Surgical Microscope Real-Time Fluorescence Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical microscopes face challenges in maintaining accurate fluorescence imaging due to temperature-dependent and aging light sources, as well as variations in excitation light intensity and spectral distribution, leading to faulty calibration and representation of tissue boundaries during minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical filter and sensor system that selects and measures the excitation radiation before it interacts with the sample, allowing for real-time compensation of intensity and spectral changes in the excitation light, ensuring accurate fluorescence imaging by adjusting image generation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED light sources are used for fluorescence excitation, then energy efficiency is improved, but intensity and spectral stability deteriorate due to temperature dependence and aging
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the actual intensity and spectral characteristics of the excitation light in real-time, and this information is fed back to control units that adjust illumination parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for LED aging and temperature drift, maintaining stable fluorescence excitation conditions throughout the light source's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters of the LED light source, including drive current, pulse width modulation duty cycle, and temperature control settings. By adjusting these parameters in response to detected degradation, the system maintains consistent excitation intensity and spectral distribution despite LED aging and thermal effects.
2Measurement precision
If regular recalibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to interruption of surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors excitation light characteristics throughout the surgical procedure without interruption. This continuous measurement enables real-time compensation and eliminates the need for periodic recalibration pauses, maintaining measurement precision while ensuring uninterrupted surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting changes in excitation light characteristics and adjusting imaging parameters accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual recalibration by operators, maintaining accuracy autonomously throughout the procedure.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and optical filters are added for real-time monitoring, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor serves multiple functions: detecting excitation light intensity, characterizing spectral distribution, and providing feedback for both light source control and imaging parameter adjustment. This multi-functional approach achieves reliable compensation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring and compensation functions are integrated into the existing surgical microscope system architecture. The sensor, control units, and adjustment mechanisms are merged with the primary illumination and imaging pathways, adding compensation capability without creating separate independent systems.
4Illumination intensity
If excitation light intensity is increased to improve signal, then brightness is improved, but harmful factors increase due to tissue damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation light intensity is dynamically adjusted in real-time based on feedback from the sensor and the specific imaging requirements. Rather than using constant high intensity, the system optimizes illumination levels moment-by-moment, providing sufficient signal for fluorescence imaging while minimizing tissue exposure and potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple illumination parameters simultaneously, including intensity, duration, and spectral composition, to achieve optimal fluorescence signal with minimal tissue impact. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system maintains bright imaging signals while reducing peak power exposure and total energy delivery to tissues.
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 solution enables precise compensation of excitation light fluctuations, maintaining image quality and accuracy during surgical procedures by continuously monitoring and adapting to changes in the optical system, thus improving the reliability of fluorescence imaging in surgical microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
provision is made for an optical filter to be arranged in the beam path between the light source and the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured for detecting optical properties of the excitation radiation
Implementation Method 3
a observation beam path configured for imaging radiation emitted by the object
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a microscope and to an imaging method for a microscope. The microscope according to the invention comprises an illumination beam path, which is configured to couple excitation radiation from a light source onto an object to be examined; an optical filter, which is configured to select parts of the excitation radiation; a sensor for detecting an optical property of the excitation radiation; a measurement beam path (90), which is configured to guide a part of the excitation radiation onto the sensor; an observation beam path, which is configured to image radiation emitted by the object; wherein the optical filter is arranged in the beam path between the light source and the sensor, and an image generating means, which is configured to generate an image from the radiation emitted by the object and guided in the observation beam path; wherein the image generating means is configured to use the properties of the filtered excitation radiation that are detected by means of the sensor for the image generation.