Endoscopic Observation Time Segmentation for Lesion Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic examination methods struggle to ensure a sufficient observation time period for lesion screening, as the recommended removal time period of 6 minutes or longer does not guarantee adequate observation time, especially in cases with treatments or reexaminations, leading to potential exclusion of cases and quality assurance issues.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic examination support system and method that calculate the actual observation time by excluding treatment and washing/suction times from the removal time period, using an endoscope system with position detecting units and machine learning models to classify and evaluate the examination steps, ensuring accurate and objective assessment of observation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the removal time period of 6 minutes or longer is used as the evaluation index, then the observation time period is supposed to be sufficient, but the actual observation time may be insufficient due to inclusion of treatment and washing/suction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the removal time period into distinct components: observation time period, treatment time period, and washing/suction time period. By classifying each time segment separately using AI models that analyze endoscopic images and operation information, the system accurately measures only the pure observation time, excluding treatment and washing/suction activities. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing precise observation time measurement while ensuring reliable quality assessment.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the removal time period includes treatment and washing/suction time, then the total time is extended, but the actual lesion screening observation time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the examination process into distinct phases and calculates time for each phase separately. By identifying and measuring only the observation time period (excluding treatment and washing/suction), the patent provides an accurate metric for lesion screening efficiency. This allows proper evaluation of productivity without being distorted by necessary but non-observational activities.
3Productivity
If classification of examination steps is simplified, then the processing is faster, but the accuracy of observation time calculation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces AI models as intermediaries that automatically classify examination steps by analyzing endoscopic images and operation information. These models distinguish between observation, treatment, and washing/suction activities with high accuracy, enabling precise observation time calculation without manual intervention. This intermediary system maintains measurement precision while ensuring efficient processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An examination time period evaluator acquires a time evaluation index related to a predetermined examination step (e.g. a net observation step) in an endoscopic examination. An image classifier acquires an implementation record of the endoscopic examination. An examination time period classifier calculates an actual time, i.e. a time required for the predetermined examination step, based on the implementation record. A display controller may display the evaluation index and the actual time on a display apparatus. The display controller may further display a comparison result between the evaluation index and the actual time on the display apparatus.