Handheld Multi-Wavelength Imaging With Tunable Lens Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems lack ease of use and high-sensitivity multi-wavelength imaging capabilities, hindering the expansion of fluorescence-guided surgery applications.
Innovation Solution
A handheld optical device with an electronic tunable lens and detection assemblies for simultaneous multi-wavelength fluorescence and color imaging, capable of rapid focus adjustments without manual intervention, and integrated with a light source assembly for transient illumination and excitation lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging systems are used, then structural imaging is achieved, but functional imaging sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent detection channels, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. The beam splitter divides the light path into separate channels that can detect different wavelengths simultaneously, enabling multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging while maintaining high sensitivity for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functional detection capabilities that can handle both structural imaging and functional fluorescence imaging within a single system. The detection assemblies are configured to accommodate multiple fluorophores with different excitation and emission wavelengths, providing universal applicability across various fluorescence-guided surgery applications.
2Productivity
If manual focus adjustment is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but imaging speed and real-time capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical focus adjustment system is replaced with an electronic tunable lens that can be controlled programmatically. This substitution enables rapid focus changes without mechanical movement, significantly improving imaging speed and enabling real-time imaging capabilities while the electronic control maintains relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus adjustment mechanism is made dynamic and adaptable through electronic control of the tunable lens. The system can rapidly adjust focus in response to real-time imaging requirements, allowing the device to adapt to different imaging depths and conditions without the limitations of fixed or manually adjusted focus mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-wavelength detection is implemented, then functional imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection capabilities for different wavelengths and fluorophores are merged into a single integrated detection system. The beam splitter and detection assemblies are configured to simultaneously detect multiple wavelength ranges through a unified optical path, reducing the complexity that would arise from having separate independent systems for each wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that efficiently divides the incoming light into separate wavelength-specific paths while maintaining a compact overall system architecture. This intermediary component enables multi-wavelength detection without requiring complex separate optical paths for each wavelength, thus managing device complexity effectively.
4Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity fluorescence imaging is achieved, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but ease of use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic focus adjustment through the electronic tunable lens that can self-regulate based on imaging conditions without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains high imaging sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy while significantly improving ease of use, as the device automatically optimizes its performance parameters during operation.
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 real-time, high-sensitivity, and convenient multi-wavelength imaging, facilitating improved diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision in fluorescence-guided surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic tunable lens configured to receive output from the lens assembly
Implementation Method 2
one or more detection assemblies configured to receive and detect one or more desired wavelength ranges of light from output of the tunable lens
Implementation Method 3
a light source assembly for providing one or more transient and temporally separate illumination and/or excitation lights to a target
Implementation Method 4
acquiring one or more fluorescence images of a target with a fluorescent probe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for medical imaging. In particular, provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for real-time simultaneous multi-wavelength fluorescence and color imaging, e.g., configured for use during fluorescence guided diagnostic and surgery (FGS) applications.