Endoscopic examination support device, endoscopic examination support method, and program

The endoscopic examination support device uses image processing and machine learning to guide the endoscope camera towards the intestinal tract, addressing incomplete visualization issues by calculating optimal camera directions for comprehensive examination.

JP7768398B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-12NEC CORP
View PDF 7 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024539149
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-08-01
Filing Date
2023-07-31
Publication Date
2025-11-12
Estimated Expiration
2043-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing endoscopic examination systems fail to provide guidance on the appropriate direction for the endoscope camera during observation, leading to incomplete visualization of the large intestine due to the camera moving to unexpected positions near the intestinal wall.

Method used

An endoscopic examination support device that estimates the relative posture and distance of the endoscope camera using image processing and machine learning models to calculate the optimal camera direction for observing the intestinal tract, providing guidance through a display device.

Benefits of technology

Enables complete observation of the intestinal tract by guiding the endoscope camera to face the correct direction, reducing missed areas and improving the effectiveness of endoscopic examinations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007768398000001
    Figure 0007768398000001
  • Figure 0007768398000002
    Figure 0007768398000002
  • Figure 0007768398000003
    Figure 0007768398000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

In this endoscopic examination assistance device, an image acquisition means acquires a captured image upon the removal of an endoscope. A posture change estimation means estimates the change in a relative posture of an endoscope camera from the captured image. A distance estimation means estimates the distance between the surface of the large intestine and the endoscope camera, from the captured image. An intestinal tract direction estimation means estimates the intestinal tract direction of the large intestine, on the basis of the posture change and the distance. A calculation means calculates the direction in which the endoscope camera is to be directed, on the basis of the intestinal tract direction and the relative posture of the endoscope camera. An output means outputs a display screen image including the direction in which the endoscope camera is to be directed into a display device. The invention can be used for the assistance of a user in decision making or the like.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Endoscope insertion direction detection method and endoscope insertion direction detection device

    JP2003093328A

  • Endoscope system and method of driving endoscope system

    JP2018057799A

  • Endoscope image processing program, endoscope system, and endoscope image processing method

    JP2019072259A

  • Method and system for navigating within a colon

    US8795157B1

  • Endoscope system

    WO2015049962A1