Endoscopic Video Artifact Reduction via Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems with multiple cameras and light sources often suffer from video artifacts, such as a 'thin line' artifact near the top edge of images, due to the interaction between CCD and CMOS imaging devices and their respective light sources, leading to incomplete views and potential missed abnormalities during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system with a controller that synchronizes the video clock signals and light source duty cycles between the main and auxiliary imaging devices to reduce artifacts, using a phase lock loop circuit to match frequencies and phases, and adjusting light source timing to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple imaging devices and light sources are used to provide comprehensive views, then the completeness of the examination is improved, but video artifacts appear on the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the operation of multiple light sources with the imaging frame rate. The controller alternates activation of the first and second light sources in sync with the imaging device's frame rate, ensuring that only one light source is active during each exposure period. This periodic switching eliminates video artifacts caused by simultaneous light sources while maintaining comprehensive illumination for complete examination.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are activated continuously to ensure proper illumination, then image quality is improved, but artifacts such as thin lines appear near the top edge of images
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic action by pulsing the light sources in synchronization with the imaging frame rate. Instead of continuous activation, each light source is turned on only during its designated time slot within each frame cycle. This periodic switching maintains adequate illumination for image quality while preventing the thin line artifacts that occur when multiple light sources are simultaneously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the light source activation timing with the imaging device's exposure timing before image capture begins. The system establishes the correct temporal relationship between light source activation and image exposure in advance, ensuring that light sources are activated at the precise moments when they should illuminate the scene without causing artifacts.
3Area of stationary object
If the main camera is repositioned to capture images from different angles, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the procedure time is prolonged and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple imaging devices (main camera and auxiliary camera) into a single integrated system. Both cameras are simultaneously positioned to capture different views of the examination area, and the controller coordinates their operation. This merging eliminates the need to reposition the main camera for different angles, as both front and rear views are captured concurrently, reducing procedure time and patient discomfort while maintaining comprehensive viewing coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing an effect of a video artifact includes adjusting a phase of a second imaging device's video clock signal so that a phase of the second imaging device's video synchronization signal matches a phase of a first imaging device's video synchronization signal. An endoscopic system includes a first imaging device, a second imaging device, a light source, and a controller that reduces an artifact in an image produced by the first imaging device. In some embodiments, the first imaging device faces the light source.