Endoscope Diaphragm Control for Depth of Field and Resolution Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in achieving a deep focus image with high resolution due to the decrease in depth of field caused by the small pixel pitch of high-resolution imaging elements, leading to increased noise and deteriorated image quality as the diaphragm value is increased to maintain focus.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a diaphragm control section that selects between two observation modes: a first mode where the diaphragm state allows a lower resolution due to diffraction limits for deep focus and a second mode where the diaphragm state matches or exceeds the imaging element's resolution for high-resolution imaging, thereby managing the depth of field and noise effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels of the imaging element is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the depth of field decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the diaphragm aperture based on the observed object's characteristics. The aperture control unit dynamically changes the aperture size in response to detection results from the imaging element, allowing the system to adapt between deep focus and high resolution modes as needed, thus resolving the fixed trade-off between these two parameters
2Stability of the object's composition
If the diaphragm value is increased to maintain depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but noise increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the aperture parameter dynamically based on the balance between depth of field requirements and image quality constraints. By adjusting the aperture size according to the specific imaging conditions and object characteristics, the system optimizes the trade-off between achieving sufficient depth of field and maintaining low noise levels and high image quality
3Stability of the object's composition
If the diaphragm value is increased to maintain depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but the imaging performance deteriorates due to diffraction effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the aperture size based on real-time detection of object characteristics. When objects require deep focus, the aperture is narrowed; when high resolution is needed, the aperture is widened. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to overcome the fixed diffraction limitation and optimize imaging performance for different scenarios
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
The system achieves a deep depth of field with low resolution in the first mode and high-resolution imaging with shallow depth of field in the second mode, reducing noise and maintaining image quality by adjusting the diaphragm state based on the observation mode.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging section that includes an optical system and an imaging element
Implementation Method 2
a resolution determined by a diffraction limit based on a diaphragm of the optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes an imaging section that includes an optical system and an imaging element, an observation mode setting section that sets an object observation mode, a diaphragm control section that selects a diaphragm state based on the observation mode, and an image processing section that processes an image acquired by the imaging section. The diaphragm control section selecting a first diaphragm state when the observation mode is a first observation mode. The first diaphragm state being a state in which a resolution determined by a diffraction limit based on a diaphragm of the optical system is lower than a resolution determined by the imaging element. The diaphragm control section selecting a second diaphragm state when the observation mode is a second observation mode. The second diaphragm state being a state in which the resolution determined by the diffraction limit based on the diaphragm of the optical system is equal to or higher than the resolution determined by the imaging element.