Monochrome Sensor Edge Enhancement for Hyperspectral Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpieces are fragile, prone to misalignment, and limited to capturing only color images, making them unsuitable for applications requiring fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging in light deficient environments, especially in medical procedures where precise imaging of body cavities is necessary.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a monochrome image sensor with minimal peripheral circuitry and logic at the distal end of the endoscope, utilizing pulsing electromagnetic radiation to capture RGB and specialty imaging data, such as hyperspectral and laser mapping data, to generate high-quality images with increased dynamic range and spatial resolution, while avoiding the artifacts of traditional Bayer pattern arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional color image sensor with color filter array is placed in the handpiece unit, then color imaging is achieved, but the device becomes fragile, prone to misalignment, and limited in functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into two parts: a simple monochrome sensor at the distal end for capturing light, and complex processing electronics at the proximal end. This segmentation allows the distal end to be small and robust while the proximal end handles complex multi-modal imaging processing, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives raw monochrome sensor data and synthesizes multiple imaging modalities (color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, laser mapping) through computational methods. This intermediary layer enables versatile imaging capabilities without requiring multiple physical sensors at the fragile distal end.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate image sensors are used for fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging, then comprehensive imaging data is captured, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single monochrome image sensor universal by enabling it to capture multiple types of imaging data (color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, laser mapping) through different illumination strategies and computational processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating different light sources (white light, fluorescence excitation, hyperspectral illumination, laser mapping) and capturing corresponding sensor data in time-multiplexed fashion. This temporal separation allows a single sensor to gather diverse imaging information that would traditionally require simultaneous multi-sensor arrays.
3Reliability
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional arrangement by placing the image sensor at the distal end within the endoscope shaft rather than in the external handpiece unit. This inversion makes the optical path more stable and less prone to misalignment, as the sensor moves with the endoscope and maintains fixed spatial relationships with optical components.
4Reliability
If a monochrome image sensor with minimal circuitry is placed at the distal end, then mechanical robustness and optical simplicity are improved, but the ability to capture multiple data types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing system that acts as a mediator between the simple monochrome sensor and the need for multiple imaging modalities. This intermediary software layer synthesizes color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping information from the raw sensor data, enabling versatile imaging output from a simple physical sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing all necessary light information with the monochrome sensor first, then performing computational separation and synthesis of different imaging modalities in subsequent processing steps. This approach allows the simple sensor to gather comprehensive raw data that can be later divided into multiple specialized imaging types.
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 robust, high-resolution imaging capable of capturing multiple data types, including fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping data, within a single imaging session, improving the precision and accuracy of medical imaging in light deficient environments without the need for multiple sensors, thus enhancing the mechanical robustness and optical simplicity of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence imaging captures the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed electromagnetic radiation and 'glows' as it emits a relaxation wavelength
Implementation Method 2
Laser mapping imaging can capture the surface shape of objects and landscapes and measure distances between objects within a scene
Data Source
AI summary
Hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise are disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes applying edge enhancement to edges within an exposure frame of the plurality of exposure frames. The method 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, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm, an excitation wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that causes a reagent to fluoresce, or a laser mapping pattern.