Capsule Endoscope Structured Light Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope technologies face challenges in efficiently measuring object distances within the gastrointestinal tract for accurate image processing and stitching, particularly due to the limitations of existing distance measuring methods which are either invasive, costly, or degrade image quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of structured-light images to derive distance information, which is then utilized to determine object sizes and improve image stitching by scaling and adjusting image intensities, enabling more accurate and efficient processing of image sequences captured by capsule cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured-light images are used to derive distance information, then measurement precision of object distance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structured light source and image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distance measurement function with the existing imaging function by integrating a structured light source into the endoscope system. The structured light patterns are projected onto objects in the field of view, and the same imaging sensor captures both the structured light patterns and regular images. This merging approach allows distance information to be derived from the deformation of structured light patterns in the captured images, eliminating the need for separate distance measurement hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light patterns serve as an intermediary medium between the imaging system and the distance measurement function. By projecting known structured light patterns onto objects and analyzing their deformation in captured images, the system indirectly measures distance information without requiring direct distance measurement hardware. The structured light acts as a mediator that carries distance information through its geometric transformation, enabling precision measurement while maintaining system simplicity.
2Productivity
If multiple images are captured for stitching to reduce viewing time, then productivity of image review is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time required to capture and process the large number of images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing distance information through structured light imaging before or during the image capture process. This pre-acquired distance information is then used to guide the image stitching process, allowing for more efficient selection and processing of images that need to be stitched. By having distance information available in advance, the system can prioritize capturing images at critical distances and angles, reducing the total number of images that need to be processed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using derived distance information to control and optimize the image capture and stitching process. The distance measurements provide real-time feedback about the spatial relationships between captured images, allowing the system to dynamically adjust which images to capture next and how to stitch them together. This feedback mechanism ensures that images are captured and processed in an optimal sequence, minimizing redundant captures and reducing overall processing time while maintaining high review productivity.
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 allows for precise measurement of object sizes and improved image stitching by providing accurate distance information, reducing the time required for medical professionals to review images and enhancing diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to project light onto a scene in a field of view of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for capturing images of a scene using a capsule device including a camera are disclosed. An image sequence is captured using the camera when the capsule device travels through a human gastrointestinal tract. Also, structured-light images are captured using the camera by projecting structured light to one or more objects in a field of view of the camera when the capsule device travels through the human gastrointestinal tract. The structured-light images are interleaved with regular images in the image sequence. The distance information with respect to the capsule camera associated with objects of the selected image is derived. Both the image sequence and the distance information are outputted. A method of determining the size of an object of interest utilizing the distance information is also disclosed. In another method, the distance information is used to scale object or adjust intensities.