Hyperspectral LED Illumination with Multi-Branch Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional illumination systems for fluorescence and reflectance imaging lack specificity due to insufficient information from one or two wavelength bands, and existing technologies like metal halide arc lamp bulbs are inefficient, unreliable, and difficult to align multiple LEDs for high-intensity, spatially uniform light delivery.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral illumination system using programmable microprocessors to control current drivers for multiple LEDs or lasing diodes, with multi-branch light guides to coalign and enhance light output, allowing for precise wavelength selection and switching, and optional band pass filters to narrow emission bands for improved fluorescent excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metal halide arc lamp bulbs are used for illumination, then broad wavelength spectrum is available, but energy efficiency is poor and most light output is unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination source into multiple discrete LED components, each emitting at a specific wavelength. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the wavelengths needed for the imaging task, eliminating energy waste from unused wavelengths while maintaining broad spectral coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source technology from broadband thermal radiation (metal halide) to narrowband electroluminescence (LEDs). This parameter change enables precise wavelength control and dramatically improves energy efficiency by matching the emission spectrum exactly to the excitation requirements of fluorophores.
2Measurement precision
If multiple LEDs are used to provide multiple wavelengths, then wavelength selection precision is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual LED alignment tasks into a single modular assembly process. The light guide structure incorporates built-in alignment features that automatically coalign multiple LED inputs, transforming a complex multi-step alignment procedure into a simplified single-step integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary component that receives light from multiple LEDs and coaligns the beams. The light guide's internal structure serves as a mediator that automatically establishes proper optical alignment between disparate LED sources without requiring manual adjustment of each LED.
3Measurement precision
If band pass filters are used for wavelength selection, then excitation specificity is improved, but cost increases and mechanical moving parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter wheel system with an electronically controlled LED array. Instead of mechanically moving filters to select wavelengths, the system electronically activates specific LED elements that emit only the desired wavelengths, eliminating all mechanical moving parts while maintaining excitation specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LED element inherently emits light at its characteristic wavelength without requiring external filtering. The LEDs serve themselves by providing built-in wavelength selection through their electroluminescence properties, eliminating the need for separate band pass filters for each wavelength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If filter wheels are used for wavelength switching, then multiple wavelengths can be selected, but switching speed is limited by mechanical motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filter wheel switching with electronic control of LED arrays. Wavelength switching is achieved by electronically activating or deactivating specific LED elements instantaneously, achieving switching speeds limited only by electrical response time rather than mechanical rotation speed.
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
The system achieves high-intensity, spatially uniform illumination with precise wavelength control, enabling enhanced sensitivity and specificity in fluorescence and reflectance imaging by delivering coaligned light beams of different wavelengths, facilitating early detection and differentiation of pathological processes.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other solid state light sources
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence is a chemical process wherein light of a specific wavelength shined upon a fluorescent molecule causes electrons to be excited to a high energy state
Implementation Method 3
optional band pass filters to narrow emission bands
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination device including multiple illumination sources such as LEDs, lasing diodes or the like operatively connected to a multi-branch light guide adapted to collect and coalign beams from the illumination sources for delivery of high intensity, spatially uniform illumination.