Multispectral Fluorescence Microscopy Filter Layout for Dual-Signal Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems, particularly multispectral fluorescence imaging systems, require two light sources, leading to equipment intensity, high costs, and inhomogeneous illumination, and can only capture one fluorophore at a time.
Innovation Solution
A beam splitter and optical filter system that splits light into two paths, allowing simultaneous capture of fluorescence and visible light signals using a single light source, with filters configured to quench or attenuate specific wavelength bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two light sources are used for simultaneous fluorescence and visible light imaging, then both signals can be captured, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral range by using a beam splitter to separate fluorescence emission bands from visible light into distinct optical paths. This allows a single light source to provide both fluorescence excitation and visible illumination by dividing the detection paths rather than using separate light sources
Solution Approach 2:
A single light source is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both fluorescence excitation light and visible light illumination. The beam splitter and optical filters enable this universal light source to simultaneously support both fluorescence imaging and visible light imaging modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If two light sources are used for simultaneous fluorescence and visible light imaging, then both signals can be captured, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate light sources into a single light source by using optical elements (beam splitter, filters) to separate and direct the appropriate wavelengths to their respective detectors. This consolidation reduces component count and overall system cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If two light sources are used, then both fluorescence and visible light can be imaged, but illumination homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using wavelength-specific optical elements (beam splitter, filters) that selectively transmit or reflect specific spectral bands at specific locations in the optical path. This ensures that fluorescence and visible light paths receive appropriate spectral quality while maintaining overall illumination homogeneity
4Productivity
If conventional systems are used, then one fluorophore can be imaged at a time, but imaging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the imaging system by using a beam splitter to separate different fluorescence emission bands into distinct optical paths. This enables simultaneous detection of multiple fluorophores with different emission wavelengths in a single imaging cycle, dramatically improving efficiency
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 simultaneous capture of multiple fluorescence and visible light signals with homogeneous illumination, reducing equipment complexity and cost, and improving imaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter adapted to split a light image, which is sent from the object to the observation system, into a first light portion along a first light path and a second light portion along a second light path
Implementation Method 2
with filters configured to quench or attenuate specific wavelength bands
Implementation Method 3
the first light portion comprises at least two fluorescence emission bands
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an observation system (3) for medical imaging, in particular multispectral fluorescence imaging, as performed e.g. in a microscope (1) or endoscope, in particular a multispectral fluorescence microscope, comprising a beam splitter (21) adapted to split a light image (13) into a first light portion (16, 17) along a first light path (18) and a second light portion (20) along a second light path (19). To improve known observation systems, so these systems work with one light source only, are capable of capturing simultaneously at least one fluorescence signal and a signal of visible reflected light and allow a homogeneous illumination for obtaining different images from the object illuminated, the first light portion (16, 17) comprises at least two fluorescence emission band (Em.1, Em.2), wherein the first emission band (Em.1) in the visible spectrum, and wherein the second light portion (20) comprises a visible reflected light (VISR), and the observation system (3) further comprises a first sensor (23) for capturing the at least two fluorescence emission bands (Em.1, Em.2) of the first light portion (16, 17), and a second sensor (24) for capturing the visible reflected light of the second light portion (20).