Programmable Image Processing Unit for Endoscope Observation Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems require large circuitry to perform multiple observation modes such as normal, fluorescent, narrow-band light, and infrared observations, limiting their compactness and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device with a programmable circuit unit, circuit data holding unit, and control unit that allows for dynamic reconfiguration of signal processing circuits using a FPGA, enabling switching between observation modes with minimal circuit scale and ensuring continuous image display during reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a programmable logic element is reconfigured during switching of observation lights, then different kinds of signal processing can be achieved with small-scale circuitry, but the circuit construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading circuit data into the programmable logic element before the reconfiguration is needed. The control unit prepares the next circuit configuration in advance during idle periods or transition phases, so that when switching between observation modes is required, the new circuit is already ready to be activated immediately, minimizing the time loss during actual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that image processing operations continue uninterrupted during circuit reconfiguration. The system switches between different circuit configurations seamlessly while maintaining continuous observation and processing capabilities, ensuring that the useful function of image processing never stops even while the underlying circuit architecture is being reconfigured.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple observation modes are supported with dedicated circuits, then observation functionality is comprehensive, but the circuitry scale becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single programmable logic element to perform multiple different signal processing functions corresponding to various observation modes. Instead of having separate dedicated circuits for each observation mode (normal, fluorescent, narrow-band, infrared), the system uses one reconfigurable circuit that can be programmed to implement any of these functions, thereby supporting comprehensive observation capabilities while keeping the overall circuitry scale small.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the circuit configuration changeable and adaptable rather than fixed. The programmable logic element can dynamically reconfigure its internal structure based on the required observation mode, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt its functionality in real-time. This dynamic reconfigurability enables multiple observation modes to be supported without requiring separate static circuits for each mode.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If circuit reconfiguration is performed during observation, then continuous operation is maintained, but image quality may be affected during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing circuit reconfiguration during natural transition periods between different observation modes or between examination of different tissue regions. The control unit schedules reconfiguration events to occur during these transitional phases when the endoscope is naturally moving or switching between observation targets, thereby maintaining continuous operation while minimizing the impact on image quality during actual reconfiguration events.
Data Source
AI summary
Illumination light supplied from an illumination light supplying unit that can selectively supply a plurality kinds of illumination lights whose wavelengths fall in different regions is supplied to an object. A signal picking up an image of the object is received by a programmable circuit unit that is programmably constructed based on circuit data, and then subjected to signal processing. A circuit data holding unit holds a plurality kinds of circuit data to be used for the programmable circuit unit. A control unit selects circuit data, which is used for the programmable circuit unit, from among all the circuit data items held in the circuit data holding unit corresponding to illumination light supplied from the illumination light supplying unit.