Endoscope Illumination Switching for Target-Aware Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems fail to provide highly accurate analysis results due to the inability to switch between different types of illumination light based on the observation situation, leading to inappropriate illumination characteristics for various analysis types.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope system and control program that can switch between multiple types of illumination light with distinct characteristics, allowing the display to adapt analysis results based on the size of the target area within the subject, using a light source capable of emitting different types of light and a processor to determine the appropriate illumination based on the observation situation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation modes are provided in the endoscope system, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation modesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified architecture. The image processing device can operate in different modes (real-time display, post-processing, analysis) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to adapt to various surgical needs while maintaining a single integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic switching between different operation modes based on surgical requirements. The image processing device can dynamically adjust its processing algorithms, display parameters, and data analysis functions during procedures. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to transition between modes seamlessly, providing versatility without requiring physically separate systems for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If real-time display and post-processing are performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary real-time processing and preliminary diagnosis during the surgical procedure itself. Image processing algorithms continuously analyze captured images in real-time, providing immediate diagnostic information. This preliminary action ensures that diagnostic accuracy is maintained while minimizing delays, as the processing is already underway before formal post-processing is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing operates continuously throughout the surgical procedure rather than being performed as a separate batch process. The system maintains continuous real-time display while simultaneously preparing data for post-processing analysis. This continuity ensures that diagnostic accuracy is achieved without significant time loss, as the processing action never stops but rather transitions smoothly between real-time and post-processing phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4119999B1Endoscope system and control program
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4119999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4119999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4119999B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an endoscope system, a control method, and a control program that can present a highly accurate result of analysis in accordance with an observation situation. A light source device 5 can switch between a plurality of types of illumination light having different characteristics to perform irradiation. A display 7 can switch between results of a plurality of types of analysis based on a captured image obtained by imaging using the illumination light to display the results. A control device 4 switches analysis of which a result is displayed on the display 7 among the plurality of types of analysis and the characteristic of the illumination light emitted by the light source device 5 in accordance with a result of determining a size of a target area of the imaging inside a subject.