Image Generating Apparatus Autofluorescence Complementary Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in effectively generating images of autofluorescence from subjects using specific wavelength bands, particularly in medical applications where simultaneous normal and fluorescent observation modes are required, leading to difficulties in image quality and contrast due to excitation light cut filters.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus comprising a first light source unit emitting light in a first wavelength band, a second light source unit emitting a part of the first wavelength band, an image pickup unit, a light cut filter unit, and a complementary processing unit that applies processing to the image based on the image pickup signal to compensate for the cut wavelengths, allowing for improved image acquisition in both normal and fluorescent observation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light cut filter unit is used to cut excitation light wavelengths, then autofluorescence image quality is improved, but normal observation image quality deteriorates due to loss of reflected light components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into two distinct channels: one for autofluorescence observation with light cut filter, and another for normal observation without filter. The image pickup unit captures both reflected light and autofluorescence simultaneously, and the processor separates these components to reconstruct complete images for each mode, thus preserving information in both channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the cut wavelength components by capturing them in the reflected light channel and transferring this information to the autofluorescence image. The processor combines the autofluorescence signal with the recovered reflected light components, restoring complete spectral information and improving autofluorescence image quality without permanent loss.
2Measurement precision
If a light cut filter unit is installed to eliminate excitation light, then fluorescent observation contrast is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light cut filter unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it eliminates excitation light wavelengths during autofluorescence observation, allows passage of other wavelengths for normal observation, and enables the single image pickup unit to capture both reflected light and autofluorescence simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate filters and observation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the image pickup unit's inherent capability to capture both reflected light and autofluorescence without requiring additional dedicated detectors. The processor automatically separates and processes these components, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity by eliminating the need for separate detection paths.
3Measurement precision
If complementary processing is applied to compensate for cut wavelengths, then image quality is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs complementary processing by transferring reflected light components to the autofluorescence image channel in advance, before final image reconstruction. This preliminary action ensures that wavelength information is already prepared and integrated, reducing the need for complex post-processing operations and minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reflected light channel and autofluorescence channel processing into a unified workflow within the image processor. By combining these operations and performing complementary processing simultaneously with image reconstruction, the system avoids sequential processing delays and reduces overall processing time while maintaining image quality.
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 enhances image quality by compensating for cut wavelengths, improving contrast and allowing for accurate representation of autofluorescence images, thereby facilitating better diagnostic capabilities in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light cut filter unit that is provided between the subject and the image pickup unit and cuts light in the second wavelength band reflected from the subject
Implementation Method 2
acquire an image of autofluorescence emitted from a subject according to excitation light having a specific wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
An image generating apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first light source unit that emits light in a first wavelength band to a subject; a second light source unit that emits light in a second wavelength band, which is a part of the first wavelength band, to the subject; an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the subject and outputs the image as an image pickup signal; a light cut filter unit that cuts light in the second wavelength band reflected from the subject; and a complementary processing unit that applies complementary processing to a component equivalent to the second wavelength band cut by the light cut filter unit in the image of the subject picked up by the image pickup unit in a state in which the subject is illuminated by the light in the first wavelength band.