Hyperspectral imaging systems and related methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for analyzing sublingual microcirculation perfusion and identifying particular nerve tracts. In exemplary embodiments, a digital micro-mirror device is configured to direct a reflected light to a subject area and a controller is configured to alter a parameter of the reflected light.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for identifying a nerve tract, the system comprising:
 a light source;   a digital micro-mirror device;   an optical detector;   an analyzer;   a controller coupled to the digital micro-mirror device; and   a stimulator configured to provide a stimulus to a nerve tract, wherein:
 the light source is configured to emit light to the digital micro-mirror device; 
 the digital micro-mirror device is configured to direct a reflected light to a subject area; 
 the controller is configured to alter a parameter of the reflected light; 
 the optical detector is configured to detect a response light from the subject area; and 
 the analyzer is configured to analyze the response light and generate an image of the subject area wherein the nerve tract is distinguished from an area surrounding the nerve tract. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the analyzer is configured to generate an image of the subject area wherein the nerve tract is a different color than the area surrounding the nerve tract. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the stimulator is configured as a flashing light. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the stimulator is a component of eyewear configured to be worn by a subject. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the controller is configured to alter the parameter of the reflected light at least once per second. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the controller is configured to alter the parameter of the reflected light at least twice per second. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the controller is configured to alter the parameter of the reflected light at least three times per second. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the analyzer comprises a computer-readable medium configured to analyze the response light and generate an image of the subject area. 
     
     
         9 . A method for identifying a nerve tract, the method comprising:
 providing a stimulus to a nerve tract;   directing light to a digital micro-mirror device;   directing a reflected light from the digital micro-mirror device to a subject area;   dynamically controlling the reflected light from micro-mirror device to the subject area;   detecting a response light from the subject area; and   analyzing the response light from the subject area and generating an image of the subject area wherein the nerve tract is distinguished from an area surrounding the nerve tract.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein dynamically controlling the reflected light from the micro-mirror device to the subject area comprises altering a parameter of the reflected light at least once per second. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein dynamically controlling the reflected light from the micro-mirror device to the subject area comprises altering a parameter of the reflected light at least twice per second. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein dynamically controlling the reflected light from the micro-mirror device to the subject area comprises altering a parameter of the reflected light at least three times per second. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the parameter comprises the wavelength of the reflected light. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the parameter comprises the location of the reflected light.