Endoscopic Image Reproduction via Timing Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems fail to accurately reproduce the timing and conditions of special light diagnosis images after an inspection, making it difficult to interpret recorded images effectively for detailed diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A medical image reproducing apparatus and method that extracts and records timing information along with image data, allowing for the generation and display of feature images that mimic the original observation conditions, enabling synchronized switching between ordinary and spectroscopic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only ordinary observed images based on white illumination light are recorded as motion image data, then the recording system is simple, but the diagnostic information is insufficient for detailed observation after inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by recording not only the final images but also the timing information and switching history during the inspection process. This allows the reproduction system to reconstruct the original observation conditions accurately, providing sufficient diagnostic information without requiring complex real-time processing during reproduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copy of the inspection process by recording timing information and switching history alongside image data. This copy enables faithful reproduction of the original observation conditions, allowing diagnostic information to be preserved without needing to maintain the original complex inspection system during reproduction
2Loss of information
If both ordinary observed images and estimated spectroscopic images are recorded as motion image data, then comprehensive image information is preserved, but ordinary images cannot be reproduced from estimated spectroscopic image data
Solution Approach 1:
The recording system segments the image data into distinct components: ordinary observed image data and estimated spectroscopic image data are kept separate. This segmentation allows each type of image to be reproduced accurately according to its own characteristics, avoiding the information loss that would occur if one type tried to reproduce the other
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces timing information and switching history as intermediary data that mediates between the two types of image data. These intermediary elements enable the reproduction system to determine which type of image should be displayed at each moment, ensuring both ordinary and spectroscopic images can be reproduced with high accuracy
3Measurement precision
If spectroscopic arithmetic processing is performed to obtain estimated spectroscopic images with specific wavelength band, then detailed diagnostic information is obtained, but the processing cannot be performed normally without failure when only limited wavelength components are recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by recording the switching history and timing information that documents when spectroscopic arithmetic processing was originally performed. This allows the reproduction system to reliably determine whether spectroscopic processing should be applied, preventing processing failures by ensuring the necessary conditions are met before attempting spectroscopic analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback by using the recorded timing information and switching history to control the reproduction process. The system feedbacks the original inspection conditions to the reproduction system, ensuring that spectroscopic arithmetic processing is only attempted when appropriate, thereby maintaining high processing reliability
4Ease of operation
If image switching by operator during inspection is not recorded, then the recording system is simple, but the original observation conditions cannot be reproduced after inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The recording system performs self-service by automatically capturing timing information and switching history during the inspection process without requiring additional manual intervention. This self-logging capability enables faithful reproduction of observation conditions while keeping the operation simple, as the system records itself
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical image recording apparatus for recording observed images of a subject outputted from a medical instrument, includes: an image arithmetic portion which generates feature images by highlighting specific features contained in the observed images; a display portion which displays inputted display images; a display image switching portion which switches the display images outputted to the display portion to either the observed images or images including the feature images generated by the image arithmetic portion; and an image information recording portion which records, as an image file, image-relevant information including timing information at execution of image switching by the display image switching portion and image generation information for generating the feature images and image information of the observed images.