NBI Endoscope Illumination Unit Using Multi-Wavelength Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopes face limitations in lesion identification due to complexity and inefficiency in image processing, particularly in distinguishing between different wavelength bands for accurate visualization of body cavity lesions.
Innovation Solution
An NBI endoscope apparatus with a simple structure incorporating an illumination unit that provides white light and multiple narrow wavelength bands, a sensing unit to capture images, and an image processing unit that synthesizes images by combining different wavelength bands, allowing for enhanced lesion identification through binary image generation and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary filter wheel is used to separate visible light into narrow wavelength bands, then narrow band imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of wavelength separation by removing the complex rotary filter wheel mechanism. Instead, it uses a simplified illumination unit with multiple light sources emitting at different wavelength bands (blue, green, red, and infrared) to directly provide narrow band light without mechanical filtering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination unit is designed to provide multiple wavelength bands simultaneously using multiple light sources. This multi-functional approach replaces the sequential filtering mechanism of a rotary filter wheel, achieving the same narrow band imaging capability with a simpler, more integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength bands are captured and processed, then lesion identification accuracy improves, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified binary images by thresholding the captured wavelength band images. This copying process generates binary representations that preserve the essential lesion information while removing complex intensity variations, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies binary thresholding to convert multi-wavelength images into binary images with distinct contrast. This transformation emphasizes lesion areas by creating clear binary distinctions, simplifying the processed data while enhancing lesion identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If sequential or selective illumination is used to obtain narrow band images, then wavelength-specific imaging is achieved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources emitting at different wavelength bands into a single illumination unit. This allows simultaneous provision of blue, green, red, and infrared light bands, enabling parallel capture of multiple wavelength images and significantly reducing the sequential imaging time compared to traditional rotary filter wheel systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination unit provides continuous multi-wavelength illumination without mechanical interruption. By eliminating the sequential switching mechanism of a rotary filter wheel, the system maintains continuous useful action across all wavelength bands, improving imaging throughput while preserving wavelength specificity.
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 solution enables improved lesion identification with increased contrast and clarity, facilitating early detection of conditions like esophageal angiodysplasia and stomach cancer, while maintaining a relatively simple structure and reducing light loss, thus providing brighter and clearer images.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination unit may include a white light source and a filter member including a plurality of different band pass filters
Implementation Method 2
a sensing unit which receives light reflected from a body cavity, the sensing unit generating a color image captured by the white light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus and image processing method of an endoscope apparatus are provided. In one respect, an endoscope apparatus includes an illumination unit for selectively providing light in a plurality of wavelength bands and white light, a sensing unit for receiving light reflected from a body cavity, and an image processing unit for generating additional synthesized images.