EP1157537A2 - Reseau ccd utilise en tant que detecteur multiple dans un appareil d'imagerie optique - Google Patents

Reseau ccd utilise en tant que detecteur multiple dans un appareil d'imagerie optique

Info

Publication number
EP1157537A2
EP1157537A2 EP00909894A EP00909894A EP1157537A2 EP 1157537 A2 EP1157537 A2 EP 1157537A2 EP 00909894 A EP00909894 A EP 00909894A EP 00909894 A EP00909894 A EP 00909894A EP 1157537 A2 EP1157537 A2 EP 1157537A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fiber optic
optic cables
disposed
ccd array
scanner assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00909894A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1157537A4 (fr
Inventor
Robert H. Wake
David J. Hall
Richard J. Grable
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Imaging Diagnostic Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Imaging Diagnostic Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Imaging Diagnostic Systems Inc filed Critical Imaging Diagnostic Systems Inc
Publication of EP1157537A2 publication Critical patent/EP1157537A2/fr
Publication of EP1157537A4 publication Critical patent/EP1157537A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/50—Constructional details
    • H04N23/54—Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/20—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof for generating image signals from infrared radiation only
    • H04N23/21—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof for generating image signals from infrared radiation only from near infrared [NIR] radiation

Definitions

  • CCD ARRAY AS A MULTIPLE-DETECTOR IN AN OPTICAL IMAGING APPARATUS
  • the present invention relates to optical imaging apparatus and more particularly to imaging devices that use a charge-coupled device (CCD) .
  • CCD charge-coupled device
  • Charge-coupled devices can be individual devices or, more commonly, individuals cells or pixels arranged in an array, either as a linear array or as a X-Y matrix. With a suitable optical lens, the CCD is commonly used as a sensor for video cameras .
  • the CCD usually has a spectral response in the visible region, 400-700nm, and typically extends into the near infrared region, 700-llOOnm.
  • Conventional usage primarily focuses on using the CCD as the sensing element of a video camera that produces an electronic image of a field of view.
  • the interval between refreshing the CCD array and sampling the accumulated charge is sometimes referred to as the integration interval.
  • the integration interval is the result of the vertical frame rate, typically 50 or 60 times per second for an integration interval of 20 and 16.7 milliseconds (ms) respectively.
  • the level of light that is available is extremely low.
  • PMT photomultiplier tubes
  • MCP micro channel plates
  • a photosensitive cathode releases electrons when photons impinge upon it, i.e., photoemission.
  • the positive bias applied to the elements of a PMT the dynodes, attract the negative charge electrons, e " , emitted by the photocathode .
  • the avalanche causes an amplification of the single photon striking the photocathode.
  • a 12 -stage photomultiplier has an amplification of approximately 17 million.
  • a single photon results in the release of approximately 17 millions electrons.
  • the pulse has a time duration of approximately 5 nanoseconds resulting in a peak current flow of approximately 1 milliampere .
  • the micro channel plate amplifies the single photon event in a similar manner.
  • Very small diameter holes are fabricated into a plate and then coated with a conductive material. The effect is similar to a PMT. Electrons enter the holes and dislodge other electrons which in turn dislodge even more electrons. The net result is that a single electron initiates an avalanche of electrons and signal amplification occurs. When used alone or in cascade, signal gains of 10 4 to 10 7 are achieved with temporal resolution of approximately 100 picoseconds. Spatial resolution is limited by the channel spacing, typically 9/xm-diameter channels on lO ⁇ m centers. Resolution of this type of design is approximately 16 line pairs/mm.
  • the anode side of the MCP is coated onto the inside of a glass envelope and is made of a photoemissive material. When the accelerated photons impinge on the coating a flash of light is given off.
  • the CCD element is coupled to the anode end of the MCP and light flashes are directed to the pixels in the CCD array.
  • a signal as small as a single photon can result in a detectable event.
  • two MCP ⁇ s are cascaded to more than double the sensitivity of the CCD system.
  • the CCD array is fabricated with parallel conducting strips in one direction and p + channel stops at right angles. Electron-hole pairs are created when light is incident on the p-type silicon.
  • the charges, representing picture-element signals are stored in potential wells under depletion-biased electrodes, i.e., the picture elements (pixels) in the array.
