Hyperspectral Endoscope Using Offset Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units are fragile, prone to misalignment, and limited to capturing only color images, making them unsuitable for hyperspectral imaging due to space constraints and image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system with an emitter that pulses electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths to a fiber optic bundle, using dichroic mirrors and optical elements for homogeneous illumination, and a monochromatic pixel array to capture color and hyperspectral data within the distal end of the endoscope, enabling simultaneous color and hyperspectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the endoscope structure is simplified, but the endoscope becomes fragile and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional endoscope architecture by placing the image sensor in the distal end (inside the body cavity) rather than in the handpiece unit. This reversal eliminates the need for light transmission through the endoscope length, thereby preventing misalignment and damage to optical components while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the endoscope into distinct functional modules: the distal end contains the image sensor and illumination source, while the handpiece unit contains only control and processing electronics. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, improving overall reliability without increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pixel sensor types are used for hyperspectral imaging, then imaging capability is enhanced, but the pixel array size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by sequentially activating different wavelength emitters (violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow-green, yellow, orange, red) over time. The image sensor captures multiple exposure frames during a single frame period, with each frame corresponding to a specific wavelength band. This temporal multiplexing allows hyperspectral imaging capability without requiring multiple simultaneous pixel sensor types, thereby keeping the pixel array compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal monochromatic image sensor that can detect all wavelength bands by sequentially illuminating the scene with different wavelengths. This single sensor performs multiple functions (capturing data for all color channels and hyperspectral bands) that would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, significantly reducing the required pixel array area.
3Loss of information
If sequential pulsing of multiple emitters is used, then hyperspectral data is captured, but the frame rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-planning the sequential emitter activation within a single frame period. The controller is configured to pulse different wavelength emitters in a predetermined sequence during the integration time of one frame, allowing the image sensor to capture all spectral information before the frame is read out. This ensures complete spectral data capture while maintaining the frame rate, as all exposures are completed within one frame period rather than requiring multiple frame periods.
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 configuration allows for high-definition imaging with improved optical simplicity and reduced pixel count, enabling precise identification of tissues and structures beyond visible light spectrum, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter that pulses electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths to a fiber optic bundle
Implementation Method 2
using dichroic mirrors and optical elements for homogeneous illumination
Implementation Method 3
pulses electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths to a fiber optic bundle
Implementation Method 4
a monochromatic pixel array to capture color and hyperspectral data
Data Source
AI summary
Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a hyperspectral imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, and/or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.