Endoscopic Image Processing With Dynamic Biological Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems face issues in accurately identifying regions with specific biological information, such as low oxygen saturation, due to the use of a fixed reference value that may not adapt to changing conditions, leading to potential oversight of critical areas.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that generates reference value color correspondence information, using a specific color to highlight regions with biological information equal to or lower than a set reference value, and adjusts the reference value dynamically based on site recognition and appropriateness determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed reference value is used for biological information display, then the display method is simple and easy to operate, but the accuracy of identifying specific biological information regions deteriorates when conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference value is changed from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that automatically updates based on the average biological information of the current observation site. This allows the reference value to adapt to changing conditions (different sites, time elapsed) while maintaining ease of operation, as the system performs the update automatically without requiring manual intervention from the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system calculates the average biological information of the current site and uses this feedback to automatically update the reference value. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the reference value remains appropriate for the current observation conditions, improving measurement precision while keeping the operation simple through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the reference value is updated dynamically based on observation site and time, then the accuracy of identifying specific biological information regions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the average biological information of the current site and updating the reference value without requiring manual intervention. This automation of the reference value update process improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in operational complexity, as the system manages its own parameter adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reference value parameter is changed dynamically based on observed conditions (site, time) rather than remaining fixed. This parameter adaptation improves the accuracy of identifying specific biological information regions while the automatic nature of the change keeps the device complexity manageable through algorithmic rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed reference value is used, then the system is stable and simple to operate, but regions with specific biological information may be overlooked when conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reference value transitions from a static fixed value to a dynamic value that adapts to changing observation conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains system stability through automatic updates while improving reliability by preventing the overlooking of regions with specific biological information that would occur with a fixed reference value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from continuous calculation of average biological information to adjust the reference value appropriately. This feedback mechanism ensures that the reference value remains reliable for identifying specific regions under varying conditions while maintaining operational stability through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4137035B1Image processing device and operating method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4137035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4137035B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4137035B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are an image processing device and a method of operating the image processing device, which can prevent overlooking of a portion where biological information is specific. An image processing device (16) including an image processor, which acquires an endoscopic image, calculates biological information on the basis of the endoscopic image, sets a reference value of the biological information, generates a biological information image obtained by forming the biological information as an image so that a low value region equal to or lower than the reference value and the other region are distinguishable from each other, determines that the reference value is not appropriate in a case where a quasi-low value region in which the biological information is higher than the reference value and equal to or lower than a preset set value is present in the biological information image, and performs a notification regarding the reference value.