Method and apparatus for calibrating an optical probe
US5902246A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1495
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical body cavity probe (110, 310, 1200, 1300) is provided with a disposable flexible comformable sheath (120) having an optical window (220), or a disposable rigid sheath (320, 1210, 1310) having an optical window (420). The electronic system includes optical sources for generating the illuminating electromagnetic energy, filters or spectrum analyzers for isolating returned wavelengths of interest, and a computer for processing the returned wavelengths of interest to determine the tissue properties of interest as well as to calibrate the system. For calibration purposes, a removable calibration body (510, 910, 1010, 1220, 1330, 1430) bearing a fluorescence pattern resides on the outside of the optical window (500, 900, 1000, 1210, 1310, 1420) so as to be in the field of view of the probe when the sheath is installed over the probe. The calibration body is maintained in contact with the optical window during a calibration sequence using an adhesive, an endcap, shrink wrap material, or other suitable means. After the system is calibrated, the calibration body is removed and discarded and the investigation is begun. Once the investigation is completed, the sheath containing the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.