Eye Image Color-Space Enhancement for Selective Surgical Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging modalities in ophthalmic surgery often fail to provide sufficient visibility or contrast, particularly in small and delicate structures of the eye, leading to challenges in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a visualization module and controller to convert images from a first color space to a second color space, allowing selective enhancement of specific zones within the image, such as blood vessels or regions stained with dyes, by altering pixel locations in the second color space and transforming them back to the first color space for improved visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If contrast is increased in one portion of the image, then visibility of that portion is improved, but contrast in other parts of the image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different contrast enhancement parameters to be applied to different zones of the image simultaneously. The system divides the image into multiple selectable zones, each with independently adjustable contrast parameters, allowing the surgeon to enhance visibility in specific regions (e.g., blood vessels, macula) without compromising the overall image quality and contrast in other areas.
2Illumination intensity
If dyes are used to enhance visualization, then visibility of selected zones is improved, but exposure time and potential harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital image processing to create an enhanced copy of the original image rather than relying on physical dyes. The system processes the captured image through contrast enhancement algorithms that selectively amplify the visibility of target zones, producing a virtual enhanced version that eliminates the need for harmful dye exposure while maintaining improved visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of dye application with a digital signal processing system. Instead of physically introducing contrast agents into the eye, the system uses computational methods to enhance image contrast, substituting electronic processing for chemical enhancement and thereby eliminating associated risks.
3Speed
If existing imaging modalities are used, then real-time imaging is obtained, but sufficient visibility and contrast are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple selectable zones within the image that correspond to anatomically relevant regions (e.g., blood vessels, macula, lens). These zones are prepared in advance with associated contrast enhancement parameters, allowing the system to rapidly switch between different enhancement modes without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment during surgery, thus maintaining real-time imaging capability while improving visibility.
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
Enhances visualization of specific areas in real-time without affecting the contrast of the rest of the image, improving surgical outcomes by providing targeted color enhancement and reducing the need for dyes, minimizing exposure time, and extending dye duration.
Implementation Method 1
The visualization module includes a photosensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for visually enhancing an original image of an eye includes a visualization module. A controller is configured to convert an output of the visualization module to a first pixel cloud in a first color space and map the first pixel cloud to a second pixel cloud in a second color space. The method includes identifying at least one selected zone in the second color space. The controller is configured to move the selected zone from an original location to a modified location in the second color space. The second pixel cloud is updated to obtain a modified second pixel cloud, which is transformed into a third pixel cloud in the first color space. An enhanced image is formed based in part on the modified second pixel cloud and provides selective visual enhancement in the selected zone without affecting contrast in a remainder of the original image.