Endoscope Image Processing for Accurate Lesion Size Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical image processing systems, such as those used in endoscopy, face challenges in accurately estimating the size of a region of interest due to image distortion, difficulty in operating the apparatus, and changes in the shape of the large intestine, which complicates real-time examinations, diagnoses, and treatments.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus and method that acquires images in time series, determines suitability for size estimation, and provides operation assistance information through a reporting device to improve estimation accuracy, including calculating accuracy with a threshold value and considering clarity and distance from a reference position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time examination and diagnosis are performed using endoscope, then treatment can be simultaneously performed, but accurate size measurement of lesion becomes difficult due to scope operation difficulty, lens aberration, and intestinal shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator about imaging quality metrics (focus accuracy, illumination adequacy, anatomical landmark visibility) and automatically adjusts imaging parameters or guides scope repositioning to optimize measurement conditions, enabling accurate size measurement during real-time examination
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters (focus, illumination intensity, exposure time) and processing parameters (distortion correction coefficients, scaling factors) based on real-time detection of anatomical landmarks and image quality metrics, maintaining measurement accuracy despite changes in intestinal shape and scope position
2Measurement precision
If high skill and concentration are required for accurate lesion size measurement, then measurement accuracy may improve, but user burden and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs distortion correction, scale calibration, and measurement calculation by detecting anatomical landmarks and analyzing image geometry, eliminating the need for operator skill in manual measurement techniques while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calibrates the imaging system by detecting anatomical landmarks and calculating distortion correction parameters before lesion measurement, and provides real-time guidance on optimal scope positioning, reducing the skill requirement during actual measurement
3Measurement precision
If image distortion from optical system is corrected, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies pre-calculated distortion correction parameters specific to each endoscope model and imaging condition, using efficient algorithms that correct geometric distortion without requiring complex real-time computation, balancing accuracy with processing requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image processing apparatus, an endoscope system, a medical image processing method, and a program that assist a user in estimating an accurate size of a region of interest. A medical image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a medical image processing apparatus including a processor. The processor is configured to acquire images in time-series, make a determination of whether a region of interest in each of the images is suitable for size estimation, and report, by using a reporting device, a result of the determination and operation assistance information for improving the result of the determination.