Optical Fiber Waveguide for Hyperspectral Endoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units are fragile, prone to misalignment, and limited to capturing only color images, making them unsuitable for hyperspectral imaging due to space constraints and image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system with an emitter module pulsing electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths, allowing hyperspectral data to be overlaid on color images, and an image sensor placed at the distal end to enhance optical simplicity and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the system can capture color images, but the endoscope becomes fragile and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fiber bundles to create an optical copy of the distal end scene at the proximal end, where the image sensor is located. This allows the sensor to remain in the stable proximal position while still capturing images of the distal end, eliminating the fragility and misalignment issues of placing sensors at the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fiber bundles serve as intermediaries to transmit light and image information between the distal end (scene) and the proximal end (sensor). This intermediary allows the decoupling of the sensor from the fragile distal end while maintaining imaging functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of pixel sensors are used for hyperspectral imaging, then spectral information can be captured, but the device size increases and cannot fit in the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single image sensor plane and captures spectral information by varying the illumination wavelength over time rather than using multiple spatially separated sensors. This transforms the spectral detection problem from a spatial dimension (multiple sensors side-by-side) to a temporal dimension (sequential wavelength illumination), allowing hyperspectral imaging with a compact sensor that fits in the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
A single image sensor is used to perform multiple functions: capturing color images and capturing hyperspectral data. By illuminating the scene with different wavelengths sequentially and using the same sensor for both purposes, the system achieves multi-functionality without increasing sensor array size.
3Reliability
If the endoscope is made more robust to reduce fragility, then reliability improves, but optical alignment and image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is copied to the proximal end through optical fiber bundles, allowing the distal end to be made more robust without compromising optical alignment. The optical fibers maintain precise alignment between the distal and proximal ends while allowing the distal end structure to be strengthened.
4Ease of operation
If light is transmitted along the endoscope length from handpiece to distal end, then imaging is enabled, but the system becomes delicate and requires frequent repair
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging functionality is copied to the proximal end where the sensor is located, eliminating the need for complex light transmission paths through the distal end. This reduces system fragility while maintaining imaging capability through the use of robust optical fiber bundles for illumination.
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 hyperspectral and color imaging in a light-deficient environment, improving image resolution and sensitivity while reducing the endoscope's fragility and misalignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber waveguide for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation from the emitter module to a distal end of the endoscope
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor at the distal end of the endoscope in communication with the emitter module, the image sensor to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber waveguide for communicating electromagnetic radiation pulsed by an emitter in an endoscopic imaging system. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an endoscope comprising an image sensor for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a waveguide communicating the pulses of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the endoscope. 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 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, and/or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.