Endoscope Rolling Shutter Exposure Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope apparatuses face challenges in performing accurate three-dimensional measurements due to issues with image processing and illumination control, particularly in scenarios where rolling shutters are used and exposure times vary across pixels, leading to inconsistent image capture and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus incorporates a controller that manages multiple operation modes to synchronize exposure periods and illumination across pixels, using a rolling shutter method with adjustable scanning rates, exposure times, and gain settings, and includes independent light sources for improved measurement accuracy and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rolling shutter is used to drive the imaging element, then the imaging element can sequentially read imaging signals from multiple rows of pixels, but the exposure periods of different pixels do not overlap, leading to inconsistent illumination and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination control adaptive to the rolling shutter scanning process. The light source is dynamically controlled to turn on and off in synchronization with the sequential exposure of different pixel rows, ensuring that each pixel receives illumination during its specific exposure period while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the rolling shutter mechanism that sequentially exposes different rows of pixels at different time intervals. By controlling the light source to provide periodic illumination that matches this sequential exposure pattern, the system maintains both high imaging speed and measurement accuracy.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is continuously turned on during exposure periods of all pixels, then all pixels receive sufficient illumination, but energy consumption increases and illumination consistency across overlapping exposure periods cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the light source to turn on before the exposure period of each pixel row begins and turn off after exposure ends. This timing control ensures that illumination is provided exactly when needed for each pixel's exposure, maintaining illumination consistency while avoiding continuous operation that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the light source on during the overlapping exposure periods of different pixel rows. This continuous illumination during the scanning process ensures that all pixels receive sufficient light for accurate imaging and measurement, while the light source is turned off during non-exposure periods to conserve energy.
3Measurement precision
If exposure periods of pixels are made to overlap, then real-time measurement capability is improved, but illumination control becomes more complex and image distortion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using the controller to monitor and adjust the light source timing based on the rolling shutter scanning status. The controller receives information about which pixel rows are currently being exposed and adjusts the illumination timing accordingly, ensuring that overlapping exposure periods receive appropriate illumination while preventing image distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the controller as an intermediary between the rolling shutter mechanism and the light source. This intermediary coordinates the timing and intensity of illumination to match the sequential exposure pattern, simplifying the overall control complexity while enabling real-time measurement capability through overlapping exposure periods.
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 enhances measurement accuracy and reduces image distortion by ensuring consistent exposure and illumination across all pixels, enabling real-time measurement and image processing with improved precision.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that generates imaging signals by imaging a subject
Implementation Method 2
an illuminator that includes a light source generating illumination light emitted to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes an imaging element, a video signal generating circuit, an illuminator, and one or more controllers. An imaging area in which a plurality of pixels are disposed includes a scanning area. In a case in which a first operation mode is set, the one or more controllers control the imaging element such that at least parts of the exposure periods of the pixels disposed in at least a part of the scanning area overlap each other. In a case in which a second operation mode is set, the one or more controllers control the illuminator such that the light source is turned on in a period in which at least parts of the exposure periods of the pixels disposed in at least a part of the scanning area overlap each other.