Multiplexed Optical Fiber Imaging System for Crosstalk Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally-invasive therapeutic tools face limitations due to size constraints when passed through flexible endoscopes, restricting their versatility and requiring additional incisions for use, and existing imaging methods suffer from crosstalk issues when using multiple imaging devices, which degrades image quality.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple imaging devices with controlled light sources and optical switches or filters to prevent crosstalk, allowing for simultaneous imaging from multiple positions using shared light sources and processing, while ensuring each device captures images independently to produce high-quality, stereoscopic views without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are used to provide stereo images and expanded field of view, then imaging capability and versatility are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to illumination crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sequentially activating different imaging devices at different time intervals rather than simultaneously. Each imaging device is activated in turn during a scanning cycle, allowing the system to capture images from multiple positions without having multiple light sources illuminating the same area at the same time. This temporal separation eliminates illumination crosstalk while maintaining the ability to produce stereo images and expanded field of view through image fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-coordinating the activation sequences of multiple imaging devices and their corresponding light sources. Before actual imaging begins, the system establishes a synchronized timing pattern where each imaging device's light source is activated only when that specific device is scanning, and other light sources are deactivated. This preliminary coordination ensures that no illumination crosstalk occurs during the imaging process.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate areas scanned by multiple imaging devices, then imaging coverage is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single controllable light source that serves multiple imaging devices sequentially rather than requiring dedicated light sources for each device. The same light source is activated in different time intervals to illuminate areas for different imaging devices, allowing one component to perform multiple functions. This reduces the total number of light sources needed while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage through coordinated sequential operation.
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 versatile use of tools and conduits in minimally-invasive procedures with improved imaging capabilities, providing enhanced depth information and expanded fields of view by minimizing crosstalk and sharing resources, thus improving operational efficiency and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
Each scanning device is coupled to a distal end of an optical fiber used to convey light to the scanning device so that the light is emitted by the scanning device
Implementation Method 2
The optical switch is controlled to direct light from the at least one light source, through an optical fiber, to a selected one of the plurality of scanning devices at a time
Implementation Method 3
The optical filters are used to filter light received by a plurality of light receivers that are receiving light from a common portion of the site illuminated by the plurality of scanning devices
Implementation Method 4
A light modulator that modulates light provided to each scanning device differently, and a demodulator that demodulates output signals produced in response to the light received by the plurality of light receivers
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of scanning devices and light receivers, enabling a plurality of images of a site to be displayed using output signals produced in response to light from the light receivers. To avoid crosstalk caused by light receivers receiving light emitted by a plurality of scanning devices, different wavebands of light can be applied to different scanning devices, the received light can be filtered, or the light can be supplied to one scanning device at a time to multiplex either frame-by-frame, or pixel-by-pixel, or the light supplied to each scanning device can be modulated and the received light demodulated so that an image is produced in response to light from a single scanning device. Expensive components such as laser light sources, optical detectors, a controller, and processor can be shared by multiple imaging devices to minimize the cost of the imaging system.