2083 results about "Spectral imaging" patented technology

A hyperspectral imaging system having an optical path. The system including an illumination source adapted to output a light beam, the light beam illuminating a target, a dispersing element arranged in the optical path and adapted to separate the light beam into a plurality of wavelengths, a digital micromirror array adapted to tune the plurality of wavelengths into a spectrum, an optical device having a detector and adapted to collect the spectrum reflected from the target and arranged in the optical path and a processor operatively connected to and adapted to control at least one of: the illumination source; the dispersing element; the digital micromirror array; the optical device; and, the detector, the processor further adapted to output a hyperspectral image of the target. The dispersing element is arranged between the illumination source and the digital micromirror array, the digital micromirror array is arranged to transmit the spectrum to the target and the optical device is arranged in the optical path after the target.

The present invention provides a hyperspectral imaging system which demonstrates changes in tissue oxygen delivery, extraction and saturation during shock and resuscitation including an imaging apparatus for performing real-time or near real-time assessment and monitoring of shock, including hemorrhagic, hypovolemic, cardiogenic, neurogenic, septic or burn shock. The information provided by the hyperspectral measurement can deliver physiologic measurements that support early detection of shock and also provide information about likely outcomes.

A hyperspectral imager that achieves accurate spectral and spatial resolution by using a micro-lens array as a series of field lenses, with each lens distributing a point in the image scene received through an objective lens across an area of a detector array forming a hyperspectral detector super-pixel. Spectral filtering is performed by a spectral filter array positioned at the objective lens so that each sub-pixel within a super-pixel receives light that has been filtered by a bandpass or other type filter and is responsive to a different band of the image spectrum. The micro-lens spatially corrects the focused image point to project the same image scene point onto all sub-pixels within a super-pixel.

A spectral bio-imaging method for enhancing pathologic, physiologic, metabolic and health related spectral signatures of an eye tissue, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing an optical device for eye inspection being optically connected to a spectral imager; (b) illuminating the eye tissue with light via the iris, viewing the eye tissue through the optical device and spectral imager and obtaining a spectrum of light for each pixel of the eye tissue; and (c) attributing each of the pixels a color or intensity according to its spectral signature, thereby providing an image enhancing the spectral signatures of the eye tissue.

A spectral imaging method for simultaneous detection of multiple fluorophores aimed at detecting and analyzing fluorescent in situ hybridizations employing numerous chromosome paints and / or loci specific probes each labeled with a different fluorophore or a combination of fluorophores for color karyotyping, and at multicolor chromosome banding, wherein each chromosome acquires a specifying banding pattern, which pattern is established using groups of chromosome fragments labeled with various fluorophore or combinations of fluorophores.

A hyperspectral imager that achieves accurate spectral and spatial resolution by using a micro-lens array as a series of field lenses, with each lens distributing a point in the image scene received through an objective lens across an area of a detector array forming a hyperspectral detector super-pixel. Each sub-pixel within a super-pixel has a bandpass or other type filter to pass a different band of the image spectrum. The micro-lens spatially corrects the focused image point to project the same image scene point onto all sub-pixels within a super-pixel. A color separator can be used to split the image into sub-bands, with each sub-band image projected onto a different spatially corrected detector array. A shaped limiting aperture can be used to isolate the image scene point within each super-pixels and minimize energy coupling to adjacent super-pixels.

Apparatus and methods for hyperspectral imaging analysis that assists in real and near-real time assessment of biological tissue condition, viability, and type, and monitoring the above over time. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in surgery, clinical procedures, tissue assessment, diagnostic procedures, health monitoring, and medical evaluations, especially in the detection and treatment of cancer.

