Panoramic Colonoscope Attachment for 360-Degree Polyp Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colonoscopy systems fail to provide a complete 360-degree panoramic view, leading to missed polyps due to hidden areas behind folds and flexures, and poor color contrast, which are not addressed by current attachments that interfere with existing equipment and are costly to replace.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective panoramic imaging attachment for colonoscopes with multiple micro-imaging subsystems providing a single viewpoint, allowing 360-degree side and rear-views integrated with forward views, without requiring replacement of existing endoscopy systems, and enabling seamless image stitching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple imaging subsystems are used to achieve 360-degree panoramic view, then polyp detection completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic imaging attachment is divided into multiple independent micro-imaging subsystems (typically 4-6 subsystems), each with its own imaging lens and detector. Each subsystem captures a specific angular sector (e.g., 60-90 degrees), and the individual images are computationally stitched together to form a complete 360-degree panoramic view. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive polyp detection while keeping each individual subsystem simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple images captured by separate micro-imaging subsystems are merged through computational image processing to create a single panoramic image. The system aligns and stitches the individual sector images based on their overlapping fields of view, producing a seamless 360-degree view that combines the detection capabilities of all subsystems while maintaining a unified final image output.
2Reliability
If a panoramic attachment is added to existing colonoscope, then imaging capability is improved, but attachment size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-imaging subsystems are arranged in a compact circular pattern around the central colonoscope shaft, with each subsystem nested within the attachment structure. The entire attachment is designed as a compact cylindrical housing that contains all optical components, detectors, and processing electronics in a space-efficient manner, allowing the attachment to fit over the existing colonoscope without excessive bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging subsystems are positioned in a three-dimensional arrangement around the colonoscope shaft, utilizing radial and angular positioning to maximize field of view while minimizing linear dimensions. By distributing sensors around the circumference and at different depths, the system achieves 360-degree coverage without requiring a large linear attachment length.
3Reliability
If existing endoscopy systems are replaced with new panoramic systems, then imaging completeness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic imaging attachment is designed as a universal accessory that can be attached to various existing colonoscope models without requiring system replacement. The attachment maintains compatibility with standard colonoscope interfaces and can be integrated with existing endoscopy control systems, allowing hospitals to upgrade imaging capabilities while retaining their existing expensive endoscopy infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The panoramic attachment acts as an intermediary device that bridges existing colonoscopes and modern panoramic imaging requirements. It includes adaptive optics and image processing capabilities that compensate for limitations in older colonoscope cameras, enabling retrofitting of legacy systems with enhanced imaging functionality without complete system replacement.
4Ease of operation
If forward-viewing endoscope is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but polyp detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between forward-viewing mode (using the existing colonoscope camera) and panoramic side-viewing mode (using the attachment sensors). During normal advancement, the forward view is used for simplicity, but when polyp detection is critical or the colonoscope is positioned against the colonic wall, the system activates the panoramic sensors to provide comprehensive side views that reveal hidden polyps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying both the forward-view image from the colonoscope and the panoramic side-view images from the attachment simultaneously or alternately. This allows the endoscopist to compare views and detect polyps that may be hidden in the forward view, with the option to switch between views based on detection needs while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enhances polyp detection by providing a complete view of the colon, reducing missed polyps, and allowing standard interventions, while being compatible with existing equipment, thus reducing healthcare costs and patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
Each micro-imaging subsystem includes a reflector positioned to receive light that is reflected from a surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
an imaging lens positioned to receive light that is reflected from the reflector, and a detector positioned to receive light from the imaging lens
Data Source
AI summary
Single viewpoint panoramic imaging attachments for a colonoscope are disclosed that are compact in size and provide 360-degree side and rear-views in a single image. One panoramic attachment assembly includes a plurality of micro-imaging subsystems that are positioned around a central opening. Each micro-imaging subsystem includes a reflector to receive light that is reflected from a surrounding tissue, an imaging lens, and a detector to generate signals corresponding to one section of a panoramic image of the surrounding tissue. The micro-imaging subsystems are arranged to all have a common view point, and are configured to collectively form a full 360-degree image of the surrounding tissue.