Fluorescent Imaging System Using Segmented RGB Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems, such as endoscopes and laparoscopes, face challenges in simultaneously capturing normal light and fluorescent images due to the complex mechanical structures and reduced light input, as the wavelength of emitted fluorescent light mixes with the continuous white light spectrum, making it impossible to separate the two images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent imaging system using a mixed light source composed of red, green, and blue monochromatic lights, along with a fluorescent excitation light, allows for the separation of normal and fluorescent light images by illuminating the object with a segmented spectrum, enabling simultaneous acquisition of both images without relying on complex mechanical devices or time-sharing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a continuous white light source is used for illumination, then the normal light image can be captured, but the fluorescent light cannot be separated from the reflected white light
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous white light spectrum is segmented into three narrow-band monochromatic light sources (red, green, and blue). This segmentation allows the excitation light wavelength to be positioned in a gap between the monochromatic bands, enabling clear separation of fluorescent emission from reflected illumination light through spectral gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source parameters are changed from continuous spectrum white light to discrete narrow-band monochromatic lights. This parameter change creates spectral gaps where excitation light can be positioned, allowing fluorescent light to be distinguished from reflected light based on wavelength separation.
2Measurement precision
If mirrors or beam splitters are used to separate normal light and fluorescent images, then both images can be obtained, but the system becomes mechanically complex and less durable
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical mirror-based image separation system is replaced with an optical filtering system using band-pass filters. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts, reducing complexity and improving durability while maintaining the ability to separate normal light and fluorescent images through wavelength-based optical filtering.
3Measurement precision
If time-sharing method is used to acquire normal light and fluorescent images, then both images can be captured, but the light input is reduced and acquisition speed is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The time-sharing acquisition method is replaced with simultaneous continuous acquisition. By using narrow-band monochromatic light sources with spectral gaps, both normal light and fluorescent images are captured at the same time without temporal alternation, maintaining continuous light input and improving acquisition speed while preserving image quality.
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 allows for efficient and simultaneous capture of normal and fluorescent images, improving durability and light input, and can accommodate various fluorescent materials by adjusting the monochromatic light sources and mirrors, enabling multispectral imaging in medical and other optical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a red-light source, a green-light source, and a blue-light source which are red, green and blue monochromatic light sources respectively
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the scene with a light mixed with a fluorescence excitation light and a white light composed of three narrow-band monochromatic lights
Implementation Method 3
a red filter for transmitting the red light, a green filter for transmitting the green light, and a blue filter for transmitting the blue light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluorescent image system capable of generating white light by mixing three monochromatic lights, i.e. red, green and blue monochromatic lights, having a narrow band wavelength, instead of white light of constant wavelength; providing a fluorescent image-use light source that generates a mixed light by adding a fluorescent excitation light source suitable for fluorescent substances; and photographing a general image and fluorescent image simultaneously with the light sources. The fluorescent image system includes a monochromatic light source to generate white light by mixing red, green and blue monochromatic lights, and a fluorescent excitation light source for fluorescent images; and includes a mixed light source to provide a mixed light which mixes monochromatic light and fluorescent light, and an image photographing device which separates the wavelengths of visible light and fluorescent light in the mixed light, and photographs a general image, fluorescent image and mixed image.