Dynamic Fluoroscopy Display Switching for Reduced Observer Burden
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems burden observers with the need to constantly view both reflected-light and fluorescence images simultaneously during procedures, risking overlooking of diseased regions due to divided attention and potential loss of clarity in one image by superimposition.
Innovation Solution
A fluoroscopy apparatus that identifies regions with high gradation values as 'region-of-interest' and switches the display to show only the return-light image during insertion and superimposes or magnifies both images when the region-of-interest is detected, allowing focused observation on the return-light image while highlighting the region-of-interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both reflected-light image and fluorescence image are displayed simultaneously in main and sub windows, then the observer can access both image types, but the observer burden increases and attention is divided reducing observation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically switches between different display modes (reflected-light only, fluorescence only, or superimposed) based on the detected region-of-interest and procedural stage, rather than maintaining a fixed dual-window display. This dynamic adaptation reduces observer burden while preserving access to both image types when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is segmented into different modes where reflected-light image serves as the primary display for insertion tasks, and fluorescence image is selectively presented only when region-of-interest is detected or upon observer request, rather than continuously dividing attention in dual windows.
2Area of stationary object
If both reflected-light image and fluorescence image are displayed in superimposed manner, then space is saved on display, but clarity of one or both images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The superimposed display mode is applied locally only to the detected region-of-interest rather than across the entire image. The fluorescence image is overlaid on the reflected-light image specifically at the region-of-interest location, preserving clarity in both images while utilizing display space efficiently.
3Reliability
If the fluorescence image is always displayed to detect diseased regions, then diseased areas can be identified, but the observer cannot focus on the insertion task using reflected-light image
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically transitions from reflected-light-only mode during insertion to a mode that highlights region-of-interest in fluorescence image when diseased areas are detected. This dynamic switching ensures reliable disease detection while allowing focused observation on insertion tasks when no abnormalities are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescence image information is extracted and presented separately as a region-of-interest highlight rather than continuously displaying the full fluorescence image. This extraction approach enables disease detection while maintaining the reflected-light image as the primary focus for insertion tasks.
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
Reduces observer burden by allowing focused attention on the insertion task without overlooking regions of interest, while ensuring accurate detection of diseased areas through juxtaposed or magnified image display.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence imaging portion that acquires a fluorescence image by capturing fluorescence emitted at the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a return-light imaging portion that acquires a return-light image by capturing return light returning from the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluoroscopy apparatus including illuminating portions that radiate excitation light and illumination light onto an imaging subject; a fluorescence imaging portion that acquires a fluorescence image from fluorescence emitted at the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the excitation light; a return-light imaging portion that acquires a return-light image from return light returning from the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the illumination light; a display portion that displays the acquired fluorescence image and/or the return-light image; an identifying portion that identifies a region-of-interest in the fluorescence image; an image switching portion that switches the display on the display portion so that only the return-light image is displayed thereon when the region-of-interest R is not identified, and so that the return-light image and the fluorescence image are juxtaposed and displayed on the display portion when the region-of-interest has been identified.