Imaging System Electronic Shutter Control for Variable Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in obtaining images with proper brightness due to variations in light sources, as existing systems struggle to adjust image quality effectively between internal and external light sources, particularly when using different wavelength bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with an image sensor featuring an electronic shutter function, a light source for illumination, and a control unit that identifies the light source classification to set appropriate electronic shutter control patterns, ensuring optimal exposure regardless of the light source used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the electronic shutter function is always used to control exposure, then image brightness can be adjusted, but image quality deteriorates when using certain light sources (e.g., external light sources with different wavelength bandwidths)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two different shutter control patterns based on the identified light source type. When an internal light source is detected, the electronic shutter function is activated to control exposure. When an external light source is detected, the electronic shutter function is deactivated to prevent image quality deterioration. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the shutter control strategy according to the specific lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electronic shutter function based on the light source classification. For internal light sources, the shutter speed and exposure time are controlled within specific ranges to optimize brightness. For external light sources, the shutter control parameters are adjusted to a different state that preserves image quality. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve proper brightness control without compromising image quality across different light source types.
2Reliability
If the electronic shutter function is deactivated for external light sources to maintain image quality, then image quality is preserved, but the system loses automatic brightness control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the light source identification unit detects the type of light source being used and provides this information to the shutter control pattern setting unit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically selects the appropriate shutter control pattern. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain automatic brightness control capability while adapting to different light source types, thus preserving both image quality and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically identifying the light source type and selecting the appropriate shutter control pattern without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The light source identification unit and shutter control pattern setting unit work together to enable the system to serve itself, automatically adapting to the lighting conditions and maintaining optimal image quality and brightness control across different scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If a single shutter control pattern is used for all light sources, then the system is simple to operate, but image brightness cannot be properly controlled across different light source classifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal light source identification mechanism that recognizes different types of light sources (internal and external) and automatically adapts the shutter control strategy accordingly. The single light source identification unit serves multiple functions by identifying various light source types and triggering the appropriate control pattern selection. This multi-functionality approach maintains system simplicity while enabling proper brightness control across different light source classifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electronic shutter function based on the light source classification. For internal light sources, specific shutter speed and exposure time parameters are applied to achieve proper brightness. For external light sources, different parameters are selected to maintain image quality. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain simplicity in operation while achieving effective brightness control across different lighting conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: an imaging device including an image sensor provided with an electronic shutter function, the imaging device being configured to capture a subject; a light source configured to emit illumination light for illuminating the subject; an identification unit configured to identify which one of a first light source and a second light source configured to emit light having a wavelength bandwidth different from a wavelength bandwidth of the first light source is employed as the light source used for observation; an electronic shutter controller configured to control the electronic shutter function of the image sensor based on a control pattern according to the classification of the light source identified by the identification unit; and an electronic shutter control pattern setting unit configured to set a control pattern of the electronic shutter function in accordance with the classification of the light source identified by the identification unit.