  • the charges are transferred by applying a positive pulse to the adjacent electrodes.
  • the whole image is transferred to a storage raster. Each horizontal line is read out of the storage raster in sequence to provide an output signal. It is possible to read the signal from individual pixels, and this is desirable under certain circumstance.
  • the rate at which the data is read out from a CCD array has important ramifications. If the CCD is not read for a long length of time and the incident light is very weak, the stored charge will increase over time and a usable image can result . While an array of PMT ' s could be fabricated to emulate the detection capabilities of an intensified CCD, there are physical considerations that make this approach unattractive.
  • One advantage of an intensified CCD is the small size required for the detector area. A large number of pixels can be fitted into an area less than one-square centimeter.
  • the present invention describes an apparatus and method for using a single CCD array as a detector for one single photonic event as seen by a single input fiber optic cable or significantly more than one photonic event can be monitored by the array.
  • the present invention provides a scanner assembly for a laser imaging apparatus, comprising a plurality of collimators disposed in an arc around an opening in which an object to be scanned is disposed; a plurality of fiber optic cables, each being associated with a respective coUimator; and a CCD array disposed at the other ends of the fiber optic cables to detect light picked up by the collimators and transmitted by the fiber optic cables.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a detector assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing a CCD array with a N x N matrix of pixels, a focusing lens, an optical filter, a manifold for holding the fiber optic bundle and a bundle of fiber optic cables.
  • Figure 2 is schematic perspective view of a CCD array showing a portion being illuminated by a ray of light.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a CCD camera including an electronic circuit to control and read a CCD array .
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of a data acquisition system using one or more fiber optic cables to couple light collected by individual collimators positioned as an array encircling a breast in an optical scanning application.
  • Figure 5 is an arrangement of the ends of the fiber optic cables at the CCD array.
  • FIG. 1 An assembly R for using a CCD array 2 as a photodetector in a computed tomography laser mammography apparatus is disclosed in Figure 1.
  • Light collected from a scanning chamber is transmitted by a plurality of fiber optic cables 4 held together by a suitable manifold 6 to position the fiber optic cables 4 in a specific pattern in front of the CCD array 2.
  • the manifold 6 is a support comprising a matrix of holes 7 each adapted to receive and support therein a fiber optic cable 4.
  • Light rays 9 emitting from the ends of the fiber optic cables 4 are directed to the CCD array 2.
  • Optical filters 8 may be used to selectively tune the wavelengths transmitted by the optic fibers before they impinge on the CCD array 2.
  • a single filter 8 can be used for the whole set of bundle of fiber optic cables instead of a single filter for each fiber.
  • the filter 8 may be a bandpass filter to pass only the desired range of wavelengths.
  • the filter 8 may also be a cutoff filter to pass only the desired range of wavelengths greater or less than a cutoff wavelength.
  • the filter 8 is used in fluorescence imaging, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,952,664.
  • a lens 10 may be used to focus the light from the optic fibers onto the CCD array 2.
  • the lens 10 may be eliminated where the fiber bundle is placed very close to or in contact with a micro channel plate (MCP) 12 used in conjunction with the CCD array 2.
  • MCP micro channel plate
  • the CCD array 2 comprises individual cells or pixels 14 arranged in an array, either as a linear array or as X-Y matrix.
  • a light ray from an optic fiber 4 represented by a footprint 13, illuminates four pixels.
  • the number of pixels illuminated can be controlled by the use of the lens 10. Changing the lens 10 can reduce or expand the number of pixels illuminated.
  • the choice of the lens 10 allows for an area as small as a few pixels, or as large as the area covered by all of the pixels to be illuminated.
  • Each element or pixel of the CCD array acts as an individual sensor responsive to light emitting from a fiber optic cable. The light intensity as seen by the sensor is read and used to reconstruct an image of the object being scanned.
  • a standard CCD camera 15 used in the present invention is disclosed in Fig. 3.
  • Incoming light 16 transmitted by the fiber optic cables 4 is directed to an optic lens 18 that distributes the incoming light unto the CCD array 2.
