Measurement Point Correction in Endoscopic Images of Moving Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining measurement points on moving objects, such as organs in medical procedures, are inaccurate due to the object's movement, leading to unreliable distance measurements and overestimation of accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that corrects the position of measurement points by calculating a position displacement vector based on the object's movement, using stereo reconstruction, time-of-flight sensors, pseudostereoscopy, or artificial intelligence to maintain the point's alignment with the object, and compensates for device movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a laser beam is used to remove material in a production process, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the laser beam position cannot be determined with sufficient precision

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidlaser beam position determination precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A marker is introduced as an intermediary element between the laser beam and the measurement system. The marker reflects the laser beam, allowing the position to be determined indirectly through camera observation of the marker rather than directly measuring the laser beam itself. This intermediary enables precise position determination while maintaining the productivity benefits of laser processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The position information of the laser beam is copied onto the marker, which then serves as a visible representation that can be captured by the camera. Instead of directly measuring the invisible laser beam position, the system creates a visual copy of the beam position on the reflective marker, enabling indirect but precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If the laser beam position is determined directly without a marker, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlaser beam position determination precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The marker serves as a simple intermediary that adds minimal complexity to the system while dramatically improving measurement precision. The marker is a straightforward reflective element that bridges the gap between the laser beam and the camera observation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures precise determination of measuring distances and accuracy by maintaining measurement points relative to the object's movement, providing real-time correction and statistical parameters for improved measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a position of the measurement point on the workpiece is determined with the aid of a marker which reflects the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4441709B1Method and measuring device for correcting a position of a measurement point
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG
  • EP4441709B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4441709B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4441709B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for correcting a position of a measurement point in a measurement image, in particular in an endoscopic and/or exoscopic and/or microscopic measurement image, at least comprising the following steps: capturing a first measurement image (134) of at least one movable measurement object (112); determining the at least one measurement point (142, 144) in relation to the at least one movable measurement object (112) in the first measurement image (134); capturing at least one second measurement image (148), following the first measurement image (134) in time, of the at least one movable measurement object (112); calculating a position displacement vector (150) between the at least one measurement point (142, 144) in the first measurement image (134) and a picture element in the second measurement image (134) corresponding to the at least one measurement point (142, 144); and, on the basis of the calculated position displacement vector (150), correcting a position of the at least one measurement point (142, 144) located in the second measurement image (148) and determined in relation to the first measurement image (134).