Endoscope and illumination system therefor
By using a laser light source module coupled with detachable plastic optical fibers and multiplexed optical fibers in the endoscope, the problem of the variety of reusable and disposable endoscope devices is solved, and equipment management is simplified and the lighting system is used efficiently and safely.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610677044.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing endoscopic equipment is complex and difficult to manage due to the different lighting system requirements of reusable and disposable endoscopes, and the inability to share a light source host.
Employing a light source module that includes a laser light source, it can be detachably coupled to disposable and reusable endoscopes. High-brightness illumination is achieved using plastic optical fibers and multiplexed optical fibers (such as glass optical fibers and quartz optical fibers), making it compatible with different types of endoscopes.
It simplifies hospital equipment management, reduces the types of equipment, controls costs, improves the brightness and imaging quality of the lighting system, and reduces the risk of cross-infection.
Smart Images

Figure CN122296801A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy technology, and in particular to an endoscope and its illumination system. Background Technology
[0002] As a device that integrates a light source, image sensor, optical lens and precision mechanical device, the endoscope can enter the body cavity through natural cavities or minimally invasive incisions. It is widely used for observation, diagnosis, biopsy and surgical assistance in the digestive tract, respiratory tract, urinary system and other fields.
[0003] In recent years, with the popularization of minimally invasive techniques, reusable and disposable endoscopes have formed a complementary application pattern in medical institutions. However, these two types of endoscopes have significantly different requirements for lighting systems. Reusable endoscopes are usually equipped with high-performance external light source units to meet the functional requirements of high-brightness illumination and narrow-band light imaging, ensuring diagnostic accuracy; while disposable endoscopes, in order to control costs, often need to integrate low-cost lighting solutions inside the endoscope body. This difference in requirements means that hospitals must simultaneously equip themselves with main unit and light source equipment adapted to both disposable and reusable endoscopes, resulting in a complex variety of endoscopic equipment and inconvenient management. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides an endoscope and its illumination system to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0005] An illumination system for an endoscope, comprising: Light source modules, including laser light sources; and The disposable endoscope and the reusable endoscope are selectively and detachably coupled to the light source module. The disposable endoscope includes a plastic optical fiber that can be coupled to the light source module so that light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber for endoscope illumination. The reusable endoscope includes a multiplexed optical fiber that can be coupled to the light source module so that light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the multiplexed optical fiber for endoscope illumination. The multiplexed optical fiber includes one of glass optical fiber and quartz optical fiber.
[0006] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a coupling element, through which the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the disposable mirror or the reusable mirror.
[0007] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a light guide fiber, and one of the coupling element and the light guide fiber is disposed between the other and the laser light source, so that the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber or the multiplexed optical fiber through the coupling element and the light guide fiber; the light guide fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
[0008] In one embodiment, the laser source includes a blue light source and a fluorescence converter. The fluorescence converter is disposed between the blue light source and the coupling element. After the light emitted by the blue light source illuminates the fluorescence converter, the light generated by the fluorescence converter is finally coupled to the disposable mirror or the reusable mirror via the coupling element.
[0009] In one embodiment, the fluorescent converter includes one of phosphor and fluorescent ceramic.
[0010] In one embodiment, the laser light source includes at least two of the following: violet light source, blue light source, green light source, orange light source, and red light source. The light source module includes a spectral beam combiner disposed between the laser light source and the coupling element. All the light emitted by the laser light source is combined by the spectral beam combiner and then coupled to the disposable mirror or the reusable mirror via the coupling element.
[0011] In one embodiment, at least two spectral beam combiners are provided. One of the laser sources is located in the main optical path along with all the spectral beam combiners, while the other laser sources are located to the side of the main optical path and correspond one-to-one with the spectral beam combiners. The spectral beam combiners are tilted relative to the main optical path. The light rays from the laser sources on the main optical path that illuminate the spectral beam combiners are combined with the light rays from the other laser sources that illuminate the corresponding spectral beam combiners, and then illuminate the coupling element. The beam combiners then couple the beams to the disposable mirror body or the reusable mirror body.
