Monochrome Image Sensor with Checkerboard Pixel Array for Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units are fragile, prone to misalignment, and limited to capturing only color images, making them unsuitable for fluorescence imaging in light deficient environments, especially in medical applications where multiple imaging techniques are needed.
Innovation Solution
A monochrome image sensor with minimal peripheral circuitry is integrated into the distal end of the endoscope, using a checkerboard pattern of long and short exposure pixels to enhance dynamic range and spatial resolution, allowing for both color and fluorescence imaging in a single session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional color image sensor with color filter array is used, then color image capture is enabled, but the device size increases and it cannot fit in the distal end of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color filter array from the image sensor system, placing it in a separate wheel assembly that can be rotated into position only when color imaging is needed. This allows the main distal end sensor to remain compact and monochrome-capable, while color imaging functionality is added through the removable filter wheel mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic filter wheel mechanism that can rotate to position different color filters (red, green, blue) in front of the image sensor as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between monochrome and color imaging modes, enabling color capture without permanently increasing the distal end sensor size.
2Reliability
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor can be larger and more robust, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into two parts: a compact monochrome sensor in the distal end for robustness, and a filter wheel mechanism in the handpiece unit for color imaging. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the distal sensor remains simple and robust, while the filter wheel provides color capability without compromising the endoscope's mechanical integrity.
3Measurement precision
If a monochrome image sensor is used, then the dynamic range is improved, but the ability to capture color information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by rotating the filter wheel to sequentially position red, green, and blue filters in front of the monochrome sensor. This periodic filtering allows the sensor to capture color information through multiple sequential measurements, while maintaining high dynamic range performance. The monochrome sensor captures full dynamic range for each color channel separately, and the color information is reconstructed by combining the filtered measurements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluorescent reagents are imaged simultaneously, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but the imaging system becomes highly specialized and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single monochrome image sensor that can detect multiple wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Combined with the rotatable filter wheel, this universal sensor can image multiple fluorescent reagents with different emission wavelengths without requiring separate specialized sensors for each reagent type, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining multi-reagent imaging capability.
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 improves image quality, mechanical robustness, and enables simultaneous color and fluorescence imaging, overcoming the limitations of traditional endoscopes by fitting a more advanced image sensor within the endoscope, facilitating precise identification of structures and tissues within the body cavity.
Implementation Method 1
A monochrome image sensor with minimal peripheral circuitry is integrated into the distal end of the endoscope, using a checkerboard pattern of long and short exposure pixels to enhance dynamic range and spatial resolution
Implementation Method 2
Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. Certain fluorescent materials 'glow' or emit a distinct color that is visible to the human eye when the fluorescent material is subjected to ultraviolet light or other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for fluorescence imaging with increased dynamic range 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 a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes 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 770 nm to about 790 nm or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.