Fluorescence Image Contrast Mapping for Target Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems face challenges in providing sufficient contrast between targeted and non-targeted tissue regions due to fluorescence agents remaining in non-targeted areas, which obscures the visualization of targeted tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enhance fluorescence images by applying a contrast enhancing transform to reduce intensity values below a threshold, increasing the contrast between targeted and non-targeted tissue regions, and optionally displaying the enhanced image with visible light images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used to visualize targeted tissue structures, then the ability to identify targeted tissue is improved, but the contrast between targeted and non-targeted tissue is reduced due to imaging agent remaining in non-targeted areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful background fluorescence signal from non-targeted tissue regions through image processing techniques. The system identifies and subtracts the background signal component from the total fluorescence image, isolating the targeted tissue signal and improving contrast without requiring physical removal of the imaging agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the fluorescence imaging system and the clinician's visual perception. This intermediary layer processes the raw fluorescence images to enhance contrast by suppressing background signals while preserving targeted tissue signals, enabling better visualization without modifying the physical imaging process.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If contrast enhancing transform is applied to reduce intensity values below threshold, then the contrast between targeted and non-targeted regions is improved, but the overall image intensity information is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the intensity value parameters of the fluorescence image through contrast-enhancing transforms. By applying mathematical transformations to the intensity values, the system amplifies the difference between targeted and non-targeted regions while maintaining the relative relationships and diagnostic information within the enhanced image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing treatments to different regions of the image based on their intensity characteristics. Regions with intensity values below the threshold (non-targeted areas) receive different processing than regions above the threshold (targeted areas), allowing selective enhancement of contrast while preserving diagnostically important information.
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 enhanced fluorescence images improve the clinician's ability to identify and localize targeted tissue structures by enhancing the contrast between targeted and non-targeted regions, aiding in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging agent emitting a fluorescence signal when illuminated with the appropriate excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of visualizing tissue of a subject includes receiving a fluorescence image of the tissue including a plurality of intensity values. A first portion of the intensity values is associated with a first fluorescence emission that is from fluorescence agent that is preferentially accumulated or activated in a target region in the tissue, and a second portion of the intensity values is associated with a second fluorescence emission that is from fluorescence agent that is not located within the target region. The intensity values are analyzed to determine a set of local maximum intensity values. An enhanced fluorescence image is generated by applying a nonlinear contrast mapping based on the set of local maximum intensity values to the plurality of intensity values. The enhanced fluorescence image is displayed, and at least a portion of the target region is diagnosed or treated based on the displayed enhanced fluorescence image.