Multi-Channel Fluorescence Imaging for Real-Time Tissue Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic imaging techniques face challenges in accurately distinguishing between normal and diseased tissues due to variations in fluorescence intensities and spectral overlap, leading to difficulties in image normalization and diagnostic utility, especially in real-time multimodal imaging.
Innovation Solution
Employing two excitation-emission pairs with distinct wavelength bands to simultaneously illuminate and detect fluorescence, where one pair uses blue light for green/red emission and the other uses red/NIR light for longer wavelength emission, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of images that normalize for geometric and optical non-uniformities and enhance contrast between normal and diseased tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single excitation-emission pair imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate due to spectral overlap and inability to simultaneously acquire multiple fluorescence channels
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluorescence detection into multiple independent channels by using multiple excitation-emission pairs. Each pair targets specific wavelength ranges (e.g., blue excitation for green/red emission, red excitation for NIR emission), allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple fluorescence signals without spectral interference. This segmentation enables precise differentiation between normal and diseased tissues based on their distinct fluorescence signatures across multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-channel to multi-channel fluorescence imaging by adding the dimension of simultaneous multi-wavelength excitation. By acquiring fluorescence images at multiple excitation-emission pairs concurrently, the system creates a multi-dimensional data space that enhances diagnostic capability. The processor analyzes these multiple dimensions to normalize images and improve contrast, thereby increasing measurement precision without requiring sequential imaging.
2Measurement precision
If image normalization is performed using reference images, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to sequential acquisition and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous simultaneous acquisition of multiple fluorescence channels and reference images in a single endoscopic procedure. The multiple excitation-emission pairs are activated concurrently, allowing the processor to continuously normalize images in real-time during the endoscopy rather than requiring separate reference image acquisition and post-processing steps. This continuity eliminates time delays while maintaining normalization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acquires reference images and performs normalization calculations in advance during the same endoscopic session, before final diagnostic imaging is completed. By preparing normalization factors and reference data simultaneously with the diagnostic fluorescence images, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing and enables real-time image correction during the procedure.
3Productivity
If multiple excitation-emission pairs are used simultaneously, then productivity and diagnostic utility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple excitation-emission pairs simultaneously. The optical system incorporates filters and detectors that can selectively respond to different wavelength ranges, allowing a single device to perform multiple fluorescence imaging functions concurrently. This universal design enables the system to acquire multiple diagnostic channels in one procedure, significantly improving productivity despite the increased optical complexity.
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 approach improves image normalization and sensitivity, enabling better diagnostic utility by exploiting unique tissue properties that differentiate diseased tissues from normal tissues through opposite fluorescence intensity variations, resulting in enhanced contrast and diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
In the first pair, blue excitation wavelength band λ1-I is used to illuminate tissue to excite fluorescence which provides a spectral emission in the green/red wavelength region λ1-E
Implementation Method 2
The second excitation-emission pair is chosen at a wavelength sufficiently distant from the first pair so as to minimize or eliminate spectral overlap and therefore affording simultaneous detection of these two excitation-emission pairs
Implementation Method 3
reflected and/or light emitted from the interaction of objects with light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparati for fluorescence imaging using multiple excitation-emission pairs is revealed. A target object is illuminated by light in at least two spectral regions, causing fluorescence emission in at least two spectral regions. The emitted light is collected and separated for analysis.