Endoscope Flush Detection for Rolling Shutter Artifact Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rolling shutter effect in CMOS sensors of endoscopes is exacerbated by rinsing operations, causing image distortions and bright reflections due to moving liquids or gases, which can be misinterpreted as apparatus malfunction.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system that monitors pressure changes in the rinsing fluid flow to detect flush events, adjusting illumination and capture modes accordingly, using modules like impulse detection, slope determination, and state determination to manage the rolling shutter effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rinsing fluid is sprayed to clean the distal light entrance surface, then the image quality is improved by removing debris, but the rolling shutter effect is exacerbated causing image distortions and bright reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of flush events through pressure monitoring before the actual rinsing operation begins. By detecting the pressure changes that precede fluid spray, the system can proactively switch to an anti-rolling shutter mode, preventing image distortions before they occur during the rinsing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes in the rinsing fluid flow and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the video capture mode. When flush events are detected through pressure signatures, the system automatically switches between rolling shutter and anti-rolling shutter modes, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source intensity is increased to improve visibility, then the image brightness is improved, but bright reflections from liquid droplets are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The light source intensity is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts illumination levels based on detected flush events and image analysis. When liquid droplets or rinsing fluids are detected, the system reduces light intensity to minimize reflections, while maintaining high brightness during normal operation for optimal visibility.
3Device complexity
If a CMOS sensor with rolling shutter mode is used, then the device complexity is reduced compared to global shutter, but image distortions occur during fast-moving object capture
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operation mode is made dynamic, allowing the system to switch between rolling shutter and anti-rolling shutter modes based on real-time conditions. The CMOS sensor maintains its simpler rolling shutter architecture during normal operation, but automatically transitions to an enhanced anti-rolling shutter mode when flush events are detected, combining simplicity with precision when needed.
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
Minimizes display anomalies during flush operations by adapting video and illumination modes, providing a smoother transition and improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor signal is from a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change in the rinsing fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic system, endoscope, and method for its operation are disclosed. The system comprises a light source, an endoscope with a distal light entrance surface, an image sensor capturing images through the light entrance surface and a rinsing device for providing a rinsing fluid flow for rinsing the light entrance surface, the method including the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor detecting a user input starting a rinsing operation of the rinsing device, and, upon receipt of the sensor signal, changing an illumination mode of the light source from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode and/or changing the video capture from a first video capture mode to a second video capture mode. The second illumination and/or video capture mask undesirable visual artifacts which can occur when collecting images with a rolling shutter sensors while performing a liquid flush of the light entrance surface.