Endoscope Fluorescence Imaging With Distance-Normalized Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intensity of fluorescence captured by an imaging device varies with the distance between the subject and the device, making it difficult to achieve consistent fluorescence intensity in photo-immuno therapy (PIT) treatments, even when the subject emits the same fluorescence intensity.
Innovation Solution
An image signal processing device with a color filter having multiple filter groups disposed in a specific format on the light receiving face of the imaging portion, where a processor calculates a reference optical signal from pixels with filter groups other than those closest to the excitation light wavelength, and normalizes the fluorescence signal based on this reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence is captured by the imaging device, then the therapeutic effect can be grasped from the fluorescence intensity, but the captured fluorescence intensity varies depending on the distance between the subject and the imaging device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference light (an intermediary element) that is emitted alongside fluorescence and captured by the imaging device. The reference light intensity serves as a mediator to normalize the fluorescence intensity, compensating for distance variations. By comparing fluorescence intensity with reference light intensity, the system achieves distance-independent measurement of therapeutic effect.
2Measurement precision
If a color filter with multiple filter groups is provided on the light receiving face of the first imaging portion, then accurate normalization of fluorescence intensity can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color filter is segmented into multiple filter groups (first, second, third, and fourth filter groups) with different spectral characteristics. Each filter group captures specific wavelength ranges, allowing the system to separately measure reference light and fluorescence signals. This segmentation enables precise normalization by providing distinct channels for reference and fluorescence detection within a single imaging portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The first imaging portion serves multiple functions by incorporating the color filter with multiple filter groups. It simultaneously captures reference light and fluorescence signals, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining accurate normalization capability.
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 accurate normalization of fluorescence intensity, ensuring consistent imaging results regardless of distance changes, and enables clear visualization of excitation light and fluorescence positions during PIT treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a first image signal obtained by a first imaging portion capturing excitation light that is reflected from an observation target by irradiating the observation target with the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a second image signal obtained by a second imaging portion capturing fluorescence from the observation target when excited by irradiating the observation target with the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
a color filter in which a plurality of filter groups having spectral characteristics different from each other is disposed in a specific format being provided on a light receiving face of the first imaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image signal processing device includes: a processor configured to process a first image signal and a second image signal, the first image signal being obtained by a first imaging portion capturing excitation light that is reflected from an observation target by irradiating the observation target with the excitation light, the second image signal being obtained by a second imaging portion capturing fluorescence from the observation target when excited by irradiating the observation target with the excitation light.