Endoscope Image Switching for Multi-Illumination Vessel Emphasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems struggle to display multiple observation images corresponding to different illumination lights without overburdening the device, particularly when emphasizing specific subject information like superficial and medium-deep blood vessels during diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that automatically switches between multiple illumination lights and their corresponding observation images, with fixed light emission and display patterns to emphasize specific subject information without overloading the device, using a combination of LEDs to emit light with specific intensity ratios and a processor to adjust and display images accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple observation images are displayed while being automatically switched, then diagnostic information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of multiple observation images by allocating different time periods to different images within a cycle. The first observation image is displayed during a first time period and the second observation image during a second time period, dividing the display task into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by automatically switching between multiple observation images in a cyclic manner. The light source emits different wavelength lights alternately and the display unit switches between corresponding observation images in synchronized cycles, enabling comprehensive diagnostic information display through periodic alternation rather than simultaneous display
2Measurement precision
If display contents are adjusted to emphasize specific subject information, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting display contents specifically for emphasizing certain subject information within each observation image. The processor device selectively enhances particular features or regions in the display output based on the current illumination wavelength, allowing diagnostic accuracy improvement through localized display adjustments rather than global system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic switching mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual operation. The light source and display unit automatically alternate between different illumination wavelengths and corresponding observation images based on predetermined cycles, with the processor device automatically adjusting display contents to emphasize specific subject information, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without increasing operational burden
3Loss of information
If multiple kinds of illumination light are emitted while being switched, then diagnostic information quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption through periodic action by emitting multiple kinds of illumination light alternately in time-separated cycles rather than simultaneously. The light source emits the first illumination light during a first light emission period and the second illumination light during a second light emission period, with each emission duration optimized to minimize total energy consumption while maintaining diagnostic information quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by emitting each illumination light for a specific optimized duration rather than continuous emission. The first illumination light is emitted for a first number of light emission frames and the second illumination light for a second number of light emission frames, with each duration calibrated to provide sufficient diagnostic information quality while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption
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 efficient display of multiple observation images with reduced device load, effectively emphasizing superficial and medium-deep blood vessels, enhancing diagnostic accuracy by minimizing image switching burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits first illumination light having a first wavelength range and second illumination light having a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided an endoscope system and a method of operating the endoscope system that can set the display contents of each observation image without applying a load to the entire device to emphasize only specific subject information in a case where a plurality of kinds of illumination light are emitted while being switched and observation images corresponding to the plurality of kinds of illumination light are displayed while being switched. A plurality of kinds of illumination light are emitted while being switched according to a specific light emission pattern. A plurality of observation images, which are obtained from image pickup of an object to be observed illuminated with each illumination light, are acquired. Control to display the plurality of observation images on a display unit while switching the plurality of observation images according to a specific display pattern is performed. The specific light emission pattern is fixed and the specific display pattern is changeable.