Method, processor, and medical fluorescence observation apparatus using a color conversion function with color dependency

JP2025519038A5Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-22LEICA INSTRUMENTS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
LEICA INSTRUMENTS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
Filing Date
2023-05-15
Publication Date
2026-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing medical fluorescence observation devices struggle with poor visualization of anatomical structures due to low-intensity blue excitation light, making it difficult to see bleeding, and pseudo-color representations of fluorescence that do not accurately reflect human perception.

Method used

A method and apparatus that process digital white light and fluorescence images using color conversion functions to generate a multispectral image, aligning and merging these images to enhance color accuracy and representation, allowing for improved visualization of anatomical structures and fluorescence.

Benefits of technology

The method provides a more accurate and natural color representation of anatomical structures and fluorescence, enhancing surgical guidance by improving visibility of tissues like blood vessels and tumors.

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Abstract

This application relates to an image processor and a computer-implemented image processing method for generating a digital output color image of an object using a medical fluorescence observation device such as a fluorescence microscope or a fluorescence endoscope. A digital white light color image (114) and a digital fluorescence color image (112) of the object (106) are acquired. The digital white light color image is recorded in a first imaging spectrum and includes a plurality of first pixels (150a). Each first pixel (150a) includes a first set ({R1, B1, G1}) of color space coordinates ({R1, B1, G1}) in a first set of color bands (R, G, B). The digital fluorescence color image (112) includes a plurality of second pixels (150b). Each second pixel (150b) includes a second set ({R2, B2, G2}) of color space coordinates (R2, G2, B2) in a second set of color bands. The second imaging spectrum overlaps with the fluorescence emission spectrum of at least one phosphor and is different from the first imaging spectrum (202). Both spectra overlap with the visible spectrum. A digital output color image (160) is generated from the digital white light color image and the digital fluorescence color image, and the digital output color image includes a plurality of output pixels (150c). The color (R * , G * , B * ) of the output pixel is calculated by applying a color conversion function (140) to an input merger ({R1, R2, G1, G2, B1, B2}) of the first set of color space coordinates of the first pixel and the second set of color space coordinates of the second pixel. The color conversion function is applied depending on the color space coordinates within the input merger. The digital white light image and the fluorescence image are processed as multi-spectrum images having more color bands and higher color accuracy. This makes it possible to apply different color conversion functions to different tissue types.
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