KR102695988B1 - Optical imaging apparatus including wavelength converting light source and method for generating optical image using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical imaging device and an optical image generation method using the same, and more specifically, to an optical imaging device which generates narrowband light whose wavelength is converted from a light source and irradiates it onto a sample to generate an optical image, and to an optical image generation method using the same.
The present invention discloses an optical imaging device which generates an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light to the sample, the optical imaging device comprising: a light source unit including one or more optical wavelength converters which convert light of a first wavelength into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength; and a light detection unit which detects light reflected or emitted from a sample on which the narrowband light of the different wavelength emitted from the light source unit is irradiated.

Description

{OPTICAL IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING WAVELENGTH CONVERTING LIGHT SOURCE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING OPTICAL IMAGE USING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an optical imaging device and an optical image generation method using the same, and more specifically, to an optical imaging device which generates narrowband light whose wavelength is converted from a light source, irradiates the light onto a sample, and generates an optical image, and a method for generating an optical image using the same.

An optical imaging device is a device that creates and provides an optical image of a sample that a user wishes to observe. More specifically, representative examples of the optical imaging device include endoscopes used in the medical or industrial fields, and various optical imaging devices are also utilized in various fields.

The optical imaging device may be configured to include a light source unit that generates a predetermined light that is irradiated on a sample to be observed, and a light detection unit that detects light reflected or emitted from the sample. Furthermore, various attempts have been made recently to improve the quality of images in the optical imaging device or to provide functions.

For a more specific example, when observing a subject's affected area using the endoscope, narrow band imaging (NBI) technology that can improve the contrast of the affected area image by using a narrow band light source of a specific wavelength has been in the spotlight. The narrow band imaging technology irradiates narrow band light of a wavelength similar to the absorption wavelength band of the affected area to the affected area, and then detects the light reflected or emitted from the affected area, thereby obtaining an image with improved contrast. For example, in an endoscopic examination to screen for cancer, etc., narrow band visible light of 415 nm and 540 nm bands corresponding to hemoglobin is irradiated to generate an endoscopic image, thereby generating an endoscopic image with improved contrast of vascular tissue, and thus making it possible to make a more clear diagnosis of the affected area. Figure 1 illustrates a conventional endoscopic image (Figure 1 (a)) and an endoscopic image with enhanced contrast of vascular tissue using the narrowband light source (Figure 1 (b)).

However, in the past, in order to configure the narrow-band light source, as can be seen in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5371702, a method was used in which a narrow-band transmission filter was added to a broadband light source such as a xenon lamp to generate narrow-band light of a specific wavelength. However, in this case, the xenon lamp not only has a short lifespan, but also consumes a large amount of power to operate it, which makes it difficult to operate and manage the system. In addition, there was a problem in that the light output (intensity) of the narrow-band light transmitted through the narrow-band transmission filter was significantly reduced, which resulted in significant restrictions in its use.

In addition, recently, attempts have been made to construct a narrowband light source using a laser (e.g., a blue laser) or to construct a light source by adding a broadband laser (white laser) thereto. However, even in these cases, the wavelength of the laser that can be generated is limited to certain specific wavelengths, so there are limitations in using the optical imaging device for various purposes.

Furthermore, there is a need to further improve the characteristics, such as contrast, of a specific object such as a blood vessel, or to generate various narrowband images for multiple objects by selectively using narrowband light of one or more wavelengths instead of using only one narrowband light to generate the narrowband image, but the conventional technology described above has had difficulty in generating various narrowband images using various types of narrowband light.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 5371702

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an optical imaging device having a light source capable of improving the lifespan and power consumption of the light source and generating narrowband light with higher optical output, and an optical image generation method using the same.

In addition, the present invention aims to provide an optical imaging device having a light source capable of generating narrowband light of various wavelengths and a method for generating an optical image using the same.

Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an optical imaging device capable of generating various narrowband images by selectively using narrowband light of one or more wavelengths, and an optical image generating method using the same.

Other detailed purposes of the present invention will be clearly understood and determined by experts or researchers in this technical field through the specific contents described below.

According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an optical imaging device is provided which generates an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light onto the sample, the optical imaging device comprising: a light source unit including one or more optical wavelength converters which convert light of a first wavelength into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength; and a light detection unit which detects light reflected or emitted from a sample onto which the narrowband light of the different wavelength emitted from the light source unit is irradiated.

Here, for the one or more optical wavelength conversion units, a control unit capable of controlling the intensity or emission of narrowband light of the other wavelength may be further included.

Additionally, the light source unit may include a plurality of narrow-band light generating units that convert light of the first wavelength to generate narrow-band light of different wavelengths.

