Endoscope Oxygen Saturation Measurement via Light Intensity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing endoscope systems face challenges in accurately determining oxygen saturation of hemoglobin due to variations in light intensity between different apparatuses, leading to inconsistent results, particularly in distinguishing malignant tumors based on oxygen saturation levels.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system employs a light source that emits multiple types of light with different wavelength bands, along with an image sensor and processor that generate corrected ratios to account for variations in light intensity and sensitivity, enabling precise calculation of hemoglobin and oxygen saturation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ratio B1/G2 is calculated using oxygen saturation measurement light and white light, then oxygen saturation information can be obtained, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to light intensity variations between apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for calculation from the raw ratio B1/G2 to a corrected ratio B1'/G2' where the light intensity parameters are normalized. By introducing light intensity ratio correction factors (α and β), the system transforms the measurement parameters to eliminate apparatus-dependent variations, enabling accurate oxygen saturation measurement across different devices.
2Loss of information
If multiple types of light with different wavelength bands are used to illuminate biological tissue, then comprehensive biological information can be acquired, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor perform multiple functions by using it to capture images under different wavelength lights (white light, green light, blue light) sequentially. The same sensor and processing unit handle both color image acquisition and oxygen saturation measurement, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
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 highly accurate acquisition of biological information, reducing variability and enhancing the reliability of oxygen saturation measurements, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
generate first color image data by imaging biological tissue illuminated with the first light, and to generate second color image data by imaging the biological tissue illuminated with the second light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system generates first to third color image data by imaging biological tissue illuminated with first to third light. The endoscope system uses a first light intensity ratio of the first light and the second light, and/or an imaging sensitivity of the image sensor, to correct a first ratio between multiple components of the first and second color image data, and the endoscope system calculates a first characteristic amount of the biological tissue based on the first corrected ratio. Furthermore, the endoscope system uses a second light intensity ratio between the second light and the third light to correct a second ratio between multiple components of the second and third color image data, and the endoscope system calculates a second characteristic amount of the biological tissue based on the second corrected ratio and the first characteristic amount.