Endoscope Camera Calibration Using Cannula Reference Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope stereo cameras experience misalignment due to temperature and pressure changes, leading to inaccurate depth and distance measurements during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical system that calibrates endoscope cameras by capturing images of reference markings within a cannula and adjusting parameters based on these images to compensate for misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If endoscope stereo cameras operate under temperature and pressure changes during surgical procedures, then the system can function in dynamic surgical environments, but misalignment between camera images occurs leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs camera calibration before the surgical procedure by capturing images of reference markings on the cannula. This preliminary calibration establishes accurate spatial relationships between cameras before they are subjected to temperature and pressure changes during actual surgery, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of reference markings captured by the endoscope cameras and uses this feedback to detect and correct misalignment. By comparing captured reference images with expected positions, the system can identify deviations caused by temperature and pressure changes and adjust camera parameters accordingly to maintain measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the endoscope moves through the cannula to reach surgical sites, then the system can perform minimally invasive surgery, but camera misalignment occurs due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system performs its own calibration using reference markings that are part of the cannula structure. The cameras capture images of these markings and automatically adjust their parameters, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving minimal invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference markings on the cannula serve as an intermediary element that enables calibration. These markings provide a known spatial reference that allows the system to detect and correct camera misalignment without requiring direct access to the surgical site or complex external calibration systems.
3Measurement precision
If camera calibration is performed continuously to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required for calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration at the beginning of the surgical procedure by capturing images of reference markings before surgery begins. This preliminary calibration ensures that accurate measurement parameters are established before the procedure starts, eliminating the need for continuous calibration during surgery and minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference markings remain stationary on the cannula throughout the procedure, providing a continuous reference that allows the system to maintain calibration without repeated repositioning. This continuity enables the system to preserve measurement precision throughout the entire surgical duration without requiring frequent recalibration interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a system and method for camera calibration. The system includes a memory and a controller communicatively coupled to the memory. The controller moves an endoscope through a cannula and stops the endoscope in the cannula. The controller also captures, using the endoscope at the position, images of a reference corresponding to the cannula and adjusts a parameter of the endoscope based on the reference in the images.