Endoscope Image Processing for Depth-Specific Blood Vessel Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in accurately visualizing blood vessels at specific depths within the mucosa layer during medical diagnostics and treatments, as existing methods rely on correlation between wavelengths which may not effectively distinguish between surface and deep layer vessels, leading to incomplete visualization.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that acquires images with different wavelength bands and determines overlap in the depth direction between these images to extract light-absorption information, using specific wavelength combinations to differentiate between surface and deep layer blood vessels, thereby enhancing visualization accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength bands are used to visualize blood vessels at different depths, then the ability to observe both surface and deep layer vessels is improved, but the complexity of the image processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mucosa into multiple depth layers (surface layer, middle layer, deep layer) and assigns specific wavelength bands to visualize blood vessels at each layer. By segmenting the observation target by depth and using wavelength-specific imaging for each segment, the system achieves comprehensive multi-depth visualization without requiring a single complex processing method to handle all depths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing device is designed to handle multiple wavelength bands (blue, green, red) and perform multiple functions: visualizing surface layer vessels with blue light, middle layer vessels with green light, and deep layer vessels with red light. This multi-functional design allows a single system to address various diagnostic needs across different mucosal depths.
2Device complexity
If correlation-based methods are used to extract blood vessels at specific depths, then the processing method is simplified, but the precision of depth-specific visualization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength to achieve depth-specific visualization. By selecting specific wavelength bands (blue for surface, green for middle, red for deep layers) and using these wavelengths as the basis for image extraction, the system achieves precise depth differentiation. This parameter-based approach is more accurate than correlation methods while maintaining reasonable processing complexity.
3Device complexity
If single wavelength imaging is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to differentiate between surface and deep layer vessels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the imaging system. Instead of using a single wavelength, the system captures images across multiple wavelength bands (blue, green, red) and uses this spectral dimension to differentiate blood vessels at different depths. This dimensional expansion allows depth information to be encoded in the wavelength domain, preserving depth differentiation capability while using standard imaging hardware.
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 enables precise visualization of blood vessels at specific depths, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the risk of incomplete visualization by using wavelength-specific absorption characteristics to differentiate between surface and deep layer vessels.
Implementation Method 1
determine, based on a first image and a second image different from the first image in the plurality of images, whether a first light absorber in a living body in the first image and a second light absorber in a living body in the second image overlap in a depth direction of a living body
Implementation Method 2
acquire a plurality of images that are captured with a same angle of view and are different from each other in a wavelength band of illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes: an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a plurality of images that are captured with a same angle of view and are different from each other in a wavelength band of illumination light; a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to determine, based on a first image and a second image different from the first image in the plurality of images, whether a first light absorber in a living body in the first image and a second light absorber in a living body in the second image overlap in a depth direction of a living body, and extract light-absorption information as a result of absorption by the first light absorber, by using the first image, the second image, and a determination result.