Endoscope Imaging Latency Detection for Accurate Display Alignment

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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 in the subject and the recognized position, which affects the accuracy of medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes an endoscope system with an image processing device that calculates and displays the image, a processor that calculates processing times, and a method to detect and manage total processing times, including switching to faster image processing when delays exceed a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 time lag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by calculating processing times in advance for different image processing methods, stores these time measurements, and uses them to predict future processing times. This allows the system to proactively select appropriate processing methods before time lag becomes critical, rather than reacting after the problem occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts image processing methods based on real-time conditions. It switches between different processing algorithms (e.g., full processing vs. simplified processing) depending on the current processing time status, making the system adaptable to varying time constraints while maintaining optimal image quality when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If standard image processing is used to maintain processing speed, then processing time is reduced, but time lag still occurs affecting position accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidposition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual processing times, comparing them against thresholds, and using this information to adjust future processing decisions. The calculated processing times feed back into the selection logic, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual performance and maintains position accuracy through timely adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters by selecting different image processing methods based on calculated time predictions. When predicted processing time exceeds thresholds, it switches to faster processing methods; when time is sufficient, it uses more comprehensive processing, thereby optimizing the balance between speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If image processing is performed to reduce time lag, then time lag is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime lagVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the image processing function into multiple distinct methods with different processing times and quality levels. By dividing the processing into discrete selectable options (full processing, simplified processing, etc.), the system can choose appropriate segments based on time constraints, reducing overall complexity compared to a single monolithic processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating processing times, comparing them against thresholds, and selecting appropriate processing methods without external intervention. The processor autonomously manages the complexity of multiple processing methods by implementing its own time-based selection logic, eliminating the need for external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260000267A1Endoscope system, image processing device, total processing time detection method, and processing device

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

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.