Endoscopic Camera Illumination Feedback for Attenuation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices, such as endoscopes, suffer from variability in illumination due to separate calibration of the illumination source and image capture device, leading to inconsistencies in light attenuation and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop control system is implemented using light sensors positioned at various points along the light path from the illumination source to the image capture device, measuring power and wavelength of the received light to adjust the illumination source's output and calibration parameters accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate calibration is performed for the illumination source and image capture device, then each component can be optimized independently, but variability in illumination and light attenuation occurs leading to inconsistent image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A light sensor is integrated into the image capture device to measure the actual light received from the illumination source. This measurement is fed back to the controller system, which adjusts the illumination source output to compensate for variations in light transmission through the light guide, thereby maintaining consistent illumination at the image sensor despite separate calibration of components
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor acts as an intermediary element between the illumination source and image sensor, measuring the actual light conditions and enabling the controller to bridge the gap caused by separate calibration processes. This intermediary measurement allows for real-time compensation of illumination variations
2Reliability
If a light sensor is integrated into the image capture device to measure received light, then illumination consistency can be maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor is merged with the image capture device structure, allowing it to be positioned at strategic locations such as the connector or within the housing. This integration enables the light measurement function to be combined with the existing image capture architecture rather than requiring completely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor serves multiple functions: measuring overall light power, detecting wavelength distribution, and providing data for both illumination compensation and potential color calibration. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component
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 system provides consistent illumination by compensating for light attenuation, improving image quality and reducing variability in the image capture process.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor configured to measure a power and/or a wavelength of the received light
Implementation Method 2
a light guide with a connector configured to connect to the connection port and receive light supplied by the illumination source
Implementation Method 3
a light guide with a connector configured to connect to the connection port and receive light supplied by the illumination source
Implementation Method 4
The controller system is configured to adjust operation based on the measured power of the received light
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination source may be coupled to an image capture device through a connector. A light sensor is placed downstream of the connector to measure the light received by the image capture device from the illumination source. The light sensor provides the measurement of the received light to the illumination source for closed-loop control of illumination source. The light sensor may be positioned in a camera housing to take into account light attenuation from the illumination source to the camera. The light sensor may be positioned at other locations on the image capture device. Multiple light sensors may be positioned at different locations on the image capture device to detect sources or locations of attenuation. Redundant light sensors of more than one type of sensor may be used at a single light sensor location to provide for validation of measurements and increase the variety of information measured.