In addition, the light source unit may further include a first light source that outputs narrowband light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a second light source that outputs narrowband light of a third wavelength different from the second wavelength.

Additionally, the light source unit may include a narrow-band light generating unit that generates narrow-band light from light of the first wavelength, and a white light generating unit that generates white light.

At this time, the white light generating unit may further include a control unit capable of controlling the intensity or emission of the white light.

In addition, the optical wavelength conversion unit may be configured to include a second wavelength conversion material that receives light of the first wavelength, converts it into narrowband light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and emits the converted light.

At this time, the optical wavelength conversion unit may further include a third wavelength conversion material that receives light of the first wavelength, converts it into narrowband light of a third wavelength different from the second wavelength, and emits it.

Additionally, the light source unit may further include an optical filter unit capable of filtering part or all of the light of the first wavelength.

In addition, the optical wavelength conversion unit may be configured to include a plurality of sub-optical wavelength conversion units that convert light of the first wavelength into different wavelengths, and an incident light setting unit that sets light of the first wavelength to be incident on one of the plurality of sub-optical wavelength conversion units.

In addition, the optical wavelength conversion unit may include a substrate through which narrowband light of the other wavelength can pass, and a light conversion layer formed on the substrate to convert light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of the other wavelength.

At this time, the photoconversion layer may be configured to include a quantum dot or a fluorescent substance.

In addition, the optical wavelength conversion unit may further include an optical filter layer that filters part or all of the light of the first wavelength while transmitting light of the other wavelength.

Furthermore, the substrate may filter out some or all of the light of the first wavelength while transmitting the light of the other wavelength.

At this time, an optical image generation unit may be further included that generates an optical image by using data detected by the light detection unit together with narrowband light of different wavelengths generated by the plurality of narrowband light generation units.

In addition, an optical image generation unit may be further included that generates an optical image by using detection data detected by the light detection unit for the narrowband light and data detected by the light detection unit for the white light together.

In addition, an optical image generation unit may further be included that generates an optical image by using data detected by the photodetector for narrowband light of the second wavelength and data detected by the photodetector for narrowband light of the third wavelength together.

Additionally, the light source unit may include two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

At this time, for the two or more light-emitting diodes, a control unit capable of individually controlling the light emission time or the intensity of the light emitted by each light-emitting diode may be further included.

In addition, the control unit can control the two or more light-emitting diodes to emit light simultaneously.

Additionally, the control unit can control one light-emitting diode to emit light while another light-emitting diode does not emit light.

At this time, the control unit can control the light of the light-emitting diode to blink at a predetermined cycle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for generating an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light onto the sample is characterized by including: an optical wavelength conversion step for converting light of a first wavelength into narrowband light of one or more wavelengths different from the first wavelength; and a light detection step for detecting light reflected or emitted from the sample irradiated with the narrowband light of one or more wavelengths different from the first wavelength.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a light source device is a light source device that generates a predetermined light to be irradiated onto a sample to generate an optical image, the light source device comprising: a light generating unit that generates light of a first wavelength; and one or more optical wavelength converting units that convert the light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength.

At this time, a white light generating unit that generates white light may be further included.

In an optical imaging device and an optical image generation method using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention, a narrowband light whose wavelength is converted is generated by using a wavelength conversion material in a light source, thereby improving the lifespan and power consumption of the light source, while generating and using narrowband light with higher optical output in the optical imaging device.

In addition, the present invention has the effect of being able to selectively use narrowband light of one or more wavelengths when generating an optical image by configuring a light source including one or more optical wavelength conversion units and an incident light setting unit for the same, and further being able to generate various narrowband images by using the same.

The accompanying drawings, which are included as a part of the detailed description to aid understanding of the present invention, provide embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, explain the technical idea of the present invention.
Figure 1 is an example of a typical narrowband endoscopic image.
Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of an optical imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating narrowband optical conversion in an optical imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a drawing explaining the operation of an optical imaging device equipped with a narrow-band light generating unit and a white light generating unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a drawing explaining the operation of an optical imaging device equipped with a plurality of sub-wavelength conversion units and an incident light setting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing exemplifying the structure of an optical wavelength conversion unit in an optical imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a block diagram of an optical imaging device including an optical image generating unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a flowchart of an optical image generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. First, when adding reference symbols to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same symbols as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is judged that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, it should be understood that the technical idea of the present invention is not limited or restricted thereto and can be implemented by those skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of an optical imaging device equipped with a wavelength conversion light source according to the present invention and an optical image generation method using the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

First, FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration diagram of an optical imaging device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the optical imaging device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is an optical imaging device (100) that generates an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light to the sample, and may be configured to include a light source unit (110) including one or more optical wavelength conversion units (114) that converts light of a first wavelength into narrowband light of a different wavelength from the first wavelength, and a light detection unit (120) that detects light reflected or emitted from the sample to which the narrowband light of the different wavelength emitted from the light source unit (110) is irradiated. In addition, the light source unit (110) may include a light generation unit (112) that generates light of the first wavelength and provides it to the optical wavelength conversion unit (114).

