Endoscope Image Processing for Total Latency Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing endoscope systems experience significant time lags between image capture and display, leading to deviations between the actual position of the endoscope and the perceived position on the display, which can hinder accurate treatment.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with integrated processors to calculate and detect total processing times, including image processing devices and displays, and implement notification or processing adjustments when delays exceed a threshold, such as switching to faster image processing or notifying the operator of deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive image processing is performed to improve image quality, then image processing quality is improved, but processing time increases causing display time lag
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating processing times for multiple image processing methods in advance, before actual image processing is needed. This allows the system to pre-determine which processing method to use based on current conditions, reducing the time penalty during actual processing by avoiding runtime decisions about processing quality vs. speed trade-offs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the image processing method based on real-time conditions. By monitoring processing times and comparing them against thresholds, the system can switch between different processing methods (e.g., from comprehensive processing to simplified processing) to maintain optimal balance between image quality and processing speed, adapting to changing operational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If complex image processing is applied to enhance image detail, then image quality is improved, but time lag between capture and display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes processing parameters by selecting from multiple image processing methods with different complexity levels. By adjusting the processing method based on calculated time requirements and current thresholds, the system can modify the degree of processing applied to maintain both image quality and acceptable time lag, effectively managing the trade-off between these two parameters.
3Productivity
If multiple image processing methods are available to adjust processing speed, then processing time can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and comparing processing times for different methods, then autonomously selecting the appropriate processing method without requiring external intervention. This self-managing capability allows the system to optimize processing speed while managing complexity internally, presenting a simplified interface to users while handling the complexity of multiple processing methods in the background.
4Speed
If processing time is reduced to minimize time lag, then display responsiveness is improved, but image processing quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of processing times for different quality levels before actual processing occurs. This advance preparation allows the system to select the appropriate processing quality level that meets responsiveness requirements without sacrificing necessary image quality, as the decision is made based on pre-analyzed time requirements rather than rushed real-time decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: an endoscope configured to generate an imaging signal and output the generated imaging signal; an image processing device configured to perform image processing on the imaging signal input from the endoscope; a display configured to display an image of a subject based on the imaging signal subjected to the image processing by the image processing device; and a first processor configured to calculate a sum of a first processing time from when the endoscope generates the imaging signal to when the endoscope outputs the imaging signal, a second processing time from when the image processing device receives the imaging signal to when the image processing device outputs the imaging signal to the display, and a third processing time from when the display receives the imaging signal to when the display displays the image based on the imaging signal.