Systems, devices and methods for dynamic polarized light imaging

A method for image data processing, the method comprising:

• pre-processing a plurality of image data of a target captured in a field of view for image correction and enhancement by algorithms;
• spatially aligning the plurality of image data for making determinations about structures of interest at a certain pixel from the data captured;
• fusing the plurality of image data to detect varying brightness of pixels and highlight structures of interest at different angles in the field of view;
• detecting and segmenting the fused image data and pre-fusion image data to label features of interest in the field of view;
• tracking data related to translational and rotational motion, and distance of an imaging device from the target being imaged to support the alignment among captured images;
• post-processing the segmented and labelled images for improving quality;
• and
• displaying a visually-appealing final output with the structures of interest highlighted and labelled.

An imaging apparatus for dynamically changing polarized light imaging, the imaging apparatus comprising:

• a handle for providing a grip to facilitate a user in directing the imaging apparatus downward towards a field during a surgery;
• a head for employing a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components further includes:
• a light output system including a plurality of infrared (IR) light sources with dynamically changing polarization located at up to four corners of the front view of the head, using mechanical rotation of a polarizing filter approach, and a white light source in the middle at the top or bottom of the front view of the head;
• an imaging detection system including an IR camera located at the center of the front view of the head, also with dynamically changing polarization, and mechanically synchronized to the light sources to maintain a 90° offset, and a visible spectrum RGB camera in the middle at the top or bottom of the front view of the head;
• a capture synchronization and control system configured to manage electrical and electromechanical adjustments of the light output system and the imaging detection system, to dynamically adjust the light sources and image detectors to synchronize with each other;
• and
• a plurality of buttons for supporting the user to control the imaging device, and a plurality of indicator lights for presenting information to the user.

A system for real-time image processing, the system comprising:

• a base station configured to provide a plurality of functions, including image data processing, power source, charging station, light source, data output, and data recording, wherein the image data processing at least includes fusing images from the varying polarization angles, wavelengths and/or focus;
• an imaging device configured to capture a plurality of images of a target in a field of view under the varying polarization angles and varying light wavelengths, such that structures that are optically anisotropic appear with varying brightness in the plurality of images and structures of interest are highlighted;
• and
• wherein the base station is communicatively connected to the imaging device, and a plurality of display hardware.

A method for dynamic polarized light imaging, the method comprising:

• producing dynamically changing polarized lights from at least one or more light sources;
• capturing, by at least one or more image detectors, a plurality of images of a target and recording reflected light from the target being imaged in a field of view, wherein the reflected light includes a distribution of polarization angles;
• managing, by a capture synchronization and control system, electrical and electromechanical adjustments available on both the light output system and the imaging detection system, in order to dynamically adjust the image detectors to synchronize with the light outputs;
• and
• processing, by an image processing system, a plurality of images of the target under different polarization angles and different light wavelengths, such that structures that are optically anisotropic appear with varying brightness in the plurality of images and the structures of interest are highlighted.

A method for image processing for dynamic polarized light imaging, the method comprising:

• spatially aligning a plurality of images;
• executing a fusion of image data to detect varying brightness and highlight structures of the target at different angles in the field of view;
• detecting and segmenting the fused and pre-fusion image data to label features of interest in the field of view;
• post-processing the segmented and labelled images for improving quality;
• and
• generating a visual output to display and annotate the structures of the interest in the field of view.