A hyperspectral imaging system, including: at least one hyperspectral imaging unit, including: at least one lens configured to direct light scattered by, reflected by, or transmitted through a target medium to at least one hyperspectral filter arrangement configured to separate the light into discrete spectral bands; an imaging sensor to: receive the discrete spectral bands from the at least one hyperspectral filter arrangement; detect light by a plurality of pixels for each of the spectral bands; and generate electrical signals based at least in part on at least a portion of the light; and at least one image processor in communication with the at least one imaging sensor and configured to generate hyperspectral image data associated with the target medium; and at least one processor configured to determine biological data based at least partially on at least a portion of the hyperspectral image data.

Disclosed is an apparatus for performing mass spectrometry and a method of analyzing a sample through mass spectrometry. In particular, the disclosure relates to an apparatus capable of ambient mass spectrometry and mass spectral imaging and a method for the same. The apparatus couples laser ablation, flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow ionization, and a mass spectrometer.

A multispectral X-ray imaging system uses a wideband source and filtration assembly to select for M sets of spectral data. Spectral characteristics may be dynamically adjusted in synchrony with scan excursions where an X-ray source, detector array, or body may be moved relative to one another in acquiring T sets of measurement data. The system may be used in projection imaging and / or CT imaging. Processed image data, such as a CT reconstructed image, may be decomposed onto basis functions for analytical processing of multispectral image data to facilitate computer assisted diagnostics. The system may perform this diagnostic function in medical applications and / or security applications.

A two-dimensional focal plane array (FPA) is divided into sub-arrays of rows and columns of pixels, each sub-array being responsive to light energy from a target object which has been separated by a spectral filter or other spectrum dividing element into a predetermined number of spectral bands. There is preferably one sub-array on the FPA for each predetermined spectral band. Each sub-array has its own read out channel to allow parallel and simultaneous readout of all sub-arrays of the array. The scene is scanned onto the array for simultaneous imaging of the terrain in many spectral bands. Time Delay and Integrate (TDI) techniques are used as a clocking mechanism within the sub-arrays to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the detected image. Additionally, the TDI length (i.e., number of rows of integration during the exposure) within each sub-array is adjustable to optimize and normalize the response of the photosensitive substrate to each spectral band. The array provides for parallel and simultaneous readout of each sub-array to increase the collection rate of the spectral imagery. All of these features serve to provide a substantial improvement in the area coverage of a hyperspectral imaging system while at the same time increasing the SNR of the detected spectral image.

The present invention provides a computer system and user interface that allows a user to readily view and analyze two-dimensional and three-dimensional in vivo images and imaging data. The user interface is well-suited for one or more of the following actions pertinent to in vivo light imaging: investigation and control of three-dimensional imaging data and reconstruction algorithms; control of topographic reconstruction algorithms; tomographic spectral imaging and analysis; and comparison of two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging data obtained at different times.

A method of detecting the presence, absence and / or level of a plurality of analytes-of-interest in a sample, the method comprisES: (a) providing a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects having a predetermined, measurable and different imagery characteristic, and further having a predetermined and specific affinity to one analyte of the plurality of analytes-of-interest, each the imagery characteristic corresponding to one the predetermined specific affinity, hence each the imagery characteristic corresponds to one analyte of the plurality of analytes-of interest; (b) providing at least one affinity moiety having a predetermined and specific affinity or predetermined and specific affinities to the plurality of analytes-of-interest, each the affinity moiety having a predetermined, measurable response to light; (c) combining the objects, the at least one affinity moiety and the sample under conditions for affinity binding; and (d) simultaneously determining, for each object of the plurality of objects an imagery characteristic, and for at least a portion of the at least one affinity moiety a response to light, thereby detecting the presence, absence and / or level of the plurality of analytes-of-interest in the sample.

A system and method for performing multispectral imaging locates features of interest in a specimen using a technique known as multiphoton photoacoustic spectroscopy. In this technique, a tunable high-power laser is used to initiate multiphoton excitation events which are then detected as an acoustic signal using a sensor such as an ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer. The transducer signal is processed to form a normalized MPPAS signal intensity which may then be used as a basis for forming a spectral image. Unlike other spectroscopies, MPPAS is able to monitor non-fluorescent species based on non-radiative relaxation of the light-absorbing species in the specimen. In addition, since the majority of energy imparted to the light-absorbing molecules is released through non-radiative pathways, sensitive measurements of even fluorescent molecules can be performed. The system and method may be applied to detect malignant cells in tissue samples although other uses are contemplated.

