Fluorescence Imaging Apparatus Dynamic Processing Condition Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence imaging apparatuses lack the ability to accurately identify and differentiate between regions of varying fluorescence intensity within biological tissue, particularly in endoscopic procedures, which can lead to incomplete or inaccurate treatment of diseased areas.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging apparatus with an illuminating portion for excitation light, a fluorescence imaging portion for capturing fluorescence images, a return-light imaging portion for capturing return light, and a processing system that identifies fluorescence regions using multiple processing conditions based on treatment information from an IC tag, generating superimposed images to clearly delineate the diseased areas for precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single processing condition is used to identify fluorescence regions, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of fluorescence region identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple processing conditions (first, second, and third conditions) based on the specific treatment tool being used. The image switching portion selects appropriate processing conditions in real-time, allowing the fluorescence region identification to adapt to different treatment scenarios without requiring all processing conditions to be active simultaneously, thus improving precision while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing conditions with varying parameters (threshold values, region selection criteria) depending on the treatment tool. By changing the identification parameters based on the treatment type, the system achieves high precision for each specific application without needing a permanently complex multi-mode system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing conditions are implemented for different treatment tools, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence imaging apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple treatment tools (excision, ablation, biopsy, resection) through a unified system. The image switching portion acts as a universal controller that routes to appropriate processing conditions, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated systems for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through dynamic switching between processing conditions based on the detected treatment tool. Rather than having fixed, separate systems for each tool, the apparatus dynamically reconfigures its processing parameters, enabling versatility while maintaining a single integrated device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluorescence regions are not clearly differentiated, then the ease of operation is high, but the treatment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded display methods to differentiate fluorescence regions based on intensity and treatment type. High-intensity and low-intensity regions are displayed in different colors or with different visual characteristics, making it easy for operators to distinguish between different types of diseased tissue and interpret the images quickly while maintaining high treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescence image is segmented into distinct regions (high-intensity regions, low-intensity regions, normal tissue) with clear visual boundaries. This segmentation allows operators to easily distinguish between different tissue types and treatment targets, improving both ease of operation and treatment precision by making the image interpretation straightforward.
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 identification and differentiation of fluorescence regions, allowing for precise treatment by switching between image-processing modes based on treatment tools, ensuring complete removal or biopsy of diseased areas without residual tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminating portion (2) that radiates excitation light and illumination light onto biological tissue (A); a fluorescence imaging portion (13e) that acquires a fluorescence image by imaging fluorescence emitted at the biological tissue (A)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence imaging apparatus including: a processor comprising hardware, configured to: specify a processing condition to be used to process a fluorescence image in accordance with treatment-details information indicating specifics of a treatment to be performed on a biological tissue; in a case where a first processing condition is specified, identify a first fluorescence region in the fluorescence image having a predetermined first fluorescence intensity based on the first processing condition; in a case where a second processing condition is specified, identify a second fluorescence region in the fluorescence image having a predetermined second fluorescence intensity based on the second processing condition; and generate a superimposed image by superimposing the first fluorescence region or the second fluorescence region that is identified, with a return-light image at a region in the return-light image corresponding to the first fluorescence region or the second fluorescence region, respectively, that is identified.