Optical Imaging Intervening Object Suppression for Sample Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing pipelines in optical imaging systems, such as surgical optical imaging systems, do not effectively enhance images by addressing the interference caused by intervening objects, which can distract from the sample of interest.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that suppress the region corresponding to intervening objects in the image by adjusting brightness independently of the object, using a single image to control the generation of adjusted sensor data through image manipulation and setting adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current image processing pipelines (camera color, vignetting, color skew correction) are used, then hardware calibration issues are addressed, but image enhancement and suppression of intervening objects is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by separating the correction of hardware issues from the enhancement of sample visibility. It identifies and processes regions corresponding to intervening objects separately from the sample regions, allowing selective suppression of distracting elements while preserving sample details through region-based analysis and differential processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that analyzes sensor data to identify intervening objects and generates suppression masks or adjustment parameters. This intermediary layer sits between raw sensor data and final image output, enabling sophisticated enhancement without requiring complete redesign of the imaging hardware or basic calibration pipelines
2Illumination intensity
If brightness adjustment is applied to the entire image, then overall visibility is improved, but the prominence of the sample is reduced due to intervening objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by adjusting brightness and suppression parameters differently across various regions of the image. It identifies sample regions and intervening object regions separately, then applies localized brightness adjustment to sample areas while suppressing intervening objects, ensuring that each region receives optimized processing tailored to its specific characteristics rather than uniform global adjustment
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples relate to an apparatus for an optical imaging system. The apparatus comprises one or more processors and one or more storage devices. The apparatus is configured to obtain sensor data of an optical imaging sensor of the optical imaging system. The sensor data is indicative of an image acquired using the optical imaging system. Further, the apparatus is configured to determine a single image based on the sensor data. The apparatus is further configured to control a generation of adjusted sensor data for suppressing a region corresponding to the intervening object to the user. The control of the generation of the adjusted sensor data is based on the single image.