Multi-Wavelength NIR Fluorescence Imaging for Depth-Controlled Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-infrared fluorescence imaging devices face challenges in ambient light interference and uncontrollable depth of detection, requiring ambient light to be turned off during procedures and offering unclear depth penetration due to single-source illumination designs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength imaging system with synchronized illumination and detection, using multiple wavelengths to penetrate at different depths, and real-time image processing to reduce ambient light noise and enhance image quality, combining fluorescence imaging with other modalities like laser speckle and reflectance imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high power illumination and optical filtering mechanisms are used to separate fluorescence emission signal from excitation/ambient signal, then signal to noise ratio is improved, but ambient light must be turned off which causes inconvenience and disruption during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pulsed illumination where the light source is activated in periodic pulses during camera exposure. This periodic action allows the system to capture fluorescence signals only during illumination pulses while rejecting continuous ambient light, achieving high signal-to-noise ratio without requiring complete darkness during procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization between illumination pulsing and camera exposure timing. By pre-configuring the camera to expose only during illumination pulses and using hardware triggering, the system prepares the detection system in advance to capture only relevant fluorescence signals while automatically rejecting ambient light
2Length of stationary object
If a single wavelength laser is used, then a certain depth of penetration is achieved, but the depth of detection cannot be determined or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the illumination spectrum into multiple discrete wavelengths. By using multiple wavelength sources (e.g., 785nm, 808nm, 850nm lasers), the system divides the detection task across different wavelength channels, each providing information about different tissue depths, thereby enabling controlled depth-specific imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the wavelength dimension to the traditional single-wavelength fluorescence imaging. By incorporating multiple wavelengths as an additional dimension, the system transforms depth detection from an uncontrolled single-parameter measurement to a multi-dimensional measurement where depth can be controlled and determined through wavelength selection and spectral unmixing
3Illumination intensity
If a broad band LED or Halogen illumination is used, then illumination coverage is improved, but depth of penetration becomes heterogeneous and un-definable
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by assigning different wavelengths to illuminate and probe specific tissue depths. Instead of uniform broad-band illumination, each wavelength channel is optimized for specific penetration depths, creating localized depth-specific imaging zones that can be selectively activated based on the imaging target
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 effective reduction of ambient light noise, controlled depth of detection, and real-time combination of imaging modalities, providing improved image quality and depth penetration without the need to turn off ambient light during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one multi-wavelength illumination module configured to illuminate a target using two or more different wavelengths, each of the two or more different wavelengths penetrating the target at different depths
Implementation Method 2
This fluorophobe is stimulated to fluoresce by illumination with an excitation light of specific wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a multi-wavelength camera configured to detect the two or more different wavelengths illuminating the target on corresponding different channels
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for obtaining an image of a target are provided including at least one multi-wavelength illumination module configured to illuminate a target using two or more different wavelengths, each penetrating the target at different depths; a multi-wavelength camera configured to detect the two or more different wavelengths illuminating the target on corresponding different channels and acquire corresponding images of the target based on the detected two or more different wavelengths illuminating the target; a control module configured synchronize illumination of the target by the at least one multi-wavelength illumination module and detection of the two or more different wavelengths by the camera; an analysis module configured to receive the acquired images of the target and analyze the acquired images to provide analysis results; and an image visualization module modify the acquired images based on the analysis results to provide a final improved image in real-time.