Automated Lens Positioning for Dermatoscope Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical medical examination devices, such as dermatoscopes, require manual focus adjustment by the operator, which is time-consuming and effort-intensive, leading to extended examination times and reduced time for patient discussion.
Innovation Solution
An examination device with a camera unit, display device, and control unit that includes a sensor element, lens, and adjustment device. The control unit is programmed to automatically adjust the lens to predefined positions for focusing different examination levels within the examination area, allowing for partially or fully automated focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual focus adjustment is used, then the operator can focus on different skin layers, but the examination time increases and operator effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores examination plane information and associated lens adjustment positions in advance. When an examination is performed, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-stored focus settings corresponding to the selected skin layer, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the actual examination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the lens focus position based on the selected examination plane. The control unit automatically controls the adjustment device to move the lens to the correct position without requiring operator intervention, making the system serve itself in the focusing task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual focus adjustment is used, then the operator can focus on different skin layers, but the operator effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of the lens focus position based on the selected examination plane. The control unit automatically controls the adjustment device to move the lens to the correct position without requiring operator intervention, making the system serve itself in the focusing task.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the lens by the operator is replaced by an automated control system. The control unit electronically controls the adjustment device to position the lens, substituting the mechanical manual operation with an automated electromechanical system.
3Productivity
If automated lens adjustment is implemented, then examination time is reduced and operator effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it stores examination plane information, manages lens adjustment positions, controls the adjustment device, and coordinates the overall examination process. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall system 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 high-quality recordings of examination areas with reduced operator effort, allowing for faster examination times and more efficient patient discussions by automating the focus adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
The lens (74) is arranged in front of the sensor element (72) in an observation beam path (70) of the camera unit (18). The adjustment device (76) is configured to move the lens (74) along the optical axis of the lens (74) into different adjustment positions in order to focus on different examination planes in the examination area (58).
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
An examination device (10) for optical medical examinations, in particular a dermatoscope, comprises a camera unit (18) for recording at least one image of an examination area (58) of a patient, a display device (22) and a control unit (78), wherein the camera unit (18) has a sensor element (72), a lens (74) and an adjustment device (76) for the lens (74), wherein the lens (74) is arranged in an observation beam path (70) of the camera unit (18) in front of the sensor element (72).The adjustment device (76) is configured to move the lens (74) along its optical axis to various positions in order to focus on different examination planes within the examination area (58). The control unit (78) is designed to control the adjustment device (76) and is connected to it. Information on two or more predefined examination planes (60, 62) within the examination area (58), along with their corresponding positions of the lens (74), is stored in the control unit (78). The display device (22) is configured to display a representation of the at least one image captured by the camera unit (18). Furthermore, a method for capturing an image of an examination area is described.