[0012] In one embodiment, the plastic optical fiber is a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and the multiplexed optical fiber is a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.
[0013] An endoscope includes an imaging module and an illumination system for the endoscope according to any embodiment, the illumination system being used to illuminate the imaging module.
[0014] In one embodiment, the disposable lens body includes 2-10 plastic optical fibers distributed circumferentially along the imaging module, and the reusable lens body includes 2-10 multiplexed optical fibers distributed circumferentially along the imaging module.
[0015] The illumination system for the endoscope described above includes a light source module and disposable and reusable endoscopes selectively and detachably coupled to the light source module. The light source module includes a laser light source. The disposable endoscope includes a plastic optical fiber that can be coupled to the light source module, allowing the light emitted from the laser light source to be coupled to the plastic optical fiber for endoscope illumination. The reusable endoscope includes a multiplexed optical fiber that can be coupled to the light source module, allowing the light emitted from the laser light source to be coupled to the multiplexed optical fiber for endoscope illumination. The multiplexed optical fiber includes either glass optical fiber or quartz optical fiber. In this endoscope illumination system, the light source module uses a laser light source with higher brightness than LED light sources to ensure sufficient illumination for the endoscope. During use, the light source module can be placed inside the main unit or the light source box. By selectively coupling to either disposable or reusable endoscopes, a single main unit can be compatible with both disposable and reusable endoscopes, eliminating the need for hospitals to separately equip themselves with main units for disposable and reusable endoscopes, thus reducing the types of main unit equipment and simplifying management processes. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the light source module of the illumination system of the endoscope of this application coupled with a disposable endoscope body; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the illumination system of the endoscope shown, where the light source module is coupled to the repeatable endoscope body. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the insert of the illumination system of the endoscope shown; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the insert shown; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the illumination system of an endoscope according to one embodiment; Figure 6 This is a laser spot morphology diagram of a laser source coupling in a related technology; Figure 7 This is a topographic diagram of the receiving surface of an optical fiber in related technologies; Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope shown; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope shown; Figure 10 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope shown. Figure 11 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope shown.
[0018] Figure label: 10. Illumination system; 11. Light source module; 11a. Main optical path; 11b. Auxiliary optical path; 111. Laser light source; 111a. Blue light component; 111b. Fluorescence conversion component; 111c. Filter component; 1111. Violet light source; 1112. Blue light source; 1113. Green light source; 1114. Orange light source; 1115. Red light source; 112. Coupler; 1121. First coupler; 1122. Second coupler; 1123. Third coupler; 113. Optical fiber; 114. Spectral beam combiner; 12. Disposable lens body; 12a. Handheld component; 12b. Insertion component; 121. Plastic optical fiber; 13. Repeatable lens body; 131. Multiplexed optical fiber; 20. Imaging module. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments is a preferred mode for carrying out the invention. This description is not intended to be limiting; it is provided to illustrate the general principles of the invention.
[0020] It should be understood that, for ease of understanding of the present invention, the terms "installation," "connection," "coupling," and "installation" in the following description refer to the connection relationships shown in the drawings. For example, "connection" can refer to a permanent connection or a detachable connection. Furthermore, "connection" can also refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection, or a connection via other auxiliary components. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the actual connections of the various elements of the present invention.
[0021] It should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "external," and "internal" refer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention, but do not limit the actual location or orientation of the invention. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the actual location of the various elements of the invention.
[0022] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "an," "a," and "one" in the following description refer to "at least one" or "one or more" in the embodiments. In particular, the term "a" may refer to "one" in one embodiment and "more than one" in another embodiment. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the actual number of elements of the present invention.
[0023] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.
