Variable Aperture Stop for Fluorescent Light Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in clearly capturing and observing weak fluorescent light images in medical applications like photodynamic diagnosis and therapy, where the fluorescent light is overwhelmed by strong illumination light, leading to loss of detail and requiring complex device configurations.
Innovation Solution
A variable aperture stop that differentiates between illumination and fluorescent light wavelengths, allowing the fluorescent light to be transmitted without reduction while reducing or blocking illumination light, enabling clear observation of both images with adjustable balance and focal depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a filter for separating subject image into RGB components and filter driving mechanism are provided, then the fluorescent light image can be emphasized, but the device configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of wavelength separation by providing a simple aperture stop with a wavelength-selective filter, eliminating the need for complex RGB separation filters and driving mechanisms while achieving the goal of emphasizing fluorescent light images
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture stop structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an aperture for light control and incorporates a wavelength-selective filter for separating fluorescent light from illumination light, reducing device complexity while maintaining functionality
2Measurement precision
If the illumination light component is substantially reduced, then the fluorescent light image can be observed, but the operation room must be darkened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by using a wavelength-selective filter that specifically targets the wavelength range of illumination light for reduction while maintaining transmission of fluorescent light wavelengths, allowing selective control without requiring overall darkening of the operation room
3Measurement precision
If an optical filter for cutting excitation light and transmitting infrared light and visible light is used, then the balance between infrared light image and visible light image can be achieved, but the focal plane of fluorescent light and visible light become different
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a variable aperture area that can dynamically adjust the balance between fluorescent light and visible light transmission, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging conditions and maintain proper focal plane alignment across different wavelengths
4Adaptability or versatility
If the area of aperture area is made variable, then the balance between light amounts can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a variable aperture area that can dynamically adjust the balance between fluorescent light and visible light transmission, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging conditions while maintaining relatively simple structure through mechanical or electronic control mechanisms
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 allows for clear and simultaneous capture of both subject and fluorescent light images, even under varying illumination conditions, without complicating the device configuration, and maintains the effectiveness of the fluorescent light image while adjusting for focal depth and balance.
Implementation Method 1
the filter area transmits light in a wavelength range corresponding to fluorescent light from an observed area of a subject, and reduces or blocks transmission of light in a wavelength range corresponding to illumination light to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture stop 10A includes a filter area 1 formed on a flat-plate substrate 23, and an aperture area 2 formed inside the filter area 1. The filter area 1 transmits infrared light and reduces or blocks the transmission of visible light. The aperture area 2 transmits light in the wavelength range corresponding to fluorescent light from an observed area of a subject and light in the wavelength range corresponding to illumination light to the subject. The aperture stop 10A does not reduce the light in the wavelength range corresponding to fluorescent light from the observed area of the subject, but variably reduces visible light since the area of the aperture area 2 is variable. Therefore, it becomes possible to simultaneously and clearly observe, with a simple method, a subject image formed by illumination light in the visible light band and an observed image formed by weak fluorescent light from the observed area of the subject in the infrared light band.