Abstract: The present invention is an automated endoscopic device and diagnostic method, which performs at least one other disease detection method simultaneously during a white light endoscopic procedure. In some embodiments fluorescence imaging or spectroscopy is performed during the white light examination. In other embodiments, multi-modal imaging and/or spectroscopy may be performed and combined in a variety of ways. Because diagnostic modes other than white light are performed transparently in the background, the procedure is not significantly more complex for the clinician than the familiar white light examination. In some embodiments the present invention automatically detects suspicious tissue and informs the clinician of its presence. In other embodiments the present invention helps determine if a biopsy is required, and may further assist the clinician, for example, by providing an outline or otherwise guide the clinician in identifying and/or taking a biopsy of a suspicious site.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an optical apparatus, methods and uses for real-time (video-rate) multimodal imaging, for example, contemporaneous measurement of white light reflectance, native tissue autofluorescence and near infrared images with an endoscope. These principles may be applied to various optical apparati such as microscopes, endoscopes, telescopes, cameras etc. to view or analyze the interaction of light with objects such as planets, plants, rocks, animals, cells, tissue, proteins, DNA, semiconductors, etc. Multi-band spectral images may provide morphological data such as surface structure of lung tissue whereas chemical make-up, sub-structure and other object characteristics may be deduced from spectral signals related to reflectance or light radiated (emitted) from the object such as luminescence or fluorescence, indicating endogenous chemicals or exogenous substances such as dyes employed to enhance visualization, drugs, therapeutics or other agents.