At this time, the light generation unit (112) may use various light emitting elements such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser. More specifically, the light generation unit (112) may adopt a light emitting element capable of providing incident light of a wavelength that can be determined depending on the type of wavelength conversion material used in the light wavelength conversion unit (114). For example, when a quantum dot (QD) is used as a wavelength conversion material in the light wavelength conversion unit (114), a light emitting diode (for example, an ultraviolet emitting diode) capable of providing light of a wavelength that can be used as incident light for the quantum dot may be adopted as a light emitting element in the light generation unit (112). In addition, when implementing the quantum dot, it may have the characteristic that the wavelength band of the emitted light can be implemented differently depending on the size of the particle as a semiconductor particle of nanometer size.

Of course, depending on the type of the wavelength conversion material, etc., various light-emitting elements may be used in the light-generating unit (112). For example, instead of the ultraviolet light-emitting diode, a laser generating device that emits ultraviolet light may be used. Furthermore, when a fluorescent substance or another type of quantum dot is used as the wavelength conversion material, various light-emitting elements such as a light-emitting diode of a different wavelength may be used instead of an ultraviolet light-emitting element.

In particular, when a light-emitting diode (LED) is used as a light-emitting element in the light-generating unit (112), it can have the advantage of being able to effectively control whether the light-emitting diode (LED) emits light and the light output (intensity) through electrical control. That is, by controlling whether the light-emitting diode (LED) emits light, it is possible to select whether to irradiate narrowband light, and accordingly, it is possible to conveniently switch the operation mode of the optical imaging device, such as selecting the operation mode as a narrowband image or a general image.

Furthermore, by controlling the light output (intensity) of the light emitting diode (LED), the spectral waveform of the light irradiated onto the sample can be adjusted, and thus the characteristics of the narrowband image generated can also be adjusted.

In addition, the light generation unit (112) may generate narrowband light of the first wavelength and provide it to the light wavelength conversion unit (114), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and if the light wavelength conversion unit (114) can generate narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength, it is also possible to generate and provide broadband light from the light generation unit (112).

Furthermore, in the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit (110) may include two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). At this time, the control unit (130) may individually control the light emitting time or the intensity of the light emitted from each of the two or more light emitting diodes, or may control the two or more light emitting diodes to emit light simultaneously. In addition, the control unit may control so that light is not emitted from one light emitting diode while the other light emitting diodes are emitted. Furthermore, the control unit (130) may control the light from the light emitting diodes to blink at a predetermined cycle.

Next, the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) receives light of the first wavelength generated by the light generation unit (112) and converts it into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength.

At this time, the optical imaging device (100) according to the present invention does not have to include the light generating unit (112), and it is also possible to receive light of the first wavelength generated from an external light generating unit (112) and convert it into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength in the light wavelength conversion unit (114).

The above-mentioned optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can convert light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength by using a quantum dot (QD) or a fluorescent substance, and in addition, if it can receive light of the first wavelength and convert it into narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength, it can be used without any special restrictions.

Fig. 3 illustrates narrowband optical conversion in an optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in Fig. 3, when incident light (λ ₁ ) of a first wavelength generated from a light generating unit (112) is irradiated to an optical wavelength conversion unit (114), the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can generate and output various narrowband lights from the incident light (λ ₁ ) of the first wavelength.

For a more specific example, in the case where an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light emitting element in the light generating unit (112) in FIG. 3, light of an ultraviolet wavelength (λ ₁ ) is generated in the light generating unit (112) ((A) of FIG. 1) and irradiated to the light wavelength conversion unit (114).

Accordingly, the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can convert the light of the ultraviolet wavelength into narrowband light of a specific wavelength (λ ₂ ) required for the narrowband image ((B) of FIG. 1) and output it. For example, when capturing a narrowband endoscopic image with improved contrast for vascular tissue, the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can be configured using a quantum dot (QD) that can convert the light of the ultraviolet wavelength into narrowband light of a wavelength of 415 nm or 540 nm corresponding to hemoglobin.

Furthermore, the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can convert the light of the ultraviolet wavelength into narrowband light of a plurality of specific wavelengths (λ ₂ , λ ₃ ) required for the narrowband image ((C) of FIG. 1) and output it. For example, by configuring the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) to include a quantum dot (QD) corresponding to the 415 nm wavelength and a quantum dot (QD) corresponding to the 540 nm wavelength for the narrowband endoscopic image, it is possible to generate a narrowband image corresponding to both the 415 nm and 540 nm wavelengths.

