Methodological Considerations for Assessing Automatic Brightness Control in Endoscopy: Experimental Study

Endoscopy is a critical application that requires adaptable illumination to adjust to varying imaging conditions. Automatic brightness control (ABC) algorithms ensure optimal brightness throughout the image with rapid but smooth response and render the true colours of the biological tissue under examination. To achieve good image quality, high-quality ABC algorithms are necessary. In this study, we propose a three-assessment method approach for objectively evaluating ABC algorithms based on (1) image brightness and its homogeneity, (2) controller response and response time, and (3) colour rendition. We conducted an experimental study to assess the effectiveness of ABC algorithms in one commercial and two developmental endoscopy systems using the proposed methods. The results showed that the commercial system achieved good, homogeneous brightness within 0.4 s, and its damping ratio was 0.597, indicating a stable system, but its colour rendition was suboptimal. The developmental systems had control parameter values that resulted in either a sluggish response (over 1 s) or a fast (about 0.3 ms) but unstable response with damping ratios above 1, causing flickers. Our findings indicate that the interdependency among the proposed methods can establish tradeoffs in the overall ABC performance better than single-parameter approaches. The study establishes that comprehensive assessments using the proposed methods can contribute to designing new ABC algorithms and optimising already implemented ones for efficient performance in endoscopy systems.