Skin Lesion Identification Using White and UV Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional identification systems improve identification precision by using plural identifiers but fail to enhance image data information, limiting overall precision.
Innovation Solution
An identification apparatus that utilizes high-speed consecutive shooting with white and ultraviolet light to capture white light and ultraviolet light image data, employing convolutional neural networks to integrate identification results from both data sets, enhancing precision through fluorescent reactions and autofluorescence analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple identifiers are used to improve identification precision, then identification precision is improved, but the information content in the input image data is not increased, limiting the overall precision improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using a single type of image data to using multiple types of image data with different dimensional characteristics. Specifically, it combines visible light image data (reflecting surface morphology) with ultraviolet light image data (showing fluorescent reactions), thereby adding a new dimension of information rather than merely replicating the same data through multiple identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light wavelength used for imaging. By capturing images under different lighting conditions (visible light vs. ultraviolet light), it obtains image data with different informational characteristics, thereby enriching the information content input to the identification system.
2Quantity of substance
If image conversion techniques are applied to increase the amount of image data, then the amount of image data is increased, but the information content in the image data is not actually enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of artificially increasing data quantity through conversions of the same image type, the patent captures images in different spectral dimensions (visible and ultraviolet). This provides genuinely new information content rather than merely replicating existing data in different formats.
3Ease of operation
If only visible light imaging is used, then the system is simple to operate, but identification precision is limited due to inability to detect fluorescent reactions and autofluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is designed to handle multiple types of image data (visible light and ultraviolet light) within a single unified framework. The controller integrates both types of data and uses multiple identifiers to process them, making the system multi-functional while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
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
Improves identification precision by leveraging white and ultraviolet light image data, facilitating detection of keratotic plugs and cellular changes, and integrating results for more accurate benign/malignant assessments.
Implementation Method 1
irradiated with second irradiation light (for example, light having a wavelength of 320 nm to 440 nm, preferably 405 nm) allowing the affected area to show fluorescent reaction
Implementation Method 2
employing convolutional neural networks to integrate identification results from both data sets, enhancing precision through fluorescent reactions and autofluorescence analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
An identification apparatus includes first image data acquisition means and second image data acquisition means, and final identification means. The first image data acquisition means acquires first image data obtained by capturing of an image of an affected area included in a skin or a mucosa by receiving first reception light. The first reception light is reflection light reflected from the affected area irradiated with first irradiation light including white light. The second image data acquisition means acquires second image data obtained by capturing of an image of the affected area by receiving second reception light. The second reception light is light including light generated by fluorescent reaction in the affected area irradiated with second irradiation light. The second irradiation light includes light that allows the affected area to show fluorescent reaction when the affected area is irradiated with the light. The final identification means identifies the affected area based on the first image data and the second image data. Further improvement in identification precision can be achieved in comparison with conventional identification apparatuses.