Method for recording fluorescence using two color images, processor, and medical fluorescence observation apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to an image processor and a computer-implemented image processing method for calculating a digital fluorescence output color image (160) in a medical fluorescence observation device (100) having a white light color camera (110) for recording one or more digital white light color images (114) and a fluorescence color camera (111) for recording one or more digital fluorescence color images (112). The method and processor (170) are configured to acquire a digital white light color image in which one or more fluorescent phosphors (116, 118) are represented in a first imaging spectrum (202). The digital white light color image includes a plurality of first pixels (150a), and each first pixel (150a) has a first set ({R1, B1, G1}) of color space coordinates (R1, B1, G1). The first imaging spectrum (202) overlaps the fluorescence emission spectrum (226) of at least one phosphor (116) of one or more fluorescent phosphors (116, 118). Further, a digital fluorescence color image (112) in which one or more fluorescent phosphors are represented in a second imaging spectrum (222) different from the first imaging spectrum is acquired. The digital fluorescence color image includes a plurality of second pixels (150b), and each second pixel (150b) has a second set ({R2, B2, G2}) of color space coordinates (R2, G2, B2). The second imaging spectrum (222) overlaps the fluorescence emission spectrum of at least one phosphor. The digital fluorescence output color image is generated from the digital white light color image and the digital fluorescence color image and includes a plurality of output pixels (150c). The color (R * , G * , B * ) is calculated by applying a color conversion function (140) to an input combination (846, {R1, R2, G1, G2, B1, B2}) of the first set of color space coordinates of the first pixel (150a) and the second set of color space coordinates of the second pixel (150b). By using the combined set at each pixel, it becomes possible to more reliably detect and improve image content related to fluorescence such as excitation fluorescence, autofluorescence, and / or reflectance of an object illuminated with a fluorescence excitation spectrum.

Images