In addition, if necessary, the light of the first wavelength (λ ₁ ) irradiated from the light generating unit (112) may be emitted from the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) together with narrowband light of the wavelength (λ ₃ ) converted from the light of the first wavelength ((C) of FIG. 1).

When light of the first wavelength (λ ₁ ) is irradiated from the light generating unit (112) to the optical wavelength conversion unit (114), the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) absorbs the light of the first wavelength, converts it into narrowband light of a different wavelength, and emits it. At this time, depending on the concentration, thickness, etc. of the wavelength conversion material such as a quantum dot (QD) included in the optical wavelength conversion unit (114), a part of the light of the first wavelength may directly transmit through the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and be emitted. Accordingly, in cases where it is necessary to block light of the first wavelength, an optical filter (not shown) may be further included in the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) to block part or all of the light of the first wavelength while allowing light of a different wavelength to transmit.

Accordingly, the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) converts the light of the first wavelength (λ ₁ ) generated by the light generation unit (112) into narrowband light of a different wavelength from the first wavelength. In particular, if the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) is configured using the quantum dot (QD) discussed above, high conversion efficiency can be implemented, so that narrowband light of high optical output (intensity) can be generated and used while reducing power consumption. Furthermore, since the quantum dot (QD) can generate narrowband light of various wavelengths by adjusting its size, etc., it can be conveniently applied to various applications in various fields such as medicine and industry.

Furthermore, the light source unit (110) may further include a first light source (not shown) that outputs narrowband light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a second light source (not shown) that outputs narrowband light of a third wavelength different from the second wavelength. For example, when the light generation unit (112) of the first light source generates light of the first wavelength, the light wavelength conversion unit (114) of the first light source may convert the light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of the second wavelength and emit the converted light. At this time, when the light generation unit (112) of the second light source generates light of the first wavelength (or may be another wavelength), the light wavelength conversion unit (114) of the second light source may convert the light of the first wavelength and output narrowband light of a third wavelength different from the second wavelength. Accordingly, the light source unit (110) may emit narrowband light of the second wavelength and the third wavelength using the first light source and the second light source.

In addition, FIG. 4 explains the operation of an optical imaging device (100) equipped with a narrow-band light generating unit (112, 114) and a white light generating unit (116) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the narrow-band light generating unit (112, 114) receives light of a first wavelength (λ ₁ ) generated by the light generating unit (112) as described above in FIG. 3 ((B) of FIG. 4) from the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and converts it into narrow-band light of a wavelength (λ ₂ ) different from the first wavelength ((C) of FIG. 4). In addition, the light source unit (110) of the optical imaging device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further be equipped with a white light generating unit (116) that generates white light ((A) of FIG. 4).

Therefore, in the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, light ((D) of FIG. 4) having a spectral waveform in which the white light and a specific wavelength (λ ₂ ) are combined can be emitted and irradiated onto a sample.

For a more specific example, an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED) may be used as the light generating unit (112), a quantum dot (QD) that receives ultraviolet light and emits narrowband light with a wavelength of 415 nm may be used as the light wavelength conversion unit (114), and a white light-emitting diode (LED) may be used as the white light generating unit (116). In this case, the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can generate an optical image that combines a narrowband optical image with enhanced contrast of a blood vessel in addition to a general optical image using white light (for example, (a) of FIG. 1).

Furthermore, in the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, whether the light generating unit (112) and the white light generating unit (116) emit light and the light output (intensity) can be controlled. For example, the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (130) that can control whether the ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) and the white light emitting diode (LED) emit light and the light output (intensity).

Accordingly, the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can selectively generate a general optical image using the white light (for example, (a) of FIG. 1) or a narrowband optical image with enhanced contrast of blood vessels using the narrowband light having a wavelength of 415 nm, and further, can generate an optical image in which the general optical image using the white light and the optical image with enhanced contrast of blood vessels are combined.

Furthermore, in generating the combined optical image, the output of the light generating unit (112) and the white light generating unit (116) is adjusted to control the intensity of the white light and the intensity of the narrowband light having a wavelength of 415 nm, thereby optimizing the image characteristics, such as the contrast of blood vessels in the combined optical image.

In addition, in the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit (110) may include a plurality of narrow-band light generating units (112, 114) that convert light of the first wavelength to generate narrow-band light of different wavelengths.

Accordingly, in an optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical image generating unit (not shown) can generate an optical image by irradiating narrowband light of different wavelengths generated from the plurality of narrowband light generating units (112, 114) onto a sample and using data detected by the light detection unit (120).

