Fluorescent Image Color Space Mapping for Medical Scope Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in effectively combining fluorescence imaging (FI) and reflected light images, leading to color distortion and difficulty in distinguishing features, which hampers diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The system processes and combines FI and reflected light images by converting the image streams into a larger color space with preserved color information, using image processing circuitry and digital signal processors to transform and overlay the images, allowing for improved visibility and reduced color distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If FI images are combined with reflected light images using conventional overlay methods, then both images can be displayed together, but color distortion occurs and feature distinguishability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the FI image data from intensity values to color values by mapping intensity ranges to specific color ranges in the RGB color space. This parameter transformation allows the FI image to be displayed with color information that does not conflict with the reflected light image's color representation, thereby maintaining color accuracy while enabling image combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary color space transformation process that converts FI intensity data into color values that can be properly integrated with reflected light image colors. This intermediary transformation layer resolves the conflict between displaying both images simultaneously and maintaining accurate color representation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If FI images are displayed with enhanced contrast to improve feature visibility, then fluorescent features become more distinguishable, but color information in the reflected light image becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation of FI data from intensity-only to color-based values. By mapping intensity ranges to color ranges, the system maintains feature distinguishability through color variation while preserving the color information integrity of the reflected light image, avoiding the need for desaturation or contrast enhancement that would distort colors.
3Productivity
If conventional image processing methods are used to combine FI and reflected light images, then processing speed can be maintained, but image quality and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a parameter transformation method that converts FI intensity values to color values through range mapping. This approach maintains processing efficiency by using direct mathematical transformations rather than complex iterative algorithms, while simultaneously improving image quality by preserving color information and enhancing feature distinguishability through color-based representation.
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 enhances the distinguishability of features in combined images, improving diagnostic benefits and reducing processing lag, thereby providing clearer and more accurate medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor assembly which detects visible light and fluoresced light from the subject scene
Implementation Method 2
When the excitation light is removed, the fluorescing agent fluoresces (emits light typically at a higher wavelength than the excitation light)
Data Source
AI summary
Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance display of different secondary types of images and reflected light images together. Reflected light images are converted to a larger color space in a manner that preserves the color information of the reflected light image. FI or secondary images are transformed to a color range within the larger color space, but outside the color area of the reflected light images, allowing the FI or secondary images to be combined with them in a manner with improved distinguishability of color. Hardware designs are provided to enable real-time processing of image streams from medical scopes. The combined images are encoded for an electronic display capable of displaying the larger color space.