Endoscope Image Processing for Minute Irregularity Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing methods for detecting minute irregularities in tissues using endoscopes are inadequate, as they either require invasive dye application or are not suitable for enhancing specific spatial frequencies, which can impair original tissue visibility and are costly in time and resources.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that acquires captured images, extracts distance information to identify irregularities, and performs enhancement processes on specific irregular parts based on known characteristic information, excluding global structures to improve the visibility of minute irregularities without the need for dye application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If spatial frequency enhancement is applied to detect irregular structures, then structure visibility is improved, but minute irregularities cannot be detected and noise is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing intensities to different regions of the image based on distance information. Areas closer to the imaging section receive stronger enhancement, while distant areas receive weaker enhancement, optimizing both structure visibility and minute irregularity detection in each local region
Solution Approach 2:
The enhancement intensity is dynamically adjusted based on distance information from the imaging section to the object. The processing adapts to varying distances within the image, applying optimal enhancement levels for each depth zone rather than using a fixed enhancement parameter
2Illumination intensity
If dye is sprayed to increase tissue contrast, then irregularity visibility is improved, but original tissue color and other structures are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical method of dye spraying with an optical processing method. By using image processing algorithms that enhance contrast based on distance information, the system achieves tissue contrast improvement without physical contact or chemical substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces distance information as an intermediary to achieve contrast enhancement. Instead of using dye as a mediator, the system uses calculated distance data from the imaging section to the object to guide the enhancement process, preserving original tissue characteristics
3Measurement precision
If dye spraying is used to enhance tissue contrast, then irregularity detection is improved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming dye application process with immediate optical image processing. The system calculates distance information and applies enhancement algorithms in real-time, eliminating the time required for dye preparation, application, and waiting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs contrast enhancement processing immediately after image capture without requiring preliminary dye application. The distance-based enhancement is applied directly to the captured image, eliminating preparatory steps and reducing overall procedure time
4Illumination intensity
If uniform enhancement is applied to the entire image, then overall visibility is improved, but global structures are enhanced along with minute irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different enhancement levels to different regions based on distance information from the imaging section. This local differentiation allows minute irregularities in near regions to be enhanced while global structures in distant regions are enhanced less, preventing interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into different depth zones based on distance information and applies differentiated enhancement processing to each zone. This segmentation allows selective enhancement of minute irregularities while minimizing enhancement of global structures
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes an image acquisition section that acquires a captured image that includes an image of an object, the captured image being an image captured by an imaging section, a distance information acquisition section that acquires distance information based on the distance from the imaging section to the object when the imaging section captured the captured image, an irregularity information acquisition section that acquires extracted irregularity information from the acquired distance information, the extracted irregularity information being information that represents irregular parts extracted from the object, and an enhancement section that performs an enhancement process on an enhancement target, the enhancement target being an irregular part that is represented by the extracted irregularity information and agrees with characteristics specified by known characteristic information, the known characteristic information being information that represents known characteristics relating to the structure of the object.