Endoscopic Strobe Timing for Rolling-Shutter Vocal Cord Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video endoscopy systems using rolling shutter type image sensors face challenges in effectively utilizing these sensors for laryngeal stroboscopy due to inadequate exposure of all image sensor array lines during strobe illumination, limiting their use and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A video endoscopy system with a light source that generates pulses based on vocalization frequency, an exposure controller that adjusts pulse duration and position, and a digital gain module that applies selective gains to compensate for exposure gaps in rolling shutter frames, allowing for improved image capture and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rolling shutter type image sensors are used in laryngeal stroboscopy, then cost is reduced and resolution capability is improved, but inadequate exposure of image sensor array lines occurs during strobe illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the strobe illumination timing and duration to match the rolling shutter readout sequence. The strobe light is pulsed at specific moments during the rolling shutter exposure to ensure all lines receive adequate illumination, transforming a static illumination approach into a dynamic one that adapts to the sensor's temporal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of strobe illumination (timing, duration, intensity) to optimize exposure across all image sensor lines. By adjusting when and how long the strobe light activates during the rolling shutter readout, the system compensates for the varying exposure times of different lines, ensuring uniform image quality across the entire frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rolling shutter type image sensors are used in laryngeal stroboscopy, then interoperability across scope platforms is enhanced, but inadequate exposure of image sensor array lines occurs during strobe illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal strobe synchronization method that works with rolling shutter sensors across different scope platforms. By establishing a standardized approach to timing and controlling the strobe light relative to the rolling shutter readout, the system achieves interoperability while maintaining exposure quality, allowing the same technique to be applied across multiple devices and manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust strobe timing based on the actual rolling shutter readout sequence. By detecting the synchronization state and adjusting the strobe illumination timing accordingly, the system ensures consistent exposure quality across different platforms that may have varying readout speeds and timing characteristics.
3Device complexity
If standard strobe illumination is used with rolling shutter sensors, then simple implementation is maintained, but exposure gaps occur in the captured frames
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the strobe illumination into multiple pulses distributed throughout the rolling shutter readout sequence. Instead of using a single continuous or single-pulse illumination, the strobe light is activated at multiple discrete time points during the frame capture, ensuring that different portions of the image sensor array receive illumination at appropriate moments during their respective exposure windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic strobe illumination pulses that are synchronized with the rolling shutter readout cycle. By repeating the illumination pattern at regular intervals that match the sensor's temporal characteristics, the system ensures consistent exposure across all lines while maintaining a relatively simple implementation that builds on standard strobe technology.
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-resolution imaging of vocal cord movements using rolling shutter sensors, reducing costs and enhancing interoperability across scope platforms while maintaining effective strobe illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The strobe light emits light flashes at a rate either matched with or very slightly different than the vibration base frequency of the vocal folds, causing the folds to appear to move in slow motion when viewed through the scope.
Implementation Method 2
The imager generates a first frame and a second frame of a plurality of video frames using a rolling shutter
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, scope device, and camera control module device for a video endoscopy system, to enable scopes to operate with a rolling shutter-type image sensor. With selected pulsing of a strobe light, subset image data from adjacent rolling-shutter frames is selected, gain compensated for missing light and combined into a new single video frame.