Electronic Endoscope Dual Sensor Auto-Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic endoscopes face challenges in clearly displaying normal full-color images, narrow-band images, and auto-fluorescent images without blurring, particularly due to the weak luminance of auto-fluorescent light from lesions, which makes it difficult to detect abnormalities like cancer.
Innovation Solution
An electronic endoscope system with two image sensors and color filters that selectively transmit different wavelength ranges, allowing for the generation of normal, narrow-band, and auto-fluorescent video signals using a single optical system and a beam splitter, enabling clear display of all images without blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical system with rotating color filters is used to display normal full-color images and narrow-band images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image clarity deteriorates due to blurring when displaying auto-fluorescent images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate optical paths: one for capturing normal full-color images and narrow-band images using a color sequential method with rotating color filters, and another for capturing auto-fluorescent images using a dedicated filter. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, preventing image blurring while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component that separates the light path from the objective lens into two distinct paths. This mediator enables simultaneous operation of the color sequential imaging path and the auto-fluorescent imaging path without interference, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and image clarity.
2Measurement precision
If rotating color filters are used for normal and narrow-band imaging, then the spectral resolution is improved, but the auto-fluorescent image luminance becomes too weak for clear detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtering function by dedicating specific filters to specific imaging paths. The color sequential path uses rotating color filters for spectral resolution, while the auto-fluorescent path uses a dedicated band-pass filter optimized for capturing weak fluorescent signals, allowing each path to achieve its optimal performance without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the imaging system by using sequential switching for the color filters while maintaining a static dedicated filter for auto-fluorescence. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve high spectral resolution in the color path while simultaneously capturing weak fluorescent signals in the dedicated path without mutual interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are replaced frequently to display different image types, then the imaging versatility is improved, but the image stability deteriorates due to potential blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtering system into a dynamically switchable color sequential path and a statically positioned auto-fluorescent path. This segmentation allows the system to offer multiple imaging modes (normal, narrow-band, auto-fluorescent) while maintaining image stability through the dedicated static filter for auto-fluorescence, avoiding the blurring that would result from frequent filter changes in that path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamic control to the color sequential path where filters are rotated and switched based on the desired imaging mode, while keeping the auto-fluorescent path static with a dedicated filter. This dynamic-static combination provides imaging versatility through controlled switching while maintaining image stability in the auto-fluorescent path where stability is critical.
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 system effectively displays normal, narrow-band, and auto-fluorescent images simultaneously and separately, enhancing the detection of lesions by improving image clarity and luminance, particularly for auto-fluorescent images, thereby aiding in cancer diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The first color filter is disposed on a light-path oriented toward the first image sensor, and has spectral transmitting characteristics, such that light having a first wavelength range corresponding to blue color is transmitted
Implementation Method 2
The second color filter that is disposed on a light-path oriented toward the second image sensor, and has spectral transmitting characteristics, such that light having a second wavelength range corresponding to green and red colors is transmitted
Implementation Method 3
by irradiating light, which has wavelengths in the ultraviolet range or in that vicinity (hereinafter, called 'excitation-light'), an image based on fluorescent light (hereinafter, called an 'auto-fluorescent image') can be displayed on a monitor. Tissue in the epithelial layer has a fluorescent substance, which emits fluorescent light (hereinafter, called 'auto-fluorescent light') when the excitation-light is illuminated thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic endoscope according to the present invention has a video-scope that has a first image sensor and a second image sensor, and a light supplier that selectively irradiates white light and excitation-light on an observed portion. The electronic endoscope further has a first color filter that has spectral transmitting characteristics, such that light having a first wavelength range corresponding to blue color is transmitted, and a second color filter that has spectral transmitting characteristics, such that light having a second wavelength range corresponding to green and red colors is transmitted. The electronic endoscope has a first signal processor, a second signal processor, and a third signal processor. The first signal processor generates normal image video signals. The second signal processor generates narrow-band video signals. The third signal processor generates auto-fluorescent video signals.