Endoscope Blurring Correction via Zoom-Adaptive Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in effectively correcting image blurring caused by camera shake, with current solutions not adequately addressing variations in observation conditions, leading to inconsistent improvement in visibility of the observation target.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that estimates image motion and blurring based on image signals from a medical observation apparatus, adjusting correction coefficients according to zoom magnification and the ratio of the observation target region, to enhance blurring correction consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image blurring correction is applied using a fixed coefficient, then image blurring can be corrected under certain observation conditions, but the visibility of the observation target is not necessarily improved under other observation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blurring correction coefficient variable rather than fixed. The control section dynamically adjusts the coefficient based on real-time zoom magnification values and target region ratios, allowing the correction mechanism to adapt to changing observation conditions during endoscopic procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the correction coefficient based on observable conditions. Specifically, the coefficient is adjusted according to zoom magnification (where higher magnification receives stronger correction) and target region ratio (where smaller target regions receive stronger correction), transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that responds to operational context
2Stability of the object's composition
If strong blurring correction is applied, then image stability is improved, but unnecessary correction may reduce visibility when the observation target is already clear or when zoomed out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing non-uniform correction strength across different zoom levels and target region sizes. When zoomed in on a small target, strong correction is applied locally to that region. When zoomed out or viewing larger areas, correction is reduced or disabled, preserving natural image characteristics and avoiding over-correction artifacts
3Reliability
If blurring correction is always applied, then image quality is maintained, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively applying blurring correction only when necessary based on current observation conditions. The control section evaluates zoom magnification and target region ratio to determine the appropriate correction level, applying strong correction only when zoomed in on small targets where blurring would most impact visibility, and reducing or eliminating correction in other scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control apparatus that includes an estimating section calculating motion of an entire image on the basis of an image signal corresponding to an optical image of a living organism input from an imaging section of a medical observation apparatus, to estimate blurring of the entire image according to a result of the calculation, and a control section controlling an operation related to correction of the blurring of the entire image by controlling a coefficient for controlling an amount of correction of the blurring on the basis of a zoom magnification of the imaging section such that a degree of correction of the blurring increases consistently with the zoom magnification.