Endoscope Processor Selective Fluorescence Image Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently recording and managing images during fluorescence observation, particularly in distinguishing and recording relevant fluorescence images from non-fluorescence periods, leading to inefficient data storage and processing.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a processor and image pickup device capable of emitting excitation light and illumination light, with advanced control mechanisms to record reflected light and fluorescence images selectively during fluorescence occurrence periods, and to manage storage of images before and after these periods, optimizing data recording and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all images (reflected light and fluorescence) are recorded continuously during fluorescence observation, then complete diagnostic information is preserved, but data storage capacity is wasted and processing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and identifies only the relevant fluorescence images from the continuous image stream by detecting fluorescence occurrence periods. The processor analyzes image data to determine when fluorescence is present and selectively extracts only those images for recording, separating useful diagnostic data from unnecessary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards reflected light images captured during periods when fluorescence is not occurring, as these do not contribute to fluorescence diagnosis. By recovering and recording only the fluorescence images and necessary contextual reflected light images (before and after fluorescence periods), storage efficiency is improved while diagnostic reliability is maintained.
2Quantity of substance
If fluorescence images are selectively recorded only during fluorescence occurrence periods, then storage efficiency is improved, but contextual information before and after fluorescence events is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system records reflected light images for a predetermined period before the fluorescence occurrence period begins. This preliminary recording ensures that contextual information leading up to the fluorescence event is preserved, allowing physicians to understand the background anatomy and progression to the fluorescence state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continues to record reflected light images for a predetermined period after the fluorescence occurrence period ends. This post-fluorescence recording captures the transition back to non-fluorescence states and any residual effects, providing complete contextual information for diagnostic purposes.
3Reliability
If continuous recording of all images is performed, then no diagnostic information is lost, but recording speed requirements increase and processing time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The processor extracts only the necessary images for recording by identifying fluorescence occurrence periods and selecting relevant images. This extraction process reduces the total number of images that need to be processed, stored, and managed, thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining diagnostic completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards unnecessary reflected light images captured during non-fluorescence periods, significantly reducing the volume of data requiring processing. By recovering and recording only the essential fluorescence images and contextual images (before and after fluorescence events), the processing load is reduced while diagnostic information integrity is preserved.
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 solution enables efficient recording and processing of fluorescence images, minimizing unnecessary data storage and enhancing diagnostic capabilities by selectively capturing and storing relevant images during fluorescence events.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to be capable of emitting excitation light for causing a fluorescent agent administered to a subject to be excited
Implementation Method 2
an image pickup device configured to pick up images of each of fluorescence that occurs in response to radiation of the excitation light to an object existing inside the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system is provided with: a processor; a light source; and an image pickup device. The processor performs control for causing reflected light images corresponding to a predetermined period before start of the fluorescence occurrence period during the fluorescence non-occurrence period, among the reflected light images, to be recorded to the first storage medium; and, furthermore, performs control for causing the reflected light images to be recorded to the first storage medium during an after-end-of-fluorescence-occurrence period corresponding to a predetermined period with an end of the fluorescence occurrence period as a start point, and performs control for causing the reflected light images not to be recorded to the first storage medium during the fluorescence non-occurrence period after an end of the after-end-of-fluorescence-occurrence period.