Endoscope Image Sensor Assembly with Calibration Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope imaging devices face challenges in maintaining small dimensions while ensuring efficient operation and image quality, often affected by 'bad' pixels and fixed pattern noise, which current calibration methods struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a calibration data memory separate from the image sensor, housed in a connector within the sensor assembly, allowing for pixel correction and minimizing sensor size through a calibration process that generates calibrated image signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image sensor size is reduced to minimize patient impact, then the endoscope becomes smaller and less invasive, but image quality deteriorates due to bad pixels and fixed pattern noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the image sensor before the endoscope is used in clinical practice. During the calibration process, bad pixels are identified and correction values are stored in memory, so that when the endoscope is later used for imaging, the correction data is already available to compensate for defective pixels, thereby maintaining image quality despite the small sensor size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital representation of the bad pixel locations and correction values, storing this calibration data in memory separate from the sensor array. This allows the system to replicate the effect of a perfect sensor by applying correction values from the stored calibration data, effectively copying the desired image quality without needing a larger physical sensor
2Volume of moving object
If calibration data is stored in the connector memory, then the sensor assembly remains compact, but the complexity of calibration and data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration data storage function with the existing connector structure. The connector, which already exists for electrical connections, is enhanced by integrating memory components into it, thereby combining multiple functions (electrical connection and data storage) into a single component without significantly increasing the overall sensor assembly size
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically performing calibration procedures and storing correction data without requiring external intervention during normal operation. The calibration can be performed using test patterns generated by the system itself, and the correction values are automatically stored in the connector memory, reducing the need for manual calibration processes
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope (10), consisting of an image sensor (20) which is configured to generate an image signal and a control circuit (34) which is mounted on the endoscope. The control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from a processor (54). The endoscope includes a connector (32) which is connected to the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit. In addition, the connector includes a memory (60) storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor. The control circuit adjusts the image signal, based on the calibration data stored in the memory, to form a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the processor.