Medical Imaging Shutter Control for Fluorescence Image Gradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical observation systems face challenges in generating images suitable for both high and low fluorescence intensity conditions due to signal saturation and loss of gradation, particularly when using agents with varying fluorescence intensities.
Innovation Solution
A medical control device and system that includes an imaging control unit with a shutter control unit to adjust the opening amount of the shutter for imaging elements, allowing for different signal value ratios between fluorescence and normal light images, and desaturating signal values when saturation occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If signal processing (increase of analog gain or digital gain) is performed to increase fluorescence intensity, then the image brightness is improved, but the signal value becomes saturated and gradation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of the shutter opening amount based on the detected fluorescence intensity. The control unit changes the opening amount of the shutter in real-time according to the signal value, allowing the system to adapt to varying fluorescence intensities without saturation. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by preventing over-exposure while maintaining adequate signal strength for observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the shutter opening amount to control the signal value. By adjusting the opening amount as a variable parameter, the system can modulate the amount of light reaching the imaging element, thereby controlling the signal value to prevent saturation while maintaining image quality. This parameter change approach directly addresses the contradiction between intensity and gradation preservation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shutter opening amount is reduced to prevent signal saturation, then the signal value is desaturated, but the image becomes too dark and observation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit detects the fluorescence intensity and uses this information to adjust the shutter opening amount. The system continuously monitors the signal value and adjusts the shutter opening accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by ensuring the shutter opening is optimized based on actual fluorescence conditions, preventing both saturation and excessive darkness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the shutter opening amount based on real-time detection of fluorescence intensity. The control unit changes the opening amount in response to the detected signal, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the image brightness remains suitable for observation while preventing signal saturation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different agents with varying fluorescence intensities are used, then the application versatility is improved, but the image quality becomes inconsistent across different agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of the shutter opening amount based on the detected fluorescence intensity for each agent. The control unit changes the opening amount in real-time according to the specific agent's fluorescence characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying intensities. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by enabling consistent image quality across different agents through automated adjustment, rather than requiring manual recalibration for each agent type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control mechanism that works across different fluorescence agents through automated detection and adjustment. The control unit can handle multiple agents with varying fluorescence intensities using the same system architecture, adjusting the shutter opening amount adaptively. This universality resolves the contradiction by making the system agent-agnostic while maintaining image quality consistency through intelligent control.
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 enables the generation of images suitable for observation by adjusting shutter opening amounts and signal values, preventing saturation and maintaining image gradation across varying fluorescence intensities.
Implementation Method 1
irradiates an observation target (subject such as a person) with excitation light that is narrow band light emitted from a light source device and observes fluorescence emitted from a substance included in the observation target by irradiation with the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
capture first return light from an observation target irradiated with first light that is narrow band light and second return light from the observation target irradiated with second light having a wavelength band different from a wavelength band of the narrow band light
Data Source
AI summary
A medical control device includes: an imaging control unit configured to control an operation of an imaging element, and cause the imaging element to capture first return light from an observation target irradiated with first light that is narrow band light and second return light from the observation target irradiated with second light having a wavelength band different from a wavelength band of the narrow band light. The imaging control unit includes a shutter control unit configured to change a signal value related to a first image by controlling an opening amount of a shutter for imaging, the first image being generated by the imaging element when the first return light is captured. The shutter control unit is configured to change the opening amount of the shutter from a first opening amount to a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount.