Automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device and endoscope

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device and endoscope system. This solution includes a communication unit, a feedback unit, a control unit, a drive unit, and a lighting unit. The communication unit converts the received imaging module working status signal into a first control signal; at the same time, the communication unit also sends the generated brightness adjustment instruction to the brightness adjustment unit; after receiving the first control signal, the control unit determines the exposure working status of the endoscope imaging module, generates an exposure timing signal of the global shutter sensor, and generates a brightness adjustment signal at the same time. The drive unit receives the control signal of the control unit and drives the lighting unit to perform brightness adjustment and stroboscopic operation. This solution ensures that the light source does not generate brightness when the endoscope imaging module is in the exposure invalid area, and generates a light source that matches the optimal exposure timing of the rolling shutter sensor image data acquisition by controlling the working time of the lighting unit; this solution can effectively increase the brightness of the light source while reducing the temperature of the light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to endoscope technology, and in particular to light source technology in endoscopes. Background Art

[0002] Existing endoscope lighting systems all use cold light sources to illuminate the endoscope. Currently, xenon lamps and LEDs are the primary sources of illumination for endoscopes. While xenon lamps can achieve sufficient illumination for endoscopes, they typically have a lifespan of only 500 hours, requiring replacement every 500 hours, resulting in tedious work and increased costs. LEDs, on the other hand, have a lifespan of over 10,000 hours. Consequently, with the continuous advancement of technology, LEDs are increasingly being incorporated into endoscope lighting systems.

[0003] Endoscope LED light sources are often external devices that transmit light to the end of the scope via optical fiber, providing the necessary illumination for the imaging module. Their main components include a power module, a driver module, a control module, an illumination chip, and an illumination optical path. With the increasing demand for high-definition endoscopes, the quality of the light source directly affects the imaging effect of the endoscope system, resulting in an increasing demand for higher brightness light sources.

[0004] Existing LED light sources used in endoscopes are mostly high-power chips. The power of the chip determines the amount of heat generated, while the optical coupling determines the light efficiency at the end of the endoscope. Excessive brightness can also cause high temperatures at the end of the endoscope, which can cause discomfort to the patient at best and even lead to medical accidents at worst. Therefore, while increasing the brightness of the light, the impact of the endoscope temperature must be considered.

[0005] In order to achieve a constant brightness of the lighting chip, some existing endoscope LED light source brightness adjustment methods use a method of adding a light-blocking sheet in the light path to adjust the brightness. The light source output brightness is adjusted by rotating the light-blocking net through a motor. However, this adjustment method is slow and cannot finely adjust the light flux, resulting in poor observation effect for doctors.

[0006] Patent application publication number CN101505651 discloses a dimming solution for LED light sources in endoscopes. This dimming solution primarily targets multiple lighting units. The image signals obtained by the corresponding camera units detect the brightness of the illumination areas of each lighting unit. Based on the detection results, each lighting unit is dimmed to increase the brightness uniformity of the image captured by the camera unit. However, this solution cannot achieve high brightness adjustment of the lighting units. Furthermore, this solution cannot achieve multispectral image acquisition using a rolling shutter sensor endoscope.

[0007] The existing endoscope LED light source solution has the following problems in practical application:

[0008] (1) The existing technology uses high-power lighting chips, which are still unable to increase the brightness to the extreme due to temperature limitations, affecting the quality of image acquisition by the imaging module and making it impossible to observe the lesion information in the area to be observed more clearly.

[0009] (2) The existing dimming technology for endoscope light sources uses a motor to control the light shield adjustment, which cannot meet the requirements of fast and fine adjustment of the light source brightness, affecting the doctor's sense of observing the lesion. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In response to the problems existing in existing endoscope light sources, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device. The light source device uses a stroboscopic method to increase the power of the lighting chip to the limit and provide higher brightness for the imaging module. At the same time, the intermittent operation of the lighting chip can better reduce the temperature of the end of the scope. The present invention further provides an endoscope device using this light source device.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device, comprising: a communication unit, a feedback unit, a control unit, a driving unit and a lighting unit.

