System for controlling the visualization of a target area of a laser treatment

Abstract

To provide a system useful for reducing the displayed visual effects of undesirable laser-induced emissions, such as during endoscopic or similar minimally invasive or other surgical treatments.SOLUTION: A system for endoscopically imaging a first target of a patient using a light source and a light detector and for laser treating the same or a different second target of the patient using a laser source. For example, the system may have at least a signal processing circuit, which may include a target response signal laser source flash component detector and a flash analyzer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This document provides an endoscope for at least one of hard and soft tissues of a human or another animal. of unwanted laser-induced emissions, such as during surgical or similar minimally invasive or other surgical procedures. The present invention relates generally to, but is not limited to, systems and methods that help reduce displayed visual effects. Not determined. [Background technology]

[0002] Spectroscopy and spectrometry are used to measure the amount of light reflected or otherwise scattered by a material. one or more materials by scattering, transmitting, or absorbing visible light or another part of the electromagnetic spectrum Spectroscopy can be used to identify one or more molecules in an animal body, such as a human. It can be useful in identifying and treating anatomical structures.

[0003] In certain endoscopic techniques, light from a visualization illumination source and a laser source is directed through the endoscopically operated Light from an illumination source may be used to illuminate the cavity, and light from a laser source may be used to illuminate the cavity. The light may be used to treat a targeted anatomical structure or another area of ​​interest. During treatment of the targeted anatomical structure, a laser-induced emission ("flash") is emitted from the targeted anatomical structure. It is used to display an image of the response light reaching a photodetector or photoimager from a region of interest. Such response light may be observed on a display screen that is fitted with one or more spectral signal processing and display, or analysis, or both, which may include using techniques The flash of light can be used, for example, to optically couple light from a laser source to a target area. dirt or other contaminants that may be present at the working tip of the laser fiber used from combustion reactions, liquid luminescence cavitation, laser-induced breakdown emissions, or incineration of materials decomposition This can occur.

[0004] When a flash occurs, it can interfere with the imaging signal being displayed, the spectroscopic signal being analyzed, or other For example, flashing light can interfere with the visual display of a target area on a display screen. The glint may create distortion artifacts that may be visible on the image or may obscure the target of interest. This can produce inconsistent spectroscopic readings of the photodetector receiving light from the target area. Such distortion artifacts or other abnormal responses due to source flashes may be useful in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. There may be some undesirable things in it. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The system disclosed herein uses a light source and a light detector to endoscopically detect a first target in a patient. and using a laser source to perform laser treatment on the same or a different second target on said patient. a system for detecting a light source and a laser source, the system including: receiving a target response signal indicative of light received from the patient in response to illumination by one of the a signal processing circuit coupleable to the photodetector, the signal processing circuit processing the target response signal; a target response signal laser source flash component detector for detecting a laser source flash component of the target response signal; receiving the laser source flash component of the target response signal from a signal laser source flash component detector; a flash based at least in part on an indication of the amount of the laser source flash component of the target response signal; and a flash analyzer for generating an alarm or flash control signal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for endoscopically imaging a target. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for endoscopically imaging a target using a signal processor / controller circuit to control various outputs. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for endoscopically imaging a target using a signal processor / controller circuit that detects light flashes. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a computer model graph of response light intensity versus response light wavelength. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a portion of a flash component detector or flash analyzer. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a portion of a flash component detector or flash analyzer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a portion of a flash component. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of computer modeling of a flash on a display screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for an imaging procedure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting and controlling laser source flash. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting and controlling laser source flash. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting and controlling laser source flash. [Figure 8D] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting and controlling laser source flash. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for using an accumulator to detect flashes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This document describes, among other things, a method for imaging and laser treating one or more target regions of interest. The present invention describes an endoscope or other system for performing an endoscopy of a target area of ​​interest. The system may include a light source and a light detector for illumination, visualization, etc. The system may also include a target of interest. The system may include a laser source for delivering laser energy to the target area. generating a flash alarm or flash control signal based on the amount of flash occurring, etc. A laser source flash component detector may be included. A flash alarm or flash control signal may then be used to By improving the displayed image for one or more target areas, the user can be alerted. It can emit a signal or control or compensate system components. Whether or not a particular component is present can be determined using one or more techniques such as those described herein. For example, a spectroscopic filter or analyzer may be used to filter out response light waves that occur outside the spectral band of the illumination source. The accumulated response wavelength can be calculated by the amount of the laser source. Alternatively or additionally, imaging meridians may provide an indication of whether induced flashes are occurring. Or how much distortion artifacts (e.g. saturated pixel columns) are displayed on the display screen? This can be used as an indicator of how much laser source-induced flashing is occurring. and details are further explained below.

