Endoscope Image Processing for Partial Transparency Through Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic imaging technologies struggle to clearly distinguish between regions of interest and non-interest in medical and industrial applications, leading to potential overlook of lesions due to obstructions like residue or blood, which conventional methods fail to effectively render transparent.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope processor and apparatus that utilizes dual illumination lights of different wavelengths to discriminate between regions of interest and non-interest, generating a partial transparent image by combining white light and special light images, enabling clear visualization of lesions through obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single illumination light is used, then the imaging system is simple, but lesions obscured by non-interest subjects (residue, blood) cannot be clearly visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process by using multiple illumination lights with different wavelengths (first illumination light and second illumination light) to capture different types of information. The image processing section separates and processes images from each wavelength independently, then combines them to achieve both simple system operation and high lesion detection accuracy by making non-interest subjects transparent in specific wavelength regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of illumination light to solve the contradiction. By using first illumination light with a first wavelength and second illumination light with a second wavelength, the system can selectively penetrate or be absorbed by different substances (lesions vs. residue/blood), enabling clear lesion visualization without increasing operational complexity
2Reliability
If multiple illumination lights of different wavelengths are used, then lesions can be visualized through obstructions, but the imaging system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing section serves multiple functions: it processes images from both first and second illumination lights, performs transparency processing on non-interest subjects based on wavelength-specific characteristics, and combines the processed images. This multi-functional processing unit handles complex tasks through a single integrated component, maintaining reliability while managing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where the image processing section acts as a mediator between the dual illumination sources and the final image output. It applies transparency processing using wavelength-specific absorption characteristics, effectively mediating the interaction between different illumination wavelengths and various tissue types to produce reliable lesion detection
3Measurement precision
If transparency processing is applied to make non-interest subjects invisible, then lesions become clearly visible, but interest subject information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing transparency processing selectively on specific regions and substances. The image processing section identifies non-interest subjects (residue, blood) and applies transparency processing only to those regions, while preserving the appearance and information of interest subjects (lesions, mucosa). This localized approach ensures lesion visualization clarity without losing important diagnostic information
4Reliability
If conventional imaging is used, then the system is easy to operate, but lesion candidates may be overlooked due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated image processing. The image processing section automatically executes transparency processing on non-interest subjects and combines images from multiple wavelengths without requiring manual intervention. This maintains ease of operation while significantly improving diagnosis accuracy by automatically highlighting lesion candidates that would otherwise be obscured
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 effective detection and visualization of lesions by rendering non-interest regions transparent, enhancing the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis by clearly highlighting lesion candidates.
Implementation Method 1
first image information acquired by applying first illumination light... second image information acquired by applying second illumination light, the second illumination light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first illumination light and passing through the object
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope processor includes a processor. The processor discriminates, in first image information acquired by applying first illumination light, between first region image information constituted of an object of an interest subject and second region image information constituted of an object of a non-interest subject, generates third region image information of a region in second image information acquired by applying second illumination light, the region including at least a part of a region of the second region image information, the second illumination light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first illumination light and passing through the object of the non-interest subject, and combines the first region image information and the third region image information, to generate a partial transparent image in which the object of the non-interest subject of the first image information is made transparent.