Narrow Band In-Vivo Imaging Device With Multiple Illumination Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-vivo imaging devices can only capture images using a single narrow band illumination source, limiting their ability to perform simultaneous imaging with different narrow band sources such as red and blue light, which is necessary for certain diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
The device employs multiple narrow band illumination sources and a mosaic array of light sensitive elements with overlapping sensitivity spectra, allowing for simultaneous capture of multiple narrow band images by optimizing the overlap areas between illumination and sensitivity spectra to maximize signal contribution while minimizing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single narrow band illumination source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different diagnostic purposes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple narrow band illumination sources (e.g., red and blue LEDs) and multiple types of light sensitive elements (e.g., red-sensitive and blue-sensitive photodetectors) into a single imaging device. This merging allows the device to perform multiple narrow band imaging functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by integrating what would otherwise be separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both red narrow band imaging and blue narrow band imaging using a single device. The imager includes multiple types of light sensitive elements that can detect different wavelength ranges, and multiple illumination sources that can emit different narrow band wavelengths, enabling the device to serve multiple diagnostic purposes without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Illumination intensity
If broadband color filters are used in the imager, then light intensity loss is reduced, but narrow band imaging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single broadband filter for the entire imager, the patent applies different spectral characteristics to different regions or types of light sensitive elements. Each type of photodetector is paired with illumination sources and filtering that are optimized for its specific wavelength sensitivity range, allowing narrow band imaging capability while maintaining adequate light intensity for each specific imaging mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the illumination sources and light sensitive elements to match narrow band requirements. By selecting LEDs with narrow emission spectra and photodetectors with corresponding narrow sensitivity ranges, the system achieves narrow band imaging capability without relying on broadband filters that would cause intensity loss. The spectral parameters are specifically tuned for red and blue wavelength ranges.
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 the simultaneous capture of multiple narrow band images, improving diagnostic capabilities by enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for comprehensive imaging of gastrointestinal tracts or other body lumens with different narrow band light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination sources may be broad spectrum white light sources... first and second types of illumination source of light radiation... having differing first and second illumination spectra
Implementation Method 2
an imager for simultaneously receiving the radiation reflected from the target area... comprising an array of first and second types of light sensitive elements
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vivo imaging device for capturing one or more narrow band images of the gastrointestinal tract, or other body lumens or cavities of a patient, using one or more narrow band illumination sources and an imager having an array of light sensitive elements.