Color Correction for Self-Illuminated Endoscopic Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic camera systems with multiple self-illuminated cameras face challenges in color reproduction due to varying color temperatures and illumination intensities, leading to unrealistic color casts that can interfere with medical diagnostics, as current systems require recalibration and cannot correct color balance in real-time during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A color correction system and method that utilize a central processing unit, input/output interface, and memory to compute and save white balancing information and color correction matrices for each camera system, allowing for simultaneous correction of multiple self-illuminated endoscopic camera systems by measuring and adjusting R, G, and B values within a scene, and applying corrections as needed to ensure accurate color representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple self-illuminated camera systems are used to enlarge field of view and provide different views, then the field of view and viewing angles are improved, but color temperature variation and color cast errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the actual color temperature in the scene using the imaging devices and automatically adjusts the white balance parameters based on these measurements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that color accuracy is maintained despite the presence of multiple light sources with different color temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the white balance parameters (color correction matrices) based on the measured scene conditions. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system compensates for color temperature variations caused by multiple illumination sources and maintains accurate color reproduction.
2Measurement precision
If white balancing is performed consecutively for each camera against a white background before procedure, then initial color balance is achieved, but the system cannot correct color balance in real-time during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous white balancing measurements and corrections during the entire procedure rather than only before the procedure begins. The imaging devices continuously monitor the scene color temperature and the system continuously updates the white balance parameters, ensuring uninterrupted real-time color correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs white balance measurements and corrections without requiring manual intervention during the procedure. The imaging devices self-adjust their color parameters based on real-time scene measurements, enabling autonomous real-time color correction.
3Measurement precision
If manual recalibration is required for color correction, then color accuracy can be adjusted, but the procedure requires interruption and additional time
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous real-time color correction throughout the procedure without requiring interruptions for manual recalibration. By continuously measuring scene color temperature and automatically adjusting white balance parameters, the system eliminates downtime and keeps the procedure flowing without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for color correction of two camera systems each having an imaging device and an illumination source. The camera systems are separately white balanced with the imaging device outside a scene. Their white balance gains and color correction matrices are saved. Based on the measurements, combined white balance gains and combined color correction matrices are computed and saved. Thereafter, with the imaging devices in a scene, performing white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of both imaging devices together, and then white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of each separate imaging device with the other camera system's light off. Comparisons are made of each camera's scene measurements against the combined scene measurements. If they are significantly different, the combined light set of white balance gain and color correction matrix is applied to digital signal processing paths of each camera system.