Dual-Camera Endoscope Imaging for Unobstructed Tool Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The protrusion of an end instrument from an endoscope limits the visual field, affecting the accuracy of surgical operations by obstructing the surgeon's view during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize dual imaging units on the endoscope to capture images with different fields of view, generating a composite scene image that removes the end instrument's actual image and includes a virtual image, allowing for unobstructed visualization of the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an end instrument is integrated on the endoscope to perform surgical operations, then surgical functionality is improved, but the visual field is blocked and diagnostic accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the end instrument and superimposes it on the visual field. The processing unit generates a virtual image of the end instrument based on spatial relationship data, and the display unit overlays this virtual copy onto the composite scene image. This allows the actual end instrument to perform surgical functions while its virtual representation provides continuous visual feedback without physical obstruction.
2Ease of operation
If the end instrument protrudes from the distal end to reach surgical sites, then operational capability is improved, but the surgeon's view is obstructed and diagnostic precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual image as an intermediary between the surgeon and the actual end instrument. The processing unit generates this virtual representation based on spatial relationship data from the endoscope and end instrument positions. The virtual image serves as a mediator that conveys the position and status of the end instrument to the surgeon without requiring direct line of sight, thus maintaining both operational capability and diagnostic precision.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging units are used to capture different fields of view, then system complexity is increased, but complete scene visualization is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines images from multiple imaging units (including wide-angle and stereoscopic cameras) into a single composite scene image through image processing. The processing unit merges these multiple views and synthesizes a unified visual representation that encompasses the entire surgical scene. This merging approach achieves complete scene visualization while managing system complexity through integrated processing rather than requiring separate display systems for each camera.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of medical instruments, disclosing an endoscope control method. The method comprises: controlling a motion of an endoscope, the endoscope comprising a main body, a first imaging unit, a second imaging unit and an end instrument protruding from a distal end of the main body; obtaining a first image from the first imaging unit; obtaining a second image from the second imaging unit, wherein the first and the second images have different fields of view and include images of the end instrument; based on the first and second images, generating a composite scene image to remove an actual image of the end instrument; and generating a virtual image of the end instrument in the composite scene image.