US 11,684,237 B2 · Endoscopic image acquisition system and method

Abstract

Provided are endoscopic image acquisition system and method that make observation of images easier when images are collected. The endoscopic image acquisition system includes a wavelength pattern changing unit that changes a wavelength pattern of irradiation light with which a part to be observed in a body cavity of a patient is irradiated or returning light from the part to be observed. Images of an observation wavelength pattern are captured at a certain frame rate. In response to acceptance of an acquisition instruction, images of a plurality of wavelength patterns different from one another are sequentially captured. The images of the plurality of wavelength patterns different from one another are stored in a storage unit. An image of a wavelength pattern other than the observation wavelength pattern is set not to be displayed.

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Claims16

Dependent claims

An endoscopic image acquisition system comprising:

a light source that irradiates a part to be observed in a body cavity of a patient with irradiation light;
image sensor that receives returning light from the part to be observed and captures images of the part to be observed;
a processor configured to:
cause the captured images to be sequentially displayed on a display device;
change a wavelength pattern of the irradiation light or the returning light;
accept an acquisition instruction to acquire images;
cause images to be captured at a certain frame rate by using an observation wavelength pattern and cause images to be sequentially captured by using a plurality of wavelength patterns different from one another in response to acceptance of the acquisition instruction, wherein the observation wavelength pattern is selected from the plurality of wavelength patterns;
and
cause the images sequentially captured by using the plurality of wavelength patterns different from one another to be stored in a storage device, wherein
the processor causes the images captured at the certain frame rate by using the observation wavelength pattern to be displayed on the display device, and sets an image captured by using a wavelength pattern other than the observation wavelength pattern among the images sequentially captured by using the plurality of wavelength patterns not to be displayed when receiving the acquisition instruction.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description13,436 words

Summary1,976 words

#The present invention relates to endoscopic image acquisition system and method and, more particularly, to a technique of collecting training images used in learning of a learning algorithm for making a diagnosis from an endoscopic image.

#There is known an AI (Artificial Intelligence) technique of automatically detecting or automatically discriminating a lesion in an endoscopic image using a computer to make a diagnosis. In particular, the use of a learning algorithm such as a neural network enables a highly accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, collecting training images is necessary for development of a learning algorithm.

#In addition, in terms of the endoscopic diagnosis, there are observation under special light such as NBI (Narrow Band Imaging, registered trademark) and BLI (Blue Laser Imaging, registered trademark) as well as observation under white light that is commonly performed.

Brief description of the drawings15 figures

#FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope system;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the endoscope system;

#FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a light intensity distribution;

Detailed description11,265 words

#Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

#FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope system 10 (an example of an endoscopic image acquisition system) according to a first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 14, a processor device 16, a display unit 18, and an input unit 20.

#The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the light source device 14. The endoscope 12 is also electrically connected to the processor device 16.

Facts

Application

16/901,022Filed 15 Jun 2020 · continuation

Priority

JP 2017-25427528 Dec 2017

Published

US 2020/0305700 A11 Oct 2020

Granted

27 Jun 2023

Term ends

11 Apr 2039

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment, including 134 days of adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification12 codes

A61B 1/00006
Characterised by electronic signal processing: of control signals
A61B 1/000094
Of image signals during a use of endoscope: extracting biological structures
A61B 1/00042
Provided with input arrangements for the user: for mechanical operation
A61B 1/0005
Display arrangement: combining images e.g. side-by-side, superimposed or tiled

Timeline

28 Dec 2017Priority claimedJP 2017-254275
15 Jun 2020Application filedUS 16/901,022
17 Jun 2020Assigned to Fujifilm Corporationassignment of assignor's interest
1 Oct 2020PublishedUS 2020/0305700 A1
27 Jun 2023GrantedUS 11,684,237 B2
12 Oct 2026TodayWithin its term
11 Apr 2039Term endsEstimated, includes 134 days of adjustment

Endoscopic image acquisition system and method

Life of this patent

Endoscopic image acquisition system and method

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims16

Description13,436 words

Classification12 codes

Life of this patent

Drawings

Description13,436 words