Multimodal Illumination Control for Spectral Imaging Mode Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to efficiently operate in multiple modes, such as multispectral, hyperspectral, fluorescence, and white light imaging, with complexities in light sources, image acquisition, and potential measurement errors due to varying spectral intensities and light path lengths.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal illumination device with independently activatable luminous elements, capable of emitting different spectra, and a controller for automatic mode matching, ensuring equal light path lengths and simplified operation across various imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate light sources are used for different imaging modes (multispectral, fluorescence, white light), then the imaging device can operate in all required modes, but the device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single white light source is used to provide illumination for multiple imaging modes including multispectral, fluorescence, and white light imaging. The white light source replaces multiple separate light sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to operate in all required imaging modes through spectral filtering and wavelength selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If different spectral filters and interchangeable optical components are used for mode switching, then the imaging device can adapt to different imaging modes, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single white light source with integrated spectral filtering capability serves multiple imaging modes. The system uses a set of spectral filters that can be selectively positioned in the optical path to extract different wavelength bands from the white light, enabling multispectral, fluorescence, and white light imaging without requiring multiple separate light sources or complex interchangeable optical components
3Reliability
If multiple separate light sources with different spectral ranges are used, then each imaging mode can be optimized, but the overall device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The white light spectrum is segmented into different wavelength bands using spectral filters, with each band optimized for specific imaging modes. This allows the single white light source to provide mode-optimized illumination by selectively transmitting relevant wavelength ranges while blocking others, achieving optimization without requiring multiple separate light sources
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 efficient, safe, and compact operation in multiple imaging modes with reduced complexity, avoiding measurement errors and allowing real-time spectral imaging, while maintaining high versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit (18) that is designed to provide illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which are optionally activatable independently of one another and which are configured to emit light according to different emission spectra
Implementation Method 2
The illumination unit (18) comprises at least one beam splitter (32), by means of which light can be deflected from opposite input sides (38, 40) to an output side (44)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an illumination device (12), in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging unit (14) such as an endoscope, exoscope and/or microscope, comprising: an optical interface (16) for the optical connection of an imaging unit (14); and an illumination unit (18) that is designed to provide illumination light to the optical interface (16). The invention also relates to an imaging device (10), in particular a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscopic and/or exoscopic and/or microscopic imaging device, comprising: an illumination device (12) having an optical interface (16) and an illumination unit (18) for providing illumination light for an imaging unit (14); an imaging unit (14), which can be connected to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12); and a controller (66), which is configured to automatically match an operating state of the imaging unit (14) and an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) to one another. The invention also relates to associated systems and methods.