Multi-Modal Polarized Imaging Apparatus for Soft Tissue Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical systems lack the capability to safely and specifically identify soft tissues, such as nerves, in real-time during surgical procedures, leading to potential damage or misidentification.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal imaging apparatus that concurrently provides visible and near-infrared (NIR) polarized images using a combination of a light source, polarizers, and image sensors, allowing for real-time imaging and improved tissue differentiation by adjusting polarization angles and filtering to enhance image contrast and visibility of soft tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used during surgery, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the ability to identify soft tissues such as nerves in real-time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (visible light imaging and NIR imaging) into a single integrated system. The visible light image generator and NIR image generator are merged to provide complementary tissue information simultaneously, improving soft tissue identification accuracy while maintaining a unified device structure that manages complexity through integration rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends imaging into the near-infrared spectral dimension beyond the visible range. By adding NIR imaging capability to the conventional visible light imaging, the system accesses additional tissue contrast mechanisms and optical properties that are not visible to the human eye, thereby improving tissue differentiation without requiring fundamentally new imaging principles
2Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated to improve tissue visibility, then tissue identification capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functional capabilities where a single integrated apparatus performs both visible light imaging and NIR imaging functions. The light source, imaging optics, and processing system are configured to support multiple imaging modes, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high surgical safety through improved tissue identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing circuitry as an intermediary that receives raw images from both visible and NIR modalities, processes them through fusion algorithms, and generates enhanced composite images. This intermediary processing layer integrates the information from multiple sources systematically, improving reliability through data fusion while managing system complexity through structured signal processing rather than hardware proliferation
3Illumination intensity
If polarization angles are adjusted to enhance image contrast, then soft tissue visibility is improved, but the imaging process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous imaging operation where visible light and NIR images are captured simultaneously or in rapid succession rather than requiring sequential angle adjustments. The polarization enhancement is achieved through continuous polarization filtering in the optical path rather than discrete angular adjustments, eliminating dead time between measurements and maintaining continuous useful imaging action
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization filters and optical elements are pre-configured in the imaging system before surgery begins. The polarization angles and filter orientations are set in advance to optimize for soft tissue contrast, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time adjustments during critical surgical procedures. This preliminary configuration ensures optimal contrast is available immediately when needed
4Loss of information
If visible and NIR light ranges are both captured, then tissue differentiation capability is improved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is segmented into distinct functional modules: visible light image processing, NIR image processing, and fusion processing. Each module handles specific aspects of the multi-modal data independently, organizing the complex processing task into manageable segments that can be executed systematically and reduce overall processing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and separates the unique tissue information contained in each spectral range (visible and NIR) before fusion. By extracting the complementary information from each modality and processing them independently through dedicated algorithms, the system preserves complete tissue information while managing processing complexity through selective extraction and targeted processing of specific information content from each imaging modality
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 safe and specific real-time identification of soft tissues during surgery, reducing the risk of damage and improving surgical precision by enhancing image contrast and visibility through the integration of visible and NIR light with polarization techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The first polarizer is coupled to the light source, and can pass first polarized light from the output light beam and toward a sample along the optical pathway. The second polarizer is arranged along the optical pathway between the sample and the image sensor, and can pass second polarized light from the reflected light and toward the image sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The filter is arranged along the optical pathway and can selectively pass the reflected light in a visible light range and NIR light range (or wavelengths) toward the image sensor.
Implementation Method 3
The control circuitry collects the image data by causing the first and second polarizers to adjust to the different polarization angles, resulting in optical reflections of birefringence from portions of the tissue sample to be focused or discriminated when aligned to a polarization of collimated incident light.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a light source, first and second polarizers, an image sensor, a filter, and control circuitry. The light source outputs a light beam, and the first polarizer passes first polarized light from the output light beam and toward a sample. The image sensor collects light reflected from the sample responsive to the passed first polarized light. The second polarizer passes second polarized light from the reflected light and toward the image sensor. The filter selectively passes the reflected light in a visible light range and near infrared range (NIR) light range toward the image sensor. The control circuitry causes the first and second polarizers to adjust to different polarization angles, and collects the image data of the sample from the reflected light.