Stereo Endoscope Multispectral Physiological Parameter Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging apparatuses, such as stereo endoscopes, face limitations in effectively determining physiological parameters like oxygen saturation and fat content using multispectral imaging, as they require additional components and complex structures to evaluate spectral information.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus with spatially offset optical paths and filters in each path allows for dual-image formation, enabling the evaluation of physiological parameters using different spectral regions without additional components, by forming difference information between filtered images from each path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional components are added to enable multispectral imaging for physiological parameter determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multispectral imaging capability with existing stereo endoscope structure by integrating filters into the optical paths of the stereo endoscope. The first and second optical paths each include filters (first filter and second filter) that are integrated into the existing imaging apparatus, enabling physiological parameter determination without requiring completely separate multispectral imaging systems. This merging approach allows the stereo endoscope to perform both stereoscopic imaging and multispectral analysis simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture stereoscopic images using the first and second optical paths while simultaneously enabling physiological parameter measurement through the integrated filters. The system can operate in different modes (stereoscopic imaging mode, multispectral imaging mode, and combined mode) making it a universal device that eliminates the need for separate dedicated multispectral imaging equipment.
2Measurement precision
If complex structures are used to evaluate spectral information, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate first and second optical paths, each with its own filter (first filter and second filter). This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be independently produced and then assembled into the complete stereo endoscope system. Each optical path can be manufactured and tested separately before integration, making the overall manufacturing process more manageable compared to a monolithic complex structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different spectra are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses filters as intermediary components that selectively transmit specific spectral regions through the optical paths. Instead of using multiple complex light sources, the filters act as intermediaries that shape and select the spectral content of the light reaching the image sensors. This approach simplifies the light source configuration while maintaining adaptability to different spectral evaluation requirements through the filter transmission characteristics.
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 simplifies the structure while enabling the determination of physiological parameters by leveraging the synergy between different filters and image sensors, allowing for stereoscopic and spatial representation of physiological parameters within an image.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source with a first light spectrum and a second light source with a second light spectrum, wherein the respective light source is configured to illuminate the observation region with the respective light spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the first optical path comprises a first filter with a first filter spectrum and/or the second optical path comprises a second filter with a second filter spectrum
Implementation Method 3
a first image sensor having a first sensor filter and a second image sensor having a second sensor filter, wherein the first image sensor records a first image of the observation region and the second image sensor records a second image
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device, in particular a stereo endoscope or stereo exoscope, includes a first light source and a second light source; a first optical path having a first image sensor having a first sensor filter; and a second optical path having a second image sensor having a second sensor filter; wherein the first optical path and the second optical path are spatially offset from one another, and a first image and a second image form a superposed image having a dual piece of image information. The particular light source is designed to illuminate the viewing region with a particular light spectrum such that physiological parameters of the viewing region can be determined on the basis of the particular light spectrum and different spectral ranges of the particular image can be evaluated to obtain an additional piece(s) of image information regarding the physiological parameters in the viewing region.