Endoscope Dual Illumination Separates Surface and Deep Tissue Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in effectively separating and imaging information from different depths within a subject using structured illumination light, particularly in distinguishing surface and deep-layer components of biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system employing a first illumination unit emitting light with a spatially non-uniform intensity distribution and a second illumination unit emitting wideband light, along with an imaging and processing unit to generate separated images containing information from different depths, utilizing a separation processing unit to differentiate between surface and deep-layer components based on intensity values from alternating light and dark patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured illumination light is used to separate surface and deep-layer information, then depth-resolved imaging capability is improved, but image brightness and signal intensity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into two distinct illumination modes: structured illumination for depth-resolved imaging and wideband illumination for bright reference imaging. The separation processing unit segments the combined image into surface component and deep-layer component, allowing each to be optimized independently for their respective purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wideband illumination unit that provides a bright reference image without structured patterns. This intermediary reference image is combined with the structured illumination image through separation processing, serving as a mediator that supplies brightness information while the structured illumination supplies depth information.
2Measurement precision
If structured illumination light is used to separate surface and deep-layer information, then depth-resolved imaging capability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two illumination units (structured and wideband) and two imaging processes into a single integrated endoscope system. The separation processing unit combines the structured illumination image and wideband illumination image to generate depth-resolved images, reducing overall system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system is designed with multi-functional capability: the same imaging unit captures both structured illumination images for depth resolution and wideband illumination images for brightness reference. This universal imaging approach eliminates the need for separate specialized devices.
3Device complexity
If a single illumination unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both structured and wideband illumination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability where the illumination unit can alternately provide structured illumination and wideband illumination based on imaging requirements. The light source and optical elements are configured to dynamically change illumination characteristics without requiring multiple fixed illumination systems.
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
This approach allows for the generation of bright, high-resolution images with enhanced information about both surface and deep layers, improving the imaging capabilities by effectively separating specular, surface, and internal scattered light components.
Implementation Method 1
Light produced by an illuminated object contains a plurality of types of components, such as specular reflection light, diffuse reflection light, and scattered light
Implementation Method 2
A proposed technique separates these components contained in an object image using a high-frequency pattern projection method, which uses structured illumination light having a stripe light/dark pattern
Implementation Method 3
Light produced by an illuminated object contains a plurality of types of components, such as specular reflection light, diffuse reflection light, and scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system of the present invention includes: a first illumination unit that emits first illumination light for imaging two sets of image information about a subject at different depths; a second illumination unit that emits second illumination light having a wide band covering a visible band from a position different from the position of the first illumination light; an imaging unit that images a first illumination image and a second illumination image of the subject that is illuminated with the first illumination light and the second illumination light; a separation processing unit that separates the two sets of image information from the first illumination image; and a separated-image generating unit that generates two separated images by processing the second illumination image using the two sets of image information.