Endoscope Landmark Estimation via Insertion Axis and Boundary Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscope observations, particularly when a tumor is near a landmark like the cardia or anus, it is challenging to directly set a measurement point due to the endoscope's reflection, making it difficult to accurately calculate distances and physical quantities.
Innovation Solution
A landmark estimating method that estimates the position of a hole-like landmark by determining the axis and boundary of the endoscope's insertion portion within the endoscope image, using axis estimation, boundary estimation, and landmark position estimation circuits or units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is bent to photograph objects near landmarks, then the observation coverage is improved, but the landmark position cannot be directly captured due to endoscope reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation process that uses the relationship between the insertion portion boundary and landmark position to indirectly determine landmark coordinates. Instead of directly capturing the landmark, the system estimates its position based on the visible boundary of the insertion portion and geometric relationships, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving observation coverage and maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope insertion portion is bent, then access to difficult-to-reach areas is improved, but the axis and boundary of the insertion portion become difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of the insertion portion's axis and boundary before using them for landmark position estimation. By pre-processing the image data to establish the geometric framework of the insertion portion, the system prepares the necessary reference information in advance, making the subsequent landmark detection feasible even in bent configurations.
3Measurement precision
If indirect estimation method is used to find landmark position, then measurement capability is maintained, but estimation accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the estimated landmark position is continuously refined based on the relationship between the insertion portion boundary and the estimated position. The system uses the boundary information as a reference to correct and improve the estimation accuracy, creating a feedback loop that enhances reliability while maintaining indirect estimation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A landmark estimating method estimates a position of a landmark that is a hole existing in an object and is a site through which an insertion portion penetrates, in an endoscope image obtained by picking up an image of the object by an endoscope with the insertion portion bent. The landmark estimating method includes estimating an axis of the insertion portion, estimating a boundary of the insertion portion and the object, and estimating the position of the landmark based on the axis and the boundary that are estimated.