Endoscope Focus Control for Interchangeable Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient focus control, particularly when using interchangeable optical systems without direct access to optical characteristics, as existing methods are limited in handling unknown systems and may result in unstable focus operations.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus determines whether the interchangeable optical system is known or unknown and adjusts the focus lens control accordingly, using distinct step amount determination processes to optimize focus control based on the system's type, utilizing feature amounts from captured images to set appropriate step amounts for the focus lens movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single step amount determination process is used for all optical systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of focus control deteriorates when unknown optical systems are attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the focus control process into two distinct determination processes: a first process for known optical systems and a second process for unknown optical systems. The processor segments the control logic based on system identification, applying appropriate step amount determination methods to each category, thereby maintaining reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters (step amount determination method) based on the type of optical system detected. When an unknown optical system is identified, the system switches to the second determination process which uses different parameters (such as vignetting detection and focus evaluation) compared to the first process that uses predetermined optical characteristics.
2Productivity
If the step amount is increased to shorten focus time, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to peak point missed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic step amount adjustment where the step size and determination process adapt based on the optical system type and current focus state. The system uses multiple determination processes that dynamically select appropriate step amounts, allowing larger steps when safe and smaller steps when precision is needed to avoid missing peak points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors focus evaluation values and uses this feedback to adjust the step amount and determination process. By evaluating focus metrics in real-time and comparing results, the system can determine whether to increase or decrease step sizes, ensuring both speed and accuracy in focus acquisition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope apparatus supports multiple interchangeable optical systems, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring optical characteristics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the optical system automatically provides identification information through electrical contacts, and the system performs self-diagnosis through vignetting detection and focus evaluation. This reduces the need for manual configuration and simplifies the detection process for diverse optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal determination process that can handle both known and unknown optical systems using the same basic framework. The system performs multiple functions: electrical contact reading, vignetting detection, focus evaluation, and adaptive step amount determination, all within a single multi-functional architecture that works across different optical system types.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes an optical system including a focus lens, a connector to which an interchangeable optical system is connected, an image sensor configured to output a captured image based on the optical system and the interchangeable optical system, and a processor including hardware. The processor performs a determination process of determining whether the interchangeable optical system is a known or unknown optical system, implements a first step amount determination process when the interchangeable optical system is determined to be a known optical system, and implements a second step amount determination process when the interchangeable optical system is determined to be an unknown optical system and controls the focus lens based on step amount information determined.