Adaptive Brightness Correction in Endoscopes via Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic systems face challenges in correcting brightness non-uniformity, particularly illumination non-uniformity, which degrades image quality and limits the ability of healthcare providers to view scenes with sufficient brightness across the field of view.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a controller that alternates between emitting illumination light and structured light to generate scene signals, allowing for the detection of scene depth and estimation of scene-specific brightness non-uniformity corrections, using structured light to determine depth without obscuring the view and applying digital corrections to adjust image brightness uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed optical vignetting correction is applied using standardized imaging targets, then optical vignetting is corrected, but illumination non-uniformity remains uncorrected and degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed optical vignetting correction to dynamic illumination non-uniformity correction by continuously capturing reference images and updating the illumination map in real-time based on scene depth and lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the correction parameters dynamically based on scene depth information obtained through structured light, adjusting the illumination compensation factors according to the actual depth map rather than using fixed correction values
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixed correction methods are used, then optical vignetting is addressed, but scene-dependent illumination non-uniformity varies with scene depth and cannot be properly corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary depth mapping using structured light to establish a scene depth map before applying illumination correction, preparing the necessary information in advance to guide the adaptive correction process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the captured reference images and depth information to continuously update and refine the illumination non-uniformity correction factors, creating a closed-loop adaptive correction system
3Device complexity
If brightness non-uniformity is not corrected, then device complexity remains low, but healthcare providers cannot view scenes with sufficient brightness across the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces structured light as an intermediary tool to obtain scene depth information, which then serves as a mediator to guide the adaptive illumination correction process without requiring direct modification of the main imaging path
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex hardware-based illumination correction mechanisms with digital image processing and computational algorithms that apply adaptive correction factors based on depth information
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 effectively corrects brightness non-uniformity, ensuring clearer and more uniformly illuminated images across the field of view, improving the visibility of surgical scenes by addressing both optical and illumination-related brightness issues.
Implementation Method 1
generating a scene signal with a photodetector based on reflected illumination light
Implementation Method 2
generating a scene signal with a photodetector based on reflected illumination light
Implementation Method 3
detecting a scene depth across a field of view based upon structured light
Data Source
AI summary
Endoscopic systems, non-transitory, machine-readable storage media, and methods for correcting brightness non-uniformity are described. In an embodiment, the endoscopic system includes a light source positioned to emit illumination light onto a scene; a photodetector positioned to receive illumination light reflected off of the scene and configured to generate a scene signal based on the received illumination light; a display; and a controller operatively coupled to the light source, the photodetector, and the display. In an embodiment, the controller including logic that, when executed by the controller, causes the endoscopic system to perform operations including: illuminating the scene with the light source; detecting a scene depth; estimating a scene-specific brightness non-uniformity correction based on the detected scene depth and an endoscopic system brightness non-uniformity profile; and displaying an image of the scene with the display based on the scene signal, the detected scene depth, and the endoscopic system brightness non-uniformity correction.