Offset Illumination Fluorescence Imaging Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units face challenges such as misalignment, damage, and limited capability to capture both color and fluorescence images due to the need for precise optical elements and the inability to fit multiple pixel sensors at the distal end, leading to degraded image quality and the need for multiple imaging systems for different fluorescent reagents.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a monochromatic pixel array and multiple laser bundles emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, using dichroic mirrors and optical elements to ensure homogeneous illumination and integrate fluorescence imaging data into a single RGB image frame, allowing for precise identification of structures within a body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pixel sensors are placed at the distal end to capture both color and fluorescence images, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to space constraints and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image sensor from the distal end of the endoscope and relocates it to the proximal end, eliminating the need for multiple sensors at the distal end while maintaining the ability to capture both color and fluorescence images through sequential imaging modes
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor at the proximal end serves multiple functions by capturing both color images in reflectance mode and fluorescence images in fluorescence mode, eliminating the need for separate sensors for different imaging modalities
2Device complexity
If image sensor is placed in handpiece unit, then device structure is simplified, but image quality degrades due to misalignment and damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is extracted from the handpiece unit and relocated to the distal end of the endoscope, where it is protected from misalignment and damage while maintaining simplified device structure through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the image sensor at the distal end within the protective housing of the endoscope, providing beforehand protection against misalignment and damage that would otherwise occur in handpiece-mounted sensors
3Device complexity
If conventional endoscope configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but fluorescence imaging capability is lost due to inability to capture both color and fluorescence data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between reflectance mode for color imaging and fluorescence mode for fluorescence imaging, allowing a single endoscope to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope alternates between different imaging modes (reflectance and fluorescence) in periodic sequences, enabling capture of both color and fluorescence image data through time-multiplexed operation
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 high-definition imaging with improved image quality and the ability to overlay fluorescence data on color images, reducing the need for multiple sensors and systems, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
An endoscopic imaging system with a monochromatic pixel array and multiple laser bundles emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
using dichroic mirrors and optical elements to ensure homogeneous illumination and integrate fluorescence imaging data into a single RGB image frame
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. Certain fluorescent materials 'glow' or emit a distinct color that is visible to the human eye when the fluorescent material is subjected to ultraviolet light or other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 795 nm and/or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.