Fluorescence Image Depth Estimation Using Tissue Spread Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical image processing systems struggle to accurately determine the depth position of phosphors in biological tissues, particularly those deep within the tissue, due to blurring caused by fluorescence scattering, which limits the clarity of fluorescence images and makes it difficult to discern boundaries and depth positions.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus and method that acquires fluorescence images and analyzes the image intensity distribution to derive depth position information using a spread function, which collates the spread information with a line spread function based on luminance distribution, and applies sharpening processing to improve image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fluorescence imaging is used to visualize phosphors in biological tissue, then the phosphors become visible and can be imaged, but the image becomes blurred due to fluorescence scattering, especially for deep tissue phosphors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spread function as an intermediary mathematical model that describes the relationship between the actual phosphor position and the blurred image appearance. By collating the spread information (actual phosphor distribution) with the spread function (theoretical blurring model), the system can infer depth position information even though the direct image measurement is blurred. This intermediary model resolves the contradiction by providing a bridge between the blurred observation and the true phosphor position.
2Volume of moving object
If the distance from the tissue surface to the phosphor increases, then deeper tissue phosphors can be observed, but the degree of blurring increases making it difficult to grasp boundaries and determine depth position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the spread function to account for varying blurring conditions at different depths. The spread function incorporates parameters such as scattering coefficients and geometric factors that change with depth. By adjusting these parameters according to the observed phosphor depth, the system maintains accurate depth position determination across the entire observation range, resolving the contradiction between extended observation depth and maintained measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If existing depth determination methods using spectral images are used, then depth position can be determined for captured targets, but the method cannot determine depth position for targets not captured in normal observation images, such as deep tissue phosphors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the depth determination method universal by based it on the fluorescence image analysis rather than requiring separate spectral image capture. The spread function-based approach can be applied to any phosphor location that appears in the fluorescence image, whether superficial or deep, making the system adaptable to all phosphor positions in the tissue. This resolves the contradiction by creating a single method that works universally across all observation depths without requiring multiple specialized imaging modes.
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 accurate determination of phosphor depth positions, even in deep tissues, enhancing image visibility and allowing for precise surgical procedures by clearly outlining phosphor ranges in biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence image obtained by imaging a biological tissue including a phosphor while irradiating the biological tissue with excitation light
Implementation Method 2
the fluorescence image is blurred by fluorescence scattering in the biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique advantageous for acquiring information based on a depth position of an observation target site in a biological tissue.A medical image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a fluorescence image obtained by imaging a biological tissue including a phosphor while irradiating the biological tissue with excitation light; and a depth position information acquisition unit that acquires depth position information related to a depth position of the phosphor on the basis of the fluorescence image. The depth position information acquisition unit acquires spread information indicating an image intensity distribution of the phosphor in the fluorescence image by analyzing the fluorescence image, and acquires the depth position information by collating the spread information with a spread function representing an image intensity distribution in the biological tissue.