Medical Image Processing Apparatus Linear Structure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical image processing systems face challenges in accurately detecting linear structures, such as blood vessels, within medical images obtained from endoscopes, due to variations in image data and lighting conditions, which affect the reliability of diagnosis and detection processes.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus and method that select pixels of interest, calculate first and second feature values using different methods based on color tone information, and evaluate these values to determine if they belong to a linear structure, employing filters and weighting factors to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single calculation method is used to extract features from image data, then the processing speed is maintained, but the detection accuracy of linear structures deteriorates due to variations in image data and lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feature extraction process into multiple independent calculation methods (first calculation method, second calculation method, etc.), each processing different aspects of the image data. This segmentation allows each method to specialize in detecting specific characteristics of linear structures under different conditions, thereby improving overall detection accuracy without requiring a single overly complex method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the results from multiple calculation methods by selecting pixels that satisfy predetermined conditions across different methods. This merging approach integrates the strengths of each individual method, creating a more robust detection system that maintains accuracy across varying image conditions while managing complexity through systematic combination
2Reliability
If multiple calculation methods are employed to extract different features, then the detection reliability improves, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing multiple calculation methods selectively rather than exhaustively processing all possible features. Each calculation method processes a specific subset of features or image data, and the system combines results from these partial processing steps to achieve reliable detection without the computational burden of complete exhaustive analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing by dividing image data into multiple regions or applying different calculation methods to different portions of the image in advance. This preliminary segmentation and processing allows the system to prepare detection results incrementally, reducing the computational load during final synthesis and overall processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus includes a selection portion that selects a pixel of interest from an image composed of a plurality of pixels and obtained by picking up an image of a living tissue, a first feature value calculation portion that calculates a first feature value on the basis of color tone of the pixel of interest and color tones of surrounding pixels, a second feature value calculation portion that calculates a second feature value on the basis of the color tone of the pixel of interest and the color tones of surrounding pixels, an evaluation value calculation portion that calculates an evaluation value on the basis of the first feature value and the second feature value, and an evaluation value judgment portion that judges whether the pixel of interest is a pixel constituting the linear structure, on the basis of the evaluation value.