Endoscopic Image Texture Overlays for Preserving Subject Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems that display biological information using pseudocolors can obscure the underlying structure of the photographic subject, making it difficult to distinguish between actual and pseudocolored regions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that superimposes textures representing biological information on endoscopic images, with clear boundaries between adjacent textures, to indicate the presence of biological information clearly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pseudocolor is used to display biological information, then the biological information can be quantitatively grasped, but it may be difficult to grasp the structure of the photographic subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information into two distinct components: the original endoscopic image showing subject structure, and overlaid texture patterns representing biological information. This segmentation allows both structural and quantitative information to be displayed simultaneously without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces texture patterns as an intermediary visual element to represent biological information. These textures serve as a mediator that conveys quantitative data (oxygen saturation levels) without directly replacing or obscuring the underlying anatomical structure in the endoscopic image.
2Measurement precision
If pseudocolor is used for a part of the photographic subject, then biological information is displayed, but it may be difficult to determine whether the part is displayed in actual color or pseudocolor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes in texture patterns to represent different biological information values (e.g., different oxygen saturation levels), while maintaining the original colors of the endoscopic image. This allows viewers to distinguish between actual tissue colors and processed information through the presence of texture overlays.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the display into original image regions and textured regions, the patent enables viewers to easily identify which areas contain biological information overlays. The textured regions are visually distinct from the original image, making it clear where pseudocolor information is applied.
3Loss of information
If textures are superimposed to represent biological information, then the distinction between original and superimposed information is clear, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified texture pattern copies that are overlaid on the endoscopic image. These texture copies are computationally efficient representations of biological information that can be generated and processed with relatively simple algorithms, reducing the complexity burden despite the enhanced visual output.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor device that is an image processing apparatus functions as an image obtaining unit that obtains an endoscopic image obtained by capturing an image of a photographic subject, a biological information calculation unit that calculates biological information concerning the photographic subject by using the endoscopic image or a display image generated by using the endoscopic image, and a texture processing unit that superimposes a plurality of textures representing the biological information on the endoscopic image or the display image and shows a boundary between adjacent textures.