[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a target 102 within a human or other animal patient or subject, or another target 10 2. The imaging and laser treatment of one or more regions of interest can be performed using a single IR source. An example of a portion of the system 100 is shown. The device includes a delivery device, such as an endoscope 110, for treating a target 102 located within a subject. This may be included within or attached to the chair, which may allow for visualization or imaging The image can then be used to identify an internal target 10 of interest, such as a cavity or other surrounding area. 2 or area etc.

[0009] In FIG. 1A, the system 100 is configured to emit light (e.g., from about 380 nm to 740 nm). Illumination capable of providing broadband illumination (including light of wavelengths visible to humans) to the internal target 102. Such illumination may include a light source 104. Such illumination may be provided by a photodetector or imaging pixel array ("camera") 106, etc., to enable visualization or imaging of the target 102. For imaging or the like, the light detected by the camera 106 is detected and transmitted as an electronic response signal. For example, the electronic response signal may be converted and provided as a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) image frames. The image may represent one of a variety of images or a video sequence, such as for display on a display screen 108. The image data may be provided to the display driver 114 for

[0010] Illumination light from illumination source 104 is directed to one or more The light may be provided to the internal target 102 via an optical fiber or other illumination optics. The distal portion of the endoscope 110 may be inserted into the subject, such as through an opening or incision. Laser light from source 112 may also be directed through endoscope 110 or another For example, such laser treatment may be provided via a delivery system for Laser ablation to help destroy biological stones (sometimes called "stones") in the Another laser treatment procedure may involve treating tumors or precancerous growths or resolving patients. This may include cauterizing blood vessels or tissue within the subject.

[0011] In FIG. 1B, controller circuitry 116 may control laser source 112, light source 104, or another component. The system 100 may include a plurality of sensors, each of which may be included to facilitate operation of one or more components, such as a sensor, a sensor element, or the like. The controller circuit 116 may also detect and convert light by the camera 106 or another light detector. The controller circuit 116 may also be useful for signal processing of any response optical signals received. , a flash warning or flash control based on how much flashing is occurring, as described in Detect, measure, or determine whether a laser source flash is occurring, such as to generate a signal. and / or coupled to components for performing at least one of the following: The flash warning or flash control signal is then used to to improve the displayed image of one or more target areas, alert the user, or configure the system. The factors may be controlled or compensated for.

[0012] The flash of light is the reflected emission from the target 102, which is the reflected emission that the laser source 112 However, flashes of light may be produced when delivering energy to treat 02. This can be an undesirable by-product of laser treatment, for example, This may interfere with the user's visualization or imaging of the target 102 or its surroundings during the treatment procedure. Because it can harm.

[0013] In FIG. 1C, the signal processing circuitry 122 receives the target 1 from the camera 106 or another photodetector. 02. The response light index may be coupled to receive an electrically converted indication of the response light from the sensor. The target is a response light component attributable to the laser source flash, a response light component not attributable to the laser source flash, The signal processing circuitry 122 may include a flash analyzer 120, which may include a response a flash component detector 11 for detecting or distinguishing the flash component of the response light from the non-flash component of the light, etc. 8, or may be combined therewith. For example, a time period longer than a certain first threshold (e.g., Response light of wavelengths (greater than the first threshold of 720 nm) is considered to represent the flash component of the response light. and wavelengths shorter than a first threshold (e.g., shorter than a first threshold of 720 nm) can be considered to represent the non-flash component of the response light. For example, the non-flash component of the response light is , response light received in response to illumination light from the light source 104, or one or more of the targets 102 The sample may include a response light that conveys spectroscopic information about the constituent analyte materials.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows that the target 102 is illuminated by both the illumination source 104 and the treatment laser source 112 during the procedure. 1 shows an example of a computer-modeled graph of response light intensity versus response light wavelength when illuminated with In FIG. 2, the non-flash component 202 of the response light from the endoscope light source 104 is 625 nanometers. It predominates at wavelengths below 100 kJ / s, which may be designated as the first threshold mentioned above. The flash component 204 from the laser source 112 is at wavelengths longer than 625 nanometers. As mentioned above, the flash component 204 is generated by light, for example, during the decomposition of biological material. The flash component 204 can also result from burning of the laser fiber. As shown in FIG. 1, the flash component 204 is stronger than the intensity of the response light based on illumination by the endoscope light source 202. It is more likely that