In addition, FIG. 5 explains the operation of an optical imaging device (100) equipped with a plurality of sub-wavelength conversion units (1142, 1144) and an incident light setting unit (1146) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the light source unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of sub-wavelength conversion units (for example, a first sub-wavelength conversion unit (1142) and a second sub-wavelength conversion unit (1144)). For example, the first sub-wavelength conversion unit (1142) may receive light of a first wavelength from the light generation unit (112) and convert it into narrowband light of a second wavelength (λ ₂ ), and the second sub-wavelength conversion unit (1144) may receive light of a first wavelength from the light generation unit (112) and convert it into a plurality of narrowband light of a second wavelength (λ ₂ ) and a third wavelength (λ ₃ ).

In addition, the light source unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an incident light setting unit (1146) that sets the light of the first wavelength generated by the light generating unit (112) to be incident on one of the plurality of sub-wavelength conversion units (the first sub-wavelength conversion unit (1142) and the second sub-wavelength conversion unit (1144)).

Accordingly, in the light source unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention, one of the plurality of sub-wavelength conversion units is selected to allow light of the first wavelength generated from the light generation unit (112) to be incident thereon, thereby generating narrowband light according to the selected sub-wavelength conversion unit.

More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the first sub-wavelength conversion unit (1142) and the second sub-wavelength conversion unit (1144) can be formed on each side of the rotating plate, and the incident light setting unit (1146) can be configured to rotate the rotating plate so that light of the first wavelength generated by the light generation unit (112) is incident on one of the sub-wavelength conversion units of the first sub-wavelength conversion unit (1142) and the second sub-wavelength conversion unit (1144).

In addition, the light source unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a white light generating unit (116) that generates white light similar to the case of FIG. 4.

Furthermore, the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (130) capable of controlling whether the white light generating unit (116) emits light and the light output (intensity), whether the light generating unit (112) emits light and the light output (intensity), and the operation of the incident light setting unit (1146).

Accordingly, in the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, various optical images can be generated by combining the narrowband light of the second wavelength (λ ₂ ) by the first sub-wavelength conversion unit (1142) or the narrowband light of the second wavelength (λ ₂ ) and the third wavelength (λ ₃ ) by the second sub-wavelength conversion unit (1144) with the white light generated by the white light generating unit (116).

For example, in FIG. 5, at a first time (T1), only white light may be emitted by the white light generating unit (116) to generate a general optical image using white light, and then at a second time (T2), a narrowband optical image may be generated using narrowband light of the second wavelength (λ ₂ ) by the first sub-wavelength converter (1142). Then, at a third time (T3), a general optical image using white light may be generated again, and then at a fourth time (T4), a narrowband optical image may be generated using narrowband light of the second wavelength (λ ₂ ) and the third wavelength (λ ₃ ) by the second sub-wavelength converter (1144).

As a more specific example, when capturing an endoscopic image of a wound as in FIG. 1, a general optical image (for example, (a) of FIG. 1) using the white light can be generated at a first time (T1) in FIG. 5, and then a narrowband optical image (for example, (b) of FIG. 1) using narrowband light having a second wavelength (λ ₂ ) of 415 nm can be generated at a second time (T2). In addition, a general optical image (for example, (a) of FIG. 1) using the white light can be generated again at a third time (T3), and then a narrowband optical image (for example, (a) of FIG. 1) using narrowband light having a second wavelength (λ ₂ ) of 415 nm and a third wavelength (λ ₃ ) of 540 nm can be generated at a fourth time (T4).

At this time, as examined in Fig. 4, it is also possible to generate an optical image of the affected area by simultaneously irradiating the white light and the narrowband light of the specific wavelength, and further, it is also possible to optimize the characteristics such as contrast in the generated optical image by controlling the light output (intensity) of the white light or the narrowband light of the specific wavelength.

Accordingly, in addition to a general optical image of the above-mentioned area (e.g., (a) of Fig. 1), a narrowband optical image (e.g., (b) of Fig. 1) by narrowband light of a specific wavelength can be generated, and further, it is possible to produce a new image through image processing of the general optical image and the narrowband optical image.

In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of an optical wavelength conversion unit (114) of an optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As can be seen in Fig. 6(a), the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) may be configured to include a substrate (220) and a light conversion layer (210) formed on the substrate (220) to convert light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of a different wavelength.

At this time, the substrate (220) may be composed of a material through which narrow-band light of different wavelengths can pass.

In addition, the light conversion layer (210) may include a quantum dot (QD) or a fluorescent substance capable of converting light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of a different wavelength from the first wavelength, and in addition, various materials capable of receiving light of the first wavelength and converting it into narrowband light of a different wavelength from the first wavelength may be used.

Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 6(b), the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an optical filter layer (230) that transmits light of a different wavelength from the first wavelength, but filters part or all of the light of the first wavelength. Accordingly, the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can transmit light of a different wavelength generated by receiving light of the first wavelength from the optical conversion layer (210), but block light of the first wavelength. The optical filter layer (230) can be implemented using the principle of a typical optical filter. In addition, the substrate (220) supports the optical conversion layer, and can be implemented using a material such as glass that can transmit light.

Alternatively, as can be seen in FIG. 6(c), in the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical conversion layer (210) may be formed on the optical filter layer (230) without using the substrate (220). That is, the optical filter layer (230) may be used as the substrate (220) and the optical conversion layer (210) may be formed on the upper portion thereof. In this case, not only can the optical loss due to the substrate (220) be reduced, but also the structure of the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) can be simplified, thereby making the manufacturing process more efficient and lowering the manufacturing cost.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an optical imaging device (100) including an optical image generating unit (120, 130) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the optical imaging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a light detection unit (120) and an image processing unit (130).

First, an optical imaging device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n). At this time, each of the light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n) may emit light in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared spectrum. For a more specific example, in FIG. 7, at least one of the plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n) may be equipped with a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and a driving circuit for driving the same. In addition, at least one of the plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n) may include a light-emitting element such as a laser and a driving circuit for driving the same instead of the light-emitting diode (LED). In addition, as another example of the configuration of the light source unit, each light source unit may be composed of different types of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light of different types of spectrums. At this time, the light emitting diode (LED) may be connected to either an optical wavelength conversion unit (114) that converts the wavelength of light or an optical filter unit (not shown) that filters part of the wavelength of light, so that light from the light emitting diode (LED) may be transmitted to the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) or the optical filter unit. Furthermore, the light emitting diode (LED) may be connected in series with the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and the optical filter unit so that light from the light emitting diode (LED) may pass through the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and the optical filter unit continuously. At this time, the light source unit (110) may be configured so that the transmission of light emitted from the light emitting diode (LED) to the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and the optical filter unit, the type of the optical wavelength conversion unit (114), the type of the optical filter unit, etc. can be selected. As an example for implementing this, a rotating wheel structure can be adopted. In the above-described manner, the light source unit (110) can be designed so that the type of the light emitting diode (LED), the type of the optical wavelength conversion unit (114), and the type of the optical filter unit can be appropriately selected, and accordingly, light having various spectra such as a broadband spectrum or a narrowband spectrum can be designed to be emitted.

Accordingly, the plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n) can generate narrowband light of multiple wavelengths, and furthermore, can generate light in which white light and narrowband light are combined. In addition, although not illustrated in detail in FIG. 7, the plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n) may include an optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and/or an optical filter unit (not illustrated) that receives light of a first wavelength and generates narrowband light of a wavelength different from the light of the first wavelength, and thus can generate the narrowband light, and furthermore, can generate light in which the narrowband light and white light are combined.

At this time, the light source control unit (115) can control whether the plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n) emit light and the light output (intensity) so that the light is irradiated onto the sample. In order to control the light output, the amount of current input to the light emitting diode (LED) can be controlled, and the light emission time of the light emitting diode (LED) can also be precisely controlled. In addition, the light source control unit (115) can individually and differently control the light emission patterns of the light emitting diodes (LEDs) constituting the plurality of light source units, and can also control them all at the same time. In addition, the light source control unit (115) can selectively control whether to apply the light wavelength conversion unit (114) or the light filter unit connected to each light emitting diode (LED). In addition, the light source control unit (115) can selectively control the type of the light wavelength conversion unit (114) or the light filter unit connected to each light emitting diode (LED). In addition, the light source control unit (115) can individually turn on or off a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) constituting each light source unit. In addition, the light source control unit (115) can also turn on two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) simultaneously for a specific period of time.

In addition, in Fig. 7, the optical coupling unit (111) plays a role in coupling light from the plurality of light source units (110a, 110b, ..., 110n), and can be configured using a bifurcated cable or a beam splitter and a lens, etc. However, since the technology for coupling light from the plurality of light source units can be implemented using various methods known in the art, a detailed description of the optical coupling unit (111) is omitted here.

Accordingly, light having a different spectral waveform can be generated from each light source unit (110a, 110b, ..., 110n). Furthermore, light generated from each light source unit (110) can be sequentially irradiated to the sample in a predetermined order (this mode is called a multi-spectral time division mode), or light from a plurality of light source units (110) among the light source units (110) can be irradiated simultaneously (this mode is called a multi-spectral mixing mode).

