Rotating Spectrally Encoded Endoscope Calibration Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating scanning electron endoscopes (SEE) face challenges in maintaining accurate imaging due to environmental and manufacturing variables, requiring effective calibration methods to correct distortion and ensure consistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus and method that includes a body configured to encompass a portion of the SEE, with a bottomed surface and a calibration chart on the inside wall, allowing for attachment and removal, and utilizing tangential and radial shift calculations to correct distortion by scanning calibration charts with the SEE spectral line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotating SEE is used to increase field of vision, then imaging coverage is improved, but image distortion increases due to environmental and manufacturing variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary calibration before actual imaging operations. A calibration tool with known geometric features is scanned by the rotating SEE to establish reference data that compensates for systematic distortions. This pre-calibration step creates a mapping between expected and actual positions, which is then used to correct subsequent medical images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through comparison of scanned calibration patterns against known reference geometries. The detected deviations from expected patterns are used to calculate correction factors that are applied to compensate for distortion in the rotating SEE imaging system.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to correct distortion, then image accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration components and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tool is designed with universal features that can be scanned and recognized by the SEE system. The same optical principles used for medical imaging are applied to calibration patterns, allowing the system to use identical hardware for both calibration and diagnostic functions without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process creates a digital copy or model of the distortion characteristics. By scanning known geometric patterns and comparing them to their expected appearances, the system builds a computational representation of the distortion that can be mathematically corrected without adding physical correction elements to the imaging path.
3Length of moving object
If a sub-mm diameter probe is used to minimize patient harm, then probe size is reduced, but calibration difficulty increases due to limited space for calibration components
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tool is designed to be nested within or integrated with the SEE probe structure. Calibration features are positioned in concentric arrangements that fit within the limited radial space of the sub-mm probe, allowing calibration functionality to be embedded without increasing overall probe diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration patterns utilize angular and spectral dimensions rather than relying solely on radial space. By encoding calibration information in the angular distribution of reflected light and spectral content, the system achieves high-dimensional calibration data from a compact two-dimensional pattern that fits within the probe's limited physical footprint.
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 solution enables precise calibration of rotating SEE, improving image accuracy and consistency by applying tangential and radial shifts, thereby enhancing the imaging quality and reliability of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
light from a light guiding component found in the SEE probe, (single mode fiber ('SMF') usually for better resolution) is first coupled into a coreless fiber and then into a Gradient Index ('GRIN') lens and then the light is diffracted through a prism with a grating
Implementation Method 2
the polychromatic light emanating from this rotating SEE probe is spectrally dispersed and projected in such a way that each color (wavelength) illuminates a different location on the tissue along the dispersive line
Implementation Method 3
Reflected light from the tissue can be collected and decoded by a spectrometer to form a line of image
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for correcting distortion of a spectrally encoded endoscopy (“SEE”), more specifically, the subject disclosure provides a calibration tool calibrating a rotating spectrally encoded endoscope, which may be reused to recalibrate the endoscope throughout the lifecycle, and which may further act to protect the endoscope during packaging, shipping and handling.