Fluorescent Indicator Field Stop for Endoscope Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence-based imaging systems in endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures are prone to errors and delays due to incorrect system setup or user mistakes, which can lead to poorer patient outcomes, as they require specialized instruments and precise calibration that is time-consuming to troubleshoot.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a fluorescent indicator embedded in the field stop of the endoscope, which is back-lit by a secondary light source, allowing for automatic identification and calibration of the endoscope, enabling the system to adjust operational settings and minimize incorrect configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fluorescence based imaging system uses specialized instruments and precise calibration, then imaging quality and diagnostic capability are improved, but system setup complexity and troubleshooting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the endoscope with a fluorescent indicator embedded in the field stop before the imaging procedure. This pre-configuration allows the system to automatically identify the endoscope type and retrieve pre-stored imaging parameters, eliminating the need for manual setup and calibration during the procedure. The fluorescent indicator serves as a pre-prepared identification marker that enables automatic system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service through automatic endoscope identification and parameter retrieval. When the endoscope is connected to the imaging system, the fluorescent indicator is automatically detected and used to identify the endoscope type. The system then automatically retrieves the corresponding imaging parameters from storage and configures itself without requiring manual intervention from the physician or technician.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system performs manual identification and configuration of endoscope parameters, then system adaptability is improved, but procedure time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through an automatic detection and identification loop. The imaging system continuously monitors for the fluorescent indicator in the optical path, automatically detects its presence and characteristics, uses this feedback to identify the endoscope type, and then retrieves and applies the appropriate imaging parameters. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual configuration steps while maintaining high system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with automated optical detection and electronic parameter retrieval. Instead of requiring a technician to manually identify the endoscope and configure parameters, the system uses optical detection of the fluorescent indicator to automatically trigger electronic retrieval and application of the correct imaging parameters from stored data.
3Measurement precision
If the system requires specialized instruments for different fluorescent agents, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single endoscope interface that can work with multiple different fluorescent agents. The fluorescent indicator in the field stop serves as a universal identification marker that enables the system to automatically adapt to different endoscope types and fluorescent agents. The system maintains a library of imaging parameters for various fluorescent agents and automatically selects the appropriate settings based on the detected endoscope configuration.
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 solution reduces the risk of incorrect system configuration, improves imaging quality, and streamlines the setup process by providing real-time validation and automatic calibration, thus enhancing patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
When light from the first light source illuminates the fluorescent indicator on the field stop, the fluorescent indicator on the field stop is identifiable (e.g. detectable) to a user of the endoscope
Implementation Method 2
an endoscope having a first optical channel for communicating light from a first light source and a second light source. The first light source has an excitation wavelength and the second light source has a wavelength different than the first light source
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscopic imaging system for imaging a fluorescent agent in a patient, the system having an endoscope, the endoscope having a first optical channel communicating light from a first light source and a second light source, the first light source having an excitation wavelength and the second light source having a wavelength different than the wavelength of the first light source; a field stop having a fluorescent indicator; and a second optical channel in optical communication with the first light source and in optical communication with the fluorescent indicator on the field stop. When light from the first light source illuminates the fluorescent indicator on the field stop, the fluorescent indicator is detectable. Image processing components used with the endoscope can identify the fluorescent indicator, or lack thereof, and transmit information to a user.