Distal Cap Calibration for Endoscope White Balance and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems face challenges in achieving accurate color representation and reducing fixed pattern noise, especially in light-deficient environments, due to variations in illumination sources and inherent sensor non-idealities.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method for calibration using a dark frame reference and controlled electromagnetic radiation to correct for fixed pattern noise and adjust white balance, involving a cap to block external light during calibration and a controlled light source for image acquisition, applicable to various endoscope configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distal cap is used to block external light during calibration, then fixed pattern noise reduction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into distinct phases: dark frame calibration with the distal cap in place to capture fixed pattern noise, and subsequent imaging with the cap removed. This segmentation allows separate optimization of noise reduction without permanently adding complex hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal cap is used to perform preliminary dark frame calibration before actual imaging begins. This preliminary action captures the fixed pattern noise characteristics under controlled conditions, enabling subsequent noise reduction processing without requiring the cap to be present during imaging.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed with controlled electromagnetic radiation, then white balance accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs dark frame calibration periodically at predetermined intervals during operation, rather than requiring a separate extended calibration session. This periodic action captures temporal variations in fixed pattern noise while minimizing interruption to the imaging workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is designed to maintain continuity by performing dark frame acquisitions during brief intervals when the distal cap is already in place or can be quickly positioned, without requiring the system to stop imaging entirely. The calibration integrates seamlessly into the operational workflow.
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
This approach enhances image quality by effectively reducing fixed pattern noise and achieving accurate white balance, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and color accuracy in endoscopic imaging, particularly in ambient light-deficient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation with the pixel array to create an image frame
Implementation Method 2
a controlled source of electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and correction of white balance and/or fixed pattern noise at startup or at any other time during a procedure.