Fluorescent Endoscopic Imaging Contrast Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating colored-fluorescent images in fluorescent endoscopy are complex, imprecise, and result in delayed image output, with potential mismatches between acquired images affecting the completeness of the fluorescent image.
Innovation Solution
An imaging method that uses a white light source and an excitation light source to illuminate an inspected area, adjusting their intensities to optimize the contrast of near infrared fluorescent light signals and RGB background light, allowing for automatic adjustment of light sources to achieve the best contrast in real-time image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If software adjustment methods are used to generate colored-fluorescent images, then image contrast can be optimized, but processing time increases and image output is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal contrast parameters in a lookup table before actual imaging. When generating colored-fluorescent images, the system directly retrieves pre-computed parameters instead of performing real-time software adjustment, thus achieving high contrast quality without processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs image preprocessing and contrast optimization in advance, storing results in a lookup table. During actual operation, the system directly retrieves pre-processed image data and optimal parameter combinations, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time software adjustment while maintaining high image quality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are acquired sequentially for synthesis, then colored and fluorescent images can be generated, but image mismatch occurs affecting completeness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acquisition of colored and fluorescent images into a single simultaneous capture process using a unified optical path and sensor system. This eliminates the sequential acquisition approach that causes image mismatch, ensuring both image types are captured at the exact same moment with identical spatial registration, thereby guaranteeing image completeness and synthesis accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If complex software processing is applied to adjust brightness and contrast, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs complex image processing and contrast optimization in advance during system initialization, storing pre-computed results in a lookup table. During actual imaging operations, the system simply retrieves pre-processed data without requiring complex real-time software processing, thus maintaining high image quality while significantly reducing operational system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If excitation light intensity is increased to enhance fluorescent signal, then fluorescent image quality improves, but colored image brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal light intensity parameter combinations in a lookup table that balances excitation light intensity for fluorescent signal and white light intensity for colored image brightness. During operation, the system retrieves these pre-optimized parameters, achieving both high fluorescent signal quality and adequate colored image brightness without real-time trade-off adjustments.
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 method ensures precise and timely generation of colored-fluorescent images with optimal contrast, improving the accuracy of pathological analysis and reducing processing time by handling smaller data volumes and maintaining sufficient brightness for clear observation.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation light projects onto the abnormal tissue having combined with the ICG agent to make the molecules emit near infrared fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
the normal tissue reflects the white light
Implementation Method 3
the imaging system of the endoscope absorbs the near infrared fluorescence and the white light and performs photoelectric conversion and image processing
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging method of a fluorescent image performs image processing before generating colored-fluorescent images, including steps: respectively imaging the red, green and blue lights of the white light on three monochromatic sensors under the precondition that the software processing speed is not affected; imaging the near infrared fluorescent light on one of the monochromatic sensors; determining whether the sensor used to receive the near infrared fluorescent light receives the fluorescent signal; calculating the light intensity received by the sensor receiving the fluorescent signal and the light intensities received by the other two sensors; automatically adjusting the projection intensity of the white light source and/or the excitation light source according to the difference of the intensities of the two types of light signals, whereby a closed-loop system is formed to simultaneously present the colored-florescent images on a picture with the best contrast.