Visible-Band Fluorescence Imaging Without Autofluorescence Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence imaging systems using fluorophores that excite in the UV, violet, and/or blue range and emit in the visible range face challenges from background autofluorescence, which complicates the resolution of exogenous fluorophore regions due to overlapping emission bands, and existing solutions like filters are cumbersome, expensive, and limit white light imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that utilize spectral separation of fluorescence and autofluorescence signals by capturing them in different color channels and applying image processing to generate a corrected fluorescence image, without relying on optical filters, and adjust white light exposure to maintain image balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If filters are used to image light only at a narrow band around the emission peak of the fluorophore, then the ability to resolve fluorescence signal from autofluorescence is improved, but the system becomes limited to specific fluorescence agents and white light imaging capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple wavelength bands captured by different color channels (blue, green, red). Each channel captures specific spectral information, allowing the system to distinguish fluorescence from autofluorescence without requiring physical filters. This segmentation enables simultaneous multi-purpose imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can handle multiple imaging modes (fluorescence imaging, white light imaging, and combined imaging) using the same sensor and processing pipeline. The color channel-based approach allows the system to adapt to different fluorescence agents and imaging requirements without changing hardware, achieving multi-functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If autofluorescence blocking filters are used, then background autofluorescence is reduced, but the system precludes white light imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful autofluorescence signal from the total captured signal by utilizing the spectral characteristics captured in blue and green color channels. Through image processing, the system separates and removes the autofluorescence component while preserving the fluorescence signal and white light information, eliminating the need for blocking filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from optical parameter filtering (using physical filters) to digital parameter processing (using image processing algorithms). By analyzing and processing the spectral information captured in different color channels, the system dynamically removes autofluorescence while maintaining white light imaging capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are manually or robotically inserted and removed, then different fluorescence agents can be imaged, but the system becomes cumbersome, time-consuming, and failure-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter insertion/removal system with a digital image processing system. Instead of physically changing filters to adapt to different fluorescence agents, the system uses software-based spectral analysis and processing on the captured color channel data, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, software-based approach where the system adapts to different fluorescence agents through programmable image processing parameters rather than fixed mechanical configurations. This allows rapid reconfiguration between different imaging scenarios without physical changes to the hardware.
4Use of energy by moving object
If excitation light in the UV, violet, and blue range is used, then fluorophores can be excited for imaging, but background autofluorescence is generated in the blue-green range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful autofluorescence emission into useful information by capturing it in specific color channels (blue and green). The system then uses this captured autofluorescence signal as a reference to perform subtraction and enhancement processing, ultimately improving the visualization of the fluorescence agent while accounting for the autofluorescence background.
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
Effectively distinguish fluorescence emission from autofluorescence, allowing clear visualization of exogenous fluorophores while enabling white light imaging without the need for filters, simplifying operation and reducing user error.
Implementation Method 1
Different fluorophores used in medical imaging excite and emit in different characteristic wavelength ranges. Certain fluorophores used in medical imaging excite in the UV, violet, and/or blue range of about 380-490 nm and emit in the visible light range.
Implementation Method 2
Background autofluorescence may be present, because many tissues and proteins show autofluorescence when illuminated with light at wavelengths of less than about 550 nm. This autofluorescence occurs primarily in the blue-green range of about 425-575 nm.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for fluorescence imaging are provided. A tissue region comprising a target fluorophore is illuminated with an excitation light in a wavelength range of 380-490 nm. First image data of the tissue is captured at an image sensor, wherein the first image comprises an autofluorescence contribution from the tissue and a fluorescence emission contribution from the target fluorophore, wherein the first image data comprises red channel data and green channel data. A corrected fluorescence image is generated, based on the first image data, wherein generating the fluorescence image comprises subtracting a second component based on one of the green channel data or the red channel data from a first component based on the other of the green channel data or the red channel data.