[0015] Using the system shown in at least one of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C By accumulating or integrating the response light spectrum energy at wavelengths longer than a threshold value. The total flash amount can then be optionally calculated (e.g., using a comparator) The second threshold may be compared to a specified second threshold (e.g., using For example, the relative second threshold may be a response light The amount of response light is either the non-flash component or the total amount of response light, including both flash and non-flash components. If the total amount of flashes exceeds the second threshold, a flash alert or flash control signal is generated. , this may be signaled. The flash warning may be displayed or otherwise used, e.g. , the user may be informed that imaging or visualization is being affected by the laser source flash. As further described below, the flash control signal is used to adjust one or more other components. By doing so, it is possible to compensate for the effects of such laser source flashes. The signal need not be generated as a result of a comparison with the second threshold, e.g., for the entire flash. All non-threshold indicators may be used to optionally incorporate one or more additional components into the laser source flash. A control signal may be generated to compensate for the effect, etc.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an example of a portion of the flash component detector 118 or the flash analyzer 120 in more detail. 106, which may receive a signal indicative of the response light from the camera or photodetector 106. A flash component detector or flash analyzer 120 separates the laser source flash component of the target response signal into a target response signal. 302 to help separate the response signal from non-flashing components. The integrator or accumulator 304 calculates the spectral energy of a plurality of wavelengths above the first wavelength threshold. The filter 302 may be coupled to the output of the filter 302 so as to accumulate the signal.

[0017] The accumulator 304 may generate a response within the system 100 that indicates the amount of flashing occurring. For example, the accumulator 304 may be configured to correlate the intensity of the wavelengths received from the camera or photodetector 106. Optionally, the accumulator 304 may also accumulate at least one of the portions of the flash signal. Additionally, the accumulator 304 may accumulate the duration of the response light, including the wavelength associated with the flash. is obtained from the display screen 108 or from a display driver that drives the pixels of the display screen 108. Saturated or similar pixel intensities (e.g., pixel saturation where flashing occurs within a pixel column) can be detected. The flash may be triggered, the duration, or the pixel count associated with the flash may be accumulated. Alternatively or additionally, the accumulator 304 may be configured to generate a signal at one or more specified wavelengths or wavelength bands. A weighted or unweighted accumulation of the readings of at least one spectrometer 402 may be performed. A flash control signal may be generated based on the output of the integrator or accumulator 304, and an alarm etc. to a user, or a flash control signal etc. to another component. A flash control signal is used to control the display by replacing non-saturated pixels with flash saturated pixels. The display driver that drives the screen 108 may be compensated. In one example, such a flash control signal may be used to compensate the camera or photodetector 106, as further explained below.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a flash component detector 118 that may include one or both of a flash component detector 120. , an example of a portion of the signal processor 122 or the controller circuit 116 is shown in more detail. 2 or another narrow band optical detector detects wavelengths associated with the laser source flash component of the target response signal, e.g. For example, to help spectrally separate wavelengths associated with non-photic components of the target response signal. The spectrometer 402 may be directly, through the responsive optical wavelength filter 302, or Both may be coupled to the integrator / accumulator 304. The responsive optical wavelength filter 302 may then The accumulator 304 may be coupled to the threshold value accumulator 304. The accumulator 304 may provide an indication of the amount of flashing, which may be a threshold value accumulator 304. or alternatively, the flash and non-flash signals received from the photodetector 106 to control the photodetector 106, such as to control the response from the photodetector based on the component. The signal can be processed and used for

