Endoscope Image Processing for Dimension Measurement Without Assist Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems require measurement assist light for dimension estimation, necessitating a special endoscope with an illumination optical system, which is not suitable for reducing diameter and is limited in application.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus for endoscopes that calculates object distance based on focus position, determines dimensional characteristics using optical system information, and generates scale information to represent actual dimensions, allowing for accurate dimension measurement without the need for measurement assist light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement assist light and illumination optical system are added to enable dimension measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but endoscope diameter increases and applicability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement assist light function from the endoscope body and replaces it with image processing algorithms that analyze existing imaging data. The dimension measurement capability is achieved through computational methods rather than additional physical components, thereby maintaining a compact endoscope structure without increasing diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system (illumination optical system and measurement assist light) with a computational/image processing system. By using algorithms to analyze image data and calculate dimensions based on focus position and optical characteristics, the system eliminates the need for additional illumination components, thus keeping the endoscope diameter small while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional endoscope system with measurement assist light is used, then dimension estimation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the physical hardware and relocates it to the image processing domain. By removing the illumination optical system and measurement assist light, the patent reduces device complexity while preserving dimension estimation capability through computational analysis of standard imaging data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical/optical measurement system with a software-based image processing solution. The system uses algorithms that analyze focus position, optical system characteristics, and image data to calculate object dimensions, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware components and reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate measurement of object dimensions within the endoscope system, eliminating the need for a special endoscope and allowing for precise selection of treatment techniques based on object dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
calculate an object distance based on a focus position of a focus lens, the focus position being a position when an object is focused
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus for use with an endoscope, and including a processor comprising hardware. The processor is configured to obtain an object distance, calculate dimensional characteristics defining apparent dimensions of an object in an image acquired by the endoscope, calculate scale information defining a relationship between the apparent dimensions and actual dimensions based on the object distance and the dimensional characteristics, and generate an indication pattern representing the actual dimensions based on the scale information.