NIR Fluorescence Detection Using Segmented Camera and Multispectral Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for observing sentinel lymph nodes using near-infrared fluorescence struggle with accurately distinguishing NIR fluorescence from visible light and background glare, leading to difficulties in identifying sentinel lymph nodes during surgeries, especially in environments with bright illumination.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that combine white reflection light and NIR fluorescence imaging, using a multispectral image processing unit to split visible light into red, green, and blue signals and express NIR fluorescence as a distinct color, allowing for a composite image that enhances visibility of sentinel lymph nodes by adjusting grayscale and timing pulses for improved contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used to simultaneously measure visible light and NIR, then the device structure is simplified, but the external appearance of the organ cannot be clearly seen and confusion occurs among visible light color, ICG fluorescent image, and white light glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate cameras: one for visible light and one for NIR. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, eliminating the confusion that occurs when using a single camera for both modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical component that separates the visible light and NIR paths. This allows simultaneous imaging with two cameras while maintaining clear distinction between the two wavelength ranges, solving the confusion problem
2Adaptability or versatility
If white light and NIR excitation light are both irradiated onto the object, then comprehensive imaging is achieved, but differentiation between NIR fluorescence and visible light becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into two independent detection paths: one for visible light reflection and one for NIR fluorescence. This allows simultaneous irradiation of both white light and NIR excitation light while maintaining clear differentiation through separate detection channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical filters and detection characteristics to different parts of the system: visible light path uses filters optimized for anatomical imaging, while NIR path uses filters optimized for fluorescence detection, enabling both comprehensive imaging and precise differentiation
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
This approach enables high-accuracy detection of sentinel lymph nodes, reducing the need for chromatic aberration correction and minimizing additional costs, while improving the reliability of cancer metastasis assessment by clearly differentiating NIR fluorescence from visible light images.
Implementation Method 1
The ICG allows light to be excited in a near-infrared (NIR) region, and generates fluorescent light
Implementation Method 2
an optical analyzing assembly for transmitting white reflection light reflected off an object when white light is irradiated on the object and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence reflected off the object when near-infrared (NIR) excitation light is irradiated on the object
Data Source
AI summary
A device for observing a sentinel lymph node (SLN) in a human body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for observing an SLN by detecting near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence caused by a fluorescent material such as indocyanine green (ICG) at the SLN and a method for detecting NIR fluorescence at an SLN. Particularly, in the implementation of a composite image obtained by reproducing a fluorescent material such as ICG and NIR fluorescence emitted by excitation light together with a visible light image, it is possible to detect an SLN with high accuracy through a color contrast method and/or a temporal modulation method using an NIR fluorescence image signal and a visible reflection light image signal.