Fluorescence Image Type Emulation for Familiar Surgical Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons require extensive training to safely handle new fluorescence technologies due to differences in image-recording systems and illumination spectra, leading to potential liability issues and hindered technology acceptance.
Innovation Solution
An image-processing device with a type-emulation module that converts images from one fluorescence observation device to another, using digital filters to emulate the image-recording system and illumination characteristics of the original device, allowing surgeons to display results in a familiar format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new fluorescence technologies are introduced with different image-recording systems, then technological advancement and improved imaging capabilities are achieved, but surgeon training requirements increase and technology acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a type-emulation module that generates synthetic images mimicking the appearance of images from different fluorescence observation device types. The module copies the characteristic appearance patterns, color distributions, and imaging characteristics of first-type devices to transform second-type device images, allowing surgeons familiar with first-type devices to interpret new technology images without extensive retraining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying image parameters such as color space, intensity distribution, contrast, and spectral characteristics through the type-emulation module. The module transforms images by adjusting these parameters to match the expected appearance from different device types, making the interface consistent with surgeons' existing knowledge while enabling access to new technological capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of fluorescence observation devices are used, then imaging capabilities are enhanced, but image interpretation becomes more difficult due to different recording systems and illumination spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a type-emulation module as a mediator between the second-type fluorescence observation device and the surgeon's interpretation system. This intermediary component translates the image data from the second-type device into a format that matches the expectations and knowledge base of surgeons trained on first-type devices, eliminating the difficulty of interpreting different recording systems and illumination spectra.
3Reliability
If surgeons are trained extensively in new fluorescence technologies, then safe handling and interpretation of images is improved, but time consumption and liability risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating synthetic images that replicate the appearance characteristics of first-type device images. This allows surgeons to interpret images from second-type devices using their existing knowledge and training, eliminating the need for extensive retraining while maintaining reliable and safe handling of the new technology with reduced time investment and liability risks.
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 surgeons to interpret images from new fluorescence technologies using familiar formats, reducing training needs and liability risks by emulating the image-recording and illumination systems of different devices.
Implementation Method 1
Upon excitation by light in a certain spectral range, i.e. the absorption spectrum of the fluorophore, the fluorophore emits fluorescence in a fluorescence spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the type-emulation module comprises at least one of a digital background-emulation filter and a digital fluorescence-emulation filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluorescence observation device (1), comprising: an image-recording system (62), the image-recording system being configured to record at least one digital fluorescence image (20) in the fluorescence spectrum (18) of a fluorophore (8); an image processing device (64) comprising an image processor (73) and configured to receive the at least one digital fluorescence image (29) from the image-recording system, the image-processing device comprising a type-emulation module (108), the type-emulation module being representative of a different image-recording system (62) of a different type (82) of fluorescence observation device (1), the image processor (73) being configured to apply the type-emulation module (108) to the at least one digital fluorescence image and to compute at least one digital emulated fluorescence output image (72) from the application of the type-emulation module (108) to the at least one digital fluorescence image; and at least one display device (64), the at least one display device being configured to display the at least one digital emulated fluorescence output image (72).