Endoscopic Image Processing for Lesion Size Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic diagnosis methods for measuring lesion sizes are time-consuming, complex, and have low accuracy, often requiring specialized equipment or robotic arms, making it difficult to measure lesion sizes effectively without a special operation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic diagnosis apparatus with an imaging unit, display unit, input unit, region detecting unit, imaging size calculating unit, pixel size calculating unit, and scale generating unit that allows for easy measurement of lesion sizes by designating regions with periodic structures in endoscopic images, calculating imaging sizes based on pixel values and frequency characteristics, and displaying scales for actual size representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring forceps are inserted into a forceps channel to measure lesion size, then size measurement capability is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measuring forceps system with an automated image processing system. The imaging unit captures endoscopic images, and the processor automatically detects periodic structures (microvessels) and calculates lesion size based on frequency analysis of pixel values, eliminating the need for manual insertion and operation of measuring forceps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically analyzing the captured endoscopic image. The processor independently detects periodic structures, calculates their frequency characteristics, and determines lesion size without requiring external measuring instruments or complex manual operations.
2Measurement precision
If tip portion of measuring forceps is pressed against region of interest to bend and read scales, then size measurement is performed, but measurement accuracy becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bending and scale-reading method with an automated digital image processing system. The processor detects periodic structures in the image and calculates lesion size through frequency analysis, eliminating manual pressing and reading errors, thereby significantly improving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If special endoscope with two openings for water streams is used, then lesion size measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the special endoscope structure with water streams with a standard endoscope equipped with an imaging unit. The measurement capability is achieved through software-based image processing that detects periodic structures in captured images, eliminating the need for specialized hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit, originally designed for general observation, is made multi-functional by adding image processing capabilities. The same imaging hardware serves both observation and measurement purposes, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
4Measurement precision
If robot arm is used to set measurement points around lesion portion, then size measurement is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the robot arm system with automated 2D image processing. The processor directly analyzes the captured endoscopic image to detect periodic structures and calculate lesion size, eliminating the need for complex 3D point setting and robot arm manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided an endoscopic diagnosis apparatus, image processing method, program, and a recording medium that enable easy measurement of the size of a lesion portion or the like based on an endoscopic image captured through a normal operation without a special operation. A region detecting unit detects, from a position in an endoscopic image, a region having a periodic structure of living tissue. An imaging size calculating unit calculates, in number of pixels, an imaging size in the endoscopic image equivalent to a period in the periodic structure in the region having the periodic structure. A pixel size calculating unit calculates an actual size corresponding to one pixel of the endoscopic image. A scale generating unit generates scales indicating an actual size of the subject in the endoscopic image. A control unit causes the endoscopic image and the scales to be combined and displayed on a display unit.