Fluorescence Signal Processing for Medical Observation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical observation devices, such as microscopes and endoscopes, struggle to accurately process fluorescence emissions from fluorophores to provide detailed information about biological tissues, especially for distinguishing different states or environments of fluorophores, which is crucial for surgical and biopsy applications.
Innovation Solution
A data processing device and method that utilize two digital color input images recorded in different spectra to obtain and process fluorescence emission signals, assigning values to output pixels based on signal descriptors to enhance the distinction between different fluorescence spectra and environmental states of fluorophores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single digital color input image is used to record fluorescence emission, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of fluorophore state differentiation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence emission spectrum is segmented into multiple spectral regions (first spectrum and second spectrum), with each region captured by separate detection channels. This segmentation allows the system to analyze different spectral characteristics independently, improving the precision of fluorophore state differentiation without requiring a single complex hyperspectral camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional (single spectrum) to multi-dimensional (multiple spectra) recording by capturing fluorescence emission in at least two different spectral regions. This dimensional expansion enables more comprehensive characterization of fluorophore states through spectral shape analysis, intensity ratios, and other multi-parameter descriptors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple spectral regions are recorded to improve fluorescence classification, then the measurement precision increases, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts key spectral descriptors (intensity ratios, peak positions, spectral shapes) from the multi-spectral fluorescence data to create a condensed representation. By extracting only the most discriminative features rather than processing the entire spectral dataset, the system maintains high classification precision while significantly reducing computational time and processing load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system records fluorescence emission in multiple spectral regions (excessive action) to ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant spectral information, then selectively processes only the critical spectral descriptors needed for classification. This approach guarantees measurement precision while avoiding unnecessary processing of redundant data.
3Measurement precision
If spectral descriptors are used to represent fluorescence emission, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the raw fluorescence spectral data into a set of standardized parameters or descriptors (intensity ratios, spectral moments, peak positions) that capture the essential characteristics of fluorophore states. This parameter transformation simplifies the data representation while maintaining measurement precision, and the processing system becomes more manageable through standardized computational approaches.
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 provides more accurate data for classifying fluorescence emissions, allowing for better differentiation of fluorophore states and environmental influences, thereby improving the evaluation of biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescence emission of at least one fluorophore is used to provide additional information over the mere reflectance image of the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Data processing device (170) and computer-implemented method for a medical observation device (100), such as a microscope or endoscope, for observing an object (106) containing at least one fluorophore (116, 118) that emits fluorescence. The data processing device (170) is configured to obtain a first color input pixel (230) of a first digital color input image (130, 114) recorded in a first spectrum (292) and containing a first part (296) of the fluorescence emission signal (222), the fluorescence emission signal being representative of the fluorescence emitted by the at least one fluorophore. The data processing device is configured to obtain a second color input pixel (232) of a second digital color input image (130, 112) recorded in the second spectrum (294) and containing a second part (298) of the fluorescence emission signal, the second spectrum being different from the first spectrum. Further, the data processing device (170) obtains a first set ({S1}) of signal descriptors (S) representative of the first part of the fluorescence emission signal and obtains a second set ({S2}) of signal descriptors representative of the second part of the fluorescence emission signal. The data processing device (170) assigns a value (235) to an output pixel (234) in a digital output image (160) depending on the first set of signal descriptors and the second set of signal descriptors, the value being representative of a chemical environment of the at least one fluorescence-emitting fluorophore.