Surgical Video Annotation via Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual annotation of surgical videos is time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to errors, leading to undesirable information loss, especially in long or routine procedures.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that use a processor and machine learning algorithm to automatically annotate surgical videos based on commands, instrument settings, and video parameters, reducing user intervention and increasing annotation accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual annotation is used, then user control over annotation content is maintained, but time consumption increases and errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannotation accuracyVSAvoidannotation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-annotation by automatically detecting surgical instruments, anatomical structures, and procedure steps from video feeds without requiring manual user input. The annotation system processes video data independently to generate timestamps and descriptive annotations, eliminating the need for users to manually review and mark each annotation point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical annotation processes are replaced with automated computational systems that use image processing, object detection algorithms, and temporal analysis to automatically generate annotations. The system substitutes human manual operations with automated software that processes video frames to identify and annotate surgical events.

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

2Productivity

If automation is implemented, then time consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannotation speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The annotation system is divided into separate functional modules: video processing module, object detection module, anatomical structure identification module, and annotation generation module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the annotation task independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular architecture where each component can be optimized separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single integrated platform performs multiple tasks including video processing, object detection, anatomical structure recognition, instrument identification, and annotation generation. This universal system handles diverse annotation requirements through unified algorithms and data processing pipelines.

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

3Loss of information

If more annotation details are added, then pedagogical value increases, but information overload occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidannotation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different levels of detail to different annotation types based on their importance and relevance. Critical surgical events receive detailed annotations with multiple parameters, while routine procedures receive summarized annotations. The system dynamically adjusts annotation granularity based on the surgical context and identified event significance, preventing information overload in routine areas while maintaining detail where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system generates comprehensive annotations that may include more detail than immediately apparent, but structures the information hierarchically with primary annotations containing essential information and secondary annotations providing additional context. This partial action approach ensures complete information capture while organizing it in a way that prevents overwhelming the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240331737A1Medical video annotation using object detection and activity estimation
Publication Date: 2024.10.03 LEICA INSTRUMENTS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • US20240331737A1 patent drawing
  • US20240331737A1 patent drawing
  • US20240331737A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus configured to annotate a video of a surgical procedure is disclosed. The annotation can be based on at least one of a command executed during the surgical procedure. an instrument setting, or the video.