Hyperspectral Imaging Device for Simultaneous Multi-Dye Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices struggle to simultaneously distinguish and visualize different fluorescent dyes with overlapping fluorescence spectra, particularly in medical applications, leading to complications in white-light color imaging and inaccurate color reproduction.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device equipped with a lighting device for simultaneous excitation of multiple luminescent dyes, a hyperspectral sensor system for recording, and an analysis unit to differentiate and identify luminescence signals, allowing for simultaneous hyperspectral and luminescence imaging without the need for observation filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional camera systems with observation filters are used to image fluorescent dyes, then fluorescence signals can be separated from excitation light, but different fluorescent dyes with overlapping spectra cannot be reliably distinguished and white-light color imaging is complicated or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D spatial imaging to 3D hyperspectral imaging by adding the spectral dimension. The camera sensor records not only spatial information (x, y coordinates) but also spectral information (wavelength λ) for each pixel, creating a 4D data cube (x, y, λ, intensity). This dimensional expansion enables differentiation of fluorescent dyes with overlapping spectra by analyzing their unique spectral signatures across multiple wavelength bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from intensity-only measurement to spectral distribution measurement. Instead of using single-wavelength observation filters that block certain wavelengths, the system captures the full spectral distribution at each pixel location. By analyzing changes in spectral parameters (wavelength intensity profiles) across multiple bands, the system can distinguish between different fluorescent dyes even when their spectra overlap, enabling simultaneous multi-dye imaging.
2Reliability
If observation filters are used to separate fluorescence from excitation light, then fluorescence imaging is enabled, but accurate color reproduction in white-light imaging is prevented or complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into distinct spectral bands rather than using broad observation filters. The camera sensor captures images at multiple discrete wavelength bands, allowing separate analysis of fluorescence signals (which have characteristic emission spectra) from excitation light (which has a different spectral profile). This segmentation enables reliable fluorescence detection while preserving the ability to reconstruct accurate white-light images by combining appropriate spectral bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral information as an intermediary between excitation light and fluorescence signal separation. Instead of directly filtering out excitation light with observation filters, the system uses spectral analysis to distinguish between reflected excitation light and emitted fluorescence based on their different wavelength characteristics. This intermediary spectral dimension enables simultaneous accurate white-light imaging and fluorescence imaging without the trade-offs of conventional filter-based approaches.
3Loss of information
If multiple fluorescent dyes are used simultaneously to visualize different targets, then diagnostic information is enhanced, but conventional camera systems cannot distinguish between dyes with overlapping fluorescence spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal hyperspectral imaging system that can simultaneously image multiple fluorescent dyes with different spectral characteristics using a single camera sensor configuration. The system captures the full spectral range in one imaging session, making it universally applicable to various dye combinations without requiring changes to the optical path or multiple specialized sensors. This multi-functional capability enables enhanced diagnostic information from simultaneous multi-target visualization while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 simultaneous visualization of multiple luminescent dyes, such as tumors and perfusion, with accurate differentiation and identification, enhancing medical imaging capabilities and adaptability to new fluorescent markers through software updates or filter replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device (12) which is provided for illuminating an examination area (14)
Implementation Method 2
an image recording unit (20) which has a hyperspectral sensor system for recording at least one hyperspectral image of the examination area (14)
Implementation Method 3
the illumination device is intended to be used for the simultaneous excitation of a first luminescent dye (16) and at least one second luminescent dye (18)
Implementation Method 4
Different fluorescent dyes generally require different camera system sensitivities and/or different observation filters
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging device (10), in particular an endoscopic, exoscopic and/or microscopic imaging device, comprising: an illumination device (12) which is provided for illuminating an examination region (14), an image recording unit (20) which has a hyperspectral sensor system (66) for recording at least one hyperspectral image of the examination region (14), and an analysis unit (22) for analyzing the image, wherein the illumination device (12) is provided for the simultaneous excitation of a first luminescent dye (16) and at least one second luminescent dye (18).