Optical Scanning Imaging Apparatus for Endoscope Image Superimposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in simultaneously observing white-light and fluorescence images without displacement, requiring sophisticated processors to align and superimpose these images effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning imaging/projection apparatus that alternately outputs illumination and projection light, using a processor to control the intensity of projection light based on detected observation light intensity, ensuring accurate superimposition of images without displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If white-light and fluorescence images are observed simultaneously using separate videoscopes and scanning endoscopes, then both images can be acquired, but the images may be displaced relative to each other and require sophisticated processors for alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines white-light observation and fluorescence observation into a single integrated system. The white-light video scope and scanning fluorescence endoscope are merged to observe the same field of view simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex post-processing alignment. The projection optical system and imaging optical system share the same optical path, ensuring that both images are naturally aligned without requiring sophisticated processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection optical system that projects the fluorescence image onto the observation target in real-time. This intermediary projection mechanism serves as a mediator between the fluorescence detection system and the white-light imaging system, allowing the fluorescence image to be superimposed directly onto the white-light image without complex digital processing and alignment algorithms.
2Productivity
If fluorescence image is projected onto the observation target, then real-time feedback is achieved, but the projection light intensity must be precisely controlled to avoid overwhelming the white-light image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the projection light intensity based on the detected fluorescence signal strength. The projection optical system adjusts the projection light intensity in real-time according to the fluorescence image brightness, ensuring that the projected fluorescence image is visible without overwhelming the white-light image. This dynamic adjustment allows flexible adaptation to different observation conditions while maintaining real-time performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected fluorescence signal is used to control the projection light intensity. The fluorescence detection unit monitors the fluorescence signal strength, and this information feeds back to the projection control unit, which adjusts the projection light intensity accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures optimal projection intensity that enhances visibility without causing saturation or overwhelming the white-light image.
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
Enables real-time, accurate superimposition of white-light and fluorescence images without positional displacement, improving visibility of hard-to-observe regions like lesions or blood vessels within the endoscopic image.
Implementation Method 1
the light source may output, as the illumination light, excitation light that excites fluorescence contained in the subject
Implementation Method 2
the optical detector may be equipped with an excitation light cut filter that is configured to block the excitation light and transmit the fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning imaging/projection apparatus includes a light source that outputs illumination light and projection light in the visible range, an optical scanner that scans the illumination light and the projection light, which are output from the light source, along a predetermined scanning trajectory, a switch that switches the output from the light source so that the illumination light and the projection light are alternately output, an optical detector that detects observation light generated by a subject irradiated with the illumination light, a storage that stores data in which an intensity of the detected observation light detected is associated with information indicating a detection position on the scanning trajectory, and a projection light controller that controls, on the basis of the data stored in the storage unit, an intensity of the projection light to be applied to each position on the scanning trajectory.