Spatial Encoding Imaging System for Deep Tissue Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in achieving deep penetration and high resolution for in-vivo biological tissue imaging, particularly due to limitations in spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and the inability to effectively image through scattering media like blood.
Innovation Solution
A spatial encoding system that uses a light source to generate a light beam and a spatial encoding pattern generator to concurrently illuminate an object with multiple spatial encoding patterns of distinct wavelengths, allowing for deeper imaging through scattering media by filtering out scattered photons and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multimode fibers are used to increase intensity transmittance, then image brightness is improved, but information scrambling occurs and image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fiber bundle into multiple individual fiber cores, each acting as an independent transmission channel. By spacing cores sufficiently apart, cross-talk is minimized while maintaining high transmittance, thus resolving the contradiction between brightness and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the core diameter parameter to be smaller than in traditional multimode fibers, and increases the spacing between cores. This parameter optimization allows maintaining high intensity transmittance while preventing information scrambling and preserving image resolution.
2Measurement precision
If single mode fiber bundles are used to reduce information scrambling, then image resolution is improved, but image brightness and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the core diameter parameter to a specific range that balances single-mode transmission characteristics with sufficient light-gathering capability. This allows achieving both high resolution and adequate brightness, overcoming the limitation of traditional single-mode fiber bundles.
3Measurement precision
If fiber core-to-core length is reduced to improve resolution, then spatial resolution is enhanced, but penetration depth through scattering medium deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different spatial frequencies to different regions of the object by using structured illumination patterns. High spatial frequencies are used for surface features while lower frequencies penetrate deeper, allowing simultaneous achievement of high resolution and deep penetration through adaptive local quality control.
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 enables deeper penetration and improved resolution for in-vivo imaging by effectively filtering out scattered photons and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
spatial encoding pattern generator to encode the imaging beam so as to concurrently illuminate an object by a plurality of different spatial encoding patterns, wherein each encoding pattern of said different encoding patterns is characterized by a distinct wavelength of the imaging pattern
Implementation Method 2
enables deeper imaging through scattering media by filtering out scattered photons and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B(b)
Figure 2A~2B(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for imaging may include an illumination system that includes a light source to generate a light beam; and a spatial encoding pattern generator comprising one or a plurality of optical elements to encode the imaging beam so as to concurrently illuminate an object by a plurality of different spatial encoding patterns, wherein each encoding pattern of said different encoding patterns is characterized by a distinct wavelength of the imaging pattern. The system may also include an imaging sensor for receiving the encoded imaging beam transmitted through the object or reflected off the object; and a processor for decoding image data from the imaging and reconstructing an image of the object.