[0012] The lighting unit is used to generate one or more lighting spectra;

[0013] The feedback unit is data-connected with the communication unit, the driving unit, and the lighting unit, and is used to detect the working status of the lighting unit and the safety status of the entire light source device;

[0014] The communication unit receives an external light source adjustment instruction and / or an imaging module working state signal, and monitors the signal state of the feedback unit. When the feedback unit signal is in a normal state, the received imaging module working state signal is converted into a first control signal and sent to the control unit; at the same time, the communication unit also sends a brightness adjustment instruction to the control unit;

[0015] The control unit analyzes the received first control signal to form a reference signal for controlling the flashing frequency of the lighting chip in the lighting unit in the driving unit, and controls the driving unit to convert the received flashing frequency reference into a flashing frequency control signal for the lighting chip in the lighting unit, wherein the flashing frequency control signal controls the operating frequency of the lighting chip to be synchronized with the imaging module status signal; the control unit receives a brightness adjustment instruction, compares the current brightness signal of the lighting unit detected in real time by the feedback unit, and generates a brightness adjustment signal to the driving unit based on the comparison result;

[0016] The driving unit determines the effective area and invalid area of ​​the imaging module exposure according to the received flash control signal, controls the brightness of the lighting chip in the lighting unit to not work in the invalid area of ​​the imaging module exposure, and changes the working mode in the invalid area according to the received brightness adjustment signal.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit includes a brightness adjustment unit and a flash control unit;

[0018] After receiving the brightness adjustment instruction, the brightness adjustment unit forms a target brightness instruction through brightness comparison analysis. The target instruction is a brightness adjustment signal generated by the control unit to drive the lighting unit to work;

[0019] The flash control unit can analyze the received first control signal to form a flash control signal in the driving unit to control the lighting chip in the lighting unit. The flash control signal controls the working frequency of the lighting chip in the lighting unit to be synchronized with the working status signal of the imaging module. The lighting chip does not work in the invalid exposure area of ​​the imaging module.

[0020] Furthermore, the brightness adjustment unit forms a corresponding current signal by adjusting the current linearly with high precision through analog quantity.

[0021] Furthermore, the brightness adjustment unit also obtains actual brightness information of the lighting chip in the lighting unit when it is working, and automatically calibrates the brightness of the lighting chip based on the actual brightness information.

[0022] Furthermore, the flash control unit can adjust the flash control time and frequency according to the working state of the endoscope imaging module;

[0023] The flash control unit analyzes the first control signal generated by the communication unit to obtain a complete exposure period T of the imaging module, and determines the start signal and exposure time of each frame exposure of the imaging module accordingly;

[0024] The flash control unit determines the exposure effective time zone Δt of the imaging module within the complete exposure period T and the corresponding exposure invalid zone based on the determined start signal and exposure time of each frame exposure of the imaging module;

[0025] The flash control unit generates a corresponding reference signal within the effective exposure time zone Δt of the imaging module, and generates a duty cycle of the reference signal according to the effective exposure time zone Δt of the imaging module; the flash control unit generates the corresponding reference signal and transmits it to the driving unit;

[0026] The flash control unit does not generate a corresponding reference signal during the exposure invalid time zone of the imaging module.

[0027] Furthermore, the communication unit includes an image processor communication unit and an imaging module synchronization unit;

[0028] The image processor communication unit is used to communicate with the image processor and receive operation instructions and feedback;

[0029] The imaging module synchronization unit is used to convert the endoscope imaging module working status signal into a first control signal.

[0030] Furthermore, the driving unit changes the working mode of the lighting unit according to the received operation instruction within the exposure invalid time zone of the imaging module based on the flash control signal sent by the flash control unit.

[0031] Furthermore, the lighting chips in the lighting unit can serve as backup lamps for each other.

