Two-Chip Image Detection Module for Fluorescent Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent endoscope systems face challenges in accurately detecting faint fluorescent light due to low sensitivity and optical noise, and they struggle with asynchronous image processing, leading to frame loss and decreased system speed, which complicates quantitative analysis and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent endoscope system with a two-chip integration image detection module, where both reflection and fluorescent light are detected synchronously, and a digital control unit ensures frame coincidence, allowing for accurate superimposition and display of images, while a gain control unit adjusts brightness to compensate for distance and geometry-related intensity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a color TV camera is used for fluorescent observation, then the system can provide visual inspection and fluorescent observation, but the sensitivity to fluorescent light is insufficient and optical noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image detection module is divided into two separate detection paths: a first optical detection chip for detecting reflected excitation light and a second optical detection chip for detecting fluorescent light. This segmentation allows each chip to be optimized for its specific detection task, with the second chip being highly sensitive to fluorescent light while the first chip handles the excitation light detection, thereby resolving the sensitivity limitation of using a single color TV camera.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the diagnostic object and the second optical detection chip. This filter transmits only fluorescent light to the second detection chip while blocking excitation light, thereby eliminating optical noise and enhancing the sensitivity to fluorescent light signals without requiring the detection chip itself to be modified.
2Ease of operation
If reflected excitation light is partially transmitted through the optical filter, then the physician can recognize the position and direction of the diagnostic object, but optical noise increases and faint fluorescent light cannot be perceived
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function by using a first optical detection chip to detect reflected excitation light (providing positional information) and a second optical detection chip with high sensitivity to detect fluorescent light. This allows the system to maintain both the ability to recognize diagnostic object position and the sensitivity to perceive faint fluorescent light, as each chip performs its specialized function without the other's limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter acts as an intermediary that selectively transmits only fluorescent light to the second detection chip, completely blocking excitation light. This eliminates optical noise while preserving the positional information detection capability through the first chip, thereby enabling simultaneous achievement of both ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If two TV cameras are used for separate detection of reflected and fluorescent light, then quantitative analysis accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases and frame loss occurs due to asynchronous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection system by integrating both the first and second optical detection chips into a single image detection module that operates synchronously. This unified module captures both reflected excitation light and fluorescent light at the same time, eliminating frame loss and asynchronous operation issues while maintaining the quantitative analysis accuracy provided by separate detection paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using two separate TV cameras that operate independently and require complex synchronization, the system uses two optical detection chips within a single integrated module that captures images simultaneously. This copying approach maintains the separate detection functions while simplifying the system architecture and eliminating frame loss through synchronized operation.
4Measurement precision
If a monochrome camera with high sensitivity is used, then fluorescent light detection is improved, but the ability to perceive reflected excitation light for positional recognition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The image detection module is segmented into two functional detection paths: the first optical detection chip detects reflected excitation light for positional recognition, while the second optical detection chip with high sensitivity detects fluorescent light. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both capabilities simultaneously, as each chip is dedicated to its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter serves as an intermediary that directs reflected excitation light to the first detection chip and fluorescent light to the second detection chip. This intermediary component enables the system to use a high-sensitivity monochrome detection approach for fluorescent light while separately capturing reflected light information, thereby maintaining both sensitivity and positional recognition capabilities.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient detection of fluorescent light, minimizing frame loss and improving diagnostic accuracy by synchronizing image capture and compensating for intensity variations, thus enhancing the precision of fluorescent endoscopic diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source (e.g., D-LIGHT) of blue light as excitation light, which is composed of a xenon lamp and an optical fiber, and provides fluorescent observation of dubious parts induced by a contrast medium (e.g., ALA)
Implementation Method 2
an optical source of white light and provides detailed observation of the surface of an internal organ as a normal endoscope system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved fluorescent endoscope system having reduced factors that cause errors during diagnosis based on quantitative evaluation of fluorescent intensity for improved accuracy of fluorescent endoscopic diagnosis. The fluorescent endoscope system includes an optical source module for providing white light or excitation light; an endoscope assembly having an optical transmission path for transmitting light provided from the optical source module to a diagnostic object and an optical detection module for transmitting reflection light and fluorescent light from the diagnostic object; an optical path split means for splitting the path of the reflection light and fluorescent light transmitted from the endoscope assembly; and a two-chip integration image detection module having a first optical detection chip for detecting the reflection light and outputting a first optical detection signal, a second optical detection chip for detecting the excitation light and outputting a second optical detection signal, a gain control unit for controlling a signal amplification gain value to adjust the brightness of an image detected by the first optical detection chip, a first amplification unit for amplifying the first optical detection signal according to the signal amplification gain value, and a second amplification unit for amplifying the second optical detection signal according to a changing ratio of the signal amplification gain value.