Endoscope Image Processor with Magenta Filter for Narrow Band Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in improving the resolution of narrow band imaging and color reproducibility during white-light observation, particularly due to the limitations of primary color filters in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an endoscope system with image pickup devices equipped with B, G, and Mg color filters, along with an image processor that calculates ratios between signals from these filters to generate R signals, allowing for improved image processing and color reproducibility by separating and adjusting signals from different spectral regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If primary color filters (R, G, B) are used in the image pickup device, then color reproducibility in white-light observation is maintained, but resolution in narrow band imaging deteriorates due to signal mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color filter functionality by replacing the traditional R filter with an Mg filter that has distinct spectral characteristics. The Mg filter separates the detection of B-region light and R-region light into different signal components, allowing independent processing to achieve both narrow band imaging resolution and white-light color reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameter of the color filter by introducing an Mg filter with specific transmission characteristics that differ from traditional R filters. This parameter change enables the filter to transmit B-region light with high intensity while blocking R-region light, thereby improving narrow band imaging resolution without compromising white-light observation
2Measurement precision
If an Mg color filter is introduced to improve narrow band imaging resolution, then B signal and Mg signal mixing occurs, but color reproducibility in white-light observation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the ratio calculator that computes the ratio between B signal and Mg signal. This ratio information is fed back to the R signal generator, which uses it to accurately reconstruct the R signal by compensating for B signal mixing, thereby maintaining color reproducibility in white-light observation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step involving the ratio calculator and R signal generator. The ratio calculator acts as an intermediary that analyzes the relationship between B and Mg signals, and the R signal generator uses this intermediary information to generate an accurate R signal that compensates for signal mixing effects
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 enhances the resolution of narrow band imaging and achieves high color reproducibility in white-light observation by effectively separating and processing signals from the B, G, and Mg regions, resulting in improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device having three types of B, G, and Mg color filters
Data Source
AI summary
The resolution of narrow band imaging is improved, while color reproducibility is improved when performing white-light observation. Provided is an endoscope system including an image pickup device having three types of color filters, said types being blue, green, and magenta, and also including an image processor that generates an image by processing a signal acquired by the image pickup device. The image processor includes a ratio calculator that calculates the ratio between a blue signal and a magenta signal, and also includes a red-signal generator that generates a red signal based on the ratio calculated by the ratio calculator.