Endoscopic Imaging Sensor Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with image sensors placed in handpieces are prone to misalignment and damage, limiting their use in capturing high-quality images, especially in light-deficient environments, and are unable to accommodate multiple imaging systems necessary for laser mapping and color imaging within the small distal tip.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic imaging system with a CMOS image sensor placed at the distal end, utilizing minimal area image sensors and pulsing electromagnetic radiation to generate laser mapping data alongside RGB images, allowing for precise measurements and topographical outlines in a light-deficient environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor is placed in the handpiece unit, then the sensor can capture color images, but the endoscope becomes delicate and prone to misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional endoscope architecture by placing the image sensor at the distal end within the body cavity instead of in the handpiece unit. This reversal makes the sensor more robust against misalignment and damage while maintaining imaging capability through optical coupling with the distal tip.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging systems are accommodated in the distal tip, then laser mapping and color imaging can be performed simultaneously, but the physical space required exceeds what a small distal tip can accommodate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges laser mapping imaging and color imaging systems into a single integrated sensor platform at the distal end. By combining these functions in one location, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate sensors that would exceed the available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end sensor system is designed with universal multi-functionality, capable of performing both laser mapping and color imaging tasks. This single sensor unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate imaging systems, accommodating both functions within the constrained distal tip space.
3Area of stationary object
If a conventional digital camera image sensor with color filter array is used, then color images can be captured, but the pixel array cannot fit in the small distal end of an endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image sensor from the handpiece unit and places it directly at the distal end within the body cavity. This extraction enables the use of a smaller sensor format that fits the constrained space while maintaining adequate imaging capability for both laser mapping and color imaging functions.
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
Enables high-definition imaging with reduced pixel counts, cancels fixed pattern noise, and overlays laser mapping data onto RGB images, providing precise measurements and topographical information within a small, constrained space.
Implementation Method 1
the pixel array senses instances of reflected electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
an emitter pulses instances of electromagnetic radiation in an environment
Data Source
AI summary
Laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.