Endoscope Organ Model Correction via Real-Time Image Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope image processing systems face challenges in accurately updating organ models due to shape changes over time and positional changes within the body during examination, leading to potential oversight of lesions.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that continuously acquires endoscope image information to identify and correct the shape of existing organ models based on the latest image data, specifying change sites and updating the models to reflect current organ shapes and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a three-dimensional organ model is generated from two-dimensional endoscope images, then the position of the endoscope and unobserved areas can be identified, but the model becomes outdated when the organ changes shape or moves within the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of organ modelVSAvoidvalidity period of organ model

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously acquires endoscope images throughout the examination and updates the organ model in real-time based on the latest images, ensuring the model remains accurate and current throughout the procedure rather than being a static snapshot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the latest endoscope images as feedback to detect changes in organ shape and position, then updates the organ model accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves model accuracy based on current visual data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the organ model is updated continuously to reflect current shape and position, then lesion detection accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system identifies and updates only the specific portions of the organ model that have changed based on the latest images, rather than completely regenerating the entire model, thereby reducing computational load while maintaining accuracy in critical areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial updates to the organ model based on detected changes, updating only the necessary portions rather than performing complete model regeneration, which reduces processing time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for detection purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240296646A1Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a processor. After acquiring endoscope image information from an endoscope to generate an organ model, the processor continues acquiring the endoscope image information, specifies, based on the latest endoscope image information, a change site of the organ model already generated, corrects a shape of at least a part of the organ model including the change site, and outputs information on the organ model corrected.