Medical Image Processing Device Positioning Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing medical observation systems, it is difficult for observers to position a part to be observed at a specific position, such as the center, within a captured image, leading to reduced convenience and accuracy during microsurgery or endoscopic procedures.

Innovation Solution

A medical image processing device that includes a captured image acquisition unit, a determination unit to assess if the imaging field of view has been moved, and an identification image generation unit. This unit generates an identification image with a specific position, such as the center, clearly identifiable within the captured image when the imaging field of view is moved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the observer manually or electrically changes the posture of the support unit, then the imaging field of view can be adjusted, but it is difficult to position the part to be observed at a specific position (e.g., center position) in the captured image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of positioningVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays an index image showing the relationship between the captured image and the predetermined region, providing visual feedback to the observer. This feedback mechanism enables the observer to understand the current positioning status and make accurate adjustments to position the part of interest at the center of the captured image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

An index image is introduced as an intermediary visual element between the captured image and the predetermined region. This index image serves as a mediator that clearly indicates the spatial relationship and positioning status, making it easier for the observer to achieve precise positioning without direct complex calculations or adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If no identification image is displayed, then the display device shows only the captured image, but the observer cannot easily identify specific positions and regions in the captured image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial informationVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple functional elements: the captured image, the index image, and the identification image. This segmentation allows spatial information to be preserved and displayed without requiring complex image processing, as each element serves a specific purpose in conveying spatial relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system preliminarily processes and displays the index image and identification image before the observer needs to analyze the captured image. This preliminary action prepares the spatial information in an easily interpretable format, reducing the need for complex real-time processing during observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12295543B2Medical image processing device and medical observation system
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
  • US12295543B2 patent drawing
  • US12295543B2 patent drawing
  • US12295543B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A medical image processing device 3 includes: a captured image acquisition unit 31 that acquires a captured image captured by a medical observation device 2; a determination unit 33 that determines whether or not an imaging field of view of the medical observation device 2 has been moved; and an identification image generation unit 321 that generates, in a case where the determination unit 33 determines that the imaging field of view has been moved, an identification image in which a specific position in a specific region displayed on a display device in an entire image region of the captured image is identifiable with respect to other positions.