Endoscope Shape Data Matching for Poor Visibility Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscopy, particularly in the large intestine, it is challenging to accurately locate target areas with poor visibility due to lack of landmarks and decreased visibility caused by residues, making it difficult to grasp the position of the part to be observed during follow-up examinations.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a processor that acquires and stores shape data of the insertion part, compares it with previously stored data, and provides notification when a match is found, along with a light source control processor that alternates between different illumination patterns to enhance image visibility, aiding in the precise location of target areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shape data comparison method is used to locate target parts, then positioning accuracy is improved, but visibility of target parts remains poor due to residues and lack of landmarks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shape data as an intermediary element that mediates between the endoscope and the target part. Instead of relying on direct visual observation of the target part (which has poor visibility), the system compares the current shape data of the insertion part with previously stored shape data to indirectly determine the position of the target part. This intermediary approach allows accurate positioning even when the target part itself is not clearly visible.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination patterns are used to enhance visibility, then image visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between white light illumination and fluorescent light illumination in a cyclic manner. The light source control processor switches between different illumination patterns at predetermined intervals, allowing the endoscope to capture images under different lighting conditions without continuously operating at maximum illumination intensity, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while still achieving enhanced visibility.
3Measurement precision
If shape data is continuously acquired and compared, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by comparing only the essential features of the current shape data with the stored shape data rather than processing the entire dataset. The system identifies key shape characteristics that are sufficient for determining position matching, avoiding unnecessary computation of redundant data. This selective comparison approach maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing processing time and computational load.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an endoscope system and an endoscope device in which a part to be observed can be easily grasped in endoscopy targeting a part having poor visibility. The endoscope system and the endoscope device include a processor that acquires shape data of an insertion part of an endoscope in a body cavity in an examination using the endoscope with movement of a distal end of the insertion part; and a memory that stores shape data, and the processor stores the shape data at a position of an object to be observed in a first examination as first shape data in the memory, and determines that the distal end of the insertion part has reached the position of the object to be observed and provides notification of a result of determination in a case where the shape data acquired in a second examination after the first examination matches the first shape data.