Endoscope Auxiliary Measurement Light Intersection Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope devices face high processing loads and inefficiencies in measuring object sizes due to complex image processing and the need for manual selection of points on curved lines, making quick measurements difficult.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope device incorporates an auxiliary measurement light system that emits planar light intersecting the visual field, allowing for automatic measurement by displaying scales on the captured image, reducing processing load and enabling quick size measurement without manual point selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three-dimensional information is obtained by processing captured images with swept planar light, then measurement capability is improved, but processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correspondence between image coordinates and real-world coordinates before actual measurement. The processing unit creates a coordinate mapping table in advance based on the known geometry of the swept planar light and imaging system, so that during measurement, only simple coordinate lookup and interpolation are needed rather than full three-dimensional reconstruction, thereby reducing real-time processing load while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual model of the coordinate system relationship. Instead of processing actual captured images to extract three-dimensional information in real-time, the system creates a virtual coordinate mapping that replicates the geometric relationship between the swept light plane and the imaged objects. This virtual model allows rapid measurement through coordinate transformation without re-processing the complex image data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual point selection on curved lines is required for size measurement, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but measurement speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform measurements without manual intervention. The processing unit automatically detects objects in the captured image, retrieves corresponding coordinate information from the pre-established mapping table, calculates real-world dimensions, and displays measurement results. This automated measurement process eliminates the need for operators to manually select points on curved lines while maintaining measurement accuracy through the precise coordinate correspondence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by implementing automatic object detection and measurement result display. The system detects objects in the captured image, automatically retrieves coordinate information, performs calculations, and provides feedback by displaying the measured dimensions on the display unit. This closed-loop automatic measurement process eliminates manual operations and accelerates measurement speed while maintaining accuracy through systematic coordinate transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution allows for accurate and rapid measurement of object sizes with reduced processing load and without the need for complex manual operations, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary measurement light emitting unit which emits auxiliary measurement light toward the subject in a state where a plane formed by the auxiliary measurement light intersects the optical axis at a position within a depth of field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanar light emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3656275B1Endoscope device and measurement assistance method
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3656275B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656275B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3656275B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An endoscope device (100) includes an imaging element (23) that images a subject through an imaging optical system including an objective lens (21) disposed at a distal end part (10C) of the endoscope (1), a signal processing unit (42) that processes a captured image signal, which is obtained by imaging the subject by the imaging element (23), to generate a captured image, an auxiliary measurement light emitting unit (30) that emits planar auxiliary measurement light (30A) into a visual field (21A) of the imaging optical system from the distal end part (10C), and a display control unit (43) that causes a display unit (7) to display the captured image including an intersection line (30f) formed in a portion where a plane (30F) formed by the auxiliary measurement light (30A) intersects the subject. The display control unit (43) causes a scale (70A) serving as an index of the size of the subject to be displayed on the intersection line (30f) included in the captured image.