Colposcopy Illumination Control for Speculum Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colposcopy cameras require user adjustment to properly illuminate the cervix, which can be cumbersome and may result in inadequate lighting due to the elliptical shape of the vaginal speculum and misalignment of light emitters with the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
An illumination control device that automatically selects and controls the light emitters to optimize illumination of the cervix by determining the positional relationship between the vaginal speculum and the camera's light emitters, using image analysis or machine learning to ensure even lighting without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are arranged in a ring shape around the optical unit, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light beam emission units (four units arranged in a ring), each capable of being controlled independently. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive illumination coverage by activating specific segments based on the detected speculum orientation, thereby improving illumination effectiveness without requiring all light sources to operate simultaneously, which would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which light beam emission units are activated based on the real-time detection of vaginal speculum orientation. The controller determines the optimal combination of light sources to illuminate the cervix effectively, changing the illumination configuration dynamically rather than using a fixed arrangement. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive illumination only when needed while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Illumination intensity
If the user manually adjusts the position of the colposcopy camera, then the illumination accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller detects the orientation of the vaginal speculum (using image processing or sensors) and automatically determines the optimal light beam emission units to activate. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual user adjustment, as the system self-corrects the illumination configuration based on real-time detection, thereby improving illumination accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting speculum orientation and selecting appropriate light sources without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the illumination configuration, making the system self-sufficient in optimizing illumination conditions. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by providing accurate illumination automatically without burdening the user with manual adjustment tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light emitters are misaligned with the optical axis due to the elliptical speculum shape, then the adaptability deteriorates, but the device complexity remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The system explicitly accounts for the asymmetric elliptical shape of the vaginal speculum by arranging light beam emission units in a corresponding asymmetric pattern and using asymmetric detection algorithms. Rather than attempting to create a perfectly symmetric illumination system, the design embraces the asymmetry of the speculum, matching the light source configuration to the actual geometric constraints. This approach improves adaptability to different speculum orientations without adding excessive complexity, as the asymmetric design naturally fits the application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes operational parameters (which light beam emission units are activated and at what intensity) based on the detected speculum orientation. By adjusting the selection and intensity of light sources rather than physically reconfiguring the entire illumination system, the patent achieves high adaptability to different speculum positions and orientations. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing versatility through software control rather than complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An illumination control device (100) includes an image data acquirer (111), a control data acquirer (112), and a light source controller (113). The image data acquirer (111) acquires target imaging-related data related to the target imaging in a case in which target imaging is performed in which an image of an inserter inserted into a hole part continuous with a target is captured by an imaging device (200) together with the target. The control data acquirer (112) acquires control data based on the acquired target imaging-related data. The light source controller (113) controls an illumination state of a light source provided around an optical axis of the imaging device (200), based on the acquired control data.