Optical Structure Observation Apparatus for 3D Duct Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) methods struggle to visually determine the depth of lesion invasion in the large intestine, as the random orientation of ducts (crypts) becomes difficult to assess when the mucosal surface is made planar, hindering the differentiation between normal and lesion states.
Innovation Solution
An optical structure observation apparatus that acquires optical structure information by scanning in multiple directions, constructs a stereoscopic structure image, extracts and flattens a middle layer, and reconstructs a three-dimensional image with the flattened middle layer as a reference, allowing for the generation and display of a three-dimensional converted optical structure image, enabling visual determination of structure information with the middle layer as a basal plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mucosal surface is made planar by surface extraction, then the depth direction structure information can be imaged, but the duct orientations become random and visual judgment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar surface extraction to three-dimensional stereoscopic structure imaging. By reconstructing the measured object with the middle layer as a reference plane and displaying duct structures in 3D space, the system maintains both depth information and natural duct orientations, allowing visual judgment while preserving structural accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the surface planar and accepting random duct orientations, the patent inverts the approach by making the middle layer planar while preserving the three-dimensional spatial relationships of ducts. This allows the reference layer to be standardized for measurement while duct orientations remain natural and visually interpretable.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional structure is extracted and crypts are extracted for analysis, then numerical analysis of normal and lesion parts can be performed, but the structure is not visually understandable and stereoscopic lesion change is difficult to image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays extracted crypt structures in three-dimensional stereoscopic space rather than as isolated extracted elements. By maintaining the spatial context and using 3D rendering with the middle layer as reference, the system enables both numerical analysis and visual understanding of stereoscopic lesion changes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a three-dimensional converted optical structure image that copies and reconstructs the measured object's structure with enhanced visual properties. This virtual 3D model preserves all structural information while improving visual understandability through stereoscopic display capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If pit pattern diagnosis is performed on mucosal surface images, then classification according to mucosal structure can be done, but information relating to depth of invasion is only empirical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional two-dimensional pit pattern diagnosis into three-dimensional space by reconstructing duct structures vertically from the middle layer. This allows classification based on mucosal structure while simultaneously providing precise measurement of depth of invasion, transforming empirical depth assessment into quantifiable 3D measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional converted optical structure image serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables pit pattern classification, provides depth of invasion measurement, and maintains visual interpretability. The system integrates diagnostic capabilities that were previously separate into a single multi-functional imaging approach.
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
This approach allows for clear visualization of the middle layer structure, facilitating the assessment of duct orientation and differentiation between normal and lesion states, thereby enhancing cancer diagnosis accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement has come to be used
Implementation Method 2
acquires a plurality of pieces of optical structure information of a measured object obtained by scanning a scan surface constituted of a first direction which is a depth direction of the measured object having a layer structure and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, by using a low coherence light
Data Source
AI summary
In the optical structure observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, a middle layer of a measured object having a layer structure at least including a surface layer and the middle layer is extracted and flattened to be a same flat plane, the optical stereoscopic structure image is reconstructed with the flattened middle layer as the reference layer, the three-dimensional converted optical structure image is generated, and at least the three-dimensional converted optical structure image is imaged and displayed on the display device, whereby the structure information with the middle layer in the measured object having the layer structure as a basal plate can be visually determined.