Endoscope Control Device Non-Center Auto-Focus Region Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems cannot select and focus on regions other than the center region for auto-focus processes, limiting user flexibility in image capture and processing.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system includes a control device and camera head with a focus mechanism that allows users to select and focus on any region of an image by using an operation ring to generate select signals, which are processed to adjust the lens unit's position, enabling auto-focus on non-center regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the processing region is fixed to the center region for auto-focus, then the focus mechanism can be controlled automatically, but the user cannot select other regions for processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processing region dynamic by allowing it to move from a fixed center position to any selectable region in the image. The processing region is no longer static but can be repositioned based on user input through the operation ring, enabling both automatic focus control and flexible region selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation ring serves multiple functions: it selects different processing regions in the image and also controls the focus mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain automatic focus capability while adding region selection versatility through a single integrated control interface.
2Device complexity
If the processing region is fixed to the center region, then the system structure remains simple, but the user flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operation ring is designed to perform multiple functions: selecting processing regions and controlling focus mechanisms. This multi-functional design adds user flexibility without requiring separate complex control systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the processing region from a fixed center coordinate to variable coordinates determined by operation ring input. This parameter change enables region flexibility while maintaining the same basic control architecture, avoiding significant structural complexity increases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope position needs to be adjusted to capture different regions, then all regions can be focused, but the procedure becomes more complex and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically moving the endoscope to capture different regions, the system creates a virtual copy of the focus processing capability for any selected region in the image. The processing region can be relocated digitally through operation ring control, allowing focus adjustment without physical repositioning of the endoscope, thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing contamination risk.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a control device, an endoscope system, a processing method, and a program which can select a region other than the center region in an image to perform a predetermined process. An endoscope system 1 includes an image generation unit 92 which processes an image signal generated by an imaging unit 54 to generate a display image to be displayed, a display controller 95a which overlaps a plurality of select regions selectable according to an external operation to the display image and outputs the overlapped image to the display device 7, and an AF controller 612 which performs a predetermined process on at least one select region selected according to the external operation.