Pulsed Fluorescence Endoscope Imaging Without Clock Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpiece units face challenges in capturing high-quality images in light deficient environments due to misalignment and fragility, and are limited to color imaging, while fluorescence imaging requires specialized systems that are costly and inefficient for multi-reagent applications.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a monochromatic pixel array and a pulsing emitter that generates RGB images with fluorescence data overlaid, using a Clock Data Recovery (CDR) system to synchronize data without an output clock, allowing multiple imaging techniques in a single session with a single image sensor at the distal endoscope tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor can capture color images, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional endoscope architecture by placing the image sensor at the distal end tip instead of in the handpiece unit. This reversal allows the sensor to be positioned where the optical path originates, eliminating the need for light transmission through the endoscope length and preventing misalignment issues. The sensor is integrated into the distal tip assembly with the optical elements, creating a more robust configuration that withstands bending and movement during procedures.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluorescent reagents are imaged using specialized fluorescence imaging systems, then fluorescence data can be captured, but the system becomes costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging approach where a single monochromatic image sensor at the distal end captures both color images and fluorescence data. The sensor records reflected light for color imaging and emitted light for fluorescence imaging through the same optical path. By using a monochromatic sensor without color filter arrays, the system can detect fluorescence emissions across the spectrum while maintaining the ability to capture reflected light, eliminating the need for separate fluorescence imaging systems for different reagents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges color imaging and fluorescence imaging functions into a single integrated system. The distal end tip contains both the light source for excitation and the monochromatic image sensor for detection, combining multiple imaging modalities in one compact unit. This integration allows simultaneous or sequential capture of reflected light and fluorescence emissions through the same optical path, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining imaging precision.
3Volume of moving object
If a monochromatic pixel array is used instead of a color filter array, then the sensor can fit in the distal end and capture both color and fluorescence data, but clock synchronization becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal generation function from the external handpiece unit and places it within the distal end tip controller. The controller generates the clock signal locally and transmits it to the image sensor through the same data path used for image data. This extraction eliminates the need for separate clock transmission lines and simplifies the synchronization architecture. The monochromatic sensor reads out image data in response to the locally generated clock signal, maintaining precise synchronization while reducing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple imaging techniques are performed in separate sessions, then each technique can be optimized, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous multi-modal imaging by capturing both color and fluorescence data in a single imaging session through the same monochromatic sensor. The sensor alternates between capturing reflected light for color images and emitted light for fluorescence images without requiring physical reconfiguration or separate procedure steps. This continuous imaging approach maintains optimal image quality for both modalities while reducing total procedure time, as the controller manages the switching between imaging modes seamlessly during a single endoscopic procedure.
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-quality, multi-modal imaging in light deficient environments with improved durability and efficiency, allowing for precise identification of structures and tissues using fluorescence data overlaid on RGB images, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing image quality within the constraints of a small distal tip size.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is configured to sense reflected electromagnetic radiation for generating a plurality of exposure frames
Implementation Method 2
an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescent reagent or dye administered to a body and configured to emit light having a wavelength different from the emitted light from the emitter when the fluorescent reagent or dye absorbs the emitted light from the emitter
Data Source
AI summary
Pulsed fluorescence imaging without input clock or data transmission clock is disclosed. 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 system includes a plurality of bidirectional data pads and a controller in communication with the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.