[0024] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application discloses an illumination system 10 for an endoscope (not shown). An endoscope is a medical device whose scope can be inserted into the human body through natural cavities or tiny incisions for observation, diagnosis or treatment.
[0025] The endoscope may also include an imaging module 20 ( Figure 3 The endoscope's illumination system 10 is used to illuminate the imaging module 20. The imaging module 20 may include a camera for image acquisition and imaging. The imaging quality of the imaging module 20 largely depends on the illumination brightness; generally, higher brightness results in better image quality.
[0026] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The endoscope illumination system 10 includes a light source module 11, and a disposable endoscope body 12 and a reusable endoscope body 13 selectively and detachably coupled to the light source module 11. The light source module 11 includes a laser light source 111. The disposable endoscope body 12 includes a plastic optical fiber 121 that can be coupled to the light source module 11, so that the light emitted by the laser light source 111 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 121 for endoscope illumination. The reusable endoscope body 13 includes a multiplexed optical fiber 131 that can be coupled to the light source module 11, so that the light emitted by the laser light source 111 is coupled to the multiplexed optical fiber 131 for endoscope illumination. The multiplexed optical fiber 131 includes either glass optical fiber or quartz optical fiber.
[0027] In related technologies, reusable endoscopes generally require a high-power external light source unit, such as a xenon or LED cold light source. The endoscope body has a built-in light guide structure composed of glass and quartz optical fibers, which can realize various optical imaging modes such as high-brightness illumination and narrow-band light imaging, effectively improving image clarity and ensuring clinical diagnostic accuracy. However, the overall purchase and maintenance costs of the equipment are relatively high. On the other hand, disposable endoscopes, in order to reduce production costs and clinical application expenses, eliminate the need for a large external light source and adopt a lightweight structural design with a micro light-emitting element integrated at the front end of the endoscope body. They do not require a high-performance light source unit and can meet the basic lighting and imaging needs of routine diagnosis and treatment. Due to the differences in light emission methods, optical path structures, and optical configurations, the two types of endoscopes require dedicated light source systems and cannot share the same light source unit.
[0028] In this application, the light source module 11 of the endoscope's illumination system 10 uses a laser light source 111, which has a higher brightness than LED light sources, to ensure the illumination brightness of the endoscope's illumination system 10 and thus ensure the quality of imaging. During the use of the illumination system 10, the light source module 11 can be placed inside the main unit or light source box and coupled to the disposable endoscope 12 or reusable endoscope 13 through the connector interface. The disposable endoscope 12 or reusable endoscope 13 can be disconnected from the light source module 11 through the connector, thus facilitating disassembly and replacement. In diagnostic and treatment scenarios with a high risk of cross-infection, the disposable endoscope 12 can be selected and discarded directly after a single use, avoiding the risk of cross-infection between patients from the source. Moreover, since the disposable endoscope 12 uses plastic optical fiber 121 for light guiding, costs can be effectively controlled. For routine low-risk examinations and complex surgical procedures, the reusable endoscope 13 can be used, which can be recycled after standardized cleaning and disinfection, balancing usage costs and diagnostic and treatment performance. Since the host device of this application, which includes a laser light source 111, can be adapted to both disposable endoscopes 12 and reusable endoscopes 13, hospitals do not need to equip themselves with host devices for disposable endoscopes 12 and reusable endoscopes 13 separately, thereby reducing the types of host devices and simplifying the management process.
[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, taking the disposable mirror body 12 as an example, it may include a handheld component 12a and an insert 12b. A plastic optical fiber 121 and the insert 12b are respectively connected to the handheld component 12a. The handheld component 12a is operable by the user. The insert 12b is used to enter the human body through natural cavities or small incisions. The light from the light source module 11 passes through the plastic optical fiber 121, the handheld component 12a, and the insert 12b, and exits from the end of the insert 12b furthest from the handheld component 12a, providing illumination for the imaging module. The insert 12b may also include the plastic optical fiber 121, or the plastic optical fiber 121 may extend into the insert 12b to ensure normal light transmission. Except for the different optical fiber materials used, the specific structure of the reusable mirror body 13 can refer to the specific structure of the disposable mirror body 12, and will not be elaborated further here.