As one embodiment for implementing a multi-spectral time division mode, in FIG. 7, the light source control unit (115) turns off other light sources while light source unit 1 (110a) is on, and then turns off the remaining light sources including light source unit 1 while light source unit 2 (110b) is on. Such on-off operations of light source unit 1 (110a) and light source unit 2 (110b) can be repeatedly performed (switched) at a very high speed. For example, it can be controlled to alternately irradiate light having a wideband spectrum and light having a narrowband spectrum.

In addition, as an example for implementing a multi-spectral mixing mode, the light source control unit (115) can simultaneously turn on two or more light source units for a specific period of time and set the types of the optical wavelength conversion unit (114) and the optical filter unit connected to the light source units differently, thereby allowing spectrums of different wavelengths to be combined.

Accordingly, the light detection unit (120) detects light reflected or emitted from the sample to which light generated from the plurality of light source units (110) is irradiated. For a more specific example, the light detection unit (120) may detect light reflected or emitted from the sample when white light is irradiated or when narrowband light of a specific wavelength (for example, (D) of FIG. 4) is irradiated to the sample. Furthermore, the light reflected or emitted from the sample may be detected when light of a spectrum waveform in which white light and narrowband light of a specific wavelength are combined (for example, (D) of FIG. 4) is irradiated or when white light and narrowband light of a specific wavelength are sequentially irradiated (for example, (B) of FIG. 5).

The above-mentioned light detection unit (120) is responsible for converting focused light into an electric signal and then into a digital signal, and may be configured to include an image sensor and a readout circuit. The image sensor may be configured using a color sensor that uses a color filter array or a monochrome sensor that does not use a color filter array.

The above image processing unit (130) can process images differently depending on the light source control mode.

As an example, in the multi-spectral mixing mode, when the light source unit (110) irradiates light in which narrowband spectrum 1 (center wavelength 415 nm) and narrowband spectrum 2 (center wavelength 540 nm) are mixed, the light is sensed by a color sensor, and then demosaicing is performed to generate RGB color images to obtain R-images, G-images, and B-images. Thereafter, the contrast of the image (lesion identification ability in the case of patient images) can be improved through image processing as exemplified below.

1) The B-image, which expresses the mucosal surface related to the lesion well, is mapped in brown color, and the G-image and R-image, which express the blood vessels of the submucosa well, are combined and mapped in cyan color to enhance the contrast between the mucosal surface and the submucosa and displayed.

2) The B-image, which expresses the mucosal surface related to the lesion well, is mapped in brown color, and the G-image, which expresses the blood vessels of the submucosa, is mapped in cyan color and displayed. Here, color standards such as brown or cyan can be defined and used in other colors as needed.

3) Assuming that each RGB pixel value is a 3x1 matrix, a new color image with the lesion highlighted is created by multiplying it by a given 3x3 matrix.

4) In addition, various known image processing techniques can be used to convert RGB images to create new color images with emphasized lesions.

In contrast, in the multispectral time division mode, when the narrowband spectrum 1 (center wavelength 415 nm) and spectrum 2 (center wavelength 540 nm) are alternately irradiated through the light source control unit (115), each spectrum is sensed as a separate image using a monochrome sensor, and then an image registration process is performed to compensate for the global movement of the sensor image corresponding to spectrum 1 and the sensor image corresponding to spectrum 2 obtained at an adjacent time, and the spectrum 1 image is displayed in brown color and the spectrum 2 image is displayed in cyan color to configure a narrowband image. However, the image registration process may be omitted considering the calculation speed and the image shooting environment. Here, the color standard such as brown or cyan can be defined and used as a different color as needed.

In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an optical image generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, a method for generating an optical image according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light to the sample, the method including an optical wavelength conversion step (S110) for converting light of a first wavelength into narrowband light of one or more wavelengths different from the first wavelength, and a light detection step (S120) for detecting light reflected or emitted from the sample irradiated with narrowband light of one or more wavelengths different from the first wavelength.

The optical image generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is similar to the optical imaging device (100) described above in its operating principle and operation, so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement and perform it. Therefore, a more detailed description is omitted, and reference may be made to a series of descriptions of the optical imaging device (100) described above.

The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the attached drawings are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments and the attached drawings. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

100: Optical imaging device 110: Light source unit
111: Optical coupling unit 112: Optical generation unit
114: Optical wavelength conversion unit 1142: First sub-optical wavelength conversion unit
1142: Second sub-wavelength conversion unit 1146: Incident light setting unit
115: Light source control unit 116: White light generation unit
120: Photodetector 130: Image processing unit
210: Photoconversion layer 220: Substrate
230: Optical wave layer

Claims (25)

