Fluorescence Observation Device Normalization for Individual Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence observation devices face challenges in performing quantitative diagnosis due to individual differences in fluorescence emission intensity, leading to potential false diagnoses, especially when subjects deviate significantly from standard data.
Innovation Solution
A processor device and fluorescence observation system that sets a region of interest based on oxygen saturation and uses normalized fluorescence intensity calculation, along with a reference region, to account for individual variations, enabling accurate diagnosis regardless of subject-specific differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard data comparison method is used to eliminate individual differences, then diagnostic accuracy is improved for subjects with small differences from standard data, but diagnostic reliability deteriorates for subjects with large differences from standard data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference parameter from fixed standard data to dynamic reference regions within the same subject's image. By calculating reference fluorescence intensity from multiple reference regions (typically 3-10 regions) in the subject's own image, the system adapts to individual variations while maintaining measurement precision. This resolves the contradiction by making the reference data subject-specific rather than using universal standard data.
2Ease of operation
If fluorescence intensity is used directly for region of interest extraction, then processing simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates due to individual differences in fluorescence intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary normalization of fluorescence intensity by calculating reference fluorescence intensity from reference regions before extracting the region of interest. This preliminary action of normalizing the fluorescence image using subject-specific reference data eliminates individual differences while maintaining the simplicity of automated processing. The region of interest extraction then proceeds using the normalized intensity values.
3Reliability
If normalization using reference regions is implemented, then individual differences are eliminated and diagnostic reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into reference regions and region of interest based on oxygen saturation values. By dividing the image processing into distinct segments (reference region identification, normalization, ROI extraction), the system manages complexity through structured segmentation while achieving reliable individualized diagnosis. The segmentation approach allows automated processing despite the increased functional requirements.
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 and reliable quantitative diagnosis by normalizing fluorescence intensity and setting regions of interest based on oxygen saturation, effectively mitigating the impact of individual differences in fluorescence emission.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source that irradiates a subject with excitation light for emitting fluorescence by exciting an auto-fluorescent material contained in the subject or a fluorescent agent administered to the subject
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that images the subject with the fluorescence emitted from the auto-fluorescent material or the fluorescent agent
Implementation Method 3
The oxygen saturation of blood hemoglobin is calculated based on the reflection intensity, for example, by irradiating the subject with light (hereinafter, referred to as signal light) in a wavelength band where the absorption coefficients of oxygenated hemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin are different
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluorescence observation device includes an oxygen saturation calculation section, a reference region setting section, a region-of-interest setting section, a normalized fluorescence intensity calculation section, and a fluorescent image generation section. The oxygen saturation calculation section calculates the oxygen saturation of the subject for each pixel. The reference region setting section sets a reference region of the subject based on the oxygen saturation. The region-of-interest setting section sets a region of interest of the subject. The normalized fluorescence intensity calculation section calculates a normalized fluorescence intensity indicating the normalized emission intensity of the fluorescence by dividing the region-of-interest fluorescence intensity, which is calculated using the pixel value of the region of interest, by the reference fluorescence intensity calculated using the pixel value of the reference region of a fluorescent image signal obtained by imaging the subject with the fluorescence. The fluorescent image generation section generates a fluorescent image based on the normalized fluorescence intensity.