3D Endoscopy Coverage Mapping for Unobserved Colon Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic examination techniques do not provide a method to confirm the observation state of multiple sites in the large intestine after the examination, leading to an excessive burden on operators creating reports.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic examination support apparatus that generates a three-dimensional model of the large intestine, detects unobserved areas, and creates a display image indicating the observation achievement degree for each site, using endoscopic images to reduce the operator's burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopic examination techniques are used, then the examination can be performed, but the operator cannot efficiently confirm the observation state of multiple sites after the examination, leading to excessive burden on the operator when creating reports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional model that copies the actual luminal organ structure based on captured endoscopic images. This virtual model allows operators to review and confirm observation states without physically re-examining the patient, significantly reducing operator burden while preserving complete observation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional endoscopic images to a three-dimensional model of the luminal organ. This dimensional enhancement provides comprehensive spatial information about observation coverage, allowing operators to visually confirm which areas were examined and which were missed, eliminating information loss about observation states.
2Loss of information
If a three-dimensional model and unobserved area detection system are implemented, then observation completeness can be clearly confirmed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional model as an intermediary representation between the actual luminal organ and the observation data. This model serves as a mediator that integrates endoscopic images, camera position information, and observation status, making it easier to detect and visualize unobserved areas without requiring direct complex analysis of raw data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the luminal organ into multiple sites or regions within the three-dimensional model. By segmenting the organ structure, the system can individually track and analyze observation status for each segment, making it feasible to detect unobserved areas through systematic comparison rather than analyzing the entire organ as a single complex unit.
Data Source
AI summary
In the endoscopic examination support apparatus, three three-dimensional model generation means generates a three-dimensional model of a luminal organ in which an endoscope camera is placed, based on endoscopic images acquired by imaging an interior of the luminal organ with the endoscope camera. The unobserved area detection means detects an area estimated not to be observed by the endoscope camera, as an unobserved area, based on the three-dimensional model. The display image generation means generates a display image including information indicating an observation achievement degree for each of a plurality of sites of the luminal organ, based on the detection result of the unobserved area. The endoscopic examination support apparatus may be used to support user's decision making.