Panoramic Capsule Camera 360-Degree Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscopes have limitations in visualizing the small intestine and colon due to their forward-looking orientation, which makes it difficult to detect irregularities such as polyps or ridges, leading to potential missed diagnoses and increased patient discomfort and cost.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic capsule camera system that captures a 360-degree view by using a pyramidal reflective element or panoramic annular lens, allowing for the combination of multiple fields-of-view onto a single image sensor, and a method for displaying panoramic images in multiple sub-image sets within display windows to reduce eye fatigue and increase viewing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a forward-looking camera orientation is used in capsule endoscopes, then the device structure is simple and the camera can capture images in the direction of motion, but the field of view is limited and irregularities such as polyps or ridges extending perpendicular to the wall are difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic camera divides the imaging function into multiple segments by using a pyramidal reflective element with multiple reflective side facets, where each facet captures light from a different direction. This segmentation allows the camera to achieve 360-degree coverage without requiring multiple separate cameras, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional forward-looking view to a three-dimensional panoramic view by using a pyramidal reflective element that redirects light from all directions around the capsule onto a single image sensor. This dimensional change enables comprehensive visualization of the gastrointestinal tract walls, including areas perpendicular to the motion direction that were previously invisible.
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to achieve panoramic view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fields of view into a single image by using a pyramidal reflective element that redirects light from all directions around the capsule onto one image sensor. This combining approach achieves panoramic coverage equivalent to multiple cameras but with a single sensor, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyramidal reflective element acts as an intermediary optical component that redirects light from different directions onto the image sensor. This mediator enables a single camera to capture panoramic views that would otherwise require multiple cameras, simplifying the device structure while achieving complete field of view coverage.
3Loss of information
If panoramic images are displayed in a single wide aspect ratio, then the complete view is shown, but the diagnostician experiences eye fatigue and viewing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic image is segmented into multiple sub-images corresponding to different directional views (front, back, left, right) and displayed in separate display windows. This segmentation allows diagnosticians to view the complete gastrointestinal tract panorama while reducing eye fatigue by presenting information in manageable portions rather than a single overwhelming wide aspect ratio image.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the display dimension from a single horizontal panoramic strip to a multi-window vertical arrangement. By distributing sub-images across multiple display windows, the system maintains complete information coverage while improving viewing comfort through a more ergonomic display layout that reduces the need for excessive horizontal eye movement.
4Reliability
If conventional endoscopes are used to reach the entirety of the colon, then complete examination is possible, but special techniques and precautions are required which add cost and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic capsule camera utilizes the natural peristaltic motion of the gastrointestinal tract to propel itself through the digestive system, eliminating the need for manual manipulation by clinicians. The camera's panoramic imaging capability dynamically captures images from all directions during its autonomous travel, providing complete examination without the procedural complexity and patient discomfort associated with conventional endoscopes.
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
Enables comprehensive visualization of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the likelihood of missing anomalies and improving diagnostic efficiency by providing a comfortable viewing experience for diagnosticians, thus reducing the time and cost associated with medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A camera is configured to capture a panoramic image of an environment surrounding the camera. The panoramic camera is configured with a longitudinal field of view (FOV) defined by a range of view angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the capsule camera and a latitudinal field of view defined by a panoramic range of azimuth angles about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
A camera is configured to capture a panoramic image of an environment surrounding the camera using a panoramic annular lens
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for displaying images captured from a panoramic capsule camera system. In one embodiment according to the invention, multiple sub-image sets are generated using a sub-image set window on the panoramic image by cyclically shifting the panoramic image. The multiple sub-image sets are then displayed in multiple display windows. In another embodiment according to the invention, the sub-image set in every other display window is flipped horizontally, vertically or both horizontally and vertically.