[0019] FIG. 5 shows an example conceptualized timing diagram of the operational portions of system 100. In this case, a series of laser pulses is used to break up the "stones" that are calculi. 506, which is shown as being emitted by a laser of various intensities and A series of corresponding resulting laser flash examples are shown for various durations. Various factors can affect the amount (intensity and duration) of a flash, including: is a contaminant or other substance present near the tip of the laser fiber, At 508, a series of A flash detection indicator pulse may be generated by the system 100. This may be used to detect a flash in the camera 106. Detecting light from a target region of interest using, and band-pass filtering This may include performing a "flash threshold" wavelength scan and accumulating detected light of wavelengths above that wavelength. As explained above, the "flash threshold" wavelength is the difference between the light detected due to the flash and the light caused by the endoscopic illumination light source. At 508, various flash detectors may be selected to distinguish between the detected light and the flash light. The output index pulses provide parameters for the corresponding laser pulse 504 that causes the flash to occur. However, not all laser pulses can have pulse widths and repetition frequencies that can be tracked. The signal 504 generates a flash event 506 and a resulting flash detection indicator pulse 508. Furthermore, the pulse width / duration of the resulting flash detection indication pulse 508 The quality may vary depending on how much flashing is occurring, etc. 06 when the intensity of light detected by the camera 106 exceeds a specified flash threshold. In FIG. 5, the duration of a particular flash instance 508 is determined by the intensity of the If it is greater than the flash threshold, it corresponds to the duration of the laser pulse 504. The pulse width or duty of the light detection indicator pulse 508 is It may be shorter than the corresponding fixed time.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows the saturated row of pixels where a flash of light is present and is shown in FIG. 6 as a corresponding bright horizontal line. 602 is displayed on the display screen, etc. 6 shows an example of 16 image frames that are generated using the saturation column 602 of pixels. The flash artifact itself is used as an indication of when and how much flash is present. For example, the bottom right frame of FIG. 6 shows four saturated columns 602 (relatively more saturated) of pixels. The top right frame of FIG. 6 shows two saturated columns 602 of pixels (relatively less saturated). Such flash distortion artifact indicators are displayed on the display screen 108. Alternatively or additionally, by observing the image intensity of the pixels on the display screen 1 108. The camera 106 is connected to a video display driver 109 to generate an image for display on the video display driver 108. This can be detected by early upstream signal processing of the image signal provided to the imager 114.

[0021] For example, the image signal provided by the camera 106 to the video display driver 114 Initial upstream signal processing detects partial or complete camera imaging array pixels exceeding saturation values ​​indicative of glint. If the flash indicator indicates a suitable sequence, a flash indicator may be generated upstream. A target is used to compensate for flashing so that the higher intensity horizontal lines of saturated pixels actually appear. For example, for a reasonably high frame rate, flashing may not be required. A partially or fully saturated row of pixels due to the Saturation that appears in the immediately preceding or similar slightly previous frame without significantly altering the visual perception The pixel may be replaced by a partial or complete row of pixels that is not part of the original pixel. Factors may be used in addition to pixel saturation above the flash threshold to indicate a flash. In instances where trigger information is available, such information may then be used to, for example, The saturation flash threshold may be adjusted, e.g., to show flashes during a time window corresponding to the injection of a laser pulse. Lowering the pixel saturation threshold can help detect flash-induced imaging distortion artifacts. by accumulating spectral information indicative of flashes, or any combination thereof; Improve flash detection by using one or more separate flash indicators This can be useful.

[0022] In FIG. 6, the bright horizontal columns are the visible distortion artifacts of saturated columns 602 of pixels. However, the signal processing circuit 116 or the display driver circuit 114 corresponds to the display screen. a brightness compensation signal that automatically adjusts the brightness of the pixels of the frame displayed on the screen 108. In such a scenario, the flash of light may trigger such brightness compensation, causing the image Such dark columns 602 can result in distortion artifacts in the display. Small partial or total column distortion artifacts may also be used to determine whether flashing is occurring. Additional compensation may be provided to compensate for the amount of flashing caused by the flash. Similar to the previous approach depending on the bright partial or total saturated sequence of the pixel to be detected, involves displaying the same partial or entire row of pixels from a slightly previous frame. Additionally or alternatively, (e.g., bandpass filtering as described above) A separate measure of flash (using spectral accumulation) is used to measure brightness. Adjust the brightness compensation to display a dark column 602 of pixels that would otherwise be overcompensated from the flash. This may avoid or reduce the presence of distortion artifacts that may be present.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for simultaneously imaging a target region of interest, such as during an endoscopic or similar minimally invasive procedure. Method of providing laser therapy while performing imaging or spectroscopy, or both Here is an example.

[0024] At 710, a cavity or another target region of interest within a patient is imaged. A broadband illumination source 104 is used through the endoscope 110 to aid in imaging or other visualization. The illumination may include:

[0025] At 712, laser energy from the laser source 112 is directed to a surface by a physician or another user. The effect of the laser treatment can be observed through imaging, such as through a display screen 108. applied to the target area of ​​interest so as to be simultaneous with the imaging of the target area of ​​interest. It is possible.

[0026] At 714, the laser energy and illumination light are directed to the object of interest, such as through the endoscope 110. The medicaments can be simultaneously delivered to the target area of ​​the elephant.

