Endoscope Image Correction via Movement Index Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in determining whether image capturing conditions are appropriate for calculating accurate biological information, such as oxygen saturation levels, due to movement of the observation target and other variables, making it difficult for physicians to obtain accurate correction values without specialized knowledge.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with an image acquiring unit, correction-value calculating unit, index-value calculating unit, display unit, and correction unit that acquires and processes endoscope images to calculate index values for determining the appropriateness of image capturing conditions, providing real-time feedback to ensure accurate biological information calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If correction value is calculated using real-time endoscope images, then biological information can be obtained without accumulated patient data, but image capturing conditions are difficult to control and calculation accuracy decreases due to target movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a movement amount index from the endoscope image and provides feedback to the physician about whether the image is suitable for correction value calculation. This feedback mechanism allows real-time assessment of image quality without requiring accumulated patient data, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for manual assessment of image capturing conditions by specialists with an automated index calculation system. The movement amount index is automatically computed from the endoscope image, substituting mechanical/manual evaluation with computational analysis, thereby enabling non-specialized physicians to obtain accurate correction values.
2Speed
If endoscope image of moving observation target is used for correction value calculation, then real-time correction is possible, but calculation error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement amount index provides real-time feedback about image quality, allowing the system to quickly assess whether the current image is suitable for correction value calculation. This enables rapid decision-making without sacrificing accuracy, as the index immediately indicates whether movement has degraded the image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from simply capturing images to calculating a movement amount index that quantifies image quality degradation. By introducing this new parameter, the system can detect and respond to movement effects in real-time, maintaining accuracy while enabling speed.
3Measurement precision
If image capturing conditions are optimized for correction value calculation, then accurate biological information can be obtained, but it requires specialized knowledge that typical physicians lack
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of image quality by automatically calculating the movement amount index from the captured endoscope image. This eliminates the need for physician expertise in evaluating image capturing conditions, as the system independently determines whether the image is suitable for correction value calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual expert evaluation of image quality with automated computational analysis. The movement amount index is calculated algorithmically from the endoscope image, replacing the mechanical process of specialized knowledge-based assessment with an automated system that any physician can use.
4Measurement precision
If multiple index values are calculated and displayed, then determination of appropriate image capturing conditions is supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the assessment of image capturing conditions into multiple independent index values (movement amount index, and potentially other quality metrics). Each index evaluates a specific aspect of image quality, allowing comprehensive assessment without requiring a single complex evaluation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement amount index serves multiple functions: it assesses image quality for correction value calculation, provides feedback to the physician, and determines whether the current image is suitable for processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems for each assessment task.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes a correction-value calculating unit that calculates a correction value of data to be used for calculation of biological information; an index-value calculating unit that calculates one type of index value or a plurality of types of index values to be used as a determination reference for determining whether the correction value is to be calculated or whether the correction value is to be used; a display unit that displays the one type of index value or the plurality of types of index values; an input unit that inputs an instruction for calculating the correction value or an instruction for executing correction by using the correction value; and a correction unit that, if the correction-value calculating unit calculates the correction value in response to the instruction for calculating the correction value or if the instruction for executing correction is issued, executes correction by using the correction value.