Capsule Endoscope Noise Elimination via Black Image Acquisition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule endoscopes face challenges in eliminating fixed pattern noises due to the absence of a shutter mechanism, which affects the quality of in-vivo image information acquired and transmitted.
Innovation Solution
An in-vivo image acquiring apparatus with an operation control unit that manages black image acquisition by the imaging unit without illumination, utilizing an average value or peak value calculation to determine if the image is a black image, and transmitting this information to eliminate fixed pattern noises in the image information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a shutter mechanism is used to eliminate fixed pattern noises, then noise elimination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the black image acquisition function from the main imaging process by using a dedicated non-illuminating state for black image capture. This separates the noise reference acquisition from the normal imaging operation, allowing effective noise elimination without requiring a mechanical shutter mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic black image acquisition during non-illuminating periods in the capsule endoscope's operation cycle. By utilizing the periodic nature of illumination cycles, the system captures black images at appropriate intervals to maintain accurate noise reference data without continuous mechanical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If black image acquisition is performed during non-illuminating state, then fixed pattern noises are eliminated, but image acquisition time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by utilizing the non-illuminating periods that naturally occur in the capsule endoscope's operation cycle. Instead of losing time to separate black image acquisition, the system continuously captures black images during all non-illuminating periods, transforming previously wasted time into productive noise reference acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically acquiring black images during its own operational idle periods. The capsule endoscope uses its own non-illuminating cycles to generate the black images needed for noise elimination, without requiring external intervention or dedicated acquisition time.
3Productivity
If average value calculation is used to determine black image, then processing speed is improved, but determination accuracy may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the calculated average value is compared against threshold criteria to verify proper black image acquisition. This feedback loop ensures that only valid black images are used for noise elimination, maintaining determination accuracy while using efficient average value calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shutter mechanisms with computational methods for black image determination. By using average value calculation and digital processing instead of mechanical verification, the system achieves both processing speed and sufficient determination accuracy through software-based solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vivo image acquiring apparatus includes an operation control unit which controls a black image acquiring operation, in which the operation control unit controls an imaging unit and an illuminating unit in such a manner the imaging unit conducts an image acquiring operation in a state the illuminating unit does not conduct an illuminating operation. The in-vivo image acquiring apparatus also includes an average calculating unit which calculates the average value of pixel value in a predetermined determining area, and a black image determining unit, which determines whether the image information acquired by the image acquiring operation is the black image by comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold value. The image information determined as the black image by the black image determining unit is transmitted, as the black image information, to an external apparatus by radio.