Endoscope 3D Shape Measurement Using Alternating Light States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope devices require multiple images and complex calculations to measure 3-dimensional shapes, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially when determining optimal measurement conditions.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope device that projects a light and shade pattern on a specimen, allowing for the acquisition of a single pattern projection image using methods like spatial phase shift, Fourier transform, or stripe order analysis, and controls illumination and projection light to rapidly alternate between emission states for efficient 3-dimensional shape measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple stripe images are acquired using phase shift method, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct modes: a rapid determination mode using a single pattern projection image to quickly assess measurement appropriateness, and a precise measurement mode using multiple pattern projection images for accurate 3D shape measurement. This segmentation allows the system to quickly filter out unsuitable measurement conditions before committing to time-consuming precise measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between different light emission states (illumination light only, projection light only, both, neither) to capture different types of images. This periodic action enables the system to efficiently acquire both light field images and pattern projection images in a cyclic manner, reducing overall measurement time while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If illumination light and projection light are emitted simultaneously, then measurement efficiency is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically switches between different light emission states in a predetermined cycle: (1) illumination light only for light field images, (2) projection light only for pattern projection images, (3) both lights, and (4) neither light. This periodic switching eliminates light interference in captured images while maintaining high measurement efficiency through continuous cyclic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of measurement appropriateness using a single pattern projection image acquired during the periodic cycle before proceeding to full 3D shape measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to identify suitable measurement conditions quickly, avoiding wasted time on inappropriate measurements.
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 rapid determination of measurement appropriateness and precise 3-dimensional shape measurement in real-time, reducing the likelihood of measurement failure and improving device efficiency by using a single pattern projection image and alternating light states.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit having a first light source configured to emit illumination light to illuminate an observation field of vision of the imaging unit
Implementation Method 2
a pattern projection unit having a second light source configured to emit projection light to project the light and shade pattern on the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided with an endoscope device configured to measure a specimen using a pattern projection image of the specimen on which a light and shade pattern of light is projected, includes: an imaging unit configured to acquire an image of the specimen; an illumination unit having a first light source configured to emit illumination light to illuminate an observation field of vision of the imaging unit; a pattern projection unit having a second light source configured to emit projection light to project the light and shade pattern on the specimen; a display unit configured to display the image acquired by the imaging unit; and a control unit configured to control the imaging unit, the illumination unit, the pattern projection unit, and the display unit.