Endoscopic Image Orientation Control via Electronic Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic imaging systems face difficulties in displaying images in a preferred orientation, especially when the endoscope is curved or flexible, making it challenging for users to maintain a clear view of the target location, particularly in accessing hard-to-reach areas like the maxillary sinus.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a rotating mechanism for the illumination optics and a rotation detection module, combined with a processor that calculates and applies angle offset values to reconstruct the image in the user-preferred orientation, using a combination of encoder modules and tilt/sensor data to adjust the image display accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is made flexible or curved to access hard-to-reach areas, then the ability to reach target locations is improved, but the image orientation becomes misaligned with the physician's working environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses orientation detection units (accelerometers, gyroscopes) to continuously monitor the endoscope's spatial orientation and feeds this information back to the image processing system, which automatically rotates the displayed image to maintain proper orientation alignment despite the flexible probe's movement
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mechanically rotating the camera or sensor to maintain image orientation, the system substitutes mechanical adjustment with electronic image rotation processing, allowing the flexible endoscope to maintain proper image orientation without mechanical complexity
2Ease of operation
If the camera and sensor are rotated to change image orientation, then the user can adjust the displayed image orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the camera sensor with electronic image rotation processing. The sensor remains fixed in the endoscope probe, and the image is rotated digitally based on orientation detection data, eliminating complex mechanical rotation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary between the fixed sensor and the display. This intermediary performs electronic rotation of the image data based on orientation information, avoiding the need for direct mechanical rotation of the sensor or camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying an endoscope image in a preferred orientation. An endoscope scans a sample with spectrally encoded light by rotating imaging optics inside an endoscope guide. A processor generates an image based on light returned from the sample, and rotates the image by a first angle offset value and a second angle offset value to display the rotated image in the preferred orientation. The first offset value is an angle difference between a specific direction in which the image is to be displayed on a display and a direction in which the tip of the endoscope is oriented with respect to the imaging plane. The second offset value is an angle difference between a direction of the line of scanning light projected onto a plane perpendicular to the tip and the specific direction in which the image is to be displayed.