Fluorescence Image Correction via Distance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoperative fluorescence imaging faces challenges in achieving quantitative comparisons of fluorescence intensity levels due to variations in probe distance from the tissue, leading to inconsistent and difficult-to-compare images, as existing methods rely on assumptions that do not completely account for distance-related intensity changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure the distance between the excitation source and the object, using a correction function based on the illumination image associated with the measured distance, to normalize and correct the fluorescence image, independent of the object's optical properties, by applying a ratio of the fluorescence image to the illumination image, which can be further adjusted by the square of the measured and reference distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluorescence probe is positioned at varying distances from the tissue to facilitate surgical access and observation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the quantitative accuracy of fluorescence intensity measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a distance measurement device that continuously provides feedback on the probe-tissue distance. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust the fluorescence image correction factors, ensuring accurate quantitative measurements regardless of probe position. The correction function automatically adapts based on real-time distance information.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the correction parameter from a fixed distance assumption to a variable distance parameter measured in real-time. By incorporating actual distance measurements into the correction function, the system adjusts the intensity correction factor dynamically, maintaining measurement precision across varying probe positions.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed distance constraint is imposed on the fluorescence probe to ensure quantitative accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically measuring the probe-tissue distance and applying the appropriate correction factors without requiring manual intervention. The device independently adjusts for distance variations, eliminating the need for practitioners to maintain fixed positioning while preserving quantitative accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical constraint of fixed probe positioning with an optical/electronic solution. Instead of requiring physical distance control, the system uses light-based distance measurement and computational correction to achieve the same quantitative accuracy, freeing the probe from mechanical positioning constraints.
3Device complexity
If simple distance-based correction methods are applied to fluorescence images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of quantitative measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The correction process is segmented into distinct functional modules: distance measurement, illumination pattern capture, correction factor calculation, and image correction application. This modular approach maintains manageable device complexity while achieving high precision through systematic processing of each correction component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the illumination pattern at the specific probe position before acquiring the fluorescence image. This pre-characterization of the illumination geometry allows for accurate correction factor calculation that accounts for position-specific variations, enhancing measurement precision without excessive complexity.
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 allows for accurate and consistent quantitative fluorescence imaging by correcting for distance-related variations, enabling precise comparison of fluorescence intensity levels and providing a representative distribution of fluorophore concentration on the object's surface.
Implementation Method 1
The principle of fluorescence imaging is to illuminate an observation field using a light source within a spectral band that excites fluorophores. Under this illumination, the fluorophores emit fluorescence radiation within a specific spectral band.
Implementation Method 2
The distance between the excitation source and the object is measured by a rangefinder capable of emitting an optical wave toward the object and detecting an optical wave reflected by the object
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~5B
Figure 6A~6C
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for correcting a fluorescence image of an object, in particular of a biological tissue liable to comprise fluorescent agents. According to this method, the distance between a fluorescence probe generating the fluorescence image and the object examined is measured. This distance is used to apply a correction function to the fluorescence image. A field of application of the invention is perioperative fluorescence imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of the evolution of pathologies, in particular of cancers.