[0032] Furthermore, the light source device can form multiple operating modes, and each operating mode is generated by one or more lighting chips in the lighting unit working simultaneously or alternately.

[0033] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an endoscope, wherein the endoscope adopts the above-mentioned automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device.

[0034] The solution provided by the present invention uses stroboscopic control to increase the power of the LED lamp to the limit and provide higher brightness for the imaging module; at the same time, based on stroboscopic control, the intermittent operation of the lighting chip can better reduce the temperature of the lens head.

[0035] Furthermore, the solution provided by the present invention uses analog, high-precision linear current regulation to achieve high-precision light source brightness adjustment. Consequently, in practice, this allows for 4096 light source adjustment levels, enabling smoother brightness adjustment in automatic dimming mode, providing a better field of view for doctors.

[0036] This solution ensures that the light source does not generate brightness within the endoscope imaging module's inactive exposure area. By controlling the operating time of the lighting unit, it produces a light source that matches the optimal exposure timing for the rolling shutter sensor's image data acquisition. This solution also effectively increases light source brightness while reducing light source temperature.

[0037] This solution is applicable to endoscopes with global shutter sensors and rolling shutter sensors.

[0038] The light source device can form multiple operating modes to form multiple different spectra, and can realize at least two or more spectrum cycles. In this way, the light source device can provide different illumination spectra for each frame exposure of the imaging module.

[0039] The spectrum corresponding to each working mode can be generated by one or more lighting chips in the lighting unit working at the same time or alternately, so that different spectra can be used to make the lesions have nowhere to hide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device in an example of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control unit in an example of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the brightness adjustment unit in an example of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an example diagram of the working timing of the strobe LED in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is an example diagram of the process of performing high-precision automatic brightness adjustment in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device in an example of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a working diagram of the Rolling Shutter Sensor in an example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects achieved by the present invention easier to understand, the present invention is further described below with reference to specific illustrations.

[0049] See also Figure 1 , which shows an example of the structure of the automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device provided in this solution.

[0050] As can be seen from the figure, the light source device is mainly composed of a communication unit 1, a control unit 2, a driving unit 3, an illumination unit 5, and a feedback unit 4.

[0051] Here, the communication unit 1 controls the control unit 2 and the feedback unit 4; at the same time, the control unit 2 is data-connected with the driving unit 3; and the driving unit 3 drives the lighting unit 5 and is data-connected with the feedback unit 4; the lighting unit 5 is data-connected with the feedback unit 4 at the same time.

[0052] This communication unit 1 can receive external light source adjustment instructions and imaging module working status signals, and at the same time monitor whether the feedback unit 4 signal is normal. If the signal of the feedback unit 4 is normal, the received imaging module working status signal is converted into a first control signal and sent to the control unit 2.

[0053] At the same time, the communication unit 1 can also directly generate a corresponding brightness adjustment instruction according to the received light source adjustment instruction, and send the brightness adjustment instruction to the control unit 2.

[0054] The imaging module working status signal here refers to the exposure signal and line field synchronization signal of the imaging module in the endoscope.

[0055] The control unit 2 in this device analyzes the received first control signal to form a reference signal for controlling the flashing frequency of the LED light in the lighting unit 5 in the driving unit 3; in coordination with this, the driving unit 3 converts the received flashing frequency reference into a flashing frequency control signal for the LED light in the lighting unit 5, and accordingly controls the working frequency of the corresponding LED light in the lighting unit 5 through the flashing frequency control signal to synchronize with the working signal of the imaging module.

[0056] After receiving the brightness adjustment instruction from the communication unit 1, the control unit 2 in this device compares the current brightness signal, forms a corresponding brightness adjustment signal based on the comparison result, and sends it to the driving unit 3. The current brightness signal here is the brightness signal monitored in real time by the feedback unit 4.