The present invention relates to the production of instantaneous or non-instantaneous multi-band images, to be transformed into multi- or hyperspectral images, comprising light collecting means (11), an image sensor (12) with at least one two dimensional sensor array (121), and an instantaneous colour separating means (123), positioned before the image sensor array (121) in the optical path (OP) of the arrangement (1), and first uniform spectral filters (13) in the optical path (OP), with the purpose of restricting imaging to certain parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The present invention specifically teaches that a filter unit (FU) comprising colour or spectral filter mosaics and / or uniform colour or spectral filters mounted on filter wheels (114) or displayed by transmissive displays (115), is either permanently or interchangeably positioned before the colour separating means (123) in the optical path (OP) in, or close to, converged light (B). Each colour or spectral filter mosaic consists of a multitude of homogeneous filtering regions. The transmission curves (TC) of the filtering regions of a colour or spectral filter mosaic can be partly overlapping, in addition to overlap between these transmission curves and those belonging to the filtering regions of the colour separating means (123). The transmission curves (TC) of the colour or spectral filter mosaics and the colour separating means (123) are suitably spread out in the intervals of a spectrum to be studied. The combination of the colour separating means (123) and the spectral or colour or spectral filter mosaics produces different sets of linearly independent transmission curves (TC). The multiple-filter image captured by the image sensor (12) is demosaicked by identifying and segmenting the image regions that are affected by the regions of the multiple filter mosaic, and after an optional interpolation step, a multi-band image is obtained. The resulting multi-band image is transformed into a multi- or hyperspectral image.

The invention discloses a method and spectral-imaging device for optochemical sensing with plasmon-modified multiband fluorescence polarization and with plasmon-modified polarization phase shift changes of a light beam reflected and / or passed through a total internal reflection conducting structure. The optochemical sensing is performed for molecules placed nearby the conducting structure and being excited by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to lower excited state (LES) and / or to higher excited states (HES). The invention also describes the spectral imaging device with an improved sensitivity of several orders of magnitude. The disclosed method and imaging device may find applications in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical screening, biomedical research, biochemical-warfare detection and other diagnostic techniques. The device can be used in bio-chip and micro-array technologies, flowcytometer, fiber optic and other types of diagnostic devices.

A skin site of an individual is illuminated and light scattered from the skin site under multispectral conditions is received. The light includes light scattered from tissue beneath a surface of the skin site. Multiple biometric modalities are derived from the received light. The biometric modalities are fused into a combined biometric modality that is analyzed to perform a biometric function.

The present invention contemplates implementation of transitory downhole video imaging and / or spectral imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for permanent and / or long term installations. The present invention contemplates various methods and apparatus that facilitate one-time or ongoing downhole fluid characterization by video analysis in real time. The methods and systems may be particularly well suited to permanent and periodic intervention-based operations.

A marking system for use with a multi-spectral imager for use in high throughput sortation of articles having distorted or irregular surfaces is disclosed. Specific uses include, but are not limited to, document sorting, garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and mail and package sorting and identification. Methods and apparatus are provided to remotely identify items via information that is wavelength-encoded within an applied mark, as well as a mark reading / decoding scheme. In the preferred embodiment the marks are multi-dimensional. In one preferred embodiment the marks are used to realize multi-dimensional wavelength-enabled coding schemes. The marks can be overlayed one upon another and / or they can contain one or more key regions having at least one predetermined spectral characteristic for providing information related at least to reading and / or decoding the marks.

