Fluorescent Image Acquisition and Projection Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-infrared fluorescence imaging techniques require additional equipment like band-pass filters and photodetection devices, making them cumbersome and limiting direct observation of fluorescent signals, especially in clinical and preclinical trials where near-infrared signals are used, as they are difficult to visualize with the naked eye due to poor signal-to-noise ratio and limited penetration depth.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluorescent image acquisition and projection apparatus integrating light sources, a detection unit, and a projector unit to convert and project near-infrared fluorescence signals into visible signals, allowing direct observation of fluorescent image generation locations with the naked eye, using a control device to process and transmit signals between the detection and projector units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If near-infrared fluorescence imaging is implemented using conventional techniques, then penetration depth and signal detection are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring additional band-pass filters and photodetection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the band-pass filter and photodetection device into an integrated imaging device that directly captures near-infrared fluorescence signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining the ability to detect near-infrared signals, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect near-infrared fluorescence signals, convert them to visible light, and display the images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conversion设备和显示设备，simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable signal detection.
2Reliability
If near-infrared fluorescence signals are used for imaging, then penetration depth is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the signals cannot be directly observed with the naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible light conversion mechanism as an intermediary between the near-infrared fluorescence signals and human observation. The imaging device converts the invisible near-infrared signals into visible light that can be directly observed, thereby maintaining the penetration depth advantage of near-infrared while enabling easy naked-eye observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device transforms near-infrared fluorescence signals into visible light with specific colors that correspond to different fluorescence intensities and locations. This color transformation allows direct visual observation of the fluorescence signals without requiring additional equipment, improving ease of operation while maintaining the deep penetration capability of near-infrared light.
3Measurement precision
If conventional indirect observation methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate due to requiring monitor display and indirect viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs self-service by automatically capturing, converting, and displaying fluorescence images in real-time without requiring separate observation equipment or indirect monitoring. The device serves its own observation needs by projecting the converted visible light images directly, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving observation efficiency and reducing time consumption.
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 convenient and direct visualization of near-infrared fluorescence signals at their generation locations, improving the ease of use and accuracy in clinical and preclinical trials by converting near-infrared signals into visible projections, overcoming the limitations of conventional indirect observation methods.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence phenomenon has been actively researched... fluorescent signals have the desirable penetration power with regard to a living body... near-infrared light in the 780 to 2000 nm region has desirable penetration power characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit located at a center of the light sources and configured to acquire an invisible fluorescent image from a target
Implementation Method 3
a projector unit located at a center of the light sources and configured to project a visible fluorescent image onto the target... convert an invisible near-infrared fluorescence signal to a visible signal and to project an image of a subject in the form of a visible image signal
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescent image acquisition and projection apparatus for real-time visualization of an invisible fluorescent signal is provided. The apparatus visualizes an invisible fluorescent signal generated from a target object (a tissue of a living body, a cell of a living body, or the like) by using a photodetection unit and a projector in real time. The apparatus directly projects a visualized fluorescent signal onto a region of the target object where the invisible fluorescent signal is generated, thereby enabling users to determine and confirm the generation location of the fluorescence with the naked eye.