In an optical imaging device that generates an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light onto the sample,
A light source unit including one or more optical wavelength converters that emit narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength upon receiving light of a first wavelength;
An optical filter section that transmits light including the narrowband light emitted from the optical wavelength conversion section and blocks part or all of the light of the first wavelength; and
A light detection unit that detects light reflected or emitted from the sample to which the narrowband light of the different wavelength emitted from the light source unit is irradiated;
An optical imaging device characterized by including a . In the first paragraph,
For one or more of the above optical wavelength conversion units,
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further includes a control unit capable of controlling the intensity or emission of narrowband light of the above different wavelengths. In the first paragraph,
In the above light source section,
An optical imaging device characterized by including a plurality of narrow-band light generating units that convert light of the first wavelength to generate narrow-band light of different wavelengths. In the first paragraph,
The above light source part,
With a first light source that outputs narrowband light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength,
An optical imaging device characterized by further comprising a second light source that outputs narrowband light of a third wavelength different from the second wavelength. In the first paragraph,
In the above light source section,
A narrow-band light generating unit that generates narrow-band light from the light of the first wavelength,
An optical imaging device characterized by including a white light generating unit that generates white light. In paragraph 5,
Regarding the above white light generating unit,
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further includes a control unit capable of controlling the intensity or emission of the white light. In the first paragraph,
The above optical wavelength conversion unit is,
An optical imaging device characterized by comprising a second wavelength conversion material that receives light of the first wavelength and converts it into narrowband light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and emits the light. In Article 7,
The above optical wavelength conversion unit is,
An optical imaging device characterized by further comprising a third wavelength conversion material that receives light of the first wavelength and converts it into narrowband light of a third wavelength different from the second wavelength and emits it. delete In the first paragraph,
The above optical wavelength conversion unit is,
A plurality of sub-wavelength conversion units that convert the light of the first wavelength into different wavelengths,
An optical imaging device characterized by comprising an incident light setting section that sets the light of the first wavelength to be incident on one of the plurality of sub-wavelength conversion sections. In the first paragraph,
The above optical wavelength conversion unit is,
A substrate through which narrow-band light of different wavelengths can be transmitted, and
An optical imaging device characterized by including a light conversion layer formed on the substrate and converting light of the first wavelength into narrowband light of the other wavelength. In Article 11,
The above photoconversion layer is,
An optical imaging device characterized by comprising a quantum dot or a phosphor. In Article 11,
In the above optical wavelength conversion unit,
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further comprises an optical filter layer that transmits light of the other wavelength but filters part or all of the light of the first wavelength. In Article 11,
The above substrate is,
An optical imaging device characterized in that it transmits light of the other wavelength but filters out part or all of light of the first wavelength. In the third paragraph,
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further includes an optical image generating unit that generates an optical image by using data detected by the light detection unit together with narrowband light of different wavelengths generated by the plurality of narrowband light generating units. In paragraph 5,
Data detected by the photodetector for the above narrowband light, and
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further includes an optical image generating unit that generates an optical image by using data detected by the light detection unit together with the white light. In Article 8,
Data detected by the photodetector for the narrowband light of the second wavelength, and
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further includes an optical image generating unit that generates an optical image by using data detected by the light detection unit together with narrowband light of the third wavelength. In paragraph 1,
The above light source part,
An optical imaging device characterized by including two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In Article 18,
For the above two or more light emitting diodes,
An optical imaging device characterized in that it further includes a control unit capable of individually controlling the light emission time or the intensity of light emitted by each light-emitting diode. In Article 19,
In the above control unit,
An optical imaging device characterized by controlling two or more light-emitting diodes to emit light simultaneously. In Article 19,
In the above control unit,
An optical imaging device characterized by controlling light emission from one light-emitting diode while not emitting light from another light-emitting diode. In Article 21,
In the above control unit,
An optical imaging device characterized by controlling the light of the light-emitting diode to blink at a predetermined cycle. A method for generating an optical image of a sample by irradiating a predetermined light onto the sample,
An optical wavelength conversion step in which light of a first wavelength is incident and one or more narrowband lights of a wavelength different from the first wavelength are emitted;
An optical filtering step in which light including the narrowband light emitted in the optical wavelength conversion step is incident, the narrowband light is transmitted, and part or all of the light of the first wavelength is blocked; and
A light detection step for detecting light reflected or emitted from a sample irradiated with narrowband light of one or more wavelengths different from the first wavelength;
An optical image generation method comprising: In a light source device that generates a predetermined light that is irradiated onto a sample to create an optical image,
A light generating unit that generates light of the first wavelength;
One or more optical wavelength converters that emit narrowband light of a wavelength different from the first wavelength upon receiving light of the first wavelength; and
A light source device characterized by including an optical filter section that transmits light including the narrowband light emitted from the optical wavelength conversion section and blocks part or all of the light of the first wavelength. In Article 24,
A light source device characterized by further including a white light generating unit that generates white light.

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