[0027] At 716, illumination light from light source 104 and laser light from laser source 112 are emitted. When struck, the illumination light and laser light are reflected or otherwise scattered from the target 102. can be done.

[0028] 718, the reflected light is used for imaging the target, for spectroscopic analysis of the target. , or both, etc., received by the camera or photodetector 106 For example, spectroscopic analysis of the target can determine whether the target being treated by the laser is a stone (" Such information can be useful, for example, to A physician or another user may direct the device toward the desired target and away from nearby organs at risk. This can be useful for directing the laser towards the target, towards the target, or both.

[0029] At 720, the image information from the camera or photodetector 106 is signal processed and displayed on the display screen. a display driver, such as to provide image display frame information for display on surface 108; 114.

[0030] At 722, the display screen 108 displays an image of the data received via the photodetector 114. Images or pictorial representations, and signals processed by signal processing circuitry 116, may be displayed.

[0031] FIG. 8A shows an example of a method for detecting a flash of light.

[0032] At 810, illumination light and laser light can be endoscopically delivered into a cavity of the anatomical structure. , and can be endoscopically directed towards the target 102.

[0033] At 812, the camera or another photodetector 106 detects the response signal detected from the target. It may be converted into an electrical signal for signal processing.

[0034] At 816, the flash analyzer 120 determines whether a flash is present (or how much flash is present). Signal processing may be performed to aid in determining whether a signal is present or not. As explained in the specification, this involves accumulating response light at wavelengths associated with flashes rather than illumination. Additionally or alternatively, this may involve bright partial or complete rows of saturated pixels, or or dark partial or entire rows of pixels whose brightness has been overcompensated due to a flash. , may include detecting distortion artifacts associated with flashes.

[0035] 824, whether flashing is present (or how much flashing is present) Based on the indications from all flash analyzers 120, the flash analyzer 120 analyzes visual, auditory, and tactile a flashing warning, such as may be provided to the user via a visual or other warning indicator; It can be generated.

[0036] 826, whether flashing is present (or how much flashing is present) Based on the indications from all flash analyzers 120, the flash analyzer 120 generates a flash control signal. possible.

[0037] At 828, a flash control signal is used to control a flashing light that may be included in the system 100 or that may be connected to the flashing light. For example, a flash control signal may be used to control one or more components that may be coupled to the The signal includes an illumination source, a laser source, a display driver, a display screen, and a display compensation signal (e.g., brightness compensation). compensation), or spectroscopic target analyzer. For example, the illumination source 104 Alternatively, the laser source 112 may be controlled by a flash control signal (e.g., controller circuit 116). By doing so, the illumination light or laser light emitted to reduce the occurrence or amount of flashing Additionally or alternatively, the display driver or The display corresponds to the frame that receives the flash from the previous or slightly previous frame. Additionally or alternatively, a brightness compensation signal may be used to replace pixels, etc. A display compensation signal such as a 1 / 2 sigma is adjusted during the flash to compensate for the dark horizontal row of original data being displayed on the display screen. Additionally or alternatively, this may avoid overcompensation for brightness due to flashing, which can be a contributing factor. , a spectroscopic target analyzer is controlled to spectroscopically sample the target area during the flash. Such spectroscopic analysis may be used to target tissue or biological stones. This can help identify whether the target area to be laser treated (e.g. non-standard treatments that should be avoided, such as those directed towards stones, or as appropriate for a particular procedure Assists the user in properly aiming the laser away from the target area (e.g., tissue) It can stand.

[0038] FIG. 8B shows another example of a method for detecting and responding to a laser source flash.

[0039] At 830, the flash component detector 118 detects the electrical current generated by the camera or another photodetector 106. and extracting response light from the target region of interest, such as through imaging or conversion of the response light signal to another representation. A signal can be received.

[0040] At 832, the laser source flash component of the converted response optical signal is converted to a signal having a wavelength of 1000 keV, as described herein. The use of a bandpass filter or other wavelength specific filter, such as Integrating or otherwise accumulating the response over wavelengths of interest representing the flash component of the signal. etc., can be separated from the non-flashing components of the response light signal.

[0041] At 834, the resulting accumulated response signal is adjusted to one or more of the specified thresholds, etc. can be compared to multiple criteria.

[0042] At 836, the spectroscopic analyzer suppresses spectroscopic signal sampling of the target area during the flash. Otherwise, the target may be a biological stone to be laser treated, or a This prevents proper spectroscopic analysis, such as to determine whether the treatment constitutes tissue that should be avoided.

