Endoscope Processor Oxygen Saturation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in improving visibility of hyperoxic regions and comprehending the degree of oxygen saturation levels in hypoxic regions, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system employs broad band light and narrow band light with specific wavelength ranges to differentiate between hyperoxic and hypoxic regions, applying color balance and gain processes to enhance visibility and represent oxygen saturation levels through color variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If narrow band light is used to obtain oxygen saturation information, then oxygen saturation measurement capability is improved, but visibility of living body tissue structure is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of narrow band light imaging (for oxygen saturation measurement) and broad band light imaging (for tissue structure visualization) into a single integrated system. The light source device emits both narrow band light and broad band light, and the image processing device combines images from both wavelengths to produce a composite image that displays both oxygen saturation information and tissue structure simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both oxygen saturation measurement and tissue structure observation using a single system. The light source device can emit multiple types of light (narrow band and broad band), and the image processing device can process and display multiple types of information (oxygen saturation levels and tissue morphology) simultaneously, making the system universal for both diagnostic purposes.
2Measurement precision
If oxygen saturation image is produced with artificial colors for hypoxic regions, then oxygen saturation level information is improved, but natural tissue appearance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using artificial colors selectively only in hypoxic regions (areas with low oxygen saturation) while maintaining natural tissue appearance in hyperoxic regions (areas with normal oxygen saturation). The image processing device determines oxygen saturation levels and applies color mapping only to regions below a threshold, allowing doctors to identify abnormal areas without losing the natural appearance of healthy tissue for reference.
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 significantly improves the visibility of hyperoxic regions and clearly represents oxygen saturation levels in hypoxic regions, facilitating better diagnosis by enhancing color contrast and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The light source device (11) applies illumination light to an object
Implementation Method 2
An internal body portion is imaged by an image sensor provided at a distal end portion of the insert section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
In an oxygen saturation level measurement mode, a color image sensor (60) images an internal body portion alternately irradiated with measurement light and normal light. A normal image is produced from image data obtained under irradiation with the normal light. An oxygen saturation level is calculated from image data obtained under irradiation with the measurement light. Based on the oxygen saturation level, a hyperoxic region (93a) and a hypoxic region (93b) are determined in the normal image. A color balance process and a color enhancement process are applied to the hyperoxic region (93a) to improve visibility of depressions and projections of internal body tissue and a blood vessel pattern. A gain process is applied to the hypoxic region (93b) to make distinct color variations according to the degree of the oxygen saturation level.