[0057] In coordination therewith, after receiving the flash control signal and / or the brightness adjustment signal, the driving unit 3 in the present device converts the received signal into a current signal for controlling the LED lamp in the lighting unit 5 to drive the working time and working power of the LED lamp.

[0058] Specifically, the driving unit 3 determines the effective exposure area and invalid exposure area of ​​the imaging module according to the generated flash control signal, thereby controlling the brightness of the LED lamp in the lighting unit 5 to remain unchanged in the synchronous effective area, and changing the working mode in the invalid area according to the received operation instructions (such as brightness adjustment).

[0059] The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device thus constructed can achieve high-precision automatic dimming. At the same time, the intermittent operation of the lighting unit can achieve the effect of increasing the lighting brightness and reducing the temperature of the mirror head.

[0060] In application, this automatic dimming strobe light source device is applicable to Global Sensor endoscopes and Rolling Sensor endoscopes.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, the lighting unit 5 in the present device is composed of a plurality of lighting chips. The specific configuration mode and structure are not limited here and can be determined according to actual needs.

[0062] As an example, the lighting unit 5 in the present device includes two or more lighting chips, such as LED lamps.

[0063] In some specific embodiments, the driving unit 3 in the present device is preferably capable of simultaneously driving at least three high-power LED lamps, each with at least 80W or more, and high-precision regulation of the LED lamp current of more than 10mA, and linear regulation of the LED lamp current.

[0064] In some specific embodiments, the drive unit 3 may use a TLD5190QU power driver chip to drive a half-bridge circuit. In the drive unit thus constructed, the chip TLD5190QU is used to convert the control current command into a drive signal for driving the half-bridge circuit; at the same time, the chip TLD5190QU also collects current and samples the resistor voltage for comparison with the control current command to perform dynamic adjustments.

[0065] In some specific embodiments, the feedback unit 4 in the present device can be preferably used to detect the working status of the LED lamp, whether the circuit of the entire lighting device is working properly, whether there is a problem with the control component in the lighting device, etc.

[0066] Furthermore, as an example, if the feedback unit 4 detects that there is a problem with the lighting device, it will be reflected in the form of sound and light alarms, and the brightness will be reduced to a range that the light source can withstand.

[0067] The specific structure of the feedback unit 4 may be determined according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0068] In some specific embodiments, the communication unit 1 in the present device is preferably composed of an image processor communication unit and an imaging module synchronization unit.

[0069] Among them, the image processor communication unit is used to communicate with the image acquisition system and receive operation instructions and feedback required by the user;

[0070] The imaging module synchronization unit is used to convert the imaging module line field signal received by the processor communication unit into a corresponding first control signal, so that the LED works in the imaging module working area, thereby solving the problem of image exposure jitter.

[0071] In some specific embodiments, the control unit 2 in the present device is preferably composed of a brightness adjustment unit 6 and a flash control unit 7 (eg Figure 2 shown).

[0072] Among them, the brightness adjustment unit 6 receives the brightness adjustment instruction from the communication unit 1, compares the current brightness signal detected in real time by the feedback unit 4, and forms a brightness adjustment signal to the driving unit 3 based on the comparison result to provide appropriate brightness for the imaging module.

[0073] The strobe control unit 7 synchronizes the operating frequency of the LED lamp with the received first control signal to generate a corresponding strobe control signal, which controls the flashing frequency (i.e., the operating frequency) of the LED lamp in the lighting unit 5. This ensures that the LED lamp does not operate in the Rolling ShutterSensor's exposure invalid area.

[0074] The effective area and the ineffective area here correspond to the effective area and the ineffective area of ​​the imaging module exposure. In this solution, the communication unit 1 converts the imaging module working state signal into a first control signal, so that the strobe control unit 7 in the control unit 2 can calculate the signals of the effective area and the ineffective area of ​​the imaging module. In this way, the strobe control unit analyzes and processes the received first control signal and generates a strobe signal (such as Figure 4 shown).

