Simulated Narrow-Band Endoscopic Imaging Without Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic methods struggle to accurately detect early-stage esophageal cancer lesions using white-light images, and narrow-band endoscopes cause patient discomfort due to their larger volume necessitated by optical filters.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating narrow-band images using a host-based image conversion model that converts white-light endoscopic images into simulated narrow-band images through a process involving image capture, conversion to a target wave band, and comparison with reference images using an objective similarity index, eliminating the need for physical optical filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If narrow-band endoscopes with optical filters are used to improve early lesion detection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but endoscope volume increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated narrow-band image that copies the diagnostic information of a true narrow-band image without requiring physical narrow-band filters. The image processing unit generates a synthetic narrow-band image from white-light endoscopic images, preserving the capillary and cellular detail enhancement benefits while eliminating the volume increase from physical filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filtering system with a computational image processing system. Instead of using physical narrow-band filters that increase endoscope volume, the system uses software-based image conversion algorithms to simulate narrow-band imaging effects from standard white-light endoscopic images.
2Ease of operation
If white-light endoscopy is used to reduce endoscope volume and patient discomfort, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to detect early-stage lesions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simulated narrow-band image that replicates the diagnostic capabilities of actual narrow-band imaging. By processing white-light images through the image processing unit, the system generates an output that copies the enhanced capillary and cellular detail visualization normally achieved only with physical narrow-band filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the parameters of the captured image data by applying conversion algorithms that simulate narrow-band spectral characteristics. The image processing unit modifies the white-light image parameters (brightness, contrast, color distribution) to produce a simulated narrow-band image that reveals early lesions through enhanced vascular and cellular detail.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for narrow-band image generation is provided. First obtaining an input image of an object by an image capture unit. Then converting the input image according to an image conversion model and at least one target wave band corresponding to a narrow-band light source to get a simulated narrow-band image. Lastly comparing a simulated narrow-band image information of the simulated narrow-band image with a reference narrow-band image information according to at least one objective similarity index to generate an index data for determining similarity between the simulated narrow-band image information and the reference narrow-band image information. Thereby the simulated narrow-band image is checked by the objective similarity index combined with simulation of narrow-band images using hyperspectral techniques to help doctors in interpretation of endoscopic images.