Imaging Scope Frame Selection for ROI-Based FOI Alerts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face issues with strobing effects and complex techniques when switching between visible light imaging and fluorescence imaging modes, complicating the overlay of information on the user interface.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a processor that adjusts illumination light states and selectively processes frames for improved user interface, using a region of interest (ROI) and artificial intelligence for feature detection, and provides notifications for features of interest outside the ROI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope switches between visible light imaging and fluorescence imaging modes, then the system can provide both imaging functions, but a strobing effect occurs in the visible imagery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into separate processing paths: a first imaging path for visible light imaging and a second imaging path for fluorescence imaging. Each path has dedicated circuitry and processing circuits that operate independently, allowing mode switching without interference between the two imaging types, thus eliminating the strobing effect while maintaining both imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing circuit that receives image data from both imaging paths and generates a composite image by overlaying fluorescence information onto the visible light background. This intermediary processing layer seamlessly integrates both imaging modes, allowing the system to switch between modes without creating visible strobing artifacts in the displayed imagery.
2Measurement precision
If the endoscope uses fluorescence imaging to detect features of interest, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the user interface becomes more complex due to the need to overlay information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diagnostic information from fluorescence imaging with the visible light imaging display by generating a composite image. The processing circuit overlays fluorescence-derived diagnostic information onto the visible light image, creating a unified display that presents both imaging modalities in an integrated format. This merging approach improves feature detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate display interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes to differentiate and highlight diagnostic information. The processing circuit applies distinct color overlays or enhancements to regions containing features of interest detected through fluorescence imaging, while maintaining the natural colors of the visible light background. This color-coding system provides clear visual differentiation and simplifies the user interface by using intuitive color cues rather than complex graphical overlays.
3Measurement precision
If the system processes all image frames for diagnostic analysis, then feature detection is thorough, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by focusing diagnostic processing on specific regions of interest within each image frame rather than uniformly processing the entire image. The processing circuit identifies and prioritizes regions containing potential features of interest based on fluorescence signal characteristics, applying enhanced diagnostic algorithms only to these localized areas. This approach maintains detection completeness for relevant features while significantly reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing image frames to identify and flag potential features of interest before applying full diagnostic analysis. The processing circuit uses preliminary fluorescence signal detection to mark regions requiring detailed examination, then applies comprehensive diagnostic algorithms only to these pre-identified regions. This preliminary triage approach ensures thorough feature detection while minimizing the time required for complete frame processing.
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
Enhances user interface clarity by minimizing strobing effects and efficiently highlighting features of interest, such as tumors or lesions, through intelligent frame processing and illumination adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter providing illumination light
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly including a wide-angle lens element
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of light focused through the optical assembly and produce output signals
Implementation Method 4
The second state may include illumination light appropriate to stimulate fluorescence in properly prepared tissue. The spectral content of the second state may be different than the spectral content of first state.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved medical scope devices and systems are provided to with two imaging modes and user interface features based on the imaging modes. A medical scope has a shaft with a light emitter at the distal tip providing illumination light and an optical assembly including a wide-angle lens element. A processor controls a display to show an adjustable region of interest (ROI) smaller than a field of view of the image sensor. Responsive to designated conditions, a frame is selected for diagnostic image processing to determine whether a feature of interest (FOI) is present in the frame. Responsive to an FOI being present in the frame but outside the ROI, a notification is created on the electronic display.