Fluorescence Endoscope Light Source Time Division Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence endoscope apparatuses face a challenge in maintaining a high frame rate for white light images while capturing multiple fluorescence images, as they require a significant number of frames to output both types of images, leading to a decrease in frame rates for fluorescence images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a light source unit that emits light in multiple wavelength bands using RGB and exciting light in time division, with an image pickup unit receiving and processing white light and fluorescence images in different ranges, allowing for the generation of pseudo white light images and reducing the number of frames needed for outputting images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple fluorescence images and white light images are captured using conventional methods with one image pickup unit, then both fluorescence information and shape information can be acquired, but the frame rate for fluorescence images decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into two separate image pickup units: one dedicated to capturing fluorescence images and another for capturing white light images. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in its respective function, thereby maintaining high frame rates for fluorescence imaging while also acquiring white light images for shape information, resolving the contradiction between image quality and frame rate.
2Loss of information
If conventional methods are used to output both white light images and fluorescence images, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but the number of frames required increases leading to reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the imaging functions into two separate image pickup units, the system can simultaneously capture fluorescence images and white light images without requiring sequential frame capture. This eliminates the frame rate reduction issue while maintaining complete diagnostic information from both fluorescence and white light imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs two image pickup units that can operate independently and simultaneously, allowing the system to perform multiple imaging functions (fluorescence imaging and white light imaging) in parallel. This multi-functionality approach maintains comprehensive diagnostic information while significantly improving overall image output speed and productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single image pickup unit is used for both fluorescence and white light imaging, then device structure remains simple, but frame rate for fluorescence images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two separate image pickup units, which initially appears to increase device complexity. However, this segmentation enables simultaneous fluorescence and white light imaging, thereby maintaining high frame rates for fluorescence images while preserving relatively simple overall system architecture through functional specialization.
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
This approach decreases the number of frames required for outputting white light and fluorescence images, thereby improving the frame rate for fluorescence images without compromising the frame rate for white light images, and allows for a simpler structure with one image pickup unit.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit that emits light in a combination of light in at least one of plural types of wavelength bands in two types of wavelength ranges of RGB and one of two types of exciting light
Implementation Method 2
two types of fluorescence emitted by two types of fluorescent substances that exist in the object
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence endoscope apparatus includes: a light source unit emitting light in a combination of light in plural types of wavelength bands in two types of wavelength ranges of RGB and two types of exciting light, with plural types of emitting patterns and in a time division; an image pickup unit receiving reflected light and two types of fluorescence; and an image-processing unit outputting a white light image and two types of fluorescence images.