Method, processor, and medical fluorescence observation device using two color images and color cameras for fluorescence and white-light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluorescence observation devices suffer from poor visualization of tissue anatomy due to low intensity blue excitation light, making it difficult to see bleedings, and pseudocolor representations of fluorescence do not accurately reflect human eye perception of colors.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluorescence observation device with an image processor that retrieves and processes digital white-light and fluorescence-light color images separately, allowing for selective operational modes of image combining and color conversion to generate a true-color output image, enhancing the visibility and accuracy of both anatomy and fluorescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera records both fluorescence and white-light images using standardized optical filters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visualization quality of tissue anatomy deteriorates due to low intensity blue excitation light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate cameras: a first color camera optimized for white-light anatomy imaging and a second color camera optimized for fluorescence imaging. This segmentation allows each camera to capture images in its optimal spectral range without compromise, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and imaging quality.
2Device complexity
If pseudocolor is applied to fluorescence images, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the color accuracy deteriorates as it does not represent human eye perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color conversion functions that transform the color parameters of fluorescence images to match human eye perception. Instead of using simplified pseudocolor, the system converts the color space and parameters to accurately represent how humans perceive fluorescent colors, thereby improving color accuracy while maintaining manageable processing complexity.
3Reliability
If blue excitation light is used for fluorescence imaging, then the fluorescence detection is enabled, but the anatomy visualization quality deteriorates due to poor visibility of bleedings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the detection of fluorescence and anatomy into two independent imaging systems. The first color camera captures white-light images for anatomy visualization including bleedings, while the second color camera captures fluorescence images. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally without interference, resolving the contradiction between fluorescence detection and anatomy visibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a more natural and accurate representation of anatomy and fluorescence, enabling improved surgical guidance by clearly distinguishing anatomical features and fluorescence, particularly in neurosurgical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The second imaged spectrum overlaps with a fluorescence emission spectrum of at least one fluorophore
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor is configured to retrieve a digital white-light color image of an object recorded in a first imaged spectrum, and retrieve a digital fluorescence-light color image of the object recorded in a second imaged spectrum that overlaps a fluorescence emission spectrum of a fluorophore. The image processor is configured to be selectively operated in one of a first operational mode and a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the image processor is configured to perform an image-combining by combining the digital white-light color image and the digital fluorescence-light color image to generate a digital output color image. In the second operational mode, the image processor is configured to perform a color-conversion and the image-combining. The color-conversion includes applying at least one of a first color conversion function to the digital white-light color image or a second color conversion function to the digital fluorescence-light color image.