Endoscope Processor High-Resolution Image Capture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic examinations face challenges in recording high-quality moving images for later diagnosis, requiring high skill and experience, and existing systems struggle with storage capacity when capturing images with equivalent quality to still images.
Innovation Solution
A processor for an endoscope that includes a determination unit to assess start conditions for capturing high-quality moving images limited to a predetermined time length, allowing simultaneous acquisition with still images and storage with high resolution, reducing storage demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If recording a moving image from the start to the end of the examination with the image quality equivalent to that of the still image, then the diagnosis quality for later date is improved, but the storage capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the moving image recording into two distinct parts: (1) low-resolution moving image recording throughout the entire examination period, and (2) high-resolution still image recording at specific diagnostic moments. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high image quality for diagnosis while controlling storage capacity by limiting high-resolution recording to only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the recording: low resolution is applied to the moving image recording for the entire examination duration, while high resolution is applied locally to still images captured at specific moments when diagnostic needs are identified. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high image quality and controlling storage capacity.
2Measurement precision
If acquiring high-quality moving images with resolution equal to or higher than still images, then the diagnosis accuracy for later date is improved, but the data capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the recording resolution based on real-time examination needs. The system transitions between low-resolution moving image recording and high-resolution still image recording depending on whether the current moment requires diagnostic-quality capture. This dynamic adjustment allows high resolution to be maintained only when necessary, controlling overall data capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the recording parameter (resolution) based on the examination state. When the examination requires diagnostic accuracy, the system switches from low-resolution moving image mode to high-resolution still image mode. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high resolution for critical moments while limiting data capacity through selective high-resolution recording.
3Loss of information
If recording moving images throughout the entire examination, then the completeness of diagnostic information is improved, but the storage capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential diagnostic information from the entire examination by capturing still images at specific moments when diagnostic needs are identified. Instead of storing the complete moving image throughout the entire examination, the system extracts and stores only the critical frames that contain diagnostic information, thereby reducing storage capacity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of diagnostic moments during the examination and pre-positions high-resolution still image capture at these critical points. This preliminary action ensures that important diagnostic information is captured before storage requirements become a constraint, maintaining information completeness while controlling storage capacity through selective capture.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor for an endoscope includes: a determination unit that determines whether a start condition for starting acquisition of a moving image, which is limited to a predetermined time length and has a resolution equal to or higher than that of a still image captured by an endoscope, is satisfied; and a moving image acquisition unit that starts the acquisition of the moving image when the determination unit determines that the start condition is satisfied.