Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy Diffractive Grating Color Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrally encoded endoscope (SEE) systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution color imaging due to complexity and cost, particularly with the need for multiple fibers and mechanisms, which affect image resolution and increase manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A SEE apparatus utilizing a diffractive grating and optical fibers to separate and superpose light beams of different orders, with a dichroic mirror for color separation, allowing for improved image resolution by optimizing diffraction efficiency across wavelength bands and reducing the number of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If three light beams at different wavelengths are guided by respective fibers to a single diffraction grating, then color image can be obtained, but the mechanisms become complex and fiber portion becomes thick
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple diffraction gratings are combined into a single integrated diffractive optical element that simultaneously handles multiple wavelengths. The patent merges the functions of separate grating mechanisms into one component that can separate and recombine light beams of different wavelengths (red, green, blue) without requiring multiple rotative connections, thereby reducing mechanism complexity while maintaining color image acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single diffractive optical element performs multiple functions: it separates incident white light into spectral components, directs different wavelength beams to appropriate regions, and recombines them to form color images. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require three separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If three fibers are bundled together, then color information can be transmitted, but the fiber portion becomes thick
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into a single diffractive optical element that processes multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This eliminates the need for bundled fibers and reduces the overall diameter of the optical probe, allowing insertion into smaller lumina while maintaining color image transmission capability.
3Device complexity
If a single diffraction grating and single imaging system are used, then device complexity is reduced, but image resolution decreases due to green wavelength band limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral range is segmented into multiple wavelength bands (red, green, blue) that are processed separately through different diffraction orders and imaging paths. Each wavelength band is optimized for its specific characteristics, with the green wavelength band receiving enhanced resolution through dedicated optical processing, while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are optimized for different wavelength bands. The patent applies local quality enhancement by providing specialized optical paths and processing for the green wavelength band (which is critical for human vision and tissue characterization) while maintaining appropriate processing for red and blue bands, thereby achieving high overall image resolution without requiring complete system complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If resolution of green wavelength band is increased, then final image resolution increases, but detector resolution decreases making improvement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system performs preliminary spectral separation and wavelength-specific routing before the light reaches the detector. By pre-separating and directing different wavelength bands through optimized optical paths, the system prepares the light in a way that maximizes the utilization of detector resolution, particularly for the critical green wavelength band, thereby achieving high image resolution without requiring excessive detector resolution.
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 enhances image resolution, particularly for color images, while minimizing manufacturing and maintenance costs by simplifying the optical system and optimizing diffraction efficiency, leading to improved image quality and reduced component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive grating or element operating to separate and diffract a transmitted light into a plurality of separated light beams of different orders such that the diffracted light beams are overlapped or superposed or substantially overlapped or substantially superposed on a target region
Implementation Method 2
A SEE apparatus utilizing a diffractive grating and optical fibers to separate and superpose light beams of different orders, with a dichroic mirror for color separation
Data Source
AI summary
Two-dimensional image acquiring apparatuses, systems, methods and storage mediums are provided herein. An apparatus includes a Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy (“SEE”) probe including a diffractive element, the diffractive element operating to separate and diffract a transmitted light into separated light beams such that the diffracted light beams are superposed or substantially superposed on a target region; an image sensor that operates to acquire one or more intensities from a detected light; and an imaging optical system that operates to image light beams separated from the detected light, wherein the diffractive element, the imaging optical system, and the sensor are disposed for each of the light beams separated from the detected light to acquire spectral data of each of the light beams separated from the detected light. The diffractive element operates to rotate such that an image of the image sensor is changed, and a two-dimensional image is acquired.