Endoscope Image Processing Eliminates Mechanical Filters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic imaging systems require complex and costly mechanisms to switch between full spectrum white light and restricted spectrum, short wavelength imaging modes, necessitating the incorporation and movement of filters in the light source.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a broadband light source and image processing techniques to restrict the displayed color video image information to blue and green reflected light, eliminating the need for filters and allowing the same light source to be used for both imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If filters are incorporated into the light source to restrict the spectrum to blue-green wavelengths, then short wavelength imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required filter movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter movement system with an electronic/image processing solution. Instead of physically moving filters to switch between full spectrum and short wavelength modes, the system uses a broadband light source combined with image processing techniques that analyze and selectively display blue-green wavelength information from the captured image data, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining imaging mode versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband light source is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides full spectrum illumination for conventional white light imaging and simultaneously provides the blue-green wavelengths needed for short wavelength imaging. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate light sources or filter mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different imaging modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If filters are moved into and out of the light path to switch imaging modes, then both full spectrum and restricted spectrum imaging are enabled, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical filter movement system and replaces it with electronic image processing. The system captures full spectrum images with a broadband light source and uses software algorithms to extract and display only the blue-green wavelength information when short wavelength imaging mode is selected, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining imaging mode flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically filtering the light, the system creates a digital copy or representation of the short wavelength image by processing the full spectrum captured data. The image processing algorithm synthesizes a short wavelength image from the broadband capture, eliminating the need for expensive physical filters and movement mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a broadband light source is used for both imaging modes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide restricted spectrum illumination is compromised without filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical filtering with electronic spectral selection through image processing. The system captures the full spectrum with a broadband light source and uses digital signal processing to isolate and enhance only the blue-green wavelength components in the captured image data, achieving spectrum restriction accuracy through software rather than hardware filters
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being controlled from physical light wavelength filtering to digital image data processing. By transforming the problem from optical domain to digital domain, the system maintains spectrum restriction accuracy while using a simplified broadband light source, as the wavelength selection is achieved through computational algorithms rather than physical filters
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 simplifies the imaging system by eliminating the need for filter movement, reduces costs, and enables efficient switching between imaging modes without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a video processor that couples signals from pixels in the image sensor that are sensitive to blue and green light
Implementation Method 2
images are generated from a subset of wavelengths in the visible spectrum and, in particular, from blue and green wavelengths in the visible spectrum. In this imaging technique, tissue is illuminated with blue-green light which is preferentially absorbed by blood
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A system for performing short wavelength imaging with a broadband illumination source includes an image processor that receives signals from a color image sensor. The image processor reduces the contribution of red illumination light to an image by computing blue, green, and blue-green (cyan) color components of display pixels from the signals received from the image g sensor. The blue, green, and cyan color component values are coupled to inputs of a color monitor for display to produce a false color image of the tissue.