Fluorescence Observation Device Dynamic Threshold Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence observation devices face challenges in accurately identifying regions with high fluorescence intensity, particularly when the signal strength of the reflected-light image exceeds a predetermined level, leading to incorrect detection of lesions with low fluorescence intensity.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence observation device with an illuminating section, fluorescence-image capturing section, return-light-image capturing section, region extracting section, and threshold setting section that adjusts the threshold value based on the gradation level of the return-light image, allowing for precise extraction of high-luminance regions in the fluorescence image by separating the return-light image into multiple regions and setting threshold values for each, thereby improving the identification of regions with high fluorescent substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed threshold value is used to extract high-luminance regions in fluorescence images, then the extraction process is simple, but the accuracy of lesion detection deteriorates when reflected-light signal strength exceeds the threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold value variable rather than fixed. The threshold is dynamically adjusted based on the average luminance level of the fluorescence image, allowing the extraction process to adapt to different imaging conditions and signal strengths, thereby maintaining both simplicity and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of threshold value from a constant to a variable that depends on the average luminance. By establishing a relationship between the threshold and the average luminance level, the system can accurately detect lesions across varying signal conditions without complex processing
2Reliability
If the threshold value is set high to avoid false positives in high-signal regions, then false detection is reduced, but sensitivity to detect low-fluorescence lesions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the threshold based on the actual average luminance of each fluorescence image. When the average luminance is high, the threshold is appropriately raised to avoid false positives; when the average luminance is low, the threshold is lowered to maintain sensitivity for detecting low-fluorescence lesions
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold parameter is changed from a fixed value to one that scales with the average luminance level. This parameter change allows the system to maintain appropriate detection sensitivity across different signal conditions while reducing false detections
3Device complexity
If image processing is performed on the entire fluorescence image uniformly, then the processing is simple, but the influence of light distribution variations cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the threshold application uniform across the entire image based on the global average luminance. This approach simplifies processing while effectively compensating for light distribution variations, as the threshold adjustment accounts for overall imaging conditions rather than requiring complex local processing
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 configuration enables accurate extraction of regions containing many fluorescent substances, independent of the radiation distance and angle of the excitation light, allowing for precise identification of lesions such as tumors, while reducing computational complexity and eliminating the influence of light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminating section (3, 4) that emits excitation light and illumination light onto a subject A
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescence-image capturing section (18) that acquires a fluorescence image G2 by image-capturing fluorescence generated in the subject A
Implementation Method 3
a return-light-image capturing section (17) that acquires a return-light image G1 by image-capturing return light that returns from the subject A
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluorescence observation device comprising an illuminating section that emits excitation light and illumination light onto a subject; a fluorescence-image capturing section that acquires a fluorescence image by image-capturing fluorescence generated in the subject by irradiation with the excitation light from the illuminating section; a return-light-image capturing section that acquires a return-light image by image-capturing return light that returns from the subject by irradiation with the illumination light from the illuminating section; a region extracting section that extracts a high-luminance region in which the fluorescence image acquired by the fluorescence-image capturing section has a gradation level higher than or equal to a set threshold value; and a threshold setting section that sets the threshold value higher as the gradation level of the return-light image acquired by the return-light-image capturing section increases.