Camera Autofocus Control for Medical Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous auto-focus in medical imaging systems can be disrupted during medical procedures, leading to out-of-focus images if the viewing target is removed from the camera's field of view, which can have serious consequences.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method that retrieves and updates the camera's focus distance to a previously set value from a database when the viewing target is determined to be removed, using a tracking system to monitor the position of medical instruments and maintaining focus based on recent focus distance values and speed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous auto-focus is used to maintain the viewing target in focus, then the focus accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to disruptions when the target leaves the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores focus distance values in advance before the target leaves the field of view. When the target disappears, the pre-stored focus values are retrieved and applied, avoiding focus disruption. This preliminary storage of focus information ensures continuous focus maintenance without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
A database acts as an intermediary between the tracking system and the focus control system. When the target leaves the field of view, the database provides stored focus distance values to maintain focus, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap during target absence and prevents focus disruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing target is removed from the field of view during a medical procedure, then the operator can access other areas, but the auto-focus becomes disrupted producing out-of-focus images
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors target position through the tracking system and receives feedback about when the target enters or leaves the field of view. Based on this feedback, the system automatically retrieves pre-stored focus values and applies them to maintain focus quality, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to target movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Focus distance values are stored in advance in the database before the target leaves the field of view. This preliminary storage ensures that when the operator removes the target to access other areas, the system has pre-prepared focus values ready to be applied, maintaining image quality without disruption.
3Measurement precision
If manual focus adjustment is required when target is out of view, then focus can be maintained, but the operation complexity increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic focus adjustment using pre-stored values from the database when the target leaves the field of view, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by automatically retrieving and applying appropriate focus values, maintaining focus precision while keeping the operation simple and uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
Focus distance values are pre-stored in the database before they are needed. When manual adjustment would otherwise be required, the system automatically retrieves these pre-prepared values and applies them, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining focus precision.
4Measurement precision
If the auto-focus system continuously tracks the viewing target, then focus is maintained on the target, but the system cannot adapt when the target is temporarily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two modes: active tracking when the target is in view, and pre-stored value retrieval when the target is out of view. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain focus tracking accuracy during normal operation while becoming versatile and adaptive when the target is temporarily removed, handling both scenarios appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The database serves as an intermediary that enables the system to adapt when the target is removed. During normal tracking, the database stores focus values; when the target leaves, the database mediates by providing pre-stored values to maintain focus. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between continuous tracking and temporary target absence, enhancing both accuracy and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing auto-focus in a camera is disclosed. The method includes: receiving, from a tracking system for tracking a position of a medical instrument, a signal; determining, based on the received signal, that the medical instrument is removed from a field of view of the camera; in response to determining that a continuous auto-focus mode for the camera is enabled: retrieving, from a database, a first focus distance value representing a focus distance that was most recently set with intent for the camera; and automatically updating a focus distance of the camera to the first focus distance value.