Fluoroscopy Apparatus Luminance Threshold Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluoroscopy apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting fluorescence regions with low luminance, leading to potential false negatives, as the intensity of fluorescence emitted from body tissue can fall below detection limits, especially at varying observation distances, resulting in undiagnosed areas.
Innovation Solution
A fluoroscopy apparatus that includes a light source for emitting reference and excitation light, a fluorescence-image generating unit, a reference-image generating unit, and an image-combining unit that superimposes fluorescence and reference images, with a determining unit setting a detection limit threshold based on the relationship between luminances of standard samples irradiated with different light intensities, to identify undiagnosable regions and provide notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection threshold is set to identify low-luminance fluorescence regions, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but false positives increase due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating a reference image through multiple scans before actual detection, establishing a baseline of normal luminance distribution. This preliminary reference image enables subsequent detection to distinguish true low-luminance regions from noise, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and false positive rate
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing detected luminance values against the pre-established reference image and adjusting detection decisions based on deviations from the reference pattern. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high detection sensitivity while filtering out false positives through contextual comparison
2Reliability
If multiple scans are performed to generate a reference image, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing a limited number of scans (typically 3-5) to generate the reference image, which is sufficient to establish reliable baseline statistics without requiring excessive scanning time. This balanced approach achieves adequate detection reliability while controlling examination time
Solution Approach 2:
The reference image generation is performed as a preliminary action during the initial phase of examination. Once the reference image is established, subsequent detections can proceed more quickly by comparing against this pre-computed reference, thereby distributing the time investment favorably
3Measurement precision
If the fluorescence image is processed to detect low-luminance regions, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the visibility of the image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the image processing into distinct functional components: the reference image handles visibility and overall structure, while the detection process identifies low-luminance regions by comparing against this reference. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The reference image serves as an intermediary that mediates between the original fluorescence image and the detection process. By comparing detected regions against this intermediate reference, the system can identify subtle low-luminance variations without degrading the visibility of the original image for clinical review
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
The apparatus effectively identifies and marks undiagnosable regions, ensuring accurate detection of fluorescence regions, even when luminance is insufficient, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy by providing a combined image with markers indicating areas that may have been missed.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that irradiates an observation target with reference light and excitation light
Implementation Method 2
captures fluorescence emitted from the observation target irradiated with the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
captures return light returning from the observation target irradiated with the reference light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluoroscopy apparatus including a light source that irradiates an observation target with reference light and excitation light; a fluorescence-image generating unit that captures fluorescence emitted from the observation target X irradiated with the excitation light to generate a fluorescence image; a reference-image generating unit that captures return light returning from the observation target irradiated with the reference light to generate a reference image; an image-combining unit that superimposes the fluorescence image on the reference image to generate a combined image; a determining unit that determines whether there is a position with a luminance at or below a predetermined threshold in the reference image; and a notifying unit that, if the determining unit determines that there is a position with a luminance at or below the predetermined threshold, provides notification thereof.