[0075] In specific implementation, the strobe control unit 7 analyzes the first control signal converted by the communication unit 1 based on the collected imaging module working status signal to form a corresponding strobe working sequence to achieve LED strobe. Such a control scheme is applicable to rolling sensor endoscopes.

[0076] See also Figure 4 , which is an example diagram of converting the signal into an LED strobe synchronization signal based on the imaging module working status signal.

[0077] Where T is the effective working area of ​​the imaging module. At the same time, in conjunction with the corresponding sensor exposure timing, the complete exposure cycle T of the imaging module has an exposure effective time zone △t. At the same time, the areas outside △t are all exposure invalid areas, such as time zone △t1 and time zone △t2.

[0078] This solution achieves the control of the lighting unit 5 to work synchronously within the imaging module exposure working effective area within the time △t through the cooperation between the communication unit 1, the flash control unit 7 and the brightness adjustment unit 6, and at the same time controls the lighting unit 5 to dim within the imaging module exposure working invalid area. Here, dimming mainly refers to the adjustment of the working mode of the lighting unit 5.

[0079] Specifically, based on the working characteristics of the LED lamp in the lighting unit 5 itself, this solution forms a brightness climbing time area t3 and a brightness falling time area t4 within the effective working time △t of the lighting unit 5 (that is, synchronized with the effective exposure working area △t of the imaging module).

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, when the lighting unit 5 enters the effective working time △t, in the t3 area, the brightness of the LED lamp in the lighting unit 5 is linearly adjusted from zero to the preset brightness value, and then enters the brightness maintenance state. In the t4 area, the current brightness is linearly reduced to zero, and then it enters a rest state and waits for the next t3 to repeat the previous work.

[0081] By way of example, this solution controls the operating frequency of the lighting chip in lighting unit 5 based on the exposure frequency of the imaging module. Control unit 2 analyzes the received first control signal to generate a flicker frequency reference signal that drives the driver unit. The driver unit then drives the lighting chip in lighting unit 5 based on the reference signal.

[0082] Specifically, the flash control unit 7 in the control unit 2 analyzes the first control signal generated by the communication unit 1 to obtain the complete exposure period T of the imaging module, and accordingly determines the start signal and exposure time of each frame exposure of the imaging module.

[0083] On this basis, based on the inherent properties of the imaging module, the imaging module has an exposure effective time zone △t and corresponding exposure invalid zones, such as time zone △t1 and time zone △t2, within the complete exposure period T.

[0084] The flash control unit 7 in the control unit 2 further generates a duty cycle of the reference signal frequency based on the determined Δt1 and Δt information of the imaging module, where Δt is the duty cycle time. The duty cycle here refers to the percentage of the high level of a signal in the entire time period.

[0085] At the same time, the flash control unit 7 in the control unit 2 Imaging module A corresponding reference signal is generated within the effective exposure time range Δt and transmitted to the driver unit 3. After receiving the reference signal, the driver unit 3 generates a current signal to drive the lighting chip in the lighting unit when the reference signal is at a high level. The current is adjusted in real time by the brightness adjustment unit based on the brightness value fed back by the feedback unit and the communication unit to generate a voltage signal to adjust the current. This controls the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5 to operate within the imaging module's effective exposure time range Δt.

[0086] The flash control unit 7 in the control unit 2 is Imaging module During exposure in the inactive region, no reference signal is generated for controlling the driver unit to drive the lighting unit (i.e., the reference signal is at a low level). Thus, when the reference signal is at a low level, the driver unit 3 does not generate a signal to drive current regulation. This in turn controls the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5 to not operate during the imaging module's inactive exposure region. This ensures that the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5 does not operate within the imaging module's inactive region.

[0087] Furthermore, after determining the effective working time Δt of the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5, the flash control unit 7 in the control unit 2 can further determine the brightness ramp-up time t3 and the brightness ramp-down time t4 of the effective working time Δt of the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5.

