Endoscope Polarization Imaging for Micro-Geometric Texture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing methods, such as endoscopes, face difficulties in detecting and displaying the micro-geometric texture of transparent or translucent mucosa surfaces, as they rely on light intensity which is inadequate for distinguishing surface features, and the use of liquid dyes can cause bleeding or color changes, while polarization endoscopes struggle to effectively visualize these textures.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing processor and endoscope system that uses a polarization image sensor with coaxial illumination, generating polarization degree images by calculating the degree of polarization on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and enhancing the polarization image to correct hue, saturation, and value, then synthesizes it with light intensity images to clearly depict micro-geometric textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light intensity imaging is used to observe mucosa surface, then the imaging method is simple, but it is difficult to detect micro-geometric surface texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from light intensity to polarization degree. By calculating the degree of polarization on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the system can detect micro-geometric surface textures that are invisible in conventional light intensity images, while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds polarization information as a new dimension to the imaging process. Instead of only capturing light intensity, the system captures polarization state information, which provides additional contrast mechanism for visualizing surface micro-geometry without complicating the basic imaging setup.
2Measurement precision
If liquid dye is sprinkled onto mucosa to enhance surface texture visibility, then micro-geometric texture can be observed, but bleeding and color changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polarized light as an intermediary to enhance surface texture visibility without direct contact with the mucosa. Instead of sprinkling liquid dye that causes harm, the system uses polarization filtering to create contrast based on the optical properties of the tissue surface itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical method of dye application with an optical method using polarized light. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and chemical substances that could cause bleeding or color changes, while still achieving enhanced surface texture visualization.
3Loss of information
If polarization endoscope is used to observe mucosa, then polarization information can be captured, but micro-geometric texture of transparent structures remains undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by selectively enhancing the polarization degree in depression regions of the micro-geometric surface. The retouching section identifies and enhances polarization signals from凹陷 areas, making them visible while preserving the overall polarization information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image processing by generating a polarization degree image and then retouching it to enhance depression regions before final synthesis. This preliminary enhancement of polarization information makes the subsequent micro-geometric texture detection more effective.
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 the effective detection and display of micro-geometric surface textures on transparent or translucent objects, enhancing visibility of depressions and convexes, even without the need for liquid dyes, by leveraging polarization effects to improve image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
captures a polarization image of an object being illuminated with the illuminating light beam
Data Source
AI summary
In image capturing processor in one embodiment comprises: an image capturing section including an image sensor that captures a polarization image of an object being illuminated with an illuminating light beam; and an image processing section. The image processing section has: a light intensity image generator which generates a light intensity image based on the output of the image sensor; a polarization degree image generator which generates a polarization degree image by calculating the degree of polarization on a pixel-by-pixel basis; a retouching section which generates a retouched polarization image by enhancing the degree of polarization of the polarization degree image at depressions on a micro-geometric surface of the object and by correcting at least one of its hue, saturation and value; and an image synthesizing section which synthesizes the retouched polarization image and the light intensity image together.