Advancing Medical Microscope Imaging

Custom camera for the microscope has been developed to empower high-resolution image and video quality compliant with medical vision requirements and specific feature set for microscopy use case. Rhonda Software's expertise in camera image quality tuning and software customization was utilized to add a new functionality to available microscopy product using Rhonda Software's System on a Module based on Ambarella H2 SoC. Pre-designed HW platform was selected for the purpose of project development acceleration and benefited it with much faster and predictable results on all project development stages.

Customer’s use case required access to high precision image and video data for dental microscopy. Exploring options for product improvement Rhonda Software's team has performed a scrutinized analysis of the current product and technology research for its advancement. Results were formulated in a technical specification with camera development requirements.

To enhance the current microscopy functionality and extend it with new camera features, requirements included:

• Microscopy video recording in various formats, spanning from 1080p30 to 4Kp60
• Streaming video over Wi-Fi to mobile device with 1080p30
• Video streaming over UVC to PC ranging from 1080p30 to 4Kp60
• Capability to capture still images with 12MP resolution, supporting JPEG and DNG formats for storage
• Mobile and IR control for camera settings
• Video content preview on TV via HDMI
• Video and still image playback on TV
• Incorporation of graphical user interface for HDMI preview and playback mode

New feature set perfectly fitted the capabilities of the available HW platforms designed by Rhonda Software:

• Rhonda Software SoM based on Ambarella H2 SoC: The foundation of the camera system
• Optical module with Sony IMX 577 Image Sensor: Providing high-quality image capture
• Custom Carrier Board: Facilitating connections to PC via USB-C, external power input, IR-receivers, RTC with a CR-2032 battery holder, buzzer, power converter supporting multiple voltage options (5V, 12V, or 24V), power button and connectors, USB Type-C and micro HDMI interfaces

Main challenge exposed during the project development was connected with specific optical system requirements of the microscopy camera. High attention was on details of micro objects and had to be addressed by fine-tuning of the image and video quality and specific optics selection.

Optical system designed for microscopy camera featured a long-focus lens, demanding the special adjustment for precise positioning of IQ charts and increasing the complexity of IQ tuning. Adding to this difficulty, the optical system lacked a coating that resulted in substantial flare issues. Scrupulous work was required to address these challenges and had been successfully managed by Rhonda Software's IQ (Image Quality) experts.

Another notable challenge on the project revolved around the use of physical, tangible light filters for camera. Solving this issue Rhonda Software's team had to deactivate the use of default Auto White Balance algorithm and implement the individualized AWB calibration for each filter during the manufacturing process. That required a new feature development – Quick White Balance calibration – for enabling users swiftly align the camera with a neutral gray background, such as a paper sheet, for precise and clear white balance adjustment.

To enhance the yield rate during the camera manufacturing and for systematical control of camera assembly processes, Rhonda Software had established the dedicated image quality factory pipeline. Designated validation stations were deployed for quality ensurance on each assembly step, and the Output Quality Control station for final pipeline stage to verify the required level of the product quality.

Cooperative efforts of the optical components manufacturer and Rhonda Software's engineering team resulted with the successful launch of the new digital camera module for a high-precision medical microscope. The integration of the advanced hardware components, customized software and factory pipeline control ensured the camera's highest performance and uncompromised image quality, making it a valuable input to the Medical Technology industry.

Connect with Rhonda Software team to discover more how the cutting-edge technologies in camera design could bring innovation to medical vision product.