Surgical Microscope Spatially Varied Noise Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise filtering methods for fluorescence images in digital surgical microscopes are ineffective due to high noise levels and suboptimal image quality, as they apply universal filtering across the entire image without considering the varying characteristics of anatomical features.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses spatially varied noise filtering, where the extent of anatomical features is determined using secondary imaging sensor data, allowing for tailored noise filtering based on the specific features in the primary imaging sensor data, improving precision and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If universal noise filtering is applied to the entire fluorescence image, then noise reduction is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to loss of detail and contrast in different anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different noise filtering strengths to different anatomical regions within the fluorescence image. By segmenting the image into regions containing anatomical features and regions without features, the system applies stronger filtering to featureless areas and weaker or no filtering to areas with features, thereby reducing noise while preserving image quality and detail in critical regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fluorescence image into multiple segments or regions based on the presence and extent of anatomical features. This segmentation allows the system to apply spatially varied filtering parameters to different regions, treating each region according to its specific characteristics rather than applying a uniform filter across the entire image
2Measurement precision
If higher sensitivity is used in optical imaging sensors to capture low-intensity fluorescence emissions, then signal detection is improved, but noise levels increase in the captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the filtering parameters spatially across the image based on local characteristics. By adjusting the filtering strength parameter according to whether a region contains anatomical features or not, the system optimizes the balance between noise reduction and signal preservation, effectively managing the noise introduced by high-sensitivity detection
3Manufacturing precision
If spatially varied noise filtering is applied based on anatomical feature extent, then image quality is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation and identification of anatomical features in the fluorescence image before applying noise filtering. By determining the extent and location of anatomical features in advance, the system prepares a mask or region map that guides the subsequent filtering process, making the complex spatially varied filtering more manageable and efficient
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
The proposed solution enhances the quality of fluorescence images by reducing noise and increasing contrast, specifically by applying more aggressive filtering to non-fluorescent areas and specialized filtering to fluorescent areas, thereby improving the precision of anatomical feature identification.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence imaging mode, where fluorescence emissions being emitted by a fluorophore that is applied to the sample is used to generate the digital view of the sample
Implementation Method 2
a reflectance imaging mode, where the light being reflected by a sample being imaged is used to generate a digital view of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to a surgical microscope system (100), and to a system (110), method, and computer system for a surgical microscope system. The system (110) is configured to obtain first imaging sensor data of a view on a surgical site from a first optical imaging sensor (122) of a microscope (120) of the surgical microscope system. The system is configured to obtain second imaging sensor data of the view on the surgical site from a second sensor (124) of the microscope. The system is configured to determine an extent of one or more anatomical features of the surgical site based on the second imaging sensor data. The system is configured to apply spatially varied noise filtering on the first imaging sensor data based on the extent of the one or more anatomical features of the surgical site.