Fluorescence Observation Apparatus Residue Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence observation apparatuses fail to clearly observe examination sites due to the influence of residues, as the wavelength band characteristic of residues varies among individuals and with food intake, making it difficult to identify and remove residue fluorescence from lesion-dependent fluorescence images.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence observation apparatus that includes a light source for excitation, a unit to acquire fluorescence information from the examination site, a unit to selectively dye and acquire residue fluorescence information, and a correction unit to generate fluorescence information suppressing residue influence, using ICG as a fluorescent dye, allowing for subtraction, division, or threshold-based reduction of residue fluorescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wavelength band characteristic of residues is used to remove residue fluorescence, then the influence of residues can be suppressed, but the spectra of residues vary between individuals and with food intake, making it difficult to identify a fixed characteristic wavelength band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from identifying a fixed wavelength band characteristic of residues to using a fluorescent dye (ICG) with known and stable spectral characteristics. By administering ICG orally, the system ensures that residues consistently exhibit fluorescence in specific wavelength bands (excitation 750-810nm, emission 820-880nm), allowing for reliable residue fluorescence removal across different individuals and food conditions.
2Device complexity
If fluorescence information from the examination site is acquired directly, then the observation can be performed simply, but the fluorescence from residues cannot be sufficiently suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence observation into two distinct components: (1) fluorescence from the examination site tissue, and (2) fluorescence from residues containing ICG. By using separate wavelength bands for excitation and detection, and applying image processing to distinguish these components, the system can suppress residue fluorescence while maintaining simple hardware configuration.
3Reliability
If ICG is administered orally to dye residues, then residues can be selectively identified, but the fluorescence intensity must be reduced to a level that does not obscure the examination site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the concentration and distribution of ICG in residues through oral administration timing and dosage. By adjusting these parameters, the fluorescence intensity from residues is optimized to be detectable for identification purposes but not so intense as to obscure the examination site. The image processing unit then applies appropriate suppression algorithms to achieve the desired balance.
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 clear observation of the examination site by effectively suppressing the influence of residues, allowing for accurate acquisition of fluorescence information in the wavelength band dependent on lesions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits excitation light for irradiating the vicinity of an examination site; a fluorescence information acquisition unit that acquires information about fluorescence emitted from the vicinity of the examination site through the irradiation with the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
residues selectively dyed with a fluorescent dye, through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; The fluorescent dye for selectively dying residues is ICG (indocyanine green), for example
Data Source
AI summary
Clearly observing the state of an examination site is made by sufficiently suppressing the influence of residues. Fluorescence observation apparatus includes: a light source emits excitation light for irradiating the vicinity of an examination site; a fluorescence information acquisition unit acquires information about fluorescence emitted from the vicinity of the examination site through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; a residue fluorescence information acquisition unit acquires information about fluorescence emitted from residues selectively dyed with a fluorescent dye, through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; and a fluorescence information correction unit generates fluorescence information about the examination site in which the fluorescence from the residues is suppressed, based on the fluorescence information from the vicinity of the examination site, acquired by the fluorescence information acquisition unit, and the fluorescence information from the residues, acquired by the residue fluorescence information acquisition unit.