Variable Frame Rate Imaging for Endoscopic Exposure Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic visualization systems fail to capture consistent exposure levels for color, multispectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging due to energy disparities between light sources, leading to dimmer image frames from weaker light sources, and lack adjustment of image sensor specifications on a per-frame basis to compensate for pixel array sensitivities.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts image sensor specifications and frame durations on a per-frame basis to synchronize the operation of emitters and image sensors, allowing for variable pulse cycles that compensate for energy disparities between different light sources, ensuring consistent exposure levels and improved image quality in light-deficient environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor uses fixed specifications for all imaging modalities, then the system structure is simple, but the exposure levels become inconsistent across different light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of image sensor specifications (gain and exposure duration) based on the imaging modality being captured. The system transitions from fixed sensor settings to variable settings that are automatically adjusted according to the light source being used, resolving the contradiction between exposure consistency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the image sensor (gain factor and exposure duration) depending on the imaging modality. For fluorescence imaging with weaker light sources, the system increases gain and exposure duration, while for white light imaging with stronger sources, it uses lower settings, thereby achieving consistent exposure levels across different light sources.
2Reliability
If the system uses equal exposure durations for white light and fluorescence imaging, then the control is simple, but the image quality deteriorates due to insufficient energy accumulation from dimmer fluorescence light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the exposure duration parameter dynamically based on the imaging modality. For fluorescence imaging, the system extends the exposure duration to allow sufficient energy accumulation from the dimmer light source, while for white light imaging, it uses shorter exposure durations. This resolves the contradiction between image quality and control simplicity.
3Reliability
If the system applies uniform gain settings for all imaging types, then the energy utilization is efficient, but the accumulated energy from weaker light sources becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the gain parameter of the image sensor based on the imaging modality and light source intensity. For fluorescence imaging with weaker sources, the system applies higher gain to amplify the accumulated signal, while for white light imaging with stronger sources, it uses lower gain settings. This resolves the contradiction between energy accumulation and energy consumption.
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 approach enables the capture of high-definition color and advanced visualization data with consistent exposure levels, enhancing image quality and accuracy in endoscopic imaging by optimizing image sensor settings for diverse light sources and pixel array sensitivities.
Implementation Method 1
image sensors, which are electronic devices that convert photons into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescence light source to emit a fluorescence electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Video visualization systems with customizable image sensor frame rates to output multiple imaging modalities. A system includes an image sensor and an emitter. The system includes a controller that synchronizes operations of the emitter and the image sensor to output a video stream comprising data from one or more of a plurality of possible imaging modalities including color video imaging data, fluorescence video imaging data, and multispectral video imaging data. The controller selects a frame rate for the image sensor to output a video stream comprising two or more requested imaging modalities requested by a user, and further based on a minimum required frame rate for each of the two or more requested imaging modalities.