Single Sensor Medical Imaging Device for Fluorescence and Visible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical image processing devices face challenges in reducing device size while effectively observing fluorescence and visible light images, as they often require multiple image sensors, which complicates miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing device that generates interpolation pixel values for components of different visible light bands using image data from a single image sensor, allowing for the creation of background and fluorescence images, enabling simultaneous emission of visible light and excitation light to prevent flickering and reduce device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three image sensors are used to observe fluorescence image and visible light image, then image quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorescence imaging and visible light imaging functions into a single image sensor system. By using one image sensor to capture both types of images through appropriate light source control and image processing, the device eliminates the need for three separate image sensors, thereby reducing device size while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light images and fluorescence images. The system achieves this universality by controlling the light source to emit different types of light and using image processing to distinguish and process the different image types from the same sensor, thus eliminating the need for dedicated sensors for each function.
2Measurement precision
If visible light and excitation light are emitted alternately, then image quality is improved, but flickering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous emission of both visible light and excitation light simultaneously, rather than alternating between them. This continuous dual-light emission allows the image sensor to continuously capture both visible light images and fluorescence images without interruption, eliminating the flickering effect that would result from alternating light sources while maintaining high image quality.
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 the generation of high-quality fluorescence and background images using a single image sensor, allowing for efficient switching between white light and fluorescence observation modes without the need for special sensors, thereby reducing device size and preventing flickering.
Implementation Method 1
image data generated by imaging reflected light of first visible light emitted to an object and fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
excitation light that excites a fluorescent substance to emit the fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing device includes an image processing unit configured to perform image processing, based on image data generated by imaging reflected light of first visible light emitted to an object and fluorescence when a light source device simultaneously emits the first visible light and excitation light that excites a fluorescent substance to emit the fluorescence. The image processing unit is configured to generate an interpolation pixel value corresponding to a component of second visible light in a wavelength band different from a wavelength band of the first visible light, based on a first pixel value and output from a pixel receiving the reflected light of the first visible light emitted to the object, generate a background image based on the first pixel value and the interpolation pixel value, and generate a fluorescence image based on a second pixel value included in the image data and output from a pixel receiving the fluorescence.