Capsule Endoscope Image Dark Area Intensity Stretch
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes and capsule cameras struggle to visualize dark areas within the gastrointestinal tract due to inadequate lighting, leading to missed polyps or other irregularities, which can result in flawed diagnoses, as they are unable to effectively enhance image quality in these regions without compromising non-dark areas.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying dark areas in images captured by encapsulated cameras or endoscopes and applying an intensity stretch using techniques like gamma correction and piecewise linear transformations, while maintaining the quality of non-dark areas by selectively applying these transformations only to the dark regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If intensity stretch is applied to enhance dark areas, then visibility of features in dark areas is improved, but quality of non-dark areas may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different image processing treatments to different regions of the image. Specifically, intensity stretch is applied only to dark areas (regions with intensity below a threshold) while non-dark areas are preserved with their original intensity values. This is achieved through conditional processing: for each pixel, if the intensity is below the threshold, apply intensity stretch; otherwise, maintain original intensity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by improving dark area visibility without degrading non-dark area quality.
2Reliability
If conventional endoscopes are used to traverse convoluted passages, then diagnostic capability is improved, but patient risk and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical endoscope system with a capsule camera system that can be swallowed and traverses the gastrointestinal tract passively using peristalsis. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical insertion through oral or rectal openings, thereby reducing patient discomfort, risk of perforation, and need for anesthesia. The capsule camera captures images along the passage, providing diagnostic capability without the harmful factors associated with conventional endoscopes.
3Device complexity
If forward-looking camera orientation is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to detect hidden areas around ridges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple segments by using multiple image sensors arranged at different orientations (forward-looking, backward-looking, and side-looking). Each sensor captures a specific directional view, and the captured images are stitched together to form a panoramic view. This segmentation of the viewing direction allows detection of hidden areas around ridges and sacculations that would be invisible to a single forward-looking camera, while keeping each individual sensor simple.
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
This approach enhances the visibility of features within dark areas, improving the detection rate of polyps and other anomalies without degrading the quality of non-dark areas, thus aiding in more accurate and efficient diagnostic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
applying an intensity stretch using techniques like gamma correction and piecewise linear transformations
Implementation Method 2
applying an intensity stretch using techniques like gamma correction and piecewise linear transformations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for identifying dark areas in images captured by encapsulated cameras or endoscopes and enhancing the visibility of the dark area using intensity stretch. For capsule or endoscope images, there are often some dark areas caused by inadequate lighting. The poor visibility of detailed features in the dark area may reduce the detection rate of anomaly. The present invention calls for a method to detect the dark area based on contour. The intensities inside and outside the dark area are evaluated and are used to generate intensity transformation to stretch intensity in the dark area while minimizing the impact on the image quality outside the dark area.