Endoscope Noise Reduction Using Normal Light Motion Vectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in noise reduction for special light images in endoscope systems is that the special light images, acquired using narrow-band light, are darker and more affected by noise, making it difficult to accurately calculate motion vectors for effective noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves calculating motion vectors from normal light images, which are brighter and have less noise, and using these vectors to reduce noise in special light images, either by direct application or correction based on resolution differences, thereby improving noise reduction accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion vectors are calculated directly from special light images, then the noise reduction can be applied to special light images, but the motion vector calculation accuracy deteriorates due to high noise levels and low brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces normal light images as an intermediary medium to calculate motion vectors. Instead of directly calculating motion vectors from noisy special light images, the system uses the brighter normal light images (captured at different time points) as a mediator to obtain accurate motion information, which is then applied to the special light images for noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion vector calculation using normal light images before processing the special light images. By pre-calculating motion vectors from the less noisy normal light images, the system prepares accurate motion information in advance that can be applied to enhance the special light image processing.
2Measurement precision
If normal light images are used to calculate motion vectors, then the motion vector accuracy improves due to higher brightness and lower noise, but additional image acquisition and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The normal light images serve multiple functions: they are used for routine visualization/diagnosis and simultaneously serve as the basis for calculating motion vectors that are applied to special light image processing. This multi-functional use of normal light images reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motion vector calculation function into the existing normal light image processing workflow. Instead of creating a separate complex system for motion vector calculation, the system combines this function with the already-acquired normal light images, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If motion vectors from normal light images are applied to special light images, then noise reduction accuracy improves, but resolution differences between the two image types must be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality adjustment by modifying motion vector values based on the specific resolution characteristics of different image types. Instead of using a uniform approach, the system adjusts the motion vector parameters to match the local resolution properties of normal light versus special light images, ensuring accurate application across different image types.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes a normal light image acquisition section that acquires a normal light image, the normal light image being an image that includes information within a wavelength band of white light, a special light image acquisition section that acquires a special light image, the special light image being an image that includes information within a specific wavelength band, a normal light motion vector information calculation section that calculates normal light motion vector information based on a feature quantity included in the normal light image, the normal light motion vector information indicating a motion vector between a plurality of normal light images, and a noise reduction section that reduces an amount of noise included in the special light image based on the normal light motion vector information calculated by the normal light motion vector information calculation section.