Endoscope Focus Control via Motion Reliability Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses face challenges in implementing appropriate focus control during endoscopic procedures due to unnecessary focus operations caused by changes in contrast or temporary motions, leading to instability and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus equipped with a processor that acquires motion information, determines its reliability, and decides whether to perform a focus operation based on this information, thereby reducing unnecessary focus operations and ensuring proper focus control during various scenes in endoscopic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autofocus control is performed using contrast change or motion sensor output, then focus operation is triggered, but unnecessary focus operations occur due to temporary motions or contrast changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors motion information and motion reliability over multiple frames, using feedback loops to determine whether to perform focus operations. The processor compares current motion data with previous frames and adjusts focus control decisions based on the consistency and reliability of motion detection, preventing unnecessary focus operations while ensuring proper focus when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of motion information reliability before triggering focus operations. By evaluating motion patterns in advance and determining reliability metrics, the system prepares to execute focus control only when motion information is verified as reliable, avoiding premature or unnecessary focus adjustments.
2Productivity
If focus operation is performed frequently to maintain deep depth of field, then focus control responsiveness is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial focus operations only when motion information reliability exceeds predetermined thresholds, rather than performing continuous or excessive focus adjustments. By selectively applying focus control based on verified motion conditions, the system maintains responsiveness to genuine focus needs while avoiding unnecessary operations that would destabilize the system.
3Measurement precision
If motion-based focus control is implemented, then focus accuracy is improved, but false triggering increases due to temporary motions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic evaluation of motion information across multiple frames before triggering focus operations. By assessing motion patterns over a sequence of frames rather than reacting to single-frame motion detection, the system distinguishes between temporary motions and genuine focus requirements, improving trigger reliability while maintaining focus accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes a processor comprising hardware. The processor implements a motion information acquisition process that acquires motion information representing a relative motion with respect to an imaging section and an object, a motion information determination process that determines motion information reliability indicating reliability of the motion information, and a focus control process that determines whether or not to perform a focus operation to cause the imaging section to bring the object into focus based on the motion information and the motion information reliability.