycles. The light source emits pulses at specific intervals that correspond to the sensor's row-by-row readout timing, ensuring that each row is illuminated only during its specific exposure window. This periodic synchronization eliminates image deformations while maintaining continuous acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the pulsed light source with the rolling shutter sensor's readout timing before acquisition begins. The system establishes a predetermined synchronization pattern where light pulses are timed to coincide with each row's exposure period, preventing deformation artifacts before they can occur during the actual imaging process.
2Manufacturing precision
If a global shutter sensor is used to avoid image deformations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to deferred acquisition after each readout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing a pulsed light source that activates in synchronization with the rolling shutter's continuous readout process. The light source emits periodic pulses that correspond to each row's exposure timing, enabling continuous acquisition without the need to wait for complete readout before starting the next exposure cycle.
3Productivity
If fast light sources are used to improve excitation efficiency, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because some rows are not completely exposed or have different exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulsed light source with precisely controlled timing that synchronizes with the rolling shutter's row-by-row readout. Each pulse is timed to illuminate only the specific row being exposed at that moment, ensuring uniform exposure across all rows even when using fast light sources. This eliminates the exposure inconsistency that would otherwise occur with continuous fast pulsed illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the illumination process into discrete row-specific time segments. Instead of continuous illumination, the light source is pulsed separately for each row during its specific exposure window, ensuring that each row receives uniform and consistent exposure timing matched to its readout cycle.
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 approach enhances the quality and reliability of fluorescence imaging by correcting illumination levels and minimizing image deformations, allowing for improved detection of fluorescence signals even with rolling shutter mode and fast light sources, thereby increasing the quantity of measurable information.
Implementation Method 1
A region of interest is illuminated by a pulsed light source L1 in order to excite at least one fluorescent marker
Implementation Method 2
a sensor comprising photodiodes distributed within a matrix of photodiodes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method allowing the use of the information accessible by fluorescence imaging to be optimized. For this purpose, it implements the combination of a protocol for calibration and synchronization of a pulsed light for exciting a fluorescent marker, with the operation in “rolling shutter” mode of a fluorescence camera. An appropriate correction factor allows the complete signal integrated by all of the photodiodes of the camera to be used so that no image is lost.