Endoscope System with Independent CMOS Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in accurately acquiring biological information when wavelength ranges used for this purpose are close to each other, leading to difficulties in precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system is designed with a spectral element that separates reflected light into multiple wavelength ranges, and multiple image pickup elements with controlled exposure times to capture images in specific wavelength ranges, including blue and red light beams, allowing for accurate calculation of oxygen saturation and other biological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image pickup elements capture images in close wavelength ranges simultaneously, then biological information can be acquired, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing signals from adjacent wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spectrum into distinct wavelength ranges by assigning different image pickup elements to capture specific wavelength bands (e.g., first element for 400-480nm, second element for 460-540nm). This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple wavelength ranges while maintaining measurement precision through controlled overlap regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different exposure times to different image pickup elements based on their specific wavelength ranges and light intensity characteristics. Elements capturing in overlapping or lower-intensity ranges use longer exposure times, while elements in higher-intensity ranges use shorter exposure times, optimizing signal quality for each local measurement zone.
2Illumination intensity
If exposure times are extended to capture sufficient light in specific wavelength ranges, then signal intensity improves, but frame rate consistency becomes difficult to maintain across multiple image pickup elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure times for different image pickup elements based on their wavelength range characteristics and incident light intensity. The control unit sets longer exposure times for elements capturing weaker signals and shorter exposure times for elements capturing stronger signals, allowing all elements to achieve optimal signal intensity while maintaining synchronized frame rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the exposure time parameter for each image pickup element according to its specific wavelength range and light intensity requirements. By independently optimizing this parameter for each element, the system achieves sufficient captured light intensity across all wavelength ranges while maintaining overall frame rate consistency through centralized control.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength ranges are made closer together to increase measurement resolution, then spectral detail improves, but light intensity decreases in each individual range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral measurement task across multiple image pickup elements, each dedicated to specific wavelength ranges. This allows the system to use closer wavelength ranges for higher spectral resolution while compensating for reduced light intensity per range by assigning longer exposure times to the corresponding image pickup elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the exposure time parameter for image pickup elements based on the light intensity characteristics of their assigned wavelength ranges. Elements capturing in narrower or lower-intensity wavelength ranges receive longer exposure times, compensating for the reduced light intensity while maintaining the high spectral resolution achieved through close wavelength spacing.
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 enables the acquisition of biological information with higher accuracy by optimizing exposure times and frame rates for each image pickup element, compensating for the decrease in light intensity and maintaining a common frame rate for all elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first dichroic mirror that reflects a first blue light beam and transmits a second blue light beam; a second dichroic mirror that reflects a first red light beam and transmits a second red light beam
Data Source
AI summary
The endoscope system includes a light source device that illuminates a subject, dichroic mirrors that separate a reflected light beam from the subject into a first blue light beam, a second blue light beam, a green light beam, and a red light beam, a CMOS sensor that picks up an image of the first blue light beam, a CMOS sensor that picks up an image of the second blue light beam, a CMOS sensor that picks up an image of the green light beam, and a CMOS sensor that picks up an image of the red light beam, and a control unit that controls image pickup. The control unit independently controls the exposure times of the CMOS sensors.