[0030] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, a plastic optical fiber 121 is disposed on the outer periphery of the imaging module 20 of the disposable mirror body 12, and a multiplexed optical fiber 131 is disposed on the outer periphery of the imaging module 20 of the reusable mirror body 13. Specifically, the imaging module 20 is disposed at the end of the insert 12b away from the handheld member 12a. Taking the plastic optical fiber 121 as an example, as... Figure 3 As shown, when only one plastic optical fiber 121 is used to illuminate the imaging module 20, the illumination field of the plastic optical fiber 121 and the imaging field of the imaging module 20 are easily inconsistent, resulting in inconsistent image brightness acquired by the imaging module 20. When two plastic optical fibers 121 are used for simultaneous illumination, such as Figure 4 As shown, this can provide more uniform illumination for the imaging module 20.
[0031] Therefore, in some embodiments, 2-10 plastic optical fibers 121 can be arranged around the imaging module 20 of the disposable mirror body 12 to obtain more uniform illumination, and 2-10 multiplexed optical fibers 131 can also be arranged around the imaging module 20 of the reusable mirror body 13 to obtain more uniform illumination. In other embodiments, the disposable mirror body 12 may also include more plastic optical fibers 121 for illumination. The more plastic optical fibers 121 distributed circumferentially in the imaging module 20, the better the illumination effect and the better the imaging quality. However, the more plastic optical fibers 121 there are, the wider the insertion piece 12b of the disposable mirror body 12 will also be, which may need to be adjusted within 2-10 fibers according to actual needs. The configuration of the multiplexed optical fibers 131 and the imaging module 20 of the reusable mirror body 13 can refer to the configuration of the plastic optical fibers 121 and the imaging module 20 of the disposable mirror body 12, and will not be elaborated here.
[0032] In some embodiments, the plastic optical fiber 121 can be a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and the multiplexed optical fiber 131 can be a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers. In related technologies, a single optical fiber refers to an optical fiber with a single integrated structure and a single light-guiding channel; such fibers theoretically have high coupling and transmission efficiency. An optical fiber bundle, on the other hand, typically contains multiple filamentary optical fibers, each forming an independent light-guiding channel. The gaps between each fiber bundle are filled with adhesive, thus a single optical fiber bundle has multiple light-guiding channels. The gaps between the fibers in such a bundle result in lower coupling efficiency compared to a single optical fiber. The structure of the optical path in the endoscope body can be flexibly selected according to actual usage requirements.
[0033] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the light source module 11 may include a coupling element 112, through which the light emitted from the laser light source 111 is coupled to the disposable mirror body 12. In some embodiments, the coupling element 112 may be a single lens or a lens group consisting of multiple lenses. Figure 1 On the main optical path 11a, the coupling element 112 can be set between the laser source 111 and the disposable mirror 12. The light source module 11 uses the focusing and guiding characteristics of the coupling element 112 to focus and directionally guide the light emitted by the laser source 111, so that the light can be better coupled to the plastic optical fiber 121, thereby reducing light scattering loss and improving energy concentration and light energy utilization.
[0034] Furthermore, the light source module 11 may include a light-guiding optical fiber 113, with one of the coupling member 112 and the light-guiding optical fiber 113 disposed between the other and the laser light source 111, so that the light emitted from the laser light source 111 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 121 via the coupling member 112 and the light-guiding optical fiber 113. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the laser source 111, the optical fiber 113, and the coupler 112 can be housed in the same light source box. One end of the optical fiber 113 corresponds to the coupler 112, receiving the light coupled from the laser source 111, and the other end is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 121, guiding the light into the plastic optical fiber 121. Figure 2 The specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the reusable mirror body 13 can refer to the specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the disposable mirror body 12, that is... Figure 5 The disposable scope 12 can be replaced by a reusable scope 13, which will not be elaborated here.
