Endoscope Display Control for Blind Spot Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems that perform both direct-viewing and side-viewing observations often have limited usability due to the display of blind spots, which can obstruct clear observation and diagnosis, as they do not effectively manage the overlap and alignment of direct-viewing and side-viewing images.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system includes a display control section that allows for a blind spot-non-display mode, adjusting the ratio of non-displayed blind spots and washing of the side-viewing observation unit, and automatically adjusts the display ratios based on the movement of the insertion part during insertion and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If both direct-viewing observation image and side-viewing observation image are displayed simultaneously, then the observable range is wider, but the usability is reduced due to blind spots and image alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The display control section dynamically switches between displaying both images simultaneously and displaying images sequentially based on the insertion state of the insertion part. When the insertion part is being inserted or extracted, only the direct-viewing observation image is displayed. When the insertion part is stationary, both direct-viewing and side-viewing observation images are displayed simultaneously, optimizing usability based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically determines the insertion state of the insertion part and switches display modes accordingly. The display control section alternates between single-image display mode (during insertion/extraction) and dual-image display mode (during stationary observation), creating a rhythmic pattern that matches the operational cycle of the endoscope.
2Measurement precision
If the side-viewing observation unit is washed during observation, then the image quality is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing control section automatically activates the washing mechanism when the side-viewing observation unit detects reduced image quality or when predefined conditions are met. The system performs self-maintenance by autonomously initiating the washing process without requiring manual intervention from the operator, thereby maintaining image quality while minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including a side-viewing observation unit that includes a field of view in a lateral direction of an insertion part to be inserted into an object to be observed and a second protruding portion that protrudes from the insertion part and forms a blind spot in the field of view of the side-viewing observation unit; an image acquisition unit that acquires a side-viewing observation image by using the side-viewing observation unit; a monitor that displays the side-viewing observation image; and a display control section that allows at least a part of the blind spot of the side-viewing observation image in which the second protruding portion is shown up not to be displayed, and displays the side-viewing observation image on the monitor.