Endoscope Light Source and Processing Circuit for Simultaneous NBI Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently generating diagnosis support information for medical professionals, as existing image processing technologies often require switching between observation modes to extract relevant information, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in image processing and support data generation.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus employs a light source device that emits multiple colors of light, including blue, green, and red, and a processing circuit that generates and processes images in different modes to produce both display and support images, allowing for simultaneous acquisition and processing of images in various observation modes, such as normal light and NBI modes, to extract diagnosis support information effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing is performed by switching between observation modes, then diagnosis support information can be extracted, but processing efficiency decreases and inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images in multiple observation modes (white light mode and narrow band imaging mode) simultaneously or in predetermined sequence before diagnosis support information extraction. This allows the system to have all necessary image data ready in advance, eliminating the need for switching between modes during processing and thereby improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple observation modes are used to extract diagnosis information, then comprehensive support data is obtained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image processing into distinct segments: white light mode image processing for certain diagnostic features and narrow band imaging mode image processing for other features. Each mode's image is processed independently according to its characteristics, and the results are integrated. This segmented approach reduces overall processing complexity compared to attempting to process all features from a single composite image.
3Adaptability or versatility
If images are captured in different observation modes at different times, then mode-specific information is obtained, but temporal consistency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by capturing images in white light mode and narrow band imaging mode in a predetermined periodic sequence. This regular alternating capture pattern ensures that both observation modes are represented in the final image while maintaining temporal consistency, as the images are captured in a systematic repeating pattern rather than at random or widely separated times.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging device; a light source device; a first processing circuit; and a second processing circuit. The light source device can emit first light and fourth light having peak wavelengths in a transmission wavelength band of the blue color filter, second light, and third light and fifth light having peak wavelengths in a transmission wavelength band of the red color filter. The light source device emits the third light in a first imaging frame and the fifth light in a second imaging frame. The first processing circuit generates a display image based on any one of a first image group including images corresponding to the third light and the fifth light and a second image group including an image corresponding to the fourth light, and outputs a remaining one of the first image group and the second image group to the second processing circuit.