Endoscope Image Processing via Non-Linear Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with simple LED light sources often result in overexposure and underexposure issues when inserted into body cavities, leading to loss of information in images due to pixel saturation, particularly in tubular structures like the lungs, where regions close to the tip are overexposed while those further away are underexposed.
Innovation Solution
A method using a non-linear scaling model adapted to the body cavity to adjust image data, ensuring no regions covering more than two neighboring pixels are saturated, and emphasizing the central part of the field of view, combined with exposure settings and gamma correction to enhance image quality and visibility of details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple LED light source is used without optical components, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but image quality deteriorates due to overexposure and underexposure causing pixel saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gamma correction and non-linear scaling to transform the linear light intensity distribution from the LED into a non-linear distribution that compensates for the distance-dependent attenuation. By adjusting the intensity parameters dynamically based on distance from the tip, the system achieves uniform illumination without adding optical components, thus resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical solution (lenses, light guides, reflectors) with an electronic/software solution (gamma correction, non-linear scaling algorithms). This substitution maintains the simplicity of the physical device while achieving the desired light distribution through digital processing of the LED intensity output
2Ease of operation
If the light source illuminates the entire field of view uniformly, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pixel saturation in bright areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-dependent intensity control where different regions of the field of view receive different light intensities based on their distance from the endoscope tip. Areas closer to the tip receive lower intensity to prevent saturation, while distant areas receive higher intensity to ensure sufficient illumination. This local differentiation maintains measurement precision across the entire image while preserving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gamma correction and non-linear scaling algorithms that effectively create a feedback mechanism, where the displayed image brightness is adjusted based on the detected intensity distribution. This allows operators to achieve optimal image quality for analysis without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If exposure settings are optimized for central field of view, then measurement precision is improved in the central area, but ease of operation deteriorates as peripheral areas become underexposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-linear scaling transformations that dynamically adjust intensity parameters across different spatial locations in the field of view. By changing the intensity distribution parameters based on position, the system achieves both central area detail visibility and adequate peripheral illumination simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining and processing image data by using a medical visual aid system including a monitor and an endoscope configured to be inserted into a body cavity and including an image capturing device and a light emitting device, the method including illuminating a field of view of the image capturing device with the light emitting device, capturing the image data using the image capturing device, providing a non-linear scaling model adapted to the body cavity, adjusting the image data by applying the non-linear scaling model such that adjusted image data is formed, and presenting the adjusted image data on the monitor.