[0088] The t3 region here is the ramp time for driving the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5 from 0 to the target brightness, and the t4 region is the ramp time for driving the lighting chip in the lighting unit 5 from the target brightness to 0.

[0089] The times t3 and t4 can be appropriately increased without affecting the exposure effect of the imaging module. For example, t3 and t4 can both be 1 / 10 of Δt.

[0090] For example, when this light source device solution is applied in a Rolling Sensor endoscope, it can be used in conjunction with the Rolling Sensor to implement a Global Shutter exposure method.

[0091] When the light source device is applied to a Rolling Sensor endoscope, the flash control unit in the control unit determines the start signal and exposure time of each frame exposure of the imaging module based on the first control signal generated by the communication unit, and accordingly controls the lighting chip in the lighting unit to operate synchronously within the effective area △t of the endoscope imaging exposure, and at the same time controls the lighting unit to send a dimming instruction within the invalid area of ​​the endoscope imaging exposure, and executes it within the effective area △t of the endoscope imaging exposure.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, it shows the Rolling Sensor exposure method, where △t1+△t+△t2+△t3 is the sensor exposure time.

[0093] As can be seen from the figure, during the implementation process, when the Rolling Sensor is exposed, each line is delayed by a certain time during the line scanning process. The start time of the last line minus the start time of the first line is equal to △t1.

[0094] Therefore, in a Rolling Sensor endoscope, a Global Shutter exposure method is implemented based on a Rolling Sensor. In order to make each row exposed evenly, the light source device outputs light brightness when the last row starts to be exposed and turns off the brightness when the first row ends, that is, exposure is achieved within the △t time.

[0095] In specific implementations, the light source device receives and processes the operating status signal of the imaging module in the Rolling Sensor endoscope through the communication unit. After transmitting it to the control unit for analysis and processing, the start time of the first row of Rolling Sensor exposure and the corresponding △t1+△t+△t2+△t3 time period are determined. Based on this, the △t1 time is obtained based on the specific parameters of the imaging module in the Rolling Sensor endoscope, which is the start time of the last row of exposure. △t1+△t represents the end time of the first row. Based on these specific time parameters, the control implements the light source output brightness when the last row begins exposure and turns off the brightness when the first row ends, thus achieving exposure within the △t time.

[0096] On this basis, when the Rolling Sensor endoscope adopts this light source device solution, it performs special light processing, for example: the first frame is red, the second frame is green, and the third frame is blue, which are cycled in sequence. If based on the working timing characteristics of the Rolling ShutterSensor, the end of the first frame will coincide with the start time of the second needle, such as Figure 7 The middle time period △t2 is the overlap time. If exposure is performed within △t2, it will cause image color confusion.

[0097] Therefore, to ensure uniform exposure for each frame, exposure △t2 cannot be performed within the overlapping area of ​​the Rolling Shutter Sensor's two exposures. Similarly, if exposure is performed within the time of △t+△t3, uneven brightness will appear at the top and bottom of the image.

[0098] Accordingly, the light source device in the Rolling Sensor endoscope can effectively overcome the problems caused by exposure within △t2 or △t+△t3 by controlling the exposure within △t time, thereby ensuring uniform exposure of each frame.

[0099] In practical applications, this light source device solution can effectively realize LED stroboscopic lighting, provide a variety of lighting methods for the imaging module, and is suitable for Rolling Shutter Sensor endoscopes and / or Global Sensor endoscopes. At the same time, it can reduce the light source temperature and extend the service life of the LED.

[0100] In some specific embodiments, the brightness adjustment unit 6 in the present device preferably obtains a target brightness instruction based on the brightness adjustment instruction received from the information communication unit through brightness comparison analysis and processing, converts the target instruction into a current signal for controlling the brightness to reach a value, and sends a brightness adjustment signal indicating the current signal to the driving unit 3.

