Spectral imaging using illumination of preselected spectral content
US6142629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2003/1282
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method for spectral imaging of an object. A plurality of sets of narrow-band light sources such as LEDs are provided. Each set emits illumination radiation in a different narrow spectral band. Each set is activated sequentially to illuminate the object. Light reflected from the object or transmitted by the object is focused on a detector array to image the object. Narrower illumination bands are provided by dispersing the emitted light using a dispersive optical element such as a diffraction grating. Alternatively; selected sets or subsets are activated simultaneously with duty cycles that emulate a preselected spectral distribution. For imaging ocular fundus tissue, the illumination light is shaped into an annular beam by an appropriately shaped waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.