Endoscope Image Tone Correction via Embedded Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tone of images captured during endoscopy changes due to variations in illumination light wavelength and spectral characteristics of light sources and image pickup elements, leading to inconsistencies when comparing images from different endoscopes, and existing solutions consume unnecessary resources by applying correction profiles in real-time during endoscopy.
Innovation Solution
A processor device that embeds tone change-related information, such as wavelength change information or spectral characteristic data, into static images, allowing for correction of tone changes when the images are displayed, reducing wasteful processing and ensuring consistent image tones across different endoscope systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If correction profiles are applied in real-time during endoscopy to correct tone changes, then image tone consistency is improved, but processing resources are wasted because tone changes are not noticeable during real-time observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating and storing correction profiles in advance based on temperature conditions, rather than performing real-time correction during endoscopy. The processor device pre-calculates correction profiles for different temperature ranges and stores them, so that no processing is needed during actual observation, eliminating wasteful real-time processing while maintaining tone consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple semiconductor light sources with different wavelength ranges are used to generate white light, then the adaptability of the light source device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple semiconductor light sources with different wavelength ranges (red, green, blue LEDs) into a single integrated light source device that collectively generates white light. This combining approach achieves broad spectral coverage comparable to xenon lamps while using solid-state semiconductor components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If spectral characteristic data is measured and stored for each endoscope and light source device combination, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified spectral characteristic data representations (correction profiles) that capture the essential tone variation information without requiring complete spectral measurements. These correction profiles are stored in the processor device and used for correction, reducing the complexity of data storage and management while maintaining sufficient accuracy for practical purposes.
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
This approach allows for seamless comparison of images without noticeable tone changes, reducing resource consumption and eliminating the need for real-time correction during endoscopy, while ensuring accurate representation of image tones, even when using different endoscope and light source combinations.
Implementation Method 1
A semiconductor light source, for example, a light-emitting diode (hereinafter, abbreviated as an LED) is used as the light source
Implementation Method 2
The distal end of the insertion part is provided with an image pickup element that picks up the image of an object to be observed
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided a processor device that can allow a change in the tone of an image not to be noticeable with less wasteful processing, a method of operating the processor device, an endoscope system, an image display device that can display an image in which a change in a tone is not noticeable, a method of operating the image display device, and an operating program for the image display device. A processor device (12) includes: an image acquisition unit (90) that acquires a static image of an object to be observed; an embedding unit (93) that embeds a correction profile, which is created by a creation unit (92) according to tone change-related information about a change in the tone of the static image, in the static image; and an output unit (94) that outputs the static image, in which the correction profile is embedded, to the outside. In an image display device (37), a static image in which a correction profile is embedded is received and correction is performed on the static image by using the correction profile. Then, the static image on which the subjected has been performed is displayed on a display (38).