Image Acquisition System for Luminescence Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition systems face challenges in acquiring luminescence images without decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio when the wavelength of light emitted from a luminescent agent belongs to the visible light wavelength band, leading to difficulties in surgical operations and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition system comprising a first narrowband light source, a second narrowband light source, and a broadband light source, along with corresponding image sensors, which combine images to separate and enhance the luminescence signal without interfering with the visible light, ensuring a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to capture both background light and luminescence light, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio of the luminescence image decreases due to mixed light signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image capture function into separate sensors: a first image sensor dedicated to capturing luminescence light signals and a second image sensor dedicated to capturing background light signals. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in its specific wavelength range, preventing signal mixing and maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio for luminescence images while reducing the need for complex optical filtering systems.
2Measurement precision
If only excitation light is used for illumination to capture luminescence images, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the doctor cannot perform surgical operations while observing the background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple image sensors into a unified imaging system where the first image sensor captures luminescence signals and the second image sensor captures background images simultaneously. This combination allows the doctor to view both the enhanced luminescence image and the background image at the same time, enabling surgical operations while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio for luminescence detection.
3Illumination intensity
If broadband light is used for illumination, then the background image quality is improved, but the luminescence signal is diluted by the strong background light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into a first narrowband light source for exciting luminescence and a second broadband light source for general illumination. The narrowband light source provides targeted excitation without overwhelming the weak luminescence signal, while the broadband light source provides sufficient background illumination. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without signal dilution.
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 effectively acquires luminescence images without reducing the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling clear visualization for surgical operations and diagnostics, reducing stress and improving operational convenience by maintaining frame rate and avoiding light source blinking.
Implementation Method 1
a first narrowband light source that emits first narrowband light for exciting a luminescent agent that exists in an observation target and emits light having a wavelength belonging to a visible light wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a first image sensor on which an image of light in a light emission wavelength band including a wavelength corresponding to light emitted from the luminescent agent is formed
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition system includes: a first narrowband light source that emits first narrowband light for exciting a luminescent agent that exists in an observation target and emits light having a wavelength belonging to a visible light wavelength band; a second narrowband light source that emits second narrowband light in a wavelength band of ±30 nm of a peak light emission wavelength of the luminescent agent; a broadband light source that emits broadband light for illuminating the observation target; a first image sensor on which an image of light in a light emission wavelength band including a wavelength corresponding to light emitted from the luminescent agent is formed; and a second image sensor including one or more image sensors on which an image of light in a wavelength band other than the light emission wavelength band is formed.