How to choose the right medical device camera module? What are the eight influential factors？

Camera modules are increasingly being used in medical devices, and they are playing a catalytic role in the transformation of the healthcare industry. From diagnostics and testing to surgical guidance and fall detection, the role of camera modules in the medical industry has expanded indefinitely.

In this blog, we take a look at what factors need to be considered when picking a camera module for a medical device. First we'll learn what a medical camera is, how embedded vision can help improve the performance of medical devices, and finally 8 factors to keep in mind when choosing a camera.This is similar to what we learned earlier about selecting the right camera module for embedded vision applications.

What is a medical device with a camera?

Medical devices with cameras are those medical tools that integrate advanced sensors and imaging technologies to improve diagnostic capabilities, therapeutic accuracy, and quality of patient care. They are capable of capturing images and videos for medical purposes. Camera medical devices help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and document procedures and treatments by providing clear visuals.
 
Let me give you two examples of how we can help doctors make early diagnoses by capturing minute pathological changes with HD imaging camera medical devices. There is also the fact that during surgery, the camera can provide real-time visual feedback to help doctors perform precise operations, especially in minimally invasive surgery.
 
There are many other examples of camera modules being used in medical devices to help improve patient care and enhance the diagnostic capabilities of physicians, and I won't list them all.

 
Enhancing Medical Devices with Cameras through Technology Integration

Medical camera modules need to be able to seamlessly integrate with software solutions and services already in use. For example, for cameras that need to work with video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, ensure system compatibility.
 
Additionally, by integrating built-in AI technology, medical cameras can streamline information gathering and facilitate more meaningful interactions. At the same time, powerful AI algorithms can greatly reduce the workload of healthcare professionals and optimize the allocation of medical resources.

 
8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical Device Camera Module

Choosing a camera for a medical device is often more complicated than imagined, because sometimes a single camera module may not be able to achieve the results you want, so many times we need to choose the most appropriate camera, not the best camera. Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of medical equipment, we need to consider the following 8 aspects.

1. Image resolution

Image resolution is one of the most important features of a medical camera, which directly affects the clarity and detail of the image. Common resolution options include 480p, 720p, 1080p, 2160p, and 4320p. In the medical field, high-resolution cameras such as 4K or 8K cameras provide sharper images, which is important for procedures that require fine-grained vision, such as microsurgery and pathology analysis.

 
2. Sensor type

Sensor types for medical camera modules are typically CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) CMOS sensors typically consume less power and cost less than CCDs, while CCD sensors provide sharper images in low light conditions.

 
3. Digital zoom and image quality

The digital zoom feature ensures that medical personnel can zoom in on an image without distortion, which is important for remote diagnosis and detailed observation. However, the quality and power of the digital zoom needs to be considered when choosing a camera module.

 
4. Video Formats and Lens Types

The video formats and lens types supported by a medical camera are critical to ensure compatibility with existing medical equipment and systems. The zoom capability and focal length of the lens are equally important for capturing specific types of images.For example, h.264 and h.265 video formats.

 
5. Connectivity

The connectivity of a medical camera involves the available interfaces such as USB ports or coaxial cable outputs. Good connectivity ensures that the camera can be easily integrated into existing medical information systems.

 
6. Spectral performance and sensitivity

Spectral performance determines the camera's ability to capture images in different spectra, especially in applications requiring near infrared (NIR) imaging. Low-light sensitivity is also an important consideration when selecting a camera, especially in surgical or endoscopic procedures.

 
7. Shutter types

Shutter types are categorized as rolling shutter and global shutter. Rolling shutters can cause distorted images of fast-moving objects, while global shutters provide sharper images.

 
8. Optics and Lens Selection

Optics and lens selection determine the camera's field of view, focal length, and magnification capabilities. The right lens will ensure that a sharp image is captured at a specific distance and field of view.

 
Before determining this feature perhaps you can answer a few questions for yourself to make a better determination:

• What is the distance between the target and the camera?
• What is the size of the object to be captured?
• Does the distance of the object vary or remain constant?
• What is the size of the field of view you wish to cover?

By answering these questions you should be able to roughly determine the focal length and other parameters of the lens you need to choose, but of course, if you still have questions about this, feel free to contact us.

 
Sinoseen's camera types for medical devices

With 14+ years of industry experience as a provider of OEM camera module solutions, Sinoseen has extensive experience in meeting the embedded real-time needs of the medical industry. We offer a wide range of camera module types, each with its own unique differentiation that sets it apart from other conventional camera modules in the market, including:

• Cameras with resolutions from 2MP to 18MP
• shutter and global shutter cameras
• Fixed-focus and autofocus cameras
• Low light camera modules
• NIR cameras
• Color and monochrome cameras

You can get a brief overview by checking our product list of camera modules. Of course, if you have any customization needs, please feel free to contact us.