Multiple-Emitter Offset Illumination for Multimodal Endoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic imaging systems face limitations in capturing color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping data due to the size constraints of image sensors, which are typically placed in the handpiece unit, leading to image degradation and the need for multiple separate systems, making them delicate and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system with multiple laser bundles emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, combined with dichroic mirrors and a monochromatic pixel array, allows for homogeneous illumination and simultaneous capture of RGB, hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping data at the distal end of the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the system structure is simplified, but image quality degrades and the system becomes delicate and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional endoscope structure by placing the image sensor at the distal end (inside the body cavity) rather than in the handpiece unit. This reversal allows the sensor to be positioned where images are actually captured, eliminating the need for light transmission through long optical paths and preventing misalignment issues during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple imaging modalities (color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, laser mapping) into a single distal-end sensor assembly, adding functional dimensions rather than using separate systems. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity while improving reliability by eliminating multiple alignment-critical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to capture color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping data, then comprehensive imaging capability is achieved, but system complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities (color, fluorescence, hyperspectral, and laser mapping) into a single integrated system with a unified sensor array and light source assembly. This consolidation captures all imaging data through one coordinated system rather than multiple separate systems, reducing complexity and fragility while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that performs multiple functions (color imaging, fluorescence detection, hyperspectral analysis, and laser mapping) through a single multi-functional apparatus. The sensor array and emitter system are designed to handle all imaging modalities simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional illumination is used, then the system is simple, but homogeneous illumination and simultaneous capture of multiple imaging data types cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple laser bundles, each emitting at different wavelengths (e.g., 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm). This segmentation allows each bundle to be optimized for specific imaging modalities while collectively providing homogeneous illumination across the entire field of view, enabling simultaneous capture of multiple imaging data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different wavelength characteristics to different regions of the illumination system. Each laser bundle targets specific spectral requirements for different tissue properties and imaging modalities, creating locally optimized illumination that collectively achieves homogeneous overall illumination.
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 precise identification of tissues, structures, and dimensions within a body cavity by overlaying multiple imaging data types on a single image, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and reducing system complexity and fragility.
Implementation Method 1
An endoscopic system with multiple laser bundles emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
combined with dichroic mirrors and a monochromatic pixel array
Implementation Method 3
a monochromatic pixel array, allows for homogeneous illumination and simultaneous capture of RGB, hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping data
Implementation Method 4
Fluorescence imaging captures the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed electromagnetic radiation and 'glows' as it emits a relaxation wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, and/or a laser mapping pattern.