Endoscope Control Device Brightness Support Image Trade-off
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope apparatuses with diagnosis support functions face challenges in generating bright display images while extracting support information, as existing systems have shorter exposure periods for diagnostic images, leading to dark display images due to reduced pixel readout quantities for support images.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus employs a control device that controls an image sensor to read out signals from a larger quantity of pixels for display images and a smaller quantity for support images, with distinct illumination periods, allowing for extended exposure times and brighter display images by optimizing pixel readout periods and illumination sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the exposure period is extended to generate brighter display images, then the brightness of display images is improved, but the readout period for support images becomes insufficient, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into multiple regions and selectively reads out different quantities of pixels from different regions. For display images, a larger quantity of pixels is read out with extended exposure time to ensure brightness. For support images, a smaller quantity of pixels is read out with shorter exposure time to maintain diagnostic quality. This segmentation of the pixel array and differential readout strategies resolve the contradiction between brightness and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different readout characteristics. Some regions are optimized for display image quality with longer exposure times, while other regions are optimized for support image extraction with shorter exposure times. This local differentiation allows each region to serve its specific function optimally, resolving the global contradiction between brightness and precision.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the quantity of pixels read out for support images is reduced to shorten readout period, then the exposure period can be extended, but the quantity of information for diagnosis is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple regions with different readout strategies. For display images, larger quantities of pixels are read out to provide comprehensive visual information. For support images, smaller quantities of pixels are read out from strategically selected regions, reducing the readout period and enabling extended exposure while maintaining sufficient diagnostic information through selective sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reading out all pixels for support images, the system selectively reads out a partial quantity of pixels from optimized regions. This partial action approach reduces the readout time enough to enable extended exposure periods while the strategic selection of pixels ensures sufficient diagnostic information is captured.
3Measurement precision
If distinct illumination periods are used for display and support images, then the quality of both image types is improved, but the total time required for imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into distinct phases for display images and support images, with separate illumination periods optimized for each type. This segmentation allows parallel processing and efficient time management, reducing the total imaging time while maintaining high quality for both image types through dedicated illumination optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic illumination cycles where display image illumination and support image illumination are alternated in optimized sequences. This periodic action allows efficient use of time resources, with the illumination periods structured to minimize total imaging time while ensuring sufficient light collection for high-quality images of both types.
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 generation of brighter display images with extended exposure periods while maintaining high-resolution support images for diagnosis, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of diagnostic support information.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor including a plurality of pixels... read out first imaging signals... read out second imaging signals
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a processor. The processor controls an image sensor to read out first imaging signals in a first readout period, the first imaging signals being signals from a first quantity of pixels, and read out second imaging signals in a second readout period, the second imaging signals being signals from a second quantity of pixels, the second quantity being smaller than the first quantity, the second readout period being shorter than the first readout period. The processor controls a light source to emit first illumination light in a first exposure period before the first readout period, and emit second illumination light in a second exposure period before the second readout period. The processor generates a display image from the first imaging signals. The processor generates a support image from the second imaging signals. The processor generates support information based on the support image.