Endoscope Virtual Scale Orientation Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscope systems, aligning a virtual scale with the object to be measured can be time-consuming and difficult, especially when the desired measurement direction does not coincide with the displayed direction, and real-time display of the virtual scale is challenging.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with an imaging element, auxiliary measurement light source, and a processor that acquires images, specifies a region, sets a reference scale, generates display markers, extracts region-of-interest edge information, detects marker direction candidates, and displays the markers in a direction that aligns with the object's measurement direction, allowing for real-time adjustment and display of the virtual scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the virtual scale is displayed in a fixed direction, then the display system is simple, but the user must operate the endoscope to align the scale with the measurement direction, increasing operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual scale's display direction is made dynamic rather than fixed. The processor automatically adjusts the orientation of the virtual scale based on the detected measurement direction of the target object, allowing the scale to rotate or reorient itself to match the optimal measurement direction without requiring manual endoscope manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the measurement direction of the target object and adjusting the virtual scale's display orientation accordingly. This eliminates the need for the user to manually operate the endoscope to align the scale, as the system autonomously optimizes the measurement display configuration.
2Measurement precision
If the virtual scale is manually aligned with the measurement direction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced with an automated image processing system. The processor analyzes the captured image to detect the measurement direction of the target object and automatically orients the virtual scale accordingly, substituting manual mechanical endoscope manipulation with automated digital image processing and display control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the processor continuously analyzes the captured image to detect the target object's measurement direction, then uses this information to automatically adjust the virtual scale's display orientation. This closed-loop feedback ensures the scale remains aligned with the optimal measurement direction without manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the endoscope is operated to align the virtual scale direction with the object, then accurate measurement is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult in complex anatomical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously handles the alignment task by detecting the target object's measurement direction from the captured image and automatically orienting the virtual scale to match. This eliminates the need for the user to manually maneuver the endoscope to achieve proper alignment, which is particularly beneficial in complex anatomical environments where manual manipulation is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual scale's display direction is dynamically adjusted based on the detected measurement direction of the target object. This dynamic reorientation capability allows the system to adapt to various measurement scenarios without requiring physical repositioning of the endoscope, making measurements easier in difficult-to-reach anatomical locations.
4Productivity
If real-time display of the virtual scale is implemented, then productivity is improved, but processing speed requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the target object's measurement direction from the captured image and pre-calculates the appropriate virtual scale orientation before display. This preliminary processing allows the virtual scale to be displayed in real-time with the correct orientation already determined, meeting the speed requirements for real-time display while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided are an endoscope system and an endoscope system operation method capable of adjusting display of a virtual scale in a direction in which an object to be observed is easy to measure and displaying the virtual scale in substantially real time. A captured image including a specific region formed by auxiliary measurement light is acquired, a marker direction candidate position is detected on the basis of region-of-interest edge information extracted from the captured image and specified distance position information, a candidate distance from the position of the specific region to the marker direction candidate position is calculated, and a length measurement image in which a display marker, which passes through a part of an extension line passing through the marker direction candidate position, which forms a candidate distance equal to or larger than a specified distance from the position of the specific region, is superimposed on the captured image with the position of the specific region as a base point, is created and displayed.