[0035] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 113 can be a quartz optical fiber. Because quartz has a low thermal conductivity and good temperature resistance, its placement before the plastic optical fiber 121 (or multiplexed optical fiber 131) can provide good thermal insulation, preventing excessive temperature rise and ensuring its operational reliability. In other embodiments, the optical fiber 113 can also be a glass optical fiber to reduce production costs.
[0036] Combination Figure 6 The light emitted from the laser source 111, after being coupled by the coupler 112, has a roughly elliptical beam shape. The light receiving surface of the optical fiber is typically... Figure 7 The dark black area shown is roughly circular. When there is a significant difference between the laser spot parameters after coupling with the laser source 111 and the parameters of the fiber receiving surface, some of the light emitted by the laser source 111 may irradiate the outer periphery of the fiber receiving surface. Due to the high energy density of the laser source 111, this may cause problems at the fiber receiving end, such as excessive temperature rise, leading to reduced fiber reliability, especially for the plastic fiber 121 of the disposable mirror body 12, which has poor temperature resistance. However, when the light guide fiber 113 is made of glass or quartz fiber, since both the light guide fiber 113 and the plastic fiber 121 (or multiplexed fiber 131) are optical fibers, their receiving surfaces can be processed to be more consistent. Furthermore, glass or quartz fiber has better heat resistance than plastic fiber 121. Even if there is a certain difference between the laser spot parameters after coupling with the laser source 111 and the parameters of the plastic fiber 121 receiving surface, the operational reliability of the optical fibers at the receiving surfaces of the light guide fiber 113 and the plastic fiber 121 can be guaranteed. In other words, by adopting the above scheme, the light emitted by the laser source 111 is first coupled into the light guide fiber 113 and then coupled to the multiplexed fiber 131 or plastic fiber 121. This can more effectively prevent some of the light emitted by the laser source 111 from shining on the outer periphery of the receiving surface of the multiplexed fiber 131 or plastic fiber 121, thus reducing the reliability problem and improving the working reliability of the endoscope's illumination system 10.
[0037] refer to Figure 8 In the second embodiment, the laser light source 111 may include at least two of the following: violet light source 1111, blue light source 1112, green light source 1113, orange light source 1114, and red light source 1115. The light source module 11 includes a spectral beam combiner 114 disposed between the laser light source 111 and the coupling member 112. By utilizing the wavelength selective transmission and reflection characteristics of the spectral beam combiner 114, light of different wavelength bands is precisely split and coupled together. Then, all the light emitted by the laser light source 111 is combined by the spectral beam combiner 114 and coupled to the disposable mirror body 12 by the coupling member 112.
[0038] In this implementation, the laser source 111 may include at least two laser sources 111 with different center wavelengths. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, because different biological tissues have different reflectivity, transmittance, absorption parameters, and scattering coefficients for different wavelengths of light, the laser light source 111 can be equipped with five light sources with different center wavelengths, such as violet light source 1111 (center wavelength 405-425nm), blue light source 1112 (center wavelength 440-490nm), green light source 1113 (center wavelength 500-580nm), orange light source 1114 (center wavelength 580-610nm), and red light source 1115 (center wavelength 610-640nm). The light from the multiple laser light sources 111 of the light source module 11 is combined by the spectral beam combiner 114 and then directed to the coupling element 112, and finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber 121. This enables multiple illumination modes, such as narrowband illumination, and makes the endoscope suitable for illumination scenarios of more physiological tissues.
