Capsule Endoscope Type Information Attachment for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscopes capture a large number of images, but those outside the intended area are of poor optical quality, rendering them unusable for examination and increasing the burden on patients as they need to swallow a new capsule designed for specific organs, wasting valuable image data.
Innovation Solution
An in-vivo image acquiring system with a body-insertable capsule endoscope that attaches type information corresponding to optical information to image data, allowing a processing apparatus to use specific image processing programs to enhance and utilize images from areas outside the intended capture zone, thereby improving image quality and reducing patient burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the capsule endoscope is designed with optical performance corresponding to a specific applied area, then the image quality of the applied area is improved, but the image quality of organs other than the applied area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing function by creating multiple image processing programs, each optimized for specific optical characteristics of different organs. The system divides the single capsule into multiple functional processing paths, allowing different processing strategies to be applied to different organ types based on detected optical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes processing parameters dynamically based on detected optical information. By detecting optical characteristics of captured images and matching them against stored optical information for different organs, the system adjusts processing parameters to optimize image quality for the specific organ being observed, thereby resolving the contradiction between specialized optimization and general applicability.
2Loss of information
If images of organs other than the applied area are captured, then a huge number of images are transmitted, but the useful information is lost due to poor optical quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between image capture and transmission/storage. The image processing unit acts as a mediator that detects optical information, identifies the organ type, applies appropriate processing programs, and then determines which images are worth transmitting or storing. This intermediary processing prevents the loss of useful information while avoiding unnecessary transmission of poor-quality images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting optical information from captured images, comparing it with stored optical information databases, and using this feedback to select appropriate processing programs. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that images are processed and transmitted based on their actual quality and diagnostic value, optimizing both information retention and transmission efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the subject swallows a new capsule endoscope designed for specific organs to capture images of different organs, then the image quality for each organ is optimized, but the burden on the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single capsule endoscope universal by equipping it with multiple image processing programs that can handle different organ types. The capsule detects optical information and automatically selects the appropriate processing program, enabling one capsule to serve multiple functions across different organs without requiring multiple specialized capsules.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule endoscope performs self-service by automatically detecting optical information from captured images and autonomously selecting and applying the appropriate processing program without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the capsule to optimize image quality for different organs independently, eliminating the need for patients to undergo multiple capsule ingestions.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vivo image acquiring system having a body-insertable apparatus and a processing apparatus. The body-insertable apparatus has an imaging unit which captures images of the inside of the subject, and a transmitting unit which attaches type information to the image information and transmits the image information to the outside of the subject. The processing apparatus has an image processing unit which acquires optical information corresponding to the type information attached to image information to be processed and processes the image information to be processed using an image processing program which corresponds to the acquired optical information. The type information indicates an applied portion of the body-insertable apparatus. The processing apparatus also processes image information corresponding to portions other than the applied portions of the body-insertable apparatus as image information to be processed.