Endoscopic Camera Illumination Feedback for Attenuation Control
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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 the illumination source and image capture device are separately calibrated, then each component can be optimized independently, but the illumination consistency and image quality become variable due to uncoordinated calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a light sensor measures the actual light output from the illumination source and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the illumination source output based on this feedback to maintain consistent illumination levels, resolving the contradiction between independent calibration and illumination consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the calibration process of the illumination source with the image capture device calibration by using the same light sensor and controller to coordinate both components. This integration ensures that the illumination source and image capture device are calibrated together rather than independently, achieving consistent illumination while maintaining the benefits of separate component optimization.
2Device complexity
If light attenuation is not compensated, then the system remains simple, but image quality becomes variable due to inconsistent illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor provides continuous feedback on the actual light reaching the image capture device, allowing the controller to detect and compensate for light attenuation in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain consistent image quality despite variations in light transmission, justifying the added complexity through improved performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of the illumination source output based on real-time light measurements. Rather than using a fixed calibration, the system dynamically adapts the illumination levels to compensate for changing light attenuation conditions, ensuring consistent image quality while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are positioned at different locations, then light attenuation can be measured at various points, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path into multiple measurement points by positioning light sensors at different locations along the optical path. This segmentation allows the system to measure light attenuation at various stages (e.g., at the connector, within the light guide, and at the image capture device), providing precise attenuation data while managing complexity through targeted measurement locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality measurement by placing light sensors at specific critical locations where light attenuation occurs or can be detected (such as at connectors or within light guide segments). This targeted approach provides precise attenuation measurements at the most important points without requiring uniform distribution of sensors throughout the entire system, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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 provides consistent illumination by compensating for light attenuation, improving image quality and reducing variability in the illumination system.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide with a connector configured to connect to the connection port and receive light supplied by the illumination source
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor configured to measure a power and/or a wavelength 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.