Endoscopic Image Analysis for Tumor Infiltration Depth Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic examination systems lack the capability to accurately determine the infiltration depth of tumors, necessitating additional detailed examinations like biopsies for assessing tumor distribution.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that estimates the infiltration distance of tumors in endoscopic images using machine learning models, enabling the display of infiltration distance maps, cross-sectional views, and three-dimensional models to aid in tumor assessment without requiring additional invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional endoscopic examination systems are used, then basic image capture is achieved, but infiltration depth information of tumors cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfiltration depth informationVSAvoidexamination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/biological measurement methods (biopsy, physical examination) with an optical/image processing system. The image processing device analyzes endoscopic images using automated algorithms to estimate infiltration depth, substituting invasive mechanical procedures with non-invasive optical analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing device as an intermediary between the endoscope and the diagnostic decision-making process. This intermediary component processes the raw endoscopic images to extract infiltration depth information, acting as a bridge that transforms basic images into diagnostic insights without requiring additional invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed examination such as biopsy is performed to determine tumor infiltration distribution, then accurate infiltration depth information is obtained, but examination time and patient burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfiltration depth measurement accuracyVSAvoidexamination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of infiltration depth during the endoscopic examination itself, rather than requiring subsequent separate procedures. The image processing device calculates infiltration depth estimates in real-time or near-real-time from the captured images, providing the information before the examination concludes, thus eliminating the need for additional time-consuming procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes invasive biopsy procedures with automated image analysis. Instead of physically sampling tissue to determine infiltration depth, the system uses computer vision algorithms to estimate depth from visual features in the endoscopic images, dramatically reducing examination time and patient burden while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If additional procedures like biopsy are conducted to assess tumor distribution, then comprehensive tumor information is obtained, but patient discomfort and procedural risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor distribution informationVSAvoidpatient discomfort and procedural risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures (biopsy, surgical exploration) with non-invasive optical image analysis. The image processing device extracts tumor distribution and infiltration depth information from visual data alone, eliminating the need for tissue sampling or additional surgical procedures that cause patient discomfort and carry procedural risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model or representation of the tumor's infiltration pattern based on image analysis, rather than physically sampling the tissue. The system generates an estimated infiltration depth map that copies the essential diagnostic information without requiring physical interaction with the tissue, thus avoiding the harmful effects of invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20260000270A1Image processing device, image processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 NEC CORP

AI summary

The image processing device 1X includes an infiltration distance acquisition means 32X and an output control means 33X. The infiltration distance acquisition means 32X is configured to acquire, based on an endoscopic image obtained by photographing an examination target by a photographing unit provided in an endoscope, an infiltration distance of a tumor part of the examination target in the endoscopic image. The output control means 33X is configured to output an image or sound based on the infiltration distance to an output device. It can be used to support examiner's decision making and the like.