Sliding Lens Endoscopic Hyperspectral Imaging for Stable Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic hyperspectral imaging systems face challenges due to large mechanical assemblies that require powerful motors and are prone to calibration issues and mechanical failures, making them unsuitable for medical scopes.
Innovation Solution
A compact hyperspectral imaging device with a sliding lens group that moves linearly to scan the image, using a focal plane array sensor to capture spectrally dispersed light, and an image processor to create a hyperspectral data cube, while maintaining mechanical stability and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional spectrograph design with a moving optical assembly is used, then spectral dispersion can be achieved, but the device becomes large, complex, and mechanically unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spectrograph design with a purely optical scanning system. Instead of moving the entire spectrograph optical assembly mechanically, the invention uses a scanning lens that moves a small lateral distance to deflect light onto a linear array sensor, eliminating complex mechanical assemblies and their associated motors and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional components: an imaging objective, a scanning lens positioned at the intermediate image plane, and a linear array sensor. This segmentation allows the scanning function to be separated from the spectrographic function, enabling a simpler overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If a large mechanical assembly is used to move the spectrograph entrance slit, then spectral imaging can be performed, but the device size increases and mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for large mechanical assemblies by using optical scanning with a small lens that moves laterally. This optical approach replaces the mechanical movement of the entrance slit, significantly improving mechanical stability while maintaining spectral imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of movement from the optical axis direction (traditional spectrograph slit movement) to a lateral dimension perpendicular to the optical axis. The scanning lens moves laterally to deflect light onto different portions of the linear array sensor, achieving spectral scanning without axial mechanical movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a powerful motor and large mechanical assembly are used, then the spectrograph can be moved, but the device becomes more prone to calibration issues and mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the powerful motor-driven mechanical assembly with a simple optical scanning mechanism. The scanning lens moves a small distance laterally to achieve the same spectrograph positioning function, eliminating motors, actuators, and associated mechanical components that are prone to failure and calibration drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning lens system is designed to be self-aligning and self-calibrating through its optical geometry. The lateral movement of the scanning lens naturally deflects light onto the appropriate sensor elements without requiring complex feedback control or calibration procedures, improving reliability.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used to fit medical scope form factor, then the device can be used in medical applications, but spectral dispersion and image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compactness by moving the scanning operation to a lateral dimension rather than requiring axial space for mechanical spectrograph movement. The scanning lens moves laterally at the intermediate image plane to deflect light onto the linear array sensor, enabling compact design while maintaining spectral dispersion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses optical scanning with a small lens instead of mechanical spectrograph movement, enabling a compact form factor suitable for medical scopes while preserving spectral imaging capability through the optical deflection of light onto the linear array sensor.
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 provides stable, efficient, and cost-effective hyperspectral imaging suitable for medical scopes by minimizing mechanical complexity and ensuring reliable operation across a desired range.
Implementation Method 1
A dispersive element is constructed and arranged to receive incident light from the slit and spectrally disperse it along a direction perpendicular to a width of the slit
Implementation Method 2
A sliding lens group is arranged between the optical channel and the first image plane and adapted to move linearly in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging channel and perpendicular to a length of the slit, to direct the incident light in a varying offset position thereby scanning the entire image over the slit
Implementation Method 3
an optical channel arranged to focus incident light at a first image plane to form an image at a first image plane
Implementation Method 4
A focal plane array sensor at the second image plane is operable to detect the spectrally dispersed light
Data Source
AI summary
A hyperspectral imaging device includes an optical channel arranged to focus light at a first image plane. A spectrometer includes a slit formed at the first image plane to allow a slit-shaped portion of the light pass through. A dispersive element receives light from the slit and spectrally disperses it along a direction perpendicular to a width of the slit. A focusing lens focuses the spectrally dispersed light at a second image plane such that the spectral dispersion is imaged along a first axis thereof, and a spatial image of the slit width is imaged along a second axis for detection by a sensor. A sliding lens group between the optical channel and the first image plane moves to direct the incident light, scanning the entire image over the slit such that multiple frames acquired by the sensor each correspond to a horizontal line of the image.