Endoscope Region of Interest Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical image processing systems, detected regions of interest are often displayed persistently, even after they have been removed from the image, which can hinder medical professionals' observations and lead to unnecessary searches for non-existent features.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus with a cumulative detection time period measurement and display control unit that adjusts the emphasis of displayed regions of interest based on their detection duration, gradually decreasing emphasis as the time period increases, and resets or takes over detection times for identical regions, preventing persistent display of irrelevant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If alert information is kept displayed until a set time period elapses, then the detection result is maintained for a sufficient duration, but the alert information hinders observation when the region of interest is no longer present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display characteristics changeable over time. The emphasis level of the alert information is dynamically adjusted based on the cumulative detection time period, transitioning from high emphasis to low emphasis or removal. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the display to persist long enough to be useful while automatically reducing its intrusive nature as time passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the time-based evaluation mechanism. The system periodically assesses the cumulative detection time period and adjusts the display accordingly. This creates a rhythm where alert information is prominently displayed initially, then gradually faded or removed after a sufficient period, balancing information retention with observation clarity.
2Illumination intensity
If alert information is displayed with high emphasis, then the region of interest is easily noticeable, but it causes distraction when the region is no longer present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the display emphasis parameter based on the cumulative detection time period. The system changes the visual characteristics (such as brightness, color intensity, or overlay prominence) of the alert information as time progresses. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high emphasis only when necessary (when the region of interest is currently detected) and reducing emphasis when the detection persists or the region is no longer present.
3Loss of information
If the display style is kept changed for a set time period, then the detection result is communicated effectively, but medical doctors may search for non-existent regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the cumulative detection time period and using this information to adjust the display. The system provides feedback to the user about the current detection status through appropriately timed and styled alert information. This resolves the contradiction by communicating detection results effectively during the relevant time period while automatically removing or fading alerts when the detection persists, preventing doctors from wasting time searching for regions that are no longer detected.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor device includes an image signal acquiring unit, an image processing unit, and a display control unit. The image signal acquiring unit acquires a digital image signal corresponding to an observation mode from an endoscope. The image processing unit includes a region-of-interest-detection-mode image processing unit. The region-of-interest-detection-mode image processing unit detects a region of interest from an endoscopic image and outputs a detection result of the region of interest and a cumulative detection time period of the region of interest.