Multi-band Imaging Pen for Reusable Medical Endoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices used in medical procedures, such as endoscopy and colposcopy, require single-use portions that include light sources and image sensors, which are discarded after a single use, limiting their portability and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, multi-band imaging pen with a pen-shaped housing that integrates multiple light sources and image sensors capable of emitting and capturing images in different wavelength ranges, including white, infrared, and blue light, with a wireless transmitter for data transmission and a tactile control interface for operation, allowing for concurrent or sequential imaging without the need for disposable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use portions with light sources and image sensors are used in endoscopy and colposcopy imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but portability and reusability are limited due to disposal requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sources, image sensors, and control electronics into a single integrated pen-shaped device that can be reused across multiple procedures. The housing contains all necessary components including first and second light sources emitting different wavelengths, corresponding image sensors, and a processor, eliminating the need for separate disposable portions while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging pen is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple imaging functions through its multi-band capability. It can capture images in different wavelength ranges (visible light, infrared, etc.) using different light sources and image sensors, making it applicable to various medical imaging procedures without requiring procedure-specific disposable components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and image sensors are integrated into a single pen device, then reusability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into distinct functional modules within the pen housing: first light source with first image sensor for first wavelength range, second light source with second image sensor for second wavelength range, and a processor that coordinates their operation. This modular segmentation within the integrated device manages complexity by organizing components into clear functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic control through a processor that selectively activates different light sources and image sensors based on the imaging requirements. The processor receives input from a controller and dynamically configures which components operate together, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level based on the specific imaging task rather than always operating all components simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band imaging is implemented with multiple wavelength ranges, then imaging capability is enhanced, but spatial resolution may be compromised due to concurrent imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous multi-band imaging by simultaneously operating multiple light sources and image sensors to capture different wavelength ranges in parallel. The first light source emits first wavelength light while the second light source emits second wavelength light, with corresponding image sensors capturing both wavelengths concurrently, ensuring continuous imaging capability without temporal gaps that would compromise spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Each imaging channel (light source and corresponding image sensor pair) is optimized for its specific wavelength range, with the first image sensor specifically tuned for first wavelength and the second image sensor for second wavelength. This local optimization ensures that each channel maintains high spatial resolution for its designated band while the system as a whole provides multi-band capability through the coordinated operation of these specialized channels.
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
Enables portable, reusable imaging with high spatial resolution, allowing for simultaneous or sequential imaging in multiple wavelength ranges, enhancing medical imaging capabilities while reducing waste and improving user control.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source selectively emitting white light from the housing to illuminate a first field of view (FOV)
Implementation Method 2
a second light source selectively emitting non-white light from housing to illuminate a second FOV
Implementation Method 3
a first multi-pixel, two-dimensional (2D) image sensor in the housing, configured to image white light from said first FOV and produce white light image data
Implementation Method 4
a second multi-pixel, 2D image sensor in the housing, configured to image non-white light from said second FOV and produce non-white light image data
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held, multi-band imaging pen is shaped and dimensioned for holding as a pen and has, at least at one end thereof, light sources and image sensors for imaging in white light and in non-white light, can have at the other end at least one light source and one light sensor, and can have a working channel for a medical instrument. The pen includes a wireless transmitter for sending images to an external display and tactile controls for lighting and camera functions.