Capsule Camera Traveled Distance Measurement via Global Motion Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices are invasive, costly, and inefficient for diagnosing the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in reaching the small intestine and colon, and lack accurate methods for estimating traveled distance within the GI tract.
Innovation Solution
A capsule camera system that captures image sequences and determines traveled distance by analyzing global motion vectors between images, using image normalization and motion estimation techniques to accurately track capsule movement within the GI tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endoscopes are used for imaging the gastrointestinal tract, then diagnostic capability is improved, but patient invasiveness and procedural risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical endoscope system with a capsule camera system that uses optical imaging and image processing algorithms. The capsule camera captures images sequentially as it travels through the GI tract, and a base station processes these images to determine traveled distance and provide diagnostic information, eliminating the need for mechanical insertion and control of traditional endoscopes.
2Length of stationary object
If traditional endoscopes are used to reach the small intestine and colon, then imaging coverage is improved, but procedural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule camera system is self-propelled through the GI tract by the patient's natural peristalsis, eliminating the need for complex mechanical propulsion systems or specialized procedural techniques. The capsule autonomously captures images and transmits data to the base station, which automatically processes the images to determine traveled distance and provide diagnostic information, greatly simplifying the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If capsule cameras are used for non-invasive imaging, then patient comfort is improved, but accurate measurement of traveled distance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base station processes the sequential images captured by the capsule camera and uses image correlation algorithms to calculate the traveled distance. The system provides feedback by comparing consecutive images, identifying feature matches, and computing displacement, thereby accurately determining the capsule's position and traveled distance without requiring additional measurement devices or compromising patient comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a travelled distance by a capsule camera are disclosed. A current global motion vector for a current image in the image sequence is determined, where the current global motion vector corresponds to movement made by the capsule camera between the current image and a reference image associated with the image sequence. A travelled distance by the capsule camera in the GI tract is determined according to the current global motion vector and prior global motion vectors derived for prior images between an initial image and the current image, where the travelled distance is measured from an initial location associated with the initial image to a current location associated with the current image. A method and system for displaying an image sequence captured by a capsule camera are also disclosed. The travelled distances associated with the image sequence are displayed on a display.