[0101] Specifically, the brightness adjustment unit 6 forms a corresponding current signal by adjusting the current linearly with high precision through analog quantity, thereby ensuring the accuracy of automatic brightness adjustment.

[0102] The brightness adjustment unit 6 adjusts the current by adjusting the current in a high-precision linear manner using analog signals. The adjustment accuracy can be determined by the control voltage. For example, the current adjustment formula is shown in Formula 1:

[0103]

[0104] Among them, R FB is the current sampling resistor, the resistance value remains fixed in actual use, V SET To simulate the control quantity, by changing V SET By adjusting the size, the driving current of LED can be adjusted.

[0105] This solution uses analog high-precision linear current regulation to achieve the SET The accuracy is used to determine the regulated current I OUT Accuracy.

[0106] Therefore, this solution preferably uses a high-precision DAC chip to control V SET , thus ensuring high-precision and fast automatic dimming.

[0107] Furthermore, in order to avoid image jitter caused by automatic brightness adjustment when observing lesions with an endoscope, it can be seen from the above that this solution analyzes the acquired line and field synchronization signals of the imaging module, and dims the light when the LED works in the synchronization area and the imaging module works in the invalid area. At the same time, the dimming adjustment method is linear adjustment to avoid damage to the LED chip due to current overshoot.

[0108] Therefore, this solution forms a brightness adjustment formula such as formula (2) based on the above-mentioned current adjustment formula:

[0109] Flux=K·I OUT (2)

[0110] K is the adjustment coefficient and the brightness slope; I OUT The accuracy is the working brightness of the driven LED.

[0111] The K value here is calculated using the following formula:

[0112]

[0113] Where S is the difference between the current brightness value and the preset brightness value, T is the adjustment time, and η is the relationship coefficient between current and luminous flux.

[0114] According to this solution, the brightness adjustment unit 6 in this solution can be used in specific implementation. Figure 3 The composition scheme shown.

[0115] That is, the brightness adjustment unit 6 is composed of a brightness linear adjustment submodule 10 , a brightness adjustment information receiving submodule 8 , and a current light source brightness information receiving submodule 9 .

[0116] The brightness adjustment information receiving submodule 8 is configured to receive the brightness adjustment instruction sent by the information communication unit 1 and convert the received brightness adjustment instruction into a control current signal through a brightness adjustment calculation formula (ie, Formula 2).

[0117] The submodule 9 for receiving the current light source brightness information is used to convert the collected brightness analog signal into the current brightness digital signal in an analog-to-digital manner.

[0118] The brightness linear adjustment submodule 10 synchronously compares the current brightness digital signal generated by the current light source brightness information receiving submodule 9 and the control current signal generated by the brightness adjustment information receiving submodule 8, and calculates the amount of brightness adjustment space. By setting the light source brightness increase area t3, the brightness is uniformly increased from the current brightness to the brightness required by the user within the time t3; correspondingly, in the light source brightness decrease area t4, the light source brightness is uniformly reduced to 0.

[0119] The brightness adjustment unit 6 formed in this way cooperates with the flash control unit 7 and the driving unit 3 to achieve high-precision automatic brightness adjustment.

[0120] As an example, Figure 5 As shown, it shows an example process of implementing brightness adjustment based on the above solution.

[0121] Depend on Figure 5 It can be seen that the brightness adjustment process given here is as follows:

[0122] Step (1): first obtain the image brightness value at the current brightness;

[0123] Step (2), determine whether the current brightness is within the preset range, if not, proceed to step (3), if yes, proceed to step (6);

[0124] Step (3), select the brightness linear adjustment curve K value according to the range mapping table, and linearly adjust the current I. The more the range is exceeded, the larger the K value is, and the steeper the brightness curve is; the smaller the range is exceeded, the smaller the K value is, and the slower the brightness adjustment curve is;

[0125] Step (4), in the t3 time period, the I value is linearly controlled according to the above formula (2), so that the current reaches the preset range before the end of the t3 time period;

[0126] Step (5), determine whether the adjusted brightness is within the preset range, if not, proceed to step (3), if yes, proceed to step (6);

[0127] Step (6), maintain brightness until the end.

