Minimal Area Monolithic Image Sensor for Endoscope Distal Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with traditional image sensors are too large to fit within the distal end, leading to image quality degradation due to misalignment and fragility, and cannot perform hyperspectral imaging, which is essential for detailed medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A minimal area image sensor system is integrated into the distal end of the endoscope, utilizing a pixel array with reduced optical black pixels and pulsed electromagnetic radiation to enable both color and hyperspectral imaging within a light deficient environment, allowing for precise tissue identification and cancerous tumor differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional image sensor with multiple color channels is used, then color imaging capability is improved, but the sensor size increases making it impossible to fit in the distal end of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function by using a single color channel sensor instead of multiple color channels, and separates the hyperspectral imaging function into a different module. This allows the main sensor to be miniaturized for distal end placement while color imaging capability is preserved through the single channel combined with computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The single color channel sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: standard color imaging, hyperspectral imaging when combined with the separate module, and fluorescence imaging. This multi-functionality compensates for the reduced color channel capacity by making the sensor versatile across different imaging modes.
2Area of moving object
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor size constraint is avoided, but image quality degrades due to misalignment and fragility during use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the large sensor in the handpiece unit as in traditional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the miniaturized sensor in the distal end of the endoscope. This eliminates the alignment and fragility problems associated with long light transmission paths while the handpiece unit houses the support electronics and processing modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct types of pixel sensors are used for hyperspectral and color imaging, then imaging versatility is improved, but physical space consumption increases making distal end integration impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color imaging and hyperspectral imaging functions into a unified system. A single color channel sensor is combined with a separate hyperspectral imaging module that uses tunable filters or spectral dispersion, allowing both functions to share the same optical path and processing pipeline, thereby reducing the total pixel array area required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (multiple pixel types in different locations) to spectral-temporal multiplexing. Instead of having different pixel types simultaneously, the system uses a single pixel type that captures data at different wavelengths and times, adding spectral and temporal dimensions to the imaging process rather than requiring additional spatial dimensions.
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 enhances image quality, mechanical robustness, and enables simultaneous color and hyperspectral imaging, improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision by fitting the image sensor within the endoscope's distal tip, reducing the need for external units and minimizing image distortion.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor comprising a pixel array... capable of sensing instances of reflected electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
Hyperspectral imaging is used to identify different materials or objects and to identify different processes by providing information beyond what is visible to the human eye
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for hyperspectral imaging with a minimal area image sensor are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises active pixels and optical black pixels. The system includes a black clamp providing offset control for data generated by the pixel array and a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.