Endoscope Image Shake Calculation Using Mode-Specific Algorithms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems face challenges in accurately calculating and minimizing color shifts and shake amounts in static images obtained under different observation modes, especially when switching between various illumination lights, which affects image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope system employs a method to calculate shake amounts using distinct algorithms for images obtained under different illumination conditions, specifically using first and second shake amount-calculation processing for spectral images with different colors, and switches between illumination lights to minimize image shake, emphasizing superficial and deep blood vessels effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If similar color shift calculation processing or shake calculation processing is performed on images obtained in different observation modes, then the processing method is simplified, but the calculation accuracy deteriorates because images have different image feature values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing method complexityVSAvoidshake amount calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shake calculation processing into separate segments for different observation modes. First shake amount-calculation processing is applied to first images (e.g., normal observation mode), while second shake amount-calculation processing is applied to second images (e.g., magnified observation mode). This segmentation allows each processing method to be optimized for its specific image type, resolving the contradiction between processing simplicity and calculation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple kinds of illumination light are switched and images are acquired, then diagnostic information is enhanced, but image shake and color shift increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation mode varietyVSAvoidimage quality stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different image processing strategies to different observation modes based on their specific characteristics. For magnified observation mode images, a shake calculation method adapted to their features is used, while normal observation mode images use a different approach. This local quality adjustment ensures optimal performance for each mode while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes processing parameters based on the observation mode being used. By detecting which observation mode is active, the system adjusts the shake calculation parameters and algorithms accordingly. This allows the system to maintain high image quality and accurate shake measurement across different illumination and observation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If static images are stored without accurate shake calculation, then storage speed is improved, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates due to image shake

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage storage speedVSAvoiddiagnostic image accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary shake amount calculation processing on images before they are stored as static images. By calculating the shake amount in advance using the appropriate calculation method for each observation mode, the system ensures that only images with acceptable quality are stored, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy without significantly impacting storage speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3708063B1Endoscope system and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3708063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3708063B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

There are provided an endoscope system and a method of operating the endoscope system that can store and display images, which are obtained using a plurality of kinds of illumination light and have a small shake amount, as static images. An image processing unit (60) includes a shake amount calculation section (72) and a static image-storage control section (74), and the shake amount calculation section (72) includes a shake amount-calculation processing section (78) and an algorithm switching section (80). The algorithm switching section (80) applies an algorithm varying for each image, and selects images of which the shake amounts calculated by the shake amount-calculation processing section (78) are small. A first image and a second image, which are selected as the images of which the shake amounts are small, are stored in a static image-storage unit (76). A display control unit (62) displays static images for storage.