Minimal Area Monolithic Image Sensor for Endoscope Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units are prone to misalignment and damage, limiting their use in capturing high-quality images, especially in light-deficient environments, and are unable to simultaneously perform fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging due to space constraints and the need for multiple specialized systems.
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 a controller with a processor to emit and synchronize electromagnetic radiation pulses across various spectral bands, enabling fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping imaging while maintaining mechanical robustness and optical simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional image sensor with color filter array is used, then color imaging capability is achieved, but the sensor area becomes too large to fit in the distal end of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions (color imaging, fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and laser mapping) into a single integrated sensor system. The monolithic image sensor integrates RGB pixels with additional spectral bands and fluorescence detection capabilities in one compact array, eliminating the need for separate sensors and enabling all functions to fit within the small distal end of the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously. Each pixel or pixel group can detect across multiple spectral bands (visible light, fluorescence, hyperspectral), and the same sensor array supports both color imaging and specialized imaging modes through software control and illumination source selection, making the sensor multi-functional and adaptable to various imaging needs.
2Area of stationary object
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor has sufficient space, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image sensor with the distal end assembly of the endoscope, integrating the sensor directly into the tip that will be inserted into the body cavity. This eliminates the need for separate handpiece units and long optical transmission paths, making the system more robust and less prone to misalignment or damage while maintaining sufficient sensor space through the miniaturized sensor design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized imaging systems are used for fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping, then imaging capabilities are comprehensive, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized imaging systems into a single integrated platform. The monolithic image sensor combines RGB detection, fluorescence detection, and hyperspectral detection capabilities in one array, while a single illumination source system provides both visible light and laser mapping functions. This consolidation reduces device complexity and space requirements while maintaining comprehensive imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed as a universal platform where a single sensor array can perform color imaging, fluorescence imaging, and hyperspectral imaging by selecting appropriate illumination wavelengths and detection modes. The same hardware infrastructure supports all imaging functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized systems and reducing overall device complexity.
4Device complexity
If conventional imaging is used in light-deficient environments, then the system is simple, but image quality and sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed illumination sources that cycle through different spectral bands (visible light, fluorescence excitation, laser mapping) in a timed sequence with the sensor readout. This periodic action allows the sensor to capture multiple spectral components sequentially, enhancing image quality and sensitivity in light-deficient environments while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through software-controlled illumination sequencing.
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 allows for precise imaging in light-deficient environments, enhancing image quality, extending dynamic range and sensitivity, and enabling simultaneous capture of RGB, fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping data, facilitating better tissue identification and surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic radiation is transmitted along the length of the endoscope from the handpiece unit to the distal end
Implementation Method 3
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 4
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 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 circuit providing offset control for data generated by the pixel array. 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; electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength 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.