Endoscope Focus Evaluation Area Dynamics for Precision Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual focus adjustment in surgical endoscopes is challenging due to the difficulty in determining whether an object is in front or back focus, leading to incorrect adjustments and increased surgery time, especially when the object is not centered in the field of view.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a processor that sets a larger focus evaluation area in manual focus mode, generates assist information based on the focus evaluation value, and outputs this information on the object image, allowing for precise adjustment of the in-focus object plane position based on operation input and object shape detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small focus evaluation area is used in manual focus mode, then the assist information is more precise for the evaluated area, but the risk of mismatch between assist information and intended focus object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus evaluation area size variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the area size based on detection results - initially using a large area to ensure the intended focus object is included, then shrinking to a smaller area for precise focus evaluation once the object is identified. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the area size to different stages of the focus adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first detecting the object shape and preliminarily determining the intended focus object before performing precise focus evaluation. The system preliminarily sets a large focus evaluation area that is likely to include the intended focus object, then uses object shape detection to refine the area. This preliminary identification step ensures that subsequent precise measurements are performed on the correct object.
2Reliability
If a large focus evaluation area is used in manual focus mode, then the intended focus object is more likely to be included, but the focus evaluation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the focus evaluation area size in two stages: first using a large area to ensure the intended focus object is included, then shrinking to a smaller area for precise focus evaluation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by using large area when reliability is prioritized and small area when precision is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the focus adjustment process into distinct stages with different area sizes. The process is segmented into: (1) object shape detection stage with large evaluation area, (2) preliminary focus evaluation stage with medium area, and (3) precise focus evaluation stage with small area. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific goal.
3Device complexity
If manual focus adjustment is performed without assist information, then the device operation is simpler, but the focus adjustment time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing real-time assist information to the user during manual focus adjustment. The system continuously evaluates focus quality within the detected object area and provides visual feedback (such as focus evaluation metrics or directional guidance) that helps the user make informed adjustment decisions. This feedback mechanism reduces adjustment time and improves precision while maintaining relative operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting the object shape and determining the intended focus object without requiring user intervention. The focus evaluation area is automatically set and adjusted based on object detection results, freeing the user to concentrate on the actual focus adjustment task while the system handles the complex detection and evaluation processes.
4Device complexity
If the focus evaluation area is fixed in size, then the device operation is simpler, but the adaptability to different object sizes and positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus evaluation area size variable and adaptive. The system automatically adjusts the area size based on the detected object size and position, using larger areas for larger objects and smaller areas for smaller objects. This dynamic adaptation provides versatility across different surgical scenarios while the automation keeps operational complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by varying the focus evaluation area parameters (size and position) based on object detection results. The area parameters are dynamically modified to match the scale and location of the intended focus object, enabling the system to adapt to different object sizes and positions without requiring manual configuration or complex user input.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a processor. The processor, in a manual focus mode, sets a focus evaluation area to have a larger size than the focus evaluation area set in an auto focus mode, generates assist information assisting adjustment of the in-focus object plane position based on a focus evaluation value obtained from an image of the focus evaluation area, and outputting the assist information to a display section.