Endoscopic Image Sensor Timing Control for Multi-Light Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopy procedures often involve switching between different light sources, leading to misalignment of images and inaccurate symptom judgment due to the inability to synchronize image capture with light source changes.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor device with a timing control module synchronizes the operation of multiple light sources, including white, structured, infrared, ultraviolet, and narrow band imaging light, to generate synchronized image signals by controlling the light sources and image sensor in tandem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are switched during endoscopy, then different imaging modes (white light, narrow band imaging) can be obtained, but image alignment accuracy deteriorates due to endoscope displacement between switches
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images from multiple light sources in rapid succession before significant endoscope displacement occurs. The timing control module coordinates the light source switching and image capture to complete the multi-mode imaging within a predetermined short time window, ensuring spatial coherence between images taken at different light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by implementing continuous or near-continuous imaging across light source transitions. Rather than stopping imaging during light source switching, the system keeps the image sensor active and captures images in a continuous sequence, ensuring that the imaging process remains uninterrupted and spatially consistent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are switched between frames, then multiple imaging modes can be captured, but temporal continuity deteriorates causing discontinuous image display
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by establishing a regular, predetermined pattern for light source switching synchronized with the image sensor frame rate. The timing control module creates a periodic sequence where light sources are switched at specific intervals corresponding to frame boundaries, ensuring that each frame is associated with a specific light source in a predictable, repeating pattern that maintains temporal coherence.
3Measurement precision
If images from different light sources are captured separately, then each imaging mode can be optimized, but diagnostic efficiency deteriorates due to sequential viewing requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple imaging modes by capturing images from different light sources within the same temporal window and combining them into a unified image set. The timing control module ensures that images from white light, narrow band imaging, and other modes are captured in close succession and can be displayed together or compared directly, allowing the physician to view multiple imaging modes simultaneously rather than sequentially.
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
Ensures continuous image display across light source transitions, enhancing detection accuracy by allowing simultaneous viewing of images from different light sources, thereby improving diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor is electrically connected to the image processor and is configured to sense reflected light generated by the part to be measured when illuminated by the light source device, and convert a light signal corresponding to the reflected light into an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor device, which is suitable for coupling with an image processor and a light source device which used to emit at least two kinds of light sources. The image sensor device includes an image sensor and a timing control module. The image sensor is used to sense reflected light generated by a part to be measured when illuminated by the light source device, and convert the light signal corresponding to the reflected light into an image signal and then transmit it to the image processor. The timing control module uses a synchronization signal to synchronously control the light source device and the image sensor. According to the different light sources required by the image sensor in each frame, the light source device is synchronously controlled to switch and activate between the light sources, so that the image sensor generates different image signals corresponding to different light sources.