  • a shutter 20 can be used to control the light radiating on the CCD array 2.
  • a window seal 22 provides a light-tight enclosure.
  • a camera control logic and power supply 24 is used to control the CCD array 2.
  • DC voltage 26, serial clock drive signals 28 and parallel clock drive signals 30 are connected to the CCD array 2.
  • a low noise preamplifier 32 is used to amplify the CCD pixel signals.
  • An analog processing and analog-to-digital conversion is provided by block 34.
  • Pixel output data 36 is coupled to a computer interface circuit 38, which is a high precision video frame grabber, such as that available from La Vision Gmbh, Goettingen, Germany, Pico Star High Resolution - Product Imager.
  • the camera control logic and power supply 24 provides a camera status signal 40.
  • the computer interface circuit 38 provides camera commands 42.
  • the circuit 38 provides the interface between a computer 44 and the CCD array 2.
  • the computer 44 is used to manipulate the CCD information to create an image of the breast as seen by the CCD array.
  • the computer 44 can also extract information from only selected pixels within the CCD array.
  • the CCD array 2 is cooled by a thermo-electric cooler 46 or other suitable coolers.
  • a charge intensified device (CID) or ceramic metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) array, cooled or intensified, may be used in lieu of the CCD array.
  • CCD charge intensified device
  • CMOS ceramic metal oxide semiconductor
  • a laser scanner 52 comprises a source of laser beam 54 for impinging on the breast.
  • Light exiting from the breast is picked up by the collimators 56 directed to the areas of the breast from which light is exiting.
  • the collimators are disposed in an arc around the breast and supported by a structure 57 rotatable 360 degrees about an axis centered on the opening 50 center.
  • the fiber optic cables are identical in length and provide enough slack to allow the rotation of the structure 57.
  • Each coUimator is coupled to a fiber optic cable.
  • the scanner including the collimators 56 and the laser beam 54, is rotated as a unit around the breast in steps through several equal angular displacements until a complete circle is traversed.
  • the collimators pick up any light exiting from the breast and couple the light to the respective fiber optic cables.
  • the group of fiber optic cables 4 is held by the manifold 6.
  • the fiber optic cables 4 direct the light unto the micro channel plate 12 of a CCD array 2 forming the input to the MCP CCD camera 15.
  • the computer 44 processes the light detected by the camera to generate an image of the breast .
  • the fiber optic cables 4 are arranged in the manifold 6 such that adjacent fiber ends at the collimators are not adjacent at the other end at the CCD array. This arrangement is designed to provide minimum cross-talk between the fibers.
  • a laser imaging apparatus using 84 detectors each being associated with a respective coUimator and fiber optic cable, where coUimator 56 is designated as detector 1 and coUimator 60 is detector 84
  • an example of an arrangement of the ends of fiber optic cables at the CCD array is disclosed in Fig. 5. Note that adjacent fibers at the coUimator end are not adjacent at the manifold 6.
  • Use of collimators in a laser imaging apparatus is described in application serial no. 08/963,760, filed November 4, 1997, hereby incorporated by reference.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Investigating, Analyzing Materials By Fluorescence Or Luminescence (AREA)
  • Transforming Light Signals Into Electric Signals (AREA)
  • Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Conversion Of X-Rays Into Visible Images (AREA)
  • Solid State Image Pick-Up Elements (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Optical Fibers, Optical Fiber Cores, And Optical Fiber Bundles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un ensemble scanner destiné à un appareil d'imagerie à laser. Cet ensemble comporte une pluralité de collimateurs disposés en arc autour d'une ouverture dans laquelle un objet à explorer est disposé; une pluralité de câbles à fibres optiques possédant chacun une extrémité associée à un collimateur respectif; une enceinte ne laissant pas passer la lumière et un réseau CCD disposé au sein de ladite enceinte, du côté des autres extrémités des câbles à fibres optiques de manière à détecter la lumière reçue par les collimateurs et transmises par les câbles à fibres optiques.
EP00909894A 1999-02-05 2000-02-04 Reseau ccd utilise en tant que detecteur multiple dans un appareil d'imagerie optique Withdrawn EP1157537A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11874599P 1999-02-05 1999-02-05
US118745P 1999-02-05
PCT/US2000/000516 WO2000046979A2 (fr) 1999-02-05 2000-02-04 Reseau ccd utilise en tant que detecteur multiple dans un appareil d'imagerie optique

