Additive Manufactured Optical Target for Medical Imaging Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging setups using endoscopes and exoscopes face inaccuracies due to photobleaching of fluorescent dyes, leading to variable fluorescence properties and inability to simulate complex scenarios, which are crucial for evaluating multimodal imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
An optical target with conversion structures manufactured via additive manufacturing, capable of converting light wavelengths and simulating realistic tissue structures, is used to calibrate medical imaging devices, ensuring stable and realistic calibration without external light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorescent dye is used in silicone tube for calibration, then fluorescence imaging can be performed, but the fluorescence properties vary over time due to photobleaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from fluorescent dye to wavelength conversion particles, which convert UV light to visible light without photobleaching. This parameter change eliminates the time-dependent degradation issue while maintaining the fluorescence imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable wavelength conversion particles that do not degrade over time like fluorescent dyes. These particles can be replaced easily and provide stable calibration properties without the longevity issues of photobleaching materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple test setup with silicone tube is used, then calibration can be performed, but complex test scenarios cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration target into multiple layers with different wavelength conversion particles at different depths. This segmentation allows simulation of complex tissue structures and multiple fluorescence sources at different penetration depths while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension by placing wavelength conversion particles at different depths within the target structure. This enables simulation of complex scenarios with multiple fluorescence sources at different penetration depths, transforming a 2D calibration target into a 3D realistic tissue model.
3Shape
If additive manufacturing is used for conversion structure, then complex shapes can be manufactured, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different types of wavelength conversion particles in different regions of the target structure. Each region can be optimized for specific wavelength conversion requirements while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through additive manufacturing.
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 optical target provides stable and user-friendly calibration, simulating complex tissue structures, improving the accuracy and reproducibility of medical imaging devices by maintaining consistent fluorescence properties over time.
Implementation Method 1
the conversion structure is configured to at least partially convert light having a first wavelength into light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical target (20, 20', 20", 20̋‴) for calibrating a medical imaging device (30), comprising: a target body (40, 40', 40", 40‴); and at least one conversion structure (50, 50', 50", 50‴, 52', 52", 54', 54") which is formed in and/or on the target body (40, 40', 40", 40‴) and which is configured to at least partially convert light having a first wavelength into light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength; wherein at least the conversion structure (50, 50', 50", 50‴, 52', 52", 54', 54") is manufactured generatively. The invention further relates to an optical calibration system (12) and a medical system (10).