Endoscope Stereo Image Measurement Mark Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial endoscope apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring the length, area, and three-dimensional spatial coordinates of subjects using triangulation-based methods, particularly in displaying and confirming corresponding points between stereo images, which can be confusing for users.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope apparatus includes a display device showing first and second images, a designation section for marking positions, a position calculation section for corresponding points, and a measurement section that performs calculations based on these positions, with a controlled display of measurement marks to guide the user in confirming corresponding points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stereo optical adapter is used to capture left and right subject images for three-dimensional measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but display complexity and user confusion increase due to the need to confirm corresponding points between two images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional measurement accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where the correspondence between left and right images is automatically calculated and represented through cursor movement. Instead of requiring users to manually identify corresponding points, the system acts as an intermediary that computes and displays the correspondence relationship, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the measurement point's correspondence relationship by displaying a cursor that moves to indicate the corresponding position in the other image. This copying mechanism allows users to verify correspondence without directly analyzing complex stereo image pairs, reducing operational complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual cursor movement is required to designate measurement points on stereo images, then measurement flexibility is improved, but measurement time increases due to the need to confirm corresponding points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement point selection flexibilityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of correspondence relationships between left and right images before the user completes the measurement process. By pre-computing and displaying cursor positions that represent corresponding points, the system prepares the correspondence information in advance, allowing users to focus on selecting measurement points without spending time verifying correspondences, thus maintaining flexibility while reducing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically calculates and displays cursor positions corresponding to measurement points as the user moves them. This real-time feedback provides immediate confirmation of correspondence relationships, enabling users to proceed with measurements efficiently while maintaining the flexibility to select any measurement points they require.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances user interaction by clearly displaying and confirming corresponding points, improving the accuracy and efficiency of measurements by visually guiding the user through the measurement process.

Implementation Method 1

there is an endoscope apparatus having a function of measuring the length, area, and the like using the principle of triangulation based on a measurement point designated on an image imaged by the endoscope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriangulation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS8708890B2Endoscope apparatus and method of measuring subject
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 EVIDENT CORP
  • US8708890B2 patent drawing
  • US8708890B2 patent drawing
  • US8708890B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An endoscope apparatus includes: a display device that displays a first image and a second image, the first image and the second image being contained in image data of a subject captured by an imaging unit of an endoscope apparatus; a designation section that designates a first position on the first image in accordance with an instruction input through an input device; a position calculation section that calculates a second position on the second image, the second position corresponding to the first position on the first image; a display control section that, when the first position is designated, performs a control of displaying a mark at the first position, subsequently displaying a mark at a third position which is different from the first and second positions, and subsequently displaying a mark at the second position; and a measurement section that performs measurement relating to the subject based on the first and second positions.