Liquid Lens Auto Focus for Endoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic camera systems require manual user input to achieve focus, which is time-consuming and can result in temporary loss of visualization of the surgical site due to camera head movement.
Innovation Solution
The use of a liquid-filled lens (liquid lens) that automatically adjusts focus without mechanical input, driven by a voltage signal based on image signal data analysis, allowing for continuous or trigger-based auto focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual focus adjustment is used, then focus control is achievable, but focus adjustment time increases and visualization is temporarily lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical focus adjustment system (manual focus ring or lever actuation) with an automated liquid lens system. The liquid lens uses voltage-controlled surface tension changes to adjust focal length automatically, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and manual operation. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing the time-consuming manual steps while maintaining precise focus control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic focus detection and adjustment. The camera control unit continuously monitors image signal data, detects when focus is lost, and automatically actuates the liquid lens to restore focus without user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining continuous visualization, directly addressing both aspects of the contradiction.
2Reliability
If manual focus adjustment is used, then focus control is achievable, but camera head movement causes loss of visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focus adjustment with a liquid lens system that changes focal length through voltage-controlled surface tension changes rather than physical movement. This eliminates camera head movement entirely, ensuring continuous visualization of the surgical site while maintaining reliable focus control through automated detection and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring image signal data from the camera sensor. When the algorithm detects that focus has been lost, it automatically triggers liquid lens actuation to restore focus. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures continuous visualization reliability without requiring manual operation.
3Extent of automation
If active auto focus with additional sensors is used, then automatic focusing is achieved, but camera housing size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with a liquid lens-based automatic focus system. The liquid lens is controlled by voltage signals generated from image signal data analysis, eliminating the need for additional active sensors and their associated housing space. This achieves automatic focusing while maintaining a compact camera housing suitable for endoscopic applications.
4Extent of automation
If passive auto focus with phase detection sensors is used, then automatic focusing is achieved, but camera housing size and motor complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces phase detection sensors and motor-driven focus mechanisms with a liquid lens system. The liquid lens is actuated by voltage signals controlled through image signal data analysis algorithms, eliminating the need for complex mechanical motors and phase detection hardware. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining automatic focusing capability.
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
This solution enables rapid and accurate focusing of images in endoscopic surgery visualization, reducing the time and effort required for focus adjustment and minimizing disruptions to the surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor within the housing, and the housing including a liquid lens therein for focusing an image received in the housing prior to transmission of the image to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The use of a liquid-filled lens (liquid lens) that automatically adjusts focus without mechanical input, driven by a voltage signal based on image signal data analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a method of determining an adjustment for the lens of a camera comprising: determining if liquid lens hardware is present; in accordance with determining that liquid lens hardware is present, commanding an initial voltage for the liquid lens hardware; setting a high threshold focus metric; the camera capturing an image frame and converting the image frame to data; calculating a focus metric of the image frame data and comparing the image frame data focus metric to the high threshold focus metric; and in accordance with the image frame data focus metric being higher than the high threshold focus metric, commanding a change in voltage to be delivered to the liquid lens hardware.