Endoscope Measurement Marker Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope measurement systems face challenges with complex configurations and inaccurate measurement indicators due to the need for multiple cameras, irregular subject surfaces, and high processing loads, especially when measuring distances and sizes with distorted graduations.
Innovation Solution
A measurement support device and processor for endoscope systems that acquire and display coordinates of a circular marker near the spot, using a measurement auxiliary light with an inclination angle, allowing for simple configuration and high measurement accuracy without the need for distance measurement, and correcting distortion aberration effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two cameras are used for stereoscopic measurement, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement function from a complex multi-camera stereoscopic system and implements it using a single camera combined with a laser distance meter. This separates the measurement function into dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the imaging function (camera) with the distance measurement function (laser distance meter) into a unified measurement system. This combination allows the system to perform both functions using a single integrated setup rather than requiring separate stereoscopic camera systems.
2Area of stationary object
If measurement indicator is displayed away from the spot, then coverage area increases, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying the measurement indicator (circular marker) in close proximity to the laser spot on the subject. This ensures that the indicator reflects the local measurement conditions at the spot location, maintaining measurement accuracy while providing sufficient visual coverage for the user to understand the measurement context.
3Measurement precision
If distortion correction is applied across the entire screen, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distortion correction process by applying it only to the local region around the measurement spot rather than correcting the entire image. This localized approach maintains measurement accuracy at the spot while significantly reducing the computational processing load compared to full-screen correction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ruler image is moved and rotated to any position, then adaptability increases, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving and rotating a ruler image to fit various positions (which reduces accuracy), the patent inverts the approach by generating a circular marker that adapts to the spot position. The circular marker's size and position are dynamically adjusted based on the spot location and imaging conditions, providing both adaptability and accuracy without requiring ruler manipulation.
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
Enables accurate and efficient size measurement with a simple system configuration, reducing processing load and improving measurement accuracy by displaying the marker close to the spot and correcting distortion aberration, even at short observation distances.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system configured to form an optical image of the spot on the imaging element
Implementation Method 2
radiating the measurement auxiliary light to the subject, with an optical axis of the measurement auxiliary light having an inclination angle, which is not 0 degrees, with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention aims at providing a measurement support device, an endoscope system, and a processor for an endoscope system capable of displaying an accurate indicator with a simple configuration. In a measurement support device related to one aspect of the invention, the coordinates of a spot, and coordinates of points indicating an actual size of a measurement target in a subject and indicating a circular marker distorted in accordance with distortion aberration of an imaging optical system are stored in association with each other in a storage unit, the coordinates of the points indicating the circular marker are acquired with reference to the storage unit on the basis of the measured coordinates of the spot, and the circular marker is displayed on the basis of the acquired coordinates. Thus, the distance measurement is unnecessary, the configuration is simple, and the processing load is low. Additionally, since the circular marker is displayed in the vicinity of the spot (for example, centering on a spot position), there is little deviation between the spot position and a marker position, the circular marker is accurate as an indicator. Additionally, since the indicator is not widely displayed, there is little processing load.