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1157537A2 true EP1157537A2 (fr) 2001-11-28
EP1157537A4 EP1157537A4 (fr) 2002-07-17

Family

ID=22380491

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00909894A Withdrawn EP1157537A4 (fr) 1999-02-05 2000-02-04 Reseau ccd utilise en tant que detecteur multiple dans un appareil d'imagerie optique

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1157537A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP2003520345A (fr)
CN (1) CN1362868A (fr)
AU (1) AU3207900A (fr)
CA (1) CA2360129A1 (fr)
HK (1) HK1043270A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000046979A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004065943A1 (fr) 2003-01-22 2004-08-05 Art, Advanced Research Technologies, Inc. Acquisition simultanee de diverses portes temporelles dans une imagerie optique fondee sur tpsf
US8416415B2 (en) 2009-04-27 2013-04-09 General Electric Company Gas turbine optical imaging system
CN110542938B (zh) * 2013-11-27 2023-04-18 奇跃公司 虚拟和增强现实系统与方法
CN105973839B (zh) * 2016-06-28 2019-04-02 江苏大学 一种高光谱批处理式农畜产品品质无损检测方法和系统

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4767928A (en) * 1984-06-25 1988-08-30 Nelson Robert S High resolution breast imaging device utilizing non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth
EP0466490A2 (fr) * 1990-07-11 1992-01-15 De Beers Industrial Diamond Division (Proprietary) Limited Système d'interrogation à fibres optiques
EP0614645A1 (fr) * 1992-08-31 1994-09-14 Hitachi, Ltd. Appareil de tomographie optique informatisee
US5749830A (en) * 1993-12-03 1998-05-12 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Fluorescent endoscope apparatus
JPH10276369A (ja) * 1997-03-28 1998-10-13 Nec Corp 光学像取得装置および光学像取得方法

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5436655A (en) * 1991-08-09 1995-07-25 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope apparatus for three dimensional measurement for scanning spot light to execute three dimensional measurement
DE69533469T2 (de) * 1994-12-26 2005-09-22 Sysmex Corp. Durchflusszytometer
US5952664A (en) * 1997-01-17 1999-09-14 Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc. Laser imaging apparatus using biomedical markers that bind to cancer cells
US5986271A (en) * 1997-07-03 1999-11-16 Lazarev; Victor Fluorescence imaging system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4767928A (en) * 1984-06-25 1988-08-30 Nelson Robert S High resolution breast imaging device utilizing non-ionizing radiation of narrow spectral bandwidth
EP0466490A2 (fr) * 1990-07-11 1992-01-15 De Beers Industrial Diamond Division (Proprietary) Limited Système d'interrogation à fibres optiques
EP0614645A1 (fr) * 1992-08-31 1994-09-14 Hitachi, Ltd. Appareil de tomographie optique informatisee
US5749830A (en) * 1993-12-03 1998-05-12 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Fluorescent endoscope apparatus
JPH10276369A (ja) * 1997-03-28 1998-10-13 Nec Corp 光学像取得装置および光学像取得方法

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1999, no. 01, 29 January 1999 (1999-01-29) & JP 10 276369 A (NEC CORP), 13 October 1998 (1998-10-13) *
SCHMIDT F: "OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHIC BRAIN IMAGING OF NEW-BORN INFANTS" ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, MORGAN-GRAMPIAN LTD. LONDON, GB, vol. 70, no. 859, July 1998 (1998-07), page 63,65,67 XP000848048 ISSN: 0013-4902 *
See also references of WO0046979A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1157537A4 (fr) 2002-07-17
JP2003520345A (ja) 2003-07-02
CA2360129A1 (fr) 2000-08-10
WO2000046979A2 (fr) 2000-08-10
HK1043270A1 (zh) 2002-09-06
WO2000046979A3 (fr) 2000-11-30
AU3207900A (en) 2000-08-25
CN1362868A (zh) 2002-08-07
WO2000046979A9 (fr) 2001-08-30

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