Spectral Endoscope Imaging With Cascaded Beam Splitters in Compact Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic and exoscopic imaging devices face challenges in achieving a compact design while providing high spectral resolution for multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, which is crucial for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates multiple imaging branches with spectrally selective beam splitters and relay optics arranged in a cascade configuration, allowing for a compact design and increased spectral resolution, with image sensors capturing partial images in distinct spectral ranges, and optionally includes additional imaging channels for stereo imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beam splitters and image sensors are arranged in series to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral resolution is improved, but device length and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple imaging branches are integrated within a single shaft. Each imaging branch contains beam splitters and image sensors that are cascaded in series, with the second imaging branch positioned downstream from the first. This nesting allows multiple spectral analysis stages to be contained within a compact longitudinal structure, improving spectral resolution while controlling device length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single linear imaging path to a multi-branch three-dimensional arrangement. Multiple imaging branches are distributed in different spatial dimensions within the shaft, with beam splitters and image sensors arranged in both longitudinal and radial directions. This dimensional expansion allows parallel spectral processing without proportionally increasing device length.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging branches with cascade beam splitters are used to increase spectral resolution, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent imaging branches, each containing its own beam splitters and image sensors. The first imaging branch processes certain spectral ranges while the second imaging branch processes other spectral ranges. This segmentation allows each branch to be optimized independently for specific spectral tasks, improving overall spectral resolution while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the imaging device to perform multiple functions: it captures visible light images, near-infrared images, and short-wave infrared images simultaneously through different imaging branches. The beam splitters and image sensors are configured to handle multiple spectral ranges, making the device universally applicable for various surgical imaging requirements without needing separate devices for each spectral range.
3Ease of operation
If a compact design is implemented for minimally invasive procedures, then ease of operation is improved, but spectral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple imaging branches within a single compact shaft, allowing the device to be inserted through small incisions for minimally invasive procedures. The cascade arrangement of beam splitters and image sensors within each branch enables high spectral resolution to be achieved within the constrained space of a compact endoscopic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical configurations to different parts of the imaging system. The first imaging branch uses beam splitters optimized for visible and near-infrared ranges, while the second imaging branch uses beam splitters optimized for short-wave infrared ranges. This local optimization of optical properties in different regions of the device enables high spectral resolution across multiple bands while maintaining a compact overall structure.
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
This configuration significantly reduces installation space, enhances spectral resolution, and enables real-time spectral display, particularly suitable for minimally invasive procedures by maintaining a compact form factor and allowing for stereo imaging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spectrally selective beam splitter, which spectrally selectively divides an optical image of the area to be examined into at least one first spectral partial image of a first spectral range and at least one further first spectral partial image of a further first spectral range
Implementation Method 2
at least one relay optic comprising a pair of rod lenses for forwarding the further first partial image
Implementation Method 3
at least one image sensor for capturing the first spectral partial image
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscopic and/or exoscopic imaging device (10) for spectral, in particular multispectral and/or hyperspectral, imaging for an endoscope (12), microscope (13) and/or an exoscope (14), comprising at least one shaft (16) and comprising at least one imaging channel (18) situated at least in part in the shaft (16), which imaging channel comprises at least one first imaging branch (20) that has at least one first spectrally selective beam splitter (22) that spectrally selectively splits an optical image (24) of an original spectral range (28, 32, 44, 48, 64, 68) into at least one first partial spectral image (26) of a first spectral range (28) and at least one further first partial spectral image (30) of a further first spectral range (32), wherein the first spectral range (28) is different from the further first spectral range (32), and the first imaging branch (20) comprises a first image sensor (34), at least for capturing the first partial spectral image (26), and the first imaging branch (20) comprises at least one first relay lens (36) for relaying the further first partial image (30). According to the invention, the imaging channel (18) comprises at least one second imaging branch (38) that has at least one second spectrally selective beam splitter (40) that spectrally selectively splits the further first partial image (30) of the further first spectral range (32) into at least a second partial spectral image (42) of a second spectral range (44) and at least one further second partial spectral image (46) of a further second spectral range (48), wherein the second spectral range (44) is different from the further second spectral range (48), and the second imaging branch (38) comprises at least one second image sensor (50) at least for capturing the second partial spectral image (42), and the second imaging branch (38) comprises at least one second relay lens (52) for relaying the further second partial image (46), wherein the first relay lens (36) of the first imaging branch (20) and the second relay lens (52) of the second imaging branch (38) are arranged one behind the other so that an image plane (54) of the first relay lens (36) is identical to the object plane (56) of the second relay lens (52).