Medical Image Processing With Time-Adaptive Region Emphasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical image processing systems struggle with inappropriate emphasis degree settings for regions of interest, leading to insufficient recognition and disruptive image transitions during observation.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that measures total time of emphasis on regions of interest and adjusts emphasis degree accordingly, using features like transmittance, color intensity, and figure size to ensure appropriate emphasis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If emphasis processing is performed at a relatively large emphasis degree to ensure sufficient recognition of the region of interest, then the recognition effect is improved, but the image transition becomes disruptive and observation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The emphasis degree is made dynamic rather than static. The processing section adjusts the emphasis degree based on the total time the region of interest has been emphasized, creating a time-varying emphasis effect that adapts to the observation duration and prevents abrupt, disruptive transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The emphasis degree parameter is changed based on the total time measurement. By linking the emphasis degree to the cumulative time the region of interest has been highlighted, the system dynamically adjusts this parameter to balance recognition effectiveness with visual comfort, avoiding sudden large changes that disrupt observation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If emphasis processing ends when detection is continued for a predetermined time to avoid excessive emphasis, then image disruption is reduced, but the region of interest may not be sufficiently recognized when the endoscope remains at an appropriate portion
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring the total time the region of interest is emphasized and using this information to adjust the emphasis degree. This closed-loop control ensures that emphasis processing continues appropriately even when detection persists, preventing premature termination while maintaining visual comfort through adaptive parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement of total time begins as soon as emphasis processing starts, preparing the data needed for dynamic adjustment before the observation period ends. This preliminary measurement enables the system to make informed decisions about continuing or adjusting emphasis rather than relying on fixed predetermined time thresholds.
3Device complexity
If fixed emphasis degree is used for all regions of interest regardless of observation duration, then processing is simple, but the emphasis is either too strong or too weak depending on the specific case
Solution Approach 1:
The emphasis degree transitions from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that changes with the total time of emphasis. This dynamic approach allows the same processing framework to adapt to different observation durations and regional characteristics without requiring complex case-by-case analysis, achieving versatility through a unified time-based adjustment mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing method, a program, a diagnosis supporting apparatus, and an endoscope system that emphasize a region of interest in a medical image at an appropriate emphasis degree. The above problem is solved by a medical image processing apparatus including: an emphasis processing unit that emphasizes a region of interest included in a time-series medical image at a set emphasis degree; a total-time measuring unit that measures a total time during which the region of interest is emphasized; and an emphasis-degree setting unit that sets the emphasis degree to a relatively larger value as the total time is relatively longer.