Signal Processing Apparatus for Endoscope Composite Image Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of wiring structures and space requirements in endoscope systems increase when multiple endoscopes are used together, leading to a cumbersome configuration due to the need for multiple processors, displays, and recording apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing apparatus that allows for communication between two processors, enabling one processor to control the generation of composite image information by selecting either image information from the first or second image sensor and instructing the other processor not to superimpose textual information, thereby simplifying the system and allowing sharing of display and recording apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple endoscopes are used in combination with separate processors, then imaging functionality is improved, but device complexity and wiring structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging functionalityVSAvoidwiring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple processor functions into a single processor by having the first processor perform both its own image processing and the image processing functions of the second processor. The first processor receives imaging signals from both endoscopes, performs image processing on both signals, and generates composite images by superimposing images from both endoscopes, thereby eliminating the need for separate processors and reducing wiring complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes imaging signals from its own attached endoscope (first endoscope) and also processes imaging signals from the second endoscope connected via communication interface. It generates both first image information from the first endoscope and second image information from the second endoscope, making it a universal processing unit that handles multiple imaging sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple processors are used for multiple endoscopes, then imaging capability is improved, but installation area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidinstallation area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple processor units into a single integrated processor that handles imaging from multiple endoscopes. By having the first processor perform all image processing functions for both endoscopes and generate composite images, the system reduces the number of separate processor units needed, thereby reducing the total installation area required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If one processor generates composite image from another processor's output, then system simplification is achieved, but text superimposition becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidtextual information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The first processor performs preliminary image processing on imaging signals from both endoscopes before composite image generation. It generates first image information from the first endoscope and second image information from the second endoscope, then superimposes these images along with appropriate textual information. This preliminary processing ensures that textual information is properly integrated before the final composite image is generated and displayed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses communication between processors to coordinate text superimposition. The first processor receives communication signals from the second processor and adjusts its text superimposition accordingly, ensuring that textual information from both endoscopes is properly managed in the composite image without loss or duplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10568497B2Signal processing apparatus and endoscope system with composite image generation

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A first signal processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit configured to at least execute a composition process of generating composed image information in which first image information or second image information and textual information are superimposed; and a control unit configured to control the process of the image processing unit in accordance with communication with a second signal processing apparatus. The control unit selects either one of the first image information and the second image information, and when the second image information is selected, the control unit outputs a first command for instructing the second signal processing apparatus not to superimpose the second image information and the textual information related to the second image information, and causes the image processing unit to generate composite image information in which the second image information and the textual information related to the second image information are superimposed.