Polarization Imaging Array for Real-Time Full-Field Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Mueller polarimetry systems are time-inefficient due to the high number of acquisitions required for sufficient polarization information, and there is a lack of fluorescence/marker-less real-time imaging capabilities, posing health risks and inefficiencies in surgeries and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A polarization imaging system with a color channel element of two types and a light polarization portion that provides specific light polarizations and converts them, using semiconductor technology and tunable polarizers to reduce acquisitions and enable real-time imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple polarization imaging devices are arranged in an array to obtain polarization information of the entire field of view, then the quantity of polarization information is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple polarization imaging devices arranged in an array, where each device captures polarization information for a specific field of view. This segmentation allows the system to obtain comprehensive polarization information across the entire field of view while keeping each individual device relatively simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple polarization imaging devices are configured to perform the same polarization imaging function but for different regions of the field of view. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to acquire complete polarization information across the entire scene using identical, standardized device units, reducing overall system complexity through repetition of proven designs.
2Device complexity
If a single polarization imaging device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of polarization information obtained is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-device approach to a multi-device array configuration, adding the spatial dimension of device arrangement. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture polarization information across the entire field of view simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of a single device while maintaining individual device simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If polarization imaging devices are arranged in an array to cover the entire field of view, then the measurement precision of polarization information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into multiple regions, each covered by a dedicated polarization imaging device in the array. This segmentation enables each device to focus on a specific region, improving measurement precision for that region while keeping each device's design simple and manageable.
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 system achieves real-time imaging with reduced acquisitions, providing full polarization information and colored images simultaneously, enhancing tissue differentiation in surgeries and diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
the polarization imaging device measures a degree of polarization and a polarization angle of light reflected from the object surface
Implementation Method 2
measures a degree of polarization and a polarization angle of light reflected
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to a polarization imaging system having: an imaging portion having a color channel element of a first color type and a color channel element of a second color type; and a light polarization portion configured to: provide a first light polarization of a first polarization type for the first color type and a second light polarization of the first polarization type for the second color type; and convert a second polarization type into the first polarization type, whereby the second polarization type is detectable in the imaging portion.