Endoscope Image Processing Dynamic Masking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems suffer from a narrowed observation field of view during normal observation and difficulties in distinguishing between lesions and boundaries during electronic zooming due to constant shielding areas and unclear boundary lines between direct and side observation images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that generates a first display image with a boundary portion between side and direct view observation images during normal observation and a second display image with a masked boundary portion during magnified observation, using a dynamic mask generation unit to adjust the mask portion based on zoom magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant shielding mask portion is used in the endoscope image processing system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the observation field of view is narrowed during normal observation and boundary clarity is lost during electronic zooming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant shielding mask portion to a variable mask portion that changes its shielding area based on the operational mode (normal observation vs. electronic zooming). The mask portion dynamically adjusts its configuration to shield different areas: a larger area during normal observation and a smaller area during electronic zooming, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and observation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the shielding area parameter of the mask portion according to the operational state. During normal observation, the shielding area is set to a larger value, while during electronic zooming, the shielding area is reduced. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal observation characteristics for each mode without requiring multiple physical mask components.
2Measurement precision
If electronic zooming processing is performed to enlarge the image data, then the magnification is improved, but the boundary line and unclear areas move from the center toward the outer edge making lesion identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively shielding the boundary line and unclear areas before they become problematic during electronic zooming. By reducing the shielding area of the mask portion when electronic zooming is detected, the system prevents these ambiguous regions from migrating to the display periphery, thereby maintaining detection clarity throughout the zooming process.
3Manufacturing precision
If a mask portion is superimposed on the combined image to shield the circumferential visual field, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the observation field of view is narrowed during normal observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the mask portion's shielding area dynamic rather than fixed. During normal observation, the mask shields a larger area to ensure imaging accuracy, while during electronic zooming, the shielding area is reduced to preserve the observation field of view. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: acquire an image data including an annular side observation image and a direct view observation image forming a circle formed from a center of the side observation image to an inner circle; in a case of normal observation in which electronic zooming processing is not performed, generate a first display image including a boundary portion between the side observation image and the direct view observation image in a display area; and in a case of magnified observation in which the electronic zooming processing is performed, generate a second display image in which a boundary portion between the side observation image and the direct view observation image is shielded by a mask.