Micro CMOS Scope Tip Imaging for Low-Loss Fluorescence Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems, such as laparoscopes, suffer from significant light loss and image degradation due to the use of multiple lens sets, leading to the need for extremely powerful illumination to capture images, especially when performing fluorescence imaging that requires relaying images within the visible and near-infrared ranges.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a micro CMOS sensor assembly at the scope tip, utilizing a 2-sensor or 3-sensor configuration that includes filters and lenses to capture both visible and near-infrared light, allowing for simultaneous acquisition and superimposition of images, thereby reducing the need for complex and loss-prone multi-lens systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple lens sets are used to relay the image from the tip to the camera, then the image can be transmitted over distance, but light loss and image degradation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the imaging function from the distal tip and places it at the proximal end of the scope. The CMOS sensor assembly is positioned at the proximal end, eliminating the need for long-distance optical relay through multiple lenses. This extraction of the imaging function to the proximal end removes the source of light loss while maintaining the scope's length for surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a coherent fiber bundle as an intermediary to transmit illumination light from the proximal end to the distal tip, and a separate optical path for image capture. This mediator approach allows illumination and imaging functions to be separated, with the CMOS sensor directly capturing light at the proximal end without requiring multiple relay lenses.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple lens sets are used to relay the image, then image transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is extracted from the distal tip and relocated to the proximal end where the CMOS sensor assembly is positioned. This eliminates the complex multi-lens relay system that would be required to transmit images from the tip through the scope length, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the necessary scope length for surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical optical relay system (multiple lenses and mirrors) with a direct electronic sensing approach. The CMOS sensor assembly at the proximal end directly converts light to electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical optical components and their associated alignment and maintenance requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If powerful illumination is used to compensate for light loss, then image capture is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is extracted and positioned at the proximal end where the CMOS sensor directly captures light without the need for powerful illumination to compensate for transmission losses. This eliminates the energy waste associated with high-power illumination systems while maintaining effective image capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of light loss during transmission into a benefit by eliminating the transmission path entirely. The CMOS sensor at the proximal end captures light directly at its source, turning what would have been a problem (light loss requiring compensation) into an advantage (direct capture with minimal energy loss).
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 approach enhances image quality and reduces light loss, enabling effective fluorescence imaging with improved illumination efficiency and cost-effectiveness by integrating CMOS sensors and optics directly at the scope tip, facilitating better visualization of tissues and pathologies.
Implementation Method 1
micro complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors that allows for the performance of fluorescence imaging using the scope
Implementation Method 2
The sensor assembly includes micro complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, filters, and lenses
Implementation Method 3
The sensor assembly includes micro complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, filters, and lenses
Implementation Method 4
allows for the performance of fluorescence imaging using the scope
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a scope-based imaging system is introduced. An optical sensor assembly located at the tip of the scope may include the CMOS sensors, filters, and lenses/mirrors, to perform fluorescence imaging using the scope.