Endoscopic Spot-Marker Measurement for Compact Distal Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring the size of subjects due to the need for multiple cameras, complex system configurations, and inaccuracies arising from irregular subject surfaces, wide-angle lens distortions, and varying imaging distances, which complicate effective measurement.
Innovation Solution
A measurement support device and endoscope system that displays an indicator figure near the spot position, adjusts the optical axis of measurement auxiliary light to have an inclination angle relative to the imaging optical system, and uses a display control unit to determine measurement effectiveness, allowing for simple processing and high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereoscopic camera is used to measure distance, then distance measurement capability is improved, but the distal end part of the endoscope becomes large and the burden on the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from the distal end of the endoscope and implemented as a separate information processing function in the main body. The distal end only needs to emit measurement light and capture its reflection, while the complex stereoscopic processing is performed externally, thus reducing distal end size while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging optical system serves dual purposes: both capturing the measurement target image and capturing the measurement light reflection for distance measurement. This multi-functional use of the existing imaging system eliminates the need for separate measurement hardware at the distal end
2Stability of the object's composition
If the optical axis of measurement auxiliary light is parallel to the optical axis of imaging optical system, then the spot position is stable, but the sensitivity to changes in observation distance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The optical axis of the measurement auxiliary light is deliberately set at an inclination angle relative to the optical axis of the imaging optical system, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry causes the spot position to shift significantly with distance changes, thereby increasing measurement sensitivity while maintaining sufficient stability for practical use
3Area of stationary object
If a wide angle lens is used in the endoscope, then the field of view is improved, but distortion is large in the periphery of the image making effective measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement is performed locally at the spot position where the measurement auxiliary light hits the subject, rather than relying on global image geometry. By using the spot position as the reference point and displaying the indicator figure at this local location, the measurement remains accurate even in the presence of wide-angle distortion in the periphery
4Device complexity
If the indicator figure is displayed at a fixed position, then the display is simple, but the indicator figure may extend beyond display range or become too small when imaging distance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator figure dynamically adapts to the spot position and imaging distance conditions. The display control unit adjusts the indicator figure's position, size, and display state based on real-time measurement parameters, ensuring it remains within the display range and maintains appropriate visibility while reflecting the current measurement context
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and accurate measurement by displaying an indicator figure centered on the spot, reducing processing load and ensuring high sensitivity to changes in observation distance, thus facilitating swift and precise size determination.
Implementation Method 1
a spot position forming unit configured to measure a spot position on an imaging surface of the imaging element in an image of the subject on which a spot is formed
Data Source
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AI summary
In a measurement support device according to an aspect, in a case where an indicator figure (marker) is displayed in the vicinity of a spot position, since the indicator figure is displayed in different aspects between a case where measurement of a specific region by the displayed indicator figure is effective and a case where measurement of a specific region by the displayed indicator figure is not effective, it is possible to easily grasp effectiveness of measurement by the display aspect of the indicator figure, and thus effective measurement can be easily performed. In addition, in the above-described aspect, since the indicator figure having a size set according to the position of the spot is displayed, distance measurement is not necessary, the configuration is simple, and the processing load is low. Further, since the indicator figure is displayed in the vicinity of the position of the spot, the difference between the spot position and the marker position is small and thus the indicator figure is accurate as an indicator, and since the indicator figure is not displayed in a wide range, the processing load is low.