Endoscope Field Stop Encoding for Automatic Camera Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic camera systems lack the ability to automatically identify and adjust settings based on the specific endoscope being used, leading to suboptimal image processing and display during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic camera system encodes endoscope information on a field stop using notches or slots of varying widths and lengths, allowing the camera control unit to analyze this information and adjust operational settings accordingly, including image processing and display modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification and setting adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to time-consuming manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope automatically identifies itself to the camera control unit through encoded information on the field stop, eliminating the need for manual identification and setting configuration by the operator. The system self-configures based on the encoded endoscope type information.
Solution Approach 2:
Endoscope information is pre-encoded on the field stop during manufacturing, including endoscope type and identification data. This preliminary encoding allows the camera control unit to automatically retrieve and apply appropriate settings without manual intervention during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If generic camera settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to suboptimal processing for specific endoscope types
Solution Approach 1:
The camera control unit applies different image processing and operational settings tailored to each specific endoscope type identified through the encoded information. Each endoscope receives customized settings optimized for its specific characteristics rather than generic settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts camera operational parameters such as image processing settings, display settings, and light source settings based on the endoscope type identified from the encoded field stop information, optimizing image quality for each specific endoscope.
3Reliability
If no endoscope identification system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to track and validate endoscope-camera compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The camera control unit receives feedback from the encoded field stop information to automatically verify endoscope-camera compatibility and adjust settings accordingly. The system validates the connection and provides feedback on appropriate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Endoscope information including type and identification data is pre-encoded on the field stop, enabling preliminary validation of endoscope-camera compatibility before operation begins. The system checks compatibility in advance to prevent improper configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An endoscopic camera system has an endoscope (12) having a field stop (100) encoded with endoscope information; a camera head (14) coupleable to the endoscope, the camera head generating image data including the endoscope information (104); and a camera control unit (16) coupleable to the camera head to receive image data from the camera head; and wherein the camera control unit is configured to analyze the endoscope information to identify the endoscope coupled to the camera head.