Endoscope System Scattering Compensation for Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems fail to accurately determine biological substance concentrations in tissue due to errors caused by light scattering, as they do not account for changes in spectral characteristics arising from scattering during indicator calculation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that includes a light source apparatus, an imaging unit, and a processor capable of generating parameters sensitive to biological tissue features while minimizing sensitivity to light scattering, using specialized lighting and image processing to calculate precise indicators like total hemoglobin amount and oxygen saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional endoscope systems calculate indicators based on color information without considering scattering, then the calculation process is simple, but the indicator values include error arising from scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the indicator calculation process into multiple stages: first calculating a scattering-compensated parameter using the ratio of images captured at different wavelengths, then using this parameter to correct the original indicator values. This segmentation allows the system to address scattering errors without completely redesigning the measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate parameter (the ratio of image intensities at different wavelengths) that serves as a mediator to quantify scattering effects. This intermediate parameter is then used to correct the original indicator calculations, acting as a bridge between the raw measurements and the final corrected values.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple wavelength regions to correct scattering, then scattering error is reduced, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scattering measurement and the indicator measurement into a single integrated process. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths and calculating the ratio parameter, the system simultaneously obtains both scattering information and biological indicator information, eliminating the need for separate measurement steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple color intensity to a ratio of intensities at different wavelengths. This parameter transformation inherently compensates for scattering effects while maintaining computational efficiency, as the ratio operation naturally eliminates common multiplicative factors including scattering contributions.
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
The system reduces errors from scattering, enabling more precise spectroscopic analysis and accurate biological information acquisition by isolating features from scattering effects.
Implementation Method 1
an endoscope having an imaging unit that includes an image sensor configured to generate color image data by imaging biological tissue illuminated by light emitted by the light source apparatus
Implementation Method 2
Colors in biological tissue in a captured image are influenced by the scattering of illumination light by the biological tissue
Implementation Method 3
a processor that has a first parameter generation unit configured to generate a first parameter that has sensitivity to a first feature amount of the biological tissue but does not have sensitivity to light scattering by the biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: a light source apparatus; an endoscope having an imaging unit that includes an image sensor configured to generate color image data imaging biological tissue illuminated by light emitter by the light source apparatus; and a processor that has a first parameter generation unit configured to generate a first parameter that has sensitivity to a first feature amount of the biological tissue but does not have sensitivity to light scattering by the biological tissue based on the color image data, and a first feature amount acquisition unit configured to acquire the first feature amount based on the first parameter.