Obtaining spectral images of an eye includes taking an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array and the digital sensor array, wherein the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system. The resulting system facilitates acquisition of a snap-shot image of the eye tissue with the digital sensor array. The snap shot images support estimation of blood oxygen saturation in a retinal tissue. The resulting system can be based on a non-mydriatic fundus camera designed to obtain the retinal images without administration of pupil dilation drops.

A spectral bio-imaging method for enhancing pathologic, physiologic, metabolic and health related spectral signatures of an eye tissue, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing an optical device for eye inspection being optically connected to a spectral imager; (b) illuminating the eye tissue with light via the iris, viewing the eye tissue through the optical device and spectral imager and obtaining a spectrum of light for each pixel of the eye tissue; and (c) attributing each of the pixels a color according to its spectral signature, thereby providing an image enhancing the spectral signatures of the eye tissue.

A spectral filtering apparatus and method is presented, which enables the functions of hyperspectral imaging to be performed with increased speed, simplicity, and performance that are required for commercial products. The apparatus includes a photosensitive array having a plurality of photosensitive elements such that different subsections of photosensitive elements of the array receive light of a different wavelength range of a characteristic spectrum of a target, and output electronics combines signals of at least two photosensitive elements in a subsection of the array and outputs the combined signal as a measure of the optical energy within a bandwidth of interest of the characteristic spectrum.

Apparatus and methods are provided for the imaging of structures in deep tissue within biological specimens, using spectral imaging to provide highly sensitive detection. By acquiring data that provides a plurality of images of the sample with different spectral weightings, and subsequent spectral analysis, light emission from a target compound is separated from autofluorescence in the sample. With the autofluorescence reduced or eliminated, an improved measurement of the target compound is obtained.

An imaging system and methods for resolving elements of interest through and obscuring environment by removing undesired signals from the intervening, obscuring environment is disclosed. A passive hyperspectral imaging sensor is calibrated and integrated into a system having a positioning and attitude detection system and an instrument control and data acquisition system that records data from sensors in a three-dimensional data cube having two spatial dimensions and a spectral dimension. Either an active detection and ranging system or a look-up-table approach or both are used to remove the noise generated by the intervening, obscuring environment from the data relevant to the elements of interest.

A method and apparatus for detecting a target or targets in a surrounding background locale based on target signatures obtained by a hyperspectral imaging sensor used the hyperspectral imaging sensor to collect raw target signature data and background locale data during a first data collection mission. The data is processed to generate a database including a plurality of target signatures and background data relating to the background locale. The hyperspectral imaging sensor is later used to collect further background data during a further, current data collecting mission so as to provide continuously updated background data, in real time. A covariance equalization algorithm is implemented with respect to the background data contained in the database and the updated background data collected during the current mission to effect transformation of each target signature of the database into a transformed target signature. A detection algorithm which employs the resultant transformed target signature is used to produce detection information related to the target or targets.

A marking system for use with a multi-spectral imager for use in high throughput sortation of articles having distorted or irregular surfaces is disclosed. Specific uses include, but are not limited to, document sorting, garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and mail and package sorting and identification. Methods and apparatus are provided to remotely identify items via information that is wavelength-encoded within an applied mark, as well as a mark reading / decoding scheme. In the preferred embodiment the marks are multi-dimensional. In one preferred embodiment the marks are used to realize multi-dimensional wavelength-enabled coding schemes. The marks can be overlayed one upon another and / or they can contain one or more key regions having at least one predetermined spectral characteristic for providing information related at least to reading and / or decoding the marks.

In part, the invention relates to a single clad fiber to multi-clad optical fiber connector for use in applying excitation light to a sample and obtaining reflected light from the sample. The connector can include a dual clad optical fiber portion and a single clad optical fiber portion in optical communication with the dual clad optical fiber portion. In one embodiment, a core of the dual clad optical fiber portion and a core of the single clad optical fiber portion have substantially similar indices of refraction. In one embodiment, excitation light is propagated by the core of the dual clad optical fiber. Further, in one embodiment, light reflected by the sample is propagated by the first cladding layer of the dual clad optical fiber portion.