[0043] FIG. 8C illustrates how a spectrometer can be used (e.g., without the need for a separate wavelength filter) to measure the By separating the wavelengths, it is possible to determine whether or not a flash is present (or how much of a flash is present). ) and the like.

[0044] At 840, a spectrometer may measure the wavelength received from the target response signal.

[0045] At 842, the spectrometer 402 then measures the wavelengths associated with the non-scintillating component of the target response signal. 3. Isolate the wavelength associated with the laser source flash (e.g., using a responsive optical wavelength filter 302) from the By separating the wavelengths associated with the flash component, the energy of the flash component is calculated for comparison with the threshold at 844. It may be possible to allow for accumulation of loops or intensities, etc.

[0046] At 846, the comparison at 844 indicates that the flash component exceeds the flash threshold, and This may result in the presence of flashes that may affect the non-flash components measured spectroscopically. If the non-glint component indicates (cannot be obtained or can be inhibited).

[0047] FIG. 8D shows a target being captured and signal processed for display of an image of the target on a display screen. Part of the method where distortion artifacts or other components of the target image indicate that a flash is occurring An example of this is shown below.

[0048] At 850, the response light from the target area of ​​interest is detected by a camera or another light detector 106. can be converted into a response signal by

[0049] At 852, a distortion or other artifact indicative of a flash may be detected. The artifacts may appear on a display screen or in the image captured by a camera or other photodetector 106. Brightness can be adjusted either at the image array or at intermediate signal processing components between them. This may include partial or full horizontal rows of unclear (e.g., saturated) pixels. An additional or alternative example of the brightness compensation is the display screen. , or in the imaging array of a camera or another photodetector 106, or any intermediate therebetween. In either the signal processing component, partial or complete horizontal row dark (e.g., over may contain (extra brightness compensated) pixels, which may potentially cause excessive An additional or alternative example of an artifact is brightness compensation. This may include using the device itself to detect and indicate the presence of a flash of light.

[0050] At 854, in response to detecting a flash, the displayed image may be compensated. One or more partial or complete columns of summed pixels (or overcompensated pixels) are This may involve substituting corresponding pixels from a previous frame or similarly recent frame. This reduces the effects of flashes or overcompensation caused by flashes (e.g. automatic brightness compensation). At 856, the flash of light can be visualized with a relatively constant degree of accuracy. Depending on the detection, the system may include a light source, a laser source, a display driver, a display screen, or a spectroscopic analyzer. One or more other components included in or coupled to the system may be It may be compensated or otherwise controlled as described elsewhere.

[0051] FIG. 9 shows an example of part of how a flash analyzer can be used to detect flashes of light.

[0052] At 910, an accumulator correlates the flash component of the target response signal and Wavelengths of the target response signal that are not associated with the non-phosphene component may be accumulated.

[0053] At 920, the accumulated wavelengths associated with the flash components are compared to one or more criteria, such as a threshold. to determine whether a flash is occurring, and so on.

[0054] At 930, a flash warning or control signal is generated in response to the comparison indicating that a flash is occurring. Optionally, the accumulator 304 may be configured to provide a link to a temporary or longer term record. For this purpose, data relating to the laser-sourced flash is stored. Such stored data is , e.g., the accumulated spectral energy at wavelengths associated with the flash, its duration, Such recorded flash information may be used to identify the material type of the target. from a target, such as those used for spectroscopic analysis of a sample (e.g., stone or tissue). Non-scintillating spectroscopic information about the response light can be increased. Since this produces more flashes than the actual flash, information about whether a flash is occurring is used. between various stone types, etc., by augmenting the non-flash spectroscopic data being analyzed. It may be helpful to distinguish between them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 100 systems 102 Target 104 Light source 106 Camera / Photodetector 108 Display screen 110 Endoscope 112 Laser Source 114 Display Driver 116 Signal Processor / Controller Circuit 120 Flash analyzer 302 Responsive Optical Wavelength Filter 304 Integrator / Accumulator 402 Spectrometer

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A system for controlling visualization of a target area on a display screen during laser treatment, comprising: a light source and a laser source coupled to the endoscope; a photodetector configured to receive light from the region of interest; a controller circuit in communication with the photodetector, a flash component detector configured to separate the received light including a laser source flash component and a non-flash component; a flash analyzer configured to determine an amount of the laser source flash component, the flash analyzer configured to generate a flash control signal in response to the analyzed received light; a compensation circuit configured to respond to the flash control signal; a controller circuit comprising: A system including:

Images