Endoscopic Auto Zoom for Display Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic systems require manual adjustment of optical and digital zoom to optimize medical images on a display, which is cumbersome and lacks automation, and does not utilize gesture detection or voice control for image optimization.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic system and method that automatically adjusts optical and digital zoom, and optionally uses gesture detection or voice control, to optimize medical images for proper sizing on a medical display, accounting for various display dimensions, imager types, and imaging conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of optical and digital zoom is used, then the medical image can be optimized for the display, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of image optimizationVSAvoidtime for manual adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the display dimensions and calculates the optimal zoom factor without user intervention. The processor receives display dimension information, computes the appropriate optical and digital zoom settings, and adjusts the imaging system automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-determines the optimal zoom settings by first receiving display dimension information and calculating the required zoom factor before actual image display. This preliminary calculation of zoom parameters based on display characteristics enables immediate optimal image presentation without requiring manual adjustment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If automatic zoom adjustment is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of zoom adjustmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor performs multiple functions: receiving display dimension information, calculating optimal zoom factors, controlling optical zoom, and coordinating digital zoom. By consolidating these functions into a single processing unit that already handles image processing and system coordination, the patent achieves automatic zoom adjustment without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary processing step where the processor calculates the optimal zoom factor based on display dimensions before applying the zoom. This mathematical calculation acts as a simple intermediary that translates display characteristics into appropriate zoom settings without requiring complex mechanical or optical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If optical and digital zoom are both used for image optimization, then the image can be properly sized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sizing precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of zoom system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the combination of optical and digital zoom based on the calculated optimal zoom factor. The processor determines the appropriate split between optical zoom (via lens adjustment) and digital zoom (via image processing), allowing flexible dynamic adjustment rather than fixed mechanical arrangements, thereby achieving precise image sizing with adaptable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters (optical zoom level and digital zoom level) to achieve the desired image size. By controlling the optical zoom through lens parameter adjustment and digital zoom through image processing parameters, the system achieves precise image sizing through parameter optimization rather than complex mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2719318B1Auto zoom for video camera
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 KARL STORZ IMAGING INC
  • EP2719318B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2719318B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2719318B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An endoscope, endoscopic system and method for filling a medical display with a medical image involving sizing the medical image so that it covers at least one of the dimensions of the medical display. Automatically sizing the medical image to fit either the vertical, horizontal, or corner-to-corner dimensions of the surgical display, the sizing of the image involving adjusting the image size to account for changing zoom factors, endoscopes and imaging conditions.