Medical Imaging Device Dual Sensor Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging devices and observation systems face challenges in capturing weak fluorescence images due to insufficient sensitivity when using a single image sensor sensitive to both visible light and fluorescence, leading to increased circuit scale and power consumption when separate image sensors and processing circuits are used.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device and observation system that utilize multiple image sensors, one for capturing visible light and another for capturing fluorescence, with a signal integration unit to convert pixel signals into a specific transmission standard, thereby reducing the need for separate processing circuits and minimizing circuit scale and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only one image sensor sensitive to both visible light and fluorescence is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of fluorescence is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate image sensors: one dedicated to capturing visible light images and another dedicated to capturing fluorescence images. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, with the fluorescence sensor having high sensitivity for weak fluorescence signals, while the visible light sensor handles normal illumination imaging. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for a single sensor to compromise between dual functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal integration unit as an intermediary component that receives pixel signals from both image sensors and integrates them into a unified output format. This intermediary handles the complexity of coordinating two separate sensors, managing their different data formats and transmission standards, while presenting a simplified interface to the external system. The signal integration unit absorbs the circuit complexity, allowing the imaging system to benefit from dual-sensor capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If two separate image sensors are provided for visible light and fluorescence, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal integration unit is designed with universal functionality to handle pixel signals from both the visible light image sensor and the fluorescence image sensor. It can process and convert signals from either sensor according to a unified transmission standard, making it a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate processing circuits for each sensor type. This universality reduces the overall circuit scale despite having two image sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal processing functions for both image sensors into a single signal integration unit. Instead of having separate processing circuits for the visible light sensor and the fluorescence sensor, both sensors' pixel signals are routed to and processed by the same integration unit, which converts them to a common transmission standard. This merging of processing functions significantly reduces the total circuit scale and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If two separate image sensors and processing circuits are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal processing functions for both image sensors into a single signal integration unit, which significantly reduces the total power consumption compared to having separate processing circuits. The unified processing architecture eliminates redundant circuitry and reduces the overall energy required to process images from both sensors, while still maintaining the high measurement precision enabled by the specialized fluorescence sensor.
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 effective capture and processing of both normal light and fluorescence images without increasing circuit scale or power consumption, ensuring efficient image generation and observation.
Implementation Method 1
a first image sensor that captures a subject image to generate a first pixel signal
Implementation Method 2
a second image sensor that captures a subject image to generate a second pixel signal
Implementation Method 3
the observation target is irradiated with excitation light that is narrow band light, the image sensor captures fluorescence emitted from a substance contained in the observation target in response to the irradiation of the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device includes: a plurality of image sensors each configured to capture a subject image to output a pixel signal; and a signal integration unit configured to convert a plurality of the pixel signals output from the plurality of image sensors into pixel signals corresponding to a specific transmission standard.