Endoscope Solid-State Image Pickup Variable Charge Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems face challenges in maintaining consistent image brightness during fluorescence observation, particularly in regions like the bronchus and alimentary tract, due to varying intensities of auto-fluorescence and chemifluorescence, which affects the accuracy of lesion diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a solid-state image-pickup device and a memory system that controls the accumulation period of charges in the CCD, allowing for optimal adjustment of sensitivity and brightness levels based on stored data specific to different anatomical regions, ensuring consistent image brightness and improved diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the accumulation period of charges in the solid-state image-pickup device is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the image brightness varies significantly across different anatomical regions during fluorescence observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charge accumulation period variable rather than fixed. The drive unit dynamically adjusts the accumulation period based on the anatomical region being observed, allowing the system to adapt to varying fluorescence intensities across different body cavities while maintaining consistent image brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of charge accumulation period to resolve the brightness inconsistency problem. By storing multiple accumulation period values in memory and selecting appropriate values based on the observed region, the system optimizes image brightness without requiring complex hardware modifications.
2Illumination intensity
If the sensitivity of the CCD is varied to maintain constant average brightness, then the image brightness remains consistent, but the intensity ratio between auto-fluorescence and reflected light varies greatly depending on the region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple accumulation period values in memory corresponding to different anatomical regions. Before observation, the appropriate accumulation period is selected and set based on the target region, allowing the system to maintain both brightness consistency and measurement accuracy without real-time complex calculations.
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
The system achieves consistent image brightness and enhanced diagnostic capabilities by optimizing charge accumulation periods and sensitivity control, thereby improving the visibility and detection of lesions during fluorescence observation.
Implementation Method 1
The solid-state image-pickup device photoelectrically converts the optical image
Implementation Method 2
when excitation light is irradiated to a living-body tissue, the fluorescence is generated at the long wavelength side due to the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
light caused by fluorescence induced by an chemical agent injected into a living body
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope that has a solid-state image-pickup device in which charges are accumulated in order to pick up an object image. The endoscope apparatus further comprises a memory in which a plurality of pieces of information on the accumulation period during which charges are accumulated in the solid-state image-pickup device is stored, and a drive unit that controls the accumulation period, during which charges are accumulated in the solid-state image-pickup device, on the basis of the pieces of information on the accumulation period stored in the memory. The endoscope further includes an optical member whose surface is shaped rotationally asymmetric. Correction information stored in a memory and associated with the optical element is used to correct an output signal of the solid-state image-pickup device.