Variable-Focus Lens Autofocus for Chromatic Aberration in Endoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art endoscopes used for fluorescent imaging, particularly with indocyanine green (ICG), require manual refocusing when switching between visible light and infrared modes due to chromatic focal differences, leading to poor signal-to-noise ratios and low-quality images.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system with a deformable, variable focal length lens that automatically adjusts focus to compensate for chromatic focal differences between visible and infrared light bands, allowing for in-focus imaging across multiple spectra, and an image processor that combines and displays images from different wavelength bands in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual refocusing is used when switching between visible light and infrared modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an autofocus mechanism that dynamically adjusts the focal length of the objective lens based on the detected wavelength band. The system automatically switches between visible light and infrared fluorescence imaging modes by adjusting the lens focus, eliminating the need for manual refocusing while maintaining optimal image quality across different spectral ranges.
2Ease of operation
If chromatic focal differences are not compensated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio and image quality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an autofocus control mechanism that detects the wavelength band being used and provides feedback to adjust the objective lens focal length accordingly. This automatic feedback loop compensates for chromatic focal differences between visible and infrared wavelengths, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios without requiring manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If a deformable lens with automatic focus adjustment is implemented, then the image quality and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens is equipped with an integrated autofocus mechanism that automatically adjusts its own focal length based on the detected wavelength band. The system serves itself by detecting whether visible light or infrared fluorescence imaging is being performed and autonomously optimizing the focus, thereby improving image quality without requiring complex external focusing mechanisms.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual refocusing procedures are required, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the productivity and imaging speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focus adjustment automatically based on the detected wavelength band before actual imaging begins. The autofocus mechanism pre-configures the objective lens focal length according to whether visible light or infrared fluorescence mode is active, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual refocusing procedures and improving imaging productivity.
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
Enables high-quality, real-time imaging by maintaining focus across different wavelength bands, improving signal-to-noise ratios and allowing for sequential or composite display of visible and non-visible light images, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
chromatic focal differences between visible and infrared light bands
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescing agent such as a dye may be injected or otherwise administered to tissue and an excitation light directed toward the tissue. Responsive to the excitation light, the fluorescing agent fluoresces (emits light typically at a longer wavelength than the excitation light)
Data Source
AI summary
Improved fluorescent imaging and other sensor data imaging processes, including hyperspectral imaging, devices, and systems are provided to enhance endoscopes with multiple wavelength capabilities and providing sequential imaging and display. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an imaging unit including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device using one or more deformable, variable-focus lenses, wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the light collected at distinct wavelength bands caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Further variable spectrum imaging is enhanced with the use of adjustable spectral filters.