Moving toward HDTV System

Moving toward High-Fidelity Display (HDTV) systems

Attempts to boost accuracy for improved diagnosis and examination

November 2002 saw the unveiling of the world's first endoscopic system based on HDTV technology, which radically changed the concept of endoscopes. The system took full advantage of the cutting-edge imaging technology capable of delivering clearer images for extremely accurate diagnoses so that even a minute lesion cannot be missed.


A HDTV system

The development of a HDTV system resulted in an exponential increase in the amount of information to be presented on the screen, boosting the quality and grade of images for viewing. With a significantly greater number of scanning lines and horizontal pixels than conventional systems, the new system allows more realistic observations of minute details including extremely fine blood vessels and the surface structure of the tissue. It features IHb color enhancement that highlights slight color variations of a tissue, and simulated color display of IHb distribution that facilitates the discovery of hard-to-spot lesions, which is otherwise difficult. These features, combined with electronic zooming of motion pictures and still images, as well as improvements made for easier insertion and more efficient examination and diagnostic capabilities, have prompted the medical community to pay serious attention to the system as a new-generation device. At the same time, the system is expected to make even more significant contributions by reducing the time required for diagnoses by doctors while lessening the physical discomfort of patients.

HDTV-based endoscopes will definitely become the mainstream endoscopic system.

IHb distribution (simulated color display of IHb distribution)

Original image

A processed image

Enlarged image based on HDTV technology


Partially enlarged image based on conventional signals


Partially enlarged image based on HDTV signals