Medical Visualization Interface for Endoscope Image Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical visualization systems lack flexibility and convenience in image handling, patient data management, and peripheral device integration, particularly for disposable endoscopes, which complicates procedures and increases the risk of cross-contamination.

Innovation Solution

A video processing apparatus with a graphical user interface that allows for live image display, freeze function, peripheral device integration, patient information management, and flexible data handling, including network drive export and PACS server integration, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual button controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a disposable endoscope is used to avoid cleaning processes and cross-contamination, then reliability and hygiene are improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehygieneVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the endoscope with integrated processing capabilities including image processing, video processing, and data management functions into a single disposable unit. This merging of functions allows the disposable endoscope to maintain reliability and hygiene while reducing the need for separate external processing equipment, thereby managing device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable endoscope is designed with multi-functional capabilities including imaging, sensing, processing, and data management within a single device. This universality allows the endoscope to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated devices, improving hygiene through disposability while managing complexity through consolidated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual button controls are used for image handling and data management, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic functions including automated image capture, automated video recording, and automated data management. The endoscope and processing apparatus can autonomously perform these tasks without requiring manual button presses, thereby improving ease of operation. The complexity is managed through software automation rather than mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical button controls with automated electronic and software-based control systems. Image handling, data management, and processing functions are controlled through electronic interfaces and automated algorithms rather than physical buttons, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through software architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple separate devices are used for image processing, data management, and peripheral control, then device complexity of each individual device is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to coordination overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges image processing, video processing, data management, and peripheral device control into an integrated system. The processing apparatus combines multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, thereby improving productivity by eliminating coordination overhead while managing system complexity through unified architecture and centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a comprehensive graphical user interface is implemented for managing all functions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical user interface is segmented into multiple functional sections including image display, video control, data management, and peripheral device control. Each section handles specific functions independently, improving ease of operation by organizing controls logically while managing software complexity through modular interface design and functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4616784A1Medical visualization system with a user interface
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 AMBU AS
  • EP4616784A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4616784A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4616784A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Various aspects of a video processing apparatus operable to receive image data from an endoscope, having an image sensor configured to generate image data indicative of a view from the endoscope, are disclosed. The video processing apparatus comprises a housing, a processing unit adapted to receive the image data from the endoscope as the image data is being generated and cause a display to display a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface comprises a plurality of nonoverlapping portions including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is arranged next to the second portion along the second direction. The present disclosure provides various advantageous improvements of the disclosed video processing apparatus facilitating i.a. easier and more efficient operation of the video processing apparatus.