Medical Image Processing Device for Fluorescence Region Distinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in effectively distinguishing between fluorescence regions and background regions in medical images, particularly when observing body tissues irradiated with narrow band light, which affects the visibility and accuracy of diagnostic and treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing device and method that calculates an intensity ratio between fluorescent and reflected light component signals in pixels, using a processor to determine fluorescence regions and apply different image processing parameters for enhanced visibility, and an imaging system with a cut filter to shield shorter wavelength light and transmit longer wavelengths, improving the separation of fluorescence and background signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging element with color filters is used to capture both reflected light and fluorescence, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between fluorescence regions and background regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct regions (fluorescence region and background region) based on intensity ratio calculations. By dividing the image into these regions and applying different processing parameters to each, the system achieves accurate fluorescence distinction while using a single imaging element, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different image processing parameters to different regions of the image. The fluorescence region receives enhanced processing (higher gamma correction, contrast adjustment) while the background region receives different processing, allowing the single imaging element to produce differentiated visual output that clearly distinguishes fluorescence from background.
2Illumination intensity
If different image processing parameters are applied to fluorescence and background regions, then fluorescence visibility is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the intensity ratio between fluorescent and reflected light component signals for each pixel before applying different processing parameters. This preliminary classification divides the image into fluorescence and background regions in advance, allowing subsequent processing to be applied efficiently only to the relevant regions without requiring complex real-time analysis during the actual processing stage.
3Measurement precision
If a cut filter is added to shield shorter wavelength light, then fluorescence signal separation is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cut filter as an intermediary optical element in the imaging system. This filter selectively transmits longer wavelengths while blocking shorter wavelengths, serving as a mediator that separates fluorescence signals from reflected light signals. By placing the filter in the optical path, the system achieves improved signal separation without requiring complex digital processing or multiple imaging elements.
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 visibility of fluorescence regions, improves diagnostic accuracy, and reduces noise discrimination, while also reducing the size and weight of the endoscope camera head and streamlining control processing, enabling cost-effective and efficient medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a cut filter provided on an optical path of the imaging element and optical system, the imaging element being configured to generate image data by imaging at least one of: reflected light from body tissue irradiated with narrow band light shorter in wavelength; and fluorescence from an advanced glycation end product produced by performing a heat treatment on the body tissue, the cut filter being configured to shield part of light of a shorter wavelength band including a wavelength band of the narrow band light, and transmit therethrough light of a wavelength band longer than a wavelength band of the light that is shielded
Implementation Method 2
an imaging element including a pixel portion including plural pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a color filter including red filters, green filters, and blue filters that are provided on light receiving surfaces of the plural pixels
Implementation Method 3
fluorescence from an advanced glycation end product produced by performing a heat treatment on the body tissue
Implementation Method 4
calculate an intensity ratio between a fluorescent component signal and a reflected light component signal in a pixel of the captured image, the fluorescent component signal being one of the red component signal, the green component signal, and the blue component signal and being highly sensitive to the fluorescence from the observation target, the reflected light component signal being another one of the red component signal, the green component signal, and the blue component signal and being highly sensitive to the reflected light from the body tissue irradiated with the narrow band light
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing device includes a processor configured to: obtain image data; generate, based on the obtained image data, a captured image including color component signals including a red component signal representing a red component, a green component signal representing a green component, and a blue component signal representing a blue component; calculate an intensity ratio between a fluorescent component signal and a reflected light component signal in a pixel of the captured image; determine, based on the calculated intensity ratio in the pixel of the captured image, a fluorescence region and a background region in the captured image; and generate a fluorescence image by performing, based on a result of the determination, image processing with parameters different from each other for color component signals in pixels positioned in the fluorescence region and color component signals in pixels positioned in the background region.