Endoscope Imaging Control for Low-Light 3D Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope apparatuses face challenges in accurately performing three-dimensional measurements under varying light conditions, particularly when light quantities are low, leading to image distortion and reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus includes a light quantity detector and controllers that adjust exposure times and illumination based on detected light levels, ensuring overlapping exposure periods for pixels and controlling the light source to optimize image capture, thereby reducing distortion and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is continuously turned on to improve image quality in low-light conditions, then image brightness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is controlled to be turned on and off periodically according to the exposure timing of the imaging element. The controller turns on the light source only during the exposure period when the imaging element is capturing images, and turns it off during non-exposure periods. This periodic operation ensures that the subject is properly illuminated during image capture while minimizing power consumption during periods when imaging is not occurring.
2Illumination intensity
If the exposure time is extended to capture more light in low-light conditions, then image brightness is improved, but image distortion increases due to subject movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic illumination synchronized with the imaging element's exposure timing. By turning on the light source only during the brief exposure period and keeping it off during non-exposure periods, the system provides sufficient light for image capture without requiring extended exposure times that would cause distortion from subject movement or tissue deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element performs continuous imaging operations with rapid sequential exposure of different pixel rows. The light source is turned on and off in synchronization with each exposure period, ensuring continuous useful action for image capture while maintaining short exposure times to prevent distortion.
3Loss of energy
If the light source is turned off to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but image quality deteriorates in low-light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic operation of the light source, turning it on during exposure periods when the imaging element captures images and turning it off during non-exposure periods. This ensures that energy is consumed only when necessary for image capture, improving energy efficiency while maintaining image quality during the exposure periods when the light is on.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of three-dimensional measurements by minimizing image distortion and power consumption, even in low-light conditions, by dynamically adjusting exposure times and illumination.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element (imaging unit) that generates imaging signals by imaging a subject
Implementation Method 2
an illuminator (light source) that generates illumination light and emits the illumination light to a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes an imaging element, a video signal generating circuit, an illuminator, a light quantity detector, and one or more controllers. An imaging area in which a plurality of pixels are disposed includes a scanning area. The one or more controllers control the imaging element such that at least parts of exposure periods of the pixels disposed in at least a part of the scanning area overlap each other, in a case in which the light quantity is less than a predetermined quantity. The one or more controllers control the illuminator such that the light source is turned on in a period in which at least parts of the exposure periods of the pixels disposed in at least a part of the scanning area overlap each other, in a case in which the light quantity is less than the predetermined quantity.