Multispectral Endoscope Tissue Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face limitations in image clarity and detail due to poor lighting and limited imaging resolution, making it difficult for surgeons to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue, especially in minimally invasive surgical environments.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop imaging system using an array of image sensors, such as CCDs or CMOS sensors, that captures multispectral image data and adjusts the multispectral light source to optimal wavelength settings for improved tissue differentiation, enabling better visibility of tissue boundaries and details through real-time image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional endoscopes use traditional illumination fibers and lenses, then the device can be kept small and minimally invasive, but image resolution and tissue differentiation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from broad-spectrum white light to specific wavelength ranges (e.g., 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm) to enhance tissue differentiation. This wavelength parameter change allows the small endoscope to achieve superior imaging capability by exploiting spectral differences in tissue absorption and reflection, resolving the contradiction between small size and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spectral dimension to conventional endoscopy by implementing multispectral imaging capabilities. Instead of relying solely on spatial resolution, the system uses spectral information across multiple wavelengths to differentiate tissue types, effectively adding a new dimension of contrast that compensates for the physical size constraints of the endoscope
2Device complexity
If conventional endoscopes use limited lighting, then the device remains simple and small, but visibility and tissue boundary detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent wavelength channels, each targeting specific tissue chromophores. This segmentation allows selective illumination at optimal wavelengths for different tissue types, enhancing visibility without requiring excessive overall light intensity or system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural illumination, spectral contrast enhancement, and functional imaging capability. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve superior tissue visibility without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same light source performs multiple imaging tasks
3Device complexity
If conventional endoscopes use single perspective imaging, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to differentiate healthy vs. diseased tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the spectral dimension to conventional spatial imaging, capturing images at multiple wavelength bands. This spectral dimension provides additional tissue characterization information that differentiates healthy from diseased tissue, compensating for the increased complexity through efficient spectral data processing and fusion algorithms
4Device complexity
If conventional endoscopes use broad-spectrum lighting, then the illumination system remains simple, but the ability to reveal tissue details and boundaries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system uses narrow-band wavelength selection instead of broad-spectrum illumination. By tuning the light source to specific wavelengths that correspond to tissue chromophore absorption peaks, the system enhances boundary detection and tissue differentiation without requiring complex multi-component lighting systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different wavelength regions are applied to highlight different tissue properties and boundaries. For example, specific wavelengths are selected to enhance vascular structures, epithelial boundaries, or inflammatory changes, providing locally optimized contrast for different tissue features without requiring a completely complex lighting system
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
The system enhances image clarity and visibility of tissue boundaries, allowing for more precise surgical procedures by illuminating tissues at specific wavelengths that reveal details undetectable under ordinary light, improving surgical accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The array of image sensors may be disposed at or near the head of the surgical camera... configured to capture static images or video... multispectral image data
Implementation Method 2
illuminating tissues at specific wavelengths that reveal details undetectable under ordinary light... determine a proper wavelength setting for a multispectral light source to illuminate an area of interest (AOI)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to closed-loop medical imaging for a medical environment. Various embodiments provide for a surgical camera, such as an endoscopic camera, comprising one or more image sensors. The image sensors may be configured to capture multispectral image data including one or more images of biological tissue (e.g., surfaces), and may be specifically configured to capture imagery within a surgical environment. For some embodiments, different biological tissues may be visible when illuminated by different wavelengths of a multispectral light source. The wavelength setting for the multispectral light source may be determined based upon a first wavelength setting associated with a first set of multispectral image data and a second wavelength setting associated with a second set of multispectral image data.