Medical Observation Device Autofocus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical observation devices with a single objective lens and an optical system having a different optical axis face challenges in implementing an autofocus function due to image movement phenomena during focus adjustments, which can lead to incorrect focusing and reduced image clarity, especially at longer focal lengths.
Innovation Solution
A medical observation device with an imaging optical system comprising a single objective lens and two image-forming optical systems with different optical axes, equipped with a control unit that executes autofocus operations by moving the focusing optical member within the objective optical system, allowing for precise adjustment of the focusing distance and image stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single objective lens and an optical system with a different optical axis are used to achieve compact structure and stereoscopic imaging, then device complexity is reduced and 3D observation capability is achieved, but image movement occurs during autofocus operation leading to incorrect focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging optical system is segmented into two independent optical paths: a first optical path for capturing a first image and a second optical path for capturing a second image. Each optical path has its own image sensor and processing pipeline, allowing independent autofocus operations without interfering with each other. This segmentation resolves the image movement problem by isolating the focusing operations in separate optical channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates autofocus operations between the two optical paths. It determines the degree of focus for each path independently, processes the parallax information from both images, and adjusts the focusing optical member accordingly. This intermediary control mechanism prevents image movement-induced focusing errors by managing the interaction between the two optical paths.
2Ease of operation
If autofocus operation is implemented in a stereoscopic observation device with different optical axes, then focusing adjustment capability is achieved, but image movement occurs causing reduced image clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the degree of focus for both optical paths and adjusts the focusing optical member based on parallax information from the two images. The system continuously evaluates focus quality and makes real-time adjustments, ensuring that autofocus operations maintain image clarity despite the presence of image movement in the optical system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a focusing optical member is moved to achieve autofocus, then focusing distance adjustment is enabled, but image movement phenomena occur leading to incorrect focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the degree of focus for each optical path based on real-time parallax information from the two images. Rather than using a static focusing mechanism, the control unit continuously adapts the focusing optical member's position to maintain accurate focus across varying subject distances, compensating for image movement effects through dynamic control.
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 accurate autofocus functionality even in cases where image movement occurs, ensuring clear and focused images are maintained, particularly at longer focal lengths, thereby enhancing the precision of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an objective optical system that condenses light from a subject
Implementation Method 2
a control unit that causes an autofocus operation to be executed by causing a focusing optical member included in the objective optical system to move
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide a medical observation device and a control method.[Solution] Provided is a medical observation device including: an imaging optical system including an objective optical system that condenses light from a subject and two image-forming optical systems which have optical axes different from an optical axis of the objective optical system and which cause light condensed by the objective optical system to form an image; and a control unit configured to cause an autofocus operation to be executed by causing a focusing optical member included in the objective optical system to move.