Multi-wavelength Endoscopic System for Fluorescent Probe Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic systems face challenges in accurately diagnosing cancer, particularly with flat-shaped polyps, due to limitations in molecular imaging techniques and the inability to effectively process images from multiple fluorescent probes, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength endoscopic system that uses a beam splitter and area filters to separate and output image data based on different spectral channels, allowing for accurate display of fluorescent materials and removal of auto-fluorescence components, enabling precise imaging of disease occurrence regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If molecular imaging technology is used to diagnose gastrointestinal cancer, then the ability to image molecular characteristics of cancer is improved, but the images are too simple to be applied at a clinical level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple wavelength channels, each capturing different fluorescent signals. By dividing the spectrum into distinct channels and processing them separately, the system preserves detailed molecular information that would be lost in a single composite image, thereby improving clinical applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the imaging by capturing images at multiple wavelengths. This transforms the imaging from a single-dimensional visual representation to a multi-dimensional dataset that includes wavelength information, enabling better differentiation of molecular characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluorescent probes are used to target composite cancer markers, then the detection capability is improved, but the image processing complexity increases due to overlapping spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overlapping spectral information into distinct wavelength channels. By capturing images at multiple discrete wavelengths and processing each channel separately, the system resolves spectral overlap and simplifies the identification of individual fluorescent probes, reducing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between the captured multi-wavelength images and the final diagnostic output. These algorithms automatically separate and analyze the complex spectral data, reducing the burden on clinicians and simplifying the overall processing workflow.
3Illumination intensity
If auto-fluorescence is present in the images, then the background signal increases, but the likelihood of misdiagnosis increases due to false positive errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence signal into multiple wavelength components. By analyzing the spectral characteristics at different wavelengths, the system can distinguish between auto-fluorescence (which has a different spectral profile) and probe-specific fluorescence, thereby reducing false positives while preserving diagnostic signal intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of auto-fluorescence from a harmful interference into a useful diagnostic feature. By capturing multi-wavelength data, the system uses the spectral information to identify and subtract auto-fluorescence components, actually improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining the benefit of strong fluorescence signals.
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 reduces the likelihood of misdiagnosis by accurately separating and displaying images from multiple fluorescent probes, enhancing the detection of cancer lesions and reducing false positive errors.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit configured to acquire image data by polarizing incident light reflected from the observation site in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a first area filter positioned in a path of a light beam split in the first direction and configured to pass a light beam falling within a predetermined spectral range
Implementation Method 3
imaging an observation site labeled with a plurality of fluorescent materials having different colors
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a multi-wavelength endoscopic system for imaging an observation site labeled with a plurality of fluorescent materials having different colors. The system includes an imaging unit configured to acquire image data by polarizing incident light reflected from the observation site in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, dividing a spectrum region of the incident light polarized in the first direction and the second direction into a plurality of spectrum channels and measuring the intensity of light for each of the spectrum channel. The system further includes a computing unit configured to store a single fluorescence spectrum extracted from sample image data obtained by single-treating the observation site with each of the fluorescent materials and configured to separate and output the image data obtained in the imaging unit using the single fluorescence spectrum so that each of the fluorescent materials is displayed separately.