Endoscope Image Processing Apparatus with Localized Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in effectively enhancing multiple visual field images simultaneously, as existing image enhancement techniques do not adequately differentiate between the roles of front and side visual field images, leading to suboptimal lesion detection and visualization.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus for endoscopes that includes separate front and side image enhancement processing sections, allowing for individual adjustment of enhancement levels based on the distance from the front image, enabling stronger enhancement for side images as they move further from the front, thereby optimizing image clarity and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If image enhancement processing is applied uniformly to all visual field images, then the visibility of structures in side visual field images is improved, but noise is also increased and lesion detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different enhancement levels to different regions of the visual field. Specifically, the side visual field images (peripheral regions) receive stronger enhancement processing while the front visual field image (central region) receives weaker enhancement processing. This local differentiation allows structures in side fields to become more visible without excessively enhancing noise in the front field where lesions are primarily detected.
2Illumination intensity
If strong image enhancement processing is applied to side visual field images, then the visibility of blood vessels and structures is improved, but noise is increased making lesion detection more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual field into multiple regions: front visual field images and side visual field images. Each segment is processed with appropriate enhancement levels tailored to its specific function. Side fields use stronger enhancement to reveal structures, while the front field uses milder enhancement to maintain image quality for lesion detection, thus isolating the noise problem to specific regions where it is less critical.
3Device complexity
If uniform enhancement processing is used for all visual field images, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize for different observation roles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of enhancement parameters based on the functional role of each visual field region. The enhancement level is not fixed but is adjusted according to whether the region is a front field or side field, allowing the system to adapt processing strength to match the specific observation requirements of each area while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A video processor includes: an image processing section including a front image enhancement processing section configured to perform first enhancement processing on a front image acquired from a front area in a subject by using an endoscope including an insertion portion which is inserted into the subject, and a side image enhancement processing section configured to perform second enhancement processing on a side image acquired from a side area located lateral to the front area by using the endoscope; and a control section configured to individually set an enhancement level of enhancement processing performed by the front image enhancement processing section and an enhancement level of enhancement processing performed by the side image enhancement processing section.