Organic Fabry-Perot Filter Pixel Array for Endoscope Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to simultaneously capture high-quality RGB and fluorescent images with narrow-band sensitivity characteristics while reducing the size of the endoscope, especially for cancer tissue diagnosis using fluorescent pigments like indocyanine green (ICG).
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates R, G, and B pixels with organic material color filters and FPF pixels with a Fabry-Perot filter, where the intermediate layer is made of silicon dioxide and has different thicknesses to detect specific wavelengths, allowing for the capture of RGB and fluorescent images with improved sensitivity and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Fabry-Perot filter is formed on each pixel to detect narrow-band light wavelengths, then fluorescent image quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides pixels into different functional groups: FPF pixels with Fabry-Perot filters for fluorescent detection, and RGB pixels with color filters for visible light detection. This segmentation allows each pixel type to be optimized for its specific function, improving fluorescent image quality while managing device complexity through specialized modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by integrating both FPF pixels for narrow-band fluorescent detection and RGB pixels for broad-spectrum visible light imaging within a single sensor array. This universal design enables simultaneous capture of both fluorescent and RGB images, resolving the contradiction between specialized fluorescent detection capability and overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple pixels with different Fabry-Perot filter configurations are used to capture RGB and fluorescent images, then image quality is improved, but the size of the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges FPF pixels and RGB pixels into a single integrated imaging sensor array, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices. This combination achieves both narrow-band fluorescent imaging and broad-spectrum RGB imaging within one compact endoscope, improving image quality while minimizing endoscope size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spectral dimension by configuring different pixels to detect different wavelength ranges (narrow-band for FPF, broad-band for RGB). This dimensional approach to light wavelength differentiation allows simultaneous multi-functional imaging without increasing physical device volume, resolving the contradiction between image quality and endoscope size
3Reliability
If conventional Fabry-Perot filter materials including silver are used, then filter performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the Fabry-Perot filter from conventional silver-based materials to organic materials. This parameter change maintains the optical performance and reliability of the filter while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process, as organic materials can be deposited using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques without the complexity associated with silver processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs organic materials for the Fabry-Perot filter that are easier to manufacture and potentially replaceable, trading the long-term durability of silver-based filters for manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture while maintaining sufficient filter performance for medical imaging applications
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 configuration enables the generation of high-quality RGB and fluorescent images with narrow-band sensitivity characteristics, effectively aiding in cancer tissue diagnosis by reducing the size of the endoscope and avoiding the use of silver, thus minimizing manufacturing complexities and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a technique is known which forms a filter using Fabry-Perot interference on an image sensor using a general CMOS process to manufacture an optical element for detecting light with a specific wavelength, such as fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
a Fabry-Perot filter in which an intermediate layer interposed between a first partial reflection layer and a second partial reflection layer is made of a material that transmits light
Implementation Method 3
A photodiode (PD) is formed in each of the pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an R pixel that is made of an organic material and includes a photodiode on which an organic film color filter that transmits red light is formed; a G pixel that is made of an organic material and includes a photodiode on which an organic film color filter that transmits green light is formed; a B pixel that is made of an organic material and includes a photodiode on which an organic film color filter that transmits blue light is formed; and an FPF pixel including a photodiode on which a Fabry-Perot filter in which an intermediate layer interposed between dielectric layers is made of a material that transmits light is formed. The R pixel, the G pixel, the B pixel, and the FPF pixel are periodically arranged.