[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, at least two spectral beam combiners 114 are provided. One laser source 111 and all the spectral beam combiners 114 are located in the main optical path 11a, while the remaining laser sources 111 are located to the side of the main optical path 11a and correspond one-to-one with the spectral beam combiners 114. The spectral beam combiners 114 are tilted relative to the main optical path 11a, and the angle between the spectral beam combiner 114 and the main optical path 11a can be 45 degrees. The light from the laser source 111 on the main optical path 11a that illuminates the spectral beam combiner 114 is combined with the light from the other laser sources 111 that illuminate their corresponding spectral beam combiners 114, and then illuminates the coupling element 112, which couples the light to the disposable mirror body 12. Figure 2 The specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the reusable mirror body 13 can refer to the specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the disposable mirror body 12, that is... Figure 8 The disposable scope 12 can be replaced by a reusable scope 13, which will not be elaborated here.
[0040] Of course, the number of laser light sources 111 with different center wavelengths can be further increased or decreased to achieve different illumination lights. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, in the third embodiment, the laser light source 111 may include a blue light source 1112, a green light source 1113, and a red light source 1115. The blue light source 1112, green light source 1113, and red light source 1115 are combined and fused by a spectral combiner 114 to form white light illumination. This white light is a full-spectrum composite light source, capable of completely restoring the true color of human tissue, clearly distinguishing mucous membranes, glands, blood vessels, diseased tissues, and normal tissues, effectively avoiding color distortion problems caused by monochromatic light irradiation, reducing visual identification errors, and facilitating accurate identification of various physiological tissue structures by medical personnel. Combined with... Figure 2The specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the reusable mirror body 13 can refer to the specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the disposable mirror body 12, that is... Figure 9 The disposable scope 12 can be replaced by a reusable scope 13, which will not be elaborated here.
[0041] refer to Figure 10 In a fourth embodiment, the laser source 111 may include a blue light element 111a and a fluorescence conversion element 111b. The fluorescence conversion element 111b is disposed between the blue light element 111a and the coupling element 112. The blue light element 111a is a blue laser source, and the light emitted from it illuminates the fluorescence conversion element 111b, exciting the light generated by the fluorescence conversion element 111b, which is then coupled to the disposable mirror body 12 via the coupling element 112. In some embodiments, the fluorescence conversion element 111b includes either phosphor or fluorescent ceramic. Figure 10 As shown, a blue light source 111a, a fluorescence conversion element 111b, and a coupling element 112 are sequentially arranged on the main light path 11a. The light emitted by the blue light source 111a illuminates the fluorescence conversion element 111b, and the light generated by the excitation of the fluorescence conversion element 111b is coupled to the disposable endoscope body 12 through the coupling element 112. By coupling the light generated by the excitation of the fluorescence conversion element 111b to the disposable endoscope body 12, the endoscope's illumination system 10 can achieve high color rendering index (CRI) illumination. In high CRI illumination, the "CRI" refers to the color rendering index. High CRI illumination means that the CRI of the artificial standard light source is close to that of sunlight, thereby achieving high color reproduction of objects and accurately presenting the true colors of objects.
[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, the laser light source 111 may further include a filter 111c. The filter 111c may be a band-selective dichroic mirror such as a blue-to-green dichroic mirror or a blue-to-orange dichroic mirror. The filter 111c performs spectral screening on the light generated by the excitation fluorescence conversion element 111b, retaining the output of a single color light to replace one or more of the violet light source 1111, blue light source 1112, green light source 1113, orange light source 1114 and red light source 1115 in the second embodiment. This ensures high color rendering index illumination while maintaining multiple illumination modes, further improving the imaging clarity of the endoscope and the accuracy of biological tissue color development.
