Birefringent Mask Image Processing for Depth of Field Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging devices, such as endoscopes, often experience image blur due to mismatched focus points, requiring mechanisms to enhance depth of field and improve image clarity, especially in varying medical observation environments and procedures.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system incorporating a birefringent mask coupled with an image sensor and processing circuitry that adjusts image data based on unique optical characteristics, allowing for depth of field expansion and blur improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional imaging device is used in medical observation, then the device structure is simple, but image blur occurs due to mismatched focus points and limited depth of field
Solution Approach 1:
A birefringent mask is introduced as an intermediary component between the imaging lens and the image sensor. This mask modifies the optical path and enables depth of field expansion without fundamentally redesigning the entire imaging system, thus improving image clarity while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the imaging system by introducing a birefringent mask with specific optical properties. This mask alters the phase and polarization of light waves, enabling extended depth of field and improved focus characteristics without requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If the depth of field is expanded to capture more of the subject, then the observation range increases, but the image resolution and sharpness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The birefringent mask serves as an optical intermediary that simultaneously achieves depth of field expansion and resolution preservation. By manipulating the polarization states of light waves passing through different regions of the mask, it extends the focal range while maintaining image sharpness through computational reconstruction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane focusing to multi-plane focusing by utilizing the birefringent mask's ability to create multiple focal depths. This dimensional extension in the depth axis allows simultaneous capture of multiple focal planes, effectively increasing depth of field without sacrificing resolution through information loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple observation modes are supported for different medical procedures, then the adaptability increases, but the processing complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed with universal functionality to support multiple observation modes (e.g., bright field, dark field, polarized light observation) through a single birefringent mask configuration. The mask's optical properties enable it to serve multiple functions across different medical procedures without requiring mode-specific hardware changes, thus improving adaptability while controlling processing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables clearer and more suitable image observation by expanding the depth of field and reducing blur, adapting to different medical observation conditions and procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor, a birefringent mask coupled to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging system having an image sensor, a birefringent mask coupled to the image sensor, and processing circuitry that obtains image data from the image sensor, and performs processing on the image data based on unique optical characteristics of a coupled medical device, wherein the processing includes selecting at least one of depth of field expansion and blur improvement based on the unique optical characteristics.