Laser Microscope Image Processing with Pre-Computed LUTs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser scanning microscope systems using pixelated photon detectors (PPDs), adjusting the contrast and gradations of images is time-consuming due to the need to update look-up tables (LUTs) every time the irradiation intensity of the laser light is changed.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a scanner, a PPD, memory for storing multiple tables associating intensity gradation values with output gradation values, and a processor to generate and convert image data using selected LUTs, allowing for quick adjustment of image contrast and gradations without the need for frequent LUT updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the look-up table (LUT) is updated every time the laser irradiation intensity is changed, then the image contrast and gradation can be adjusted to match the new intensity conditions, but the time required for adjustment increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple look-up tables with different intensity ranges are prepared in advance and stored in the memory. The processor selects and applies the appropriate pre-prepared LUT based on the laser irradiation intensity, eliminating the need to regenerate or update LUTs in real-time when intensity changes. This preliminary preparation of multiple LUTs resolves the contradiction by providing immediate adjustment capability without time-consuming regeneration.
2Productivity
If multiple look-up tables are stored in memory for different intensity ranges, then the system can quickly adjust image contrast without frequent LUT updates, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The look-up table is segmented into multiple separate tables, each optimized for a specific intensity range. Instead of managing one large LUT that requires frequent updates, the system divides the intensity range into segments and stores corresponding LUTs separately in memory. This segmentation allows the processor to quickly select and switch between pre-computed tables based on intensity, improving adjustment speed while keeping each individual table manageable in size.
3Measurement precision
If the look-up table is regenerated when laser intensity changes, then the image data can be accurately converted for the new intensity conditions, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple look-up tables covering different intensity ranges are pre-computed and stored in memory before actual imaging occurs. When imaging with a specific laser intensity, the processor simply retrieves the pre-computed LUT that corresponds to that intensity range, rather than regenerating it in real-time. This preliminary computation eliminates the need for time-consuming LUT regeneration during image processing, reducing processing power requirements while maintaining conversion accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes a scanning unit, a pixelated photon detector (PPD), a memory in which a plurality of tables in which an intensity gradation value and an output gradation value are associated with each other are stored, and a processor. The processor generates first image data in which the intensity gradation value indicated by a light intensity signal output from the PPD is set as a pixel value of a constituent pixel based on the light intensity signal and a scanning position of the scanning unit, generates second image data in which the output gradation value is set as a pixel value of a constituent pixel by converting the first image data based on one table selected from the plurality of tables stored in the memory, and causes a display unit to display an image represented by the second image data.