Depth-Sensing Endoscope for Polyp Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting polyps on the intestine wall using an endoscope is challenging due to the narrow intestine, making it difficult to rotate the endoscope to obtain necessary images effectively.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope equipped with a light source unit generating modulated visible and infrared light signals, a sensing unit to obtain depth information, and an image processing unit to generate depth images and detect polyps based on depth information, allowing for precise polyp detection even in narrow intestinal spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the endoscope is rotated to obtain images from multiple angles, then polyp detection accuracy is improved, but the operation becomes difficult due to the narrow intestine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth information as a third dimension to the traditional two-dimensional endoscopic images. By capturing depth data along with color information, the system creates three-dimensional representations of the intestinal surface, enabling polyp detection without requiring physical rotation of the endoscope. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by providing multi-angle information virtually rather than physically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the endoscope with an optical/electronic solution. Instead of physically rotating the device to capture images from different angles, the system uses depth-sensing technology to capture three-dimensional information from a single position. This substitution eliminates the operational difficulty while maintaining enhanced polyp detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If depth information is added to improve polyp detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color imaging function and depth sensing function into a single integrated sensor system. The color/depth sensor simultaneously captures both color information and depth information, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices. This integration reduces overall device complexity while providing enhanced polyp detection through combined visual and depth data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal sensor that performs multiple functions: capturing color information for visual inspection and capturing depth information for three-dimensional analysis. This multi-functional sensor reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while enhancing detection capabilities.
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
Enables accurate detection and localization of polyps within the intestine by providing depth information and images, facilitating precise surgical tool positioning for removal, even in constrained intestinal environments.
Implementation Method 1
The light source unit may generate the irradiated light signal modulated to a frequency of the visible light
Implementation Method 2
a sensing unit to obtain depth information, based on the irradiated light signal and a reflected light signal generated through the irradiated light signal being reflected off of an intestine wall
Implementation Method 3
The sensing unit may include a converting unit to convert the reflected light signal to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope using depth information and a method for detecting a polyp based on the endoscope using the depth information are provided. The endoscope using the depth information may generate an irradiated light signal including a visible light, obtain depth information based on the irradiated light signal and a reflected light signal obtained through the irradiated light signal being reflected off of an intestine wall, generate a depth image inside the intestine wall based on the depth information, and detect a polyp located on the intestine wall based on the depth image.