Integrated Endoscopic Light Source for Multi-Dye Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence endoscopes are limited by their inability to image multiple fluorescent dyes due to differences in excitation and emission wavelengths, requiring complex structures with multiple light sources and mechanical filters, leading to poor reliability.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a single light-emitting device that outputs laser lights of different wavelengths to excite various fluorescent dyes, combined with a visible light source, using a simplified structure to achieve simultaneous multi-channel fluorescence imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and mechanical filters are used to achieve multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging, then the imaging capability for different fluorescent dyes is improved, but the device complexity and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser light sources with different wavelengths into a single integrated light source device. This merging approach allows the system to provide multiple excitation wavelengths (e.g., 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm) without requiring separate light source units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to image different fluorescent dyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal light source device that can simultaneously or sequentially provide multiple excitation wavelengths for different fluorescent dyes. This multi-functional light source eliminates the need for separate dedicated light sources for each wavelength, simplifying the overall system structure while preserving adaptability across different imaging scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotating portions are used to drive filters for time-division switching of narrowband spectrum, then multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging is achieved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating filter systems with a non-mechanical approach using multiple laser diodes that directly emit different wavelengths. This eliminates moving parts, mechanical wear, and alignment issues, significantly improving system reliability while maintaining the capability for multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging through electrical control rather than mechanical operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are set up to emit narrowband lights of different bands, then fluorescence imaging of multiple different wavelengths is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent light source systems into a single integrated device housing that contains multiple laser diodes. This consolidation reduces structural complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures, power supplies, and control systems for each light source, while the device can still emit multiple narrowband wavelengths for different fluorescent dyes.
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 enables simultaneous multi-channel fluorescence imaging without time division, simplifying the layout and enhancing reliability by using a single light-emitting device with integrated laser chips and a combiner to output multiple wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
the laser light source is a single light-emitting device, which includes a single substrate, and at least two laser chips which are arranged on the single substrate; wherein the at least two laser chips are configured to emit the laser lights of different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
the laser lights of different wavelengths are configured to excite different fluorescent dyes
Implementation Method 3
the light combiner is configured to combine the laser light(s) and the visible light to form a combined beam and output the combined beam to the endoscope
Implementation Method 4
the endoscope is configured to transmit the combined beam to a target object at said part, which target object contains at least one fluorescent dye, and receive a reflected light and a fluorescent light from the target object
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided are an endoscopic imaging system and its light source. The light source includes a laser light source, a visible light source and a light combiner; the laser light source outputs laser lights of at least two different wavelengths, wherein the laser lights of different wavelengths excites different fluorescent dyes; the visible light source outputs a visible light; the light combiner combines the laser light(s) and the visible light to form and output a combined beam to an endoscope. The laser light source is a single light-emitting device including a single substrate and at least two laser chips arranged on said substrate; the at least two laser chips emit laser lights of different wavelengths. This light source is capable of exciting different fluorescent dyes in a time-division manner or a simultaneous manner, thus making a layout of the endoscopic imaging system simple and highly reliable, by using the light source.