[0043] For example, taking the orange light source 1114 as an example, the coupling element 112 may include a first coupling element 1121, a second coupling element 1122, and a third coupling element 1123. The first coupling element 1121 is disposed in the main optical path 11a, and the filter element 111c may be a blue-reflecting, orange-transmitting dichroic mirror. Figure 11As shown, the orange light source 1114 has a filter 111c, a second coupling element 1122, and a fluorescence conversion element 111b sequentially arranged on the auxiliary optical path 11b. The blue light element 111a of the orange light source 1114 is correspondingly arranged with the filter 111c, and a third coupling element 1123 is arranged between the blue light element 111a and the filter 111c. The angle between the filter 111c and the auxiliary optical path 11b can be 45 degrees. The light irradiated by the blue light source 111a is coupled to the filter 111c via the third coupling element 1123. The filter 111c reflects the blue light irradiated by the blue light source 111a to the second coupling element 1122, and then irradiates the fluorescence conversion element 111b via the second coupling element 1122. The light generated by the fluorescence conversion element 111b under blue light excitation is coupled to the filter 111c via the second coupling element 1122. The orange light portion of the orange light passes through the filter 111c and then irradiates the corresponding spectral combiner 114 on the main optical path 11a. After being combined by the spectral combiner 114, the orange light is irradiated to the first coupling element 1121 and finally coupled into the plastic optical fiber 121. Specific implementations of high color rendering index (CRI) illumination for other light sources such as the green light source 1113 and the red light source 1115 can refer to the specific implementation of the orange light source 1114 described above, and will not be elaborated further here. Figure 2 The specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the reusable mirror body 13 can refer to the specific implementation of the light source module 11 of the disposable mirror body 12, that is... Figure 10 The disposable scope 12 can be replaced by a reusable scope 13, which will not be elaborated here.
[0044] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0045] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An illumination system of an endoscope, characterized by, include: Light source module, including laser light source; as well as The disposable endoscope and the reusable endoscope are selectively and detachably coupled to the light source module. The disposable endoscope includes a plastic optical fiber that can be coupled to the light source module so that light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber for endoscope illumination. The reusable endoscope includes a multiplexed optical fiber that can be coupled to the light source module so that light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the multiplexed optical fiber for endoscope illumination. The multiplexed optical fiber includes one of glass optical fiber and quartz optical fiber.
2. The illumination system of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module includes a coupling element, through which the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the disposable mirror or the reusable mirror.
3. The illumination system of an endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light source module includes a light guide fiber. One of the coupling element and the light guide fiber is disposed between the other and the laser light source, so that the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber or the multiplexed optical fiber through the coupling element and the light guide fiber. The light guide fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
4. The illumination system of an endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The laser source includes a blue light source and a fluorescence conversion element. The fluorescence conversion element is disposed between the blue light source and the coupling element. After the light emitted by the blue light source illuminates the fluorescence conversion element, the light generated by the fluorescence conversion element is finally coupled to the disposable mirror or the reusable mirror through the coupling element.
5. The illumination system of an endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fluorescent conversion element includes one of phosphor and fluorescent ceramic.
6. The illumination system of an endoscope according to claim 2, characterized by The laser source includes at least two of the following: violet light source, blue light source, green light source, orange light source, and red light source. The light source module includes a spectral beam combiner disposed between the laser source and the coupling element. All the light emitted by the laser source is combined by the spectral beam combiner and then coupled to the disposable mirror or the reusable mirror via the coupling element.
7. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least two spectral beam combiners are provided. One of the laser sources is located in the main optical path along with all the spectral beam combiners, while the other laser sources are located to the side of the main optical path and correspond one-to-one with the spectral beam combiners. The spectral beam combiners are tilted relative to the main optical path. The light rays from the laser sources on the main optical path that illuminate the spectral beam combiners are combined with the light rays from the other laser sources that illuminate the corresponding spectral beam combiners, and then illuminate the coupling element. The coupling element then couples the beams to the disposable mirror body or the reusable mirror body.
8. The illumination system for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The plastic optical fiber is a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and the multiplexed optical fiber is a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.
9. An endoscope, characterized in that, The endoscope includes an imaging module and an illumination system for the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the illumination system is used to illuminate the imaging module.
10. The endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The disposable lens body includes 2-10 plastic optical fibers distributed circumferentially along the imaging module, and the reusable lens body includes 2-10 multiplexed optical fibers distributed circumferentially along the imaging module.