Improved endoscopy performance
　Better remote collaboration
　Easier maintenance of equipment
　Increased accessibility

In recent years, endoscopy has become an essential part of providing minimally invasive diagnostic tests, in which doctors use a flexible tube with a camera to examine the tissues of patients or perform minor surgeries.

Problems With Traditional Endoscopes

Despite its usefulness, however, current endoscope devices nevertheless have limitations: image processing and device functions rely solely on onboard hardware, which makes updates and remote functionality difficult. Modern hospitals are more and more requiring advanced remote capabilities; unfortunately, traditional endoscopes don't have the necessary bandwidth and responsiveness for real-time remote diagnostics.

The All-Photonics Network

NTT and digital precision technology manufacturer Olympus are working together to develop a cloud-based endoscopy system using All Photonics Network (APN) technology, which enables high-speed, remote image processing on cloud servers. In tests carried out by the two partners, the APN, part of the Innovative Optical Wireless Network (IOWN), has successfully delivered ultra-fast, low-latency data transmission between endoscope devices and remote servers. The result? Improved performance, the possibility of remote functionality, and simplified maintenance which bypasses hardware limitations.

Low Latency

In a conventional endoscope setup, even slight latency can cause problems: doctors need to view images in real time as they perform procedures, so delays of even a few milliseconds can disrupt their work and increase risk. NTT and Olympus's initial trials, where images were processed both locally (5m) and at a distance (150km), have already confirmed the system's potential—latency as low as 1.1 milliseconds is well within the 16-millisecond target needed for smooth operation.

Easier Upgrades, Improved Accessibility

What's more, by moving advanced image processing to the cloud, centralized software upgrades can go ahead without on-site intervention, reducing costs and downtime for hospitals and boosting diagnostic accuracy and adaptability. Real-time remote consultations are now possible, allowing experts in different locations to analyze images simultaneously. This will be especially useful in underserved areas, where smaller hospitals can share real-time images with specialists remotely, increasing access to high-quality care.

Security

The next phase will involve developing security strong enough for medical data to be transmitted over networks to meet regulatory standards. This will pave the way for broader adoption of cloud technology in medical imaging.

A Healthier Future

The combination of NTT's networking power and Olympus's imaging expertise has the potential to redefine endoscopy, improving healthcare accessibility, diagnostic capabilities, and cost efficiency.

If you have any questions on the content of this article, please contact:
NTT IOWN Integrated Innovation Center
Public Relations
nttrd-pr@ml.ntt.com

NTT—Innovating the Future

Daniel O'Connor

Daniel O'Connor joined the NTT Group in 1999 when he began work as the Public Relations Manager of NTT Europe. While in London, he liaised with the local press, created the company's intranet site, wrote technical copy for industry magazines and managed exhibition stands from initial design to finished displays.

Later seconded to the headquarters of NTT Communications in Tokyo, he contributed to the company's first-ever winning of global telecoms awards and the digitalisation of internal company information exchange.

Since 2015 Daniel has created content for the Group's Global Leadership Institute, the One NTT Network and is currently working with NTT R&D teams to grow public understanding of the cutting-edge research undertaken by the NTT Group.