Endoscope System Spectroscopic Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic endoscope devices currently only generate three types of special light images, which is insufficient for modern medical needs, and lack high-quality image generation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that operates in both normal and special observation modes, using illumination units with multiple wavelength bands and image processing to generate and display higher quality special light images, with specific wavelength bands defined by isosbestic points to improve image quality and depth resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength bands are used to generate more types of special light images, then the variety and quality of special light images are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination light is divided into multiple wavelength bands (first through sixth wavelength bands corresponding to R, G, B colors) using optical filters or a spectroscopic device. Each wavelength band is processed separately to generate different types of special light images, enabling diverse observation modes while managing system complexity through modular spectral segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination unit is designed to provide multiple wavelength bands simultaneously, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions: generating various special light images (narrowband images, blood vessel images, oxygen saturation images) from one illumination system, rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
2Measurement precision
If wavelength bands are defined by isosbestic points, then measurement precision of oxygen saturation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength bands are specifically defined using isosbestic points (wavelengths where hemoglobin absorption is independent of oxygen saturation) as boundaries. This parameter selection optimizes the measurement of oxygen saturation by ensuring that certain bands serve as reference points, improving measurement accuracy while the complexity is managed through systematic band definition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms to vary wavelength bands, the patent uses optical filtering and image processing techniques to select and combine specific wavelength bands based on isosbestic points, replacing mechanical complexity with optical and computational methods.
3Productivity
If six wavelength bands are captured simultaneously, then productivity of image acquisition is improved, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images in periodic cycles, alternating between normal observation mode and special observation mode. During special observation, multiple wavelength bands are captured in sequence or simultaneously with timed exposure, allowing comprehensive data collection while managing information loss through periodic replenishment of image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing unit receives image data from multiple wavelength bands and performs feedback processing to reconstruct and enhance the special light images. This feedback loop compensates for information loss by processing and combining data from different bands to produce high-quality output images.
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
Enables the generation and display of more types of special light images with improved quality, allowing for better observation and diagnosis by providing detailed images of blood vessels at different depths and accurate oxygen saturation measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit that acquires image data based on reflected light from the biological tissue generated by irradiating the biological tissue with the illumination light
Implementation Method 2
it is known that the absorption calculated from the reflection spectrum of the biological tissue is a linear superposition of the absorptions of a plurality of substances forming the biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system performs image processing using a G1 image data (image data obtained by irradiating light of 524±3 nm to 582±3 nm) and at least one of R1 image (image data obtained by irradiating light of 630±3 nm to 700±3 nm) data other than the G1 image data, B1 image data (452±3 nm to 502±3 nm), R2 image data (image data obtained by irradiating light of 582±3 nm to 630±3 nm), G2 image data (image data obtained by irradiating light of 502±3 nm to 524±3 nm), and B2 image data (image data obtained by irradiating light of 420±3 nm to 452±3 nm) so as to generate a special light image (FIG. 7).