[0128] As a further improvement, the brightness adjustment unit 6 can cooperate with a corresponding photosensitive module to realize automatic calibration of LED brightness.

[0129] For example, place the photosensitive module on the side of the LED, where it does not affect the light path and can receive a certain light source from the LED, and convert the photosensitive module signal into brightness information.

[0130] On this basis, the brightness adjustment unit 6 compares the signal with the brightness information that the control end wants to output, and adjusts the automatic calibration current to achieve the brightness effect of the set end LED lamp. This not only solves the differences between each light source, but also improves the accuracy of luminous flux control.

[0131] The following example illustrates the working process of the automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device given in this example. Figure 6 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0132] Step (1) is to obtain the imaging module working status signal, brightness control instruction and safety and brightness detection instruction.

[0133] Step (2) analyzes the safety and brightness signals to determine whether the device hardware and software are safe, and checks whether the brightness meets the instruction requirements under safety conditions. If not, a brightness adjustment instruction is issued until the brightness is adjusted to the compliance range.

[0134] Step (3) converts the imaging module working status signal (such as the imaging module row and field synchronization signals) into the LED light working synchronization timing to control the LED light source strobe frequency.

[0135] Step (4) analyzes the brightness control signal to determine whether it is a fixed brightness command or an automatic dimming command. If it is a fixed brightness command, a fixed current command is output to control the LED driver unit; if it is an automatic dimming command, a linear adjustment control current command is generated in real time according to the actual situation.

[0136] Step (5), when it is determined that the equipment is safe, obtain the LED lamp working synchronization signal and brightness control instruction, use the synchronization signal as the driving LED lamp enable, and when the brightness adjustment instruction is received, perform efficient brightness adjustment through stroboscopic method.

[0137] Based on the above workflow, the operation mode of the automatic dimming and strobing light source device in this example is further described here.

[0138] The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device receives the image processor's light source adjustment instruction and the imaging module's working status signal through the communication unit 1, and monitors whether the feedback unit 4 signal is normal.

[0139] If the signal is normal, the imaging module operating status signal is converted into a first control signal and sent to the flicker control unit 7 in the control unit 2. This unit analyzes the first control signal and uses it as a reference for the flicker frequency of the lighting chip. At the same time, the communication unit 1 sends a brightness adjustment instruction to the brightness adjustment unit 6 in the control unit 2. After receiving the brightness adjustment signal and comparing it with the current brightness signal, the brightness adjustment unit 6 sends a fast linear brightness adjustment signal to the driving unit 3.

[0140] This control mode can achieve high-precision automatic dimming. At the same time, the intermittent operation of the lighting chip can increase the lighting brightness and reduce the temperature of the mirror head.

[0141] In addition, when the automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device is used in a specific application, each lighting core of the intervertebral disc of the lighting unit can serve as a backup lamp for each other, which can further improve the reliability and stability of the entire light source device.

[0142] Book The light source device can form multiple operating modes to form multiple different spectra, and can realize at least two or more spectrum cycles. In this way, the light source device can provide different illumination spectra for each frame exposure of the imaging module.

[0143] The spectrum corresponding to each working mode can be generated by one or more lighting chips (such as LED lights) in the lighting unit working at the same time or alternately, so that different spectra can be used to make the lesions have nowhere to hide.

[0144] For different working modes, the light source device can transmit mode information to the control unit through the communication unit, and the control unit generates a reference signal that the driving unit can simultaneously drive two lighting chips with different spectra to work.

[0145] Specifically, the driving unit changes the working mode according to the received operation instruction in the exposure invalid area of ​​the imaging module based on the flash control signal sent by the flash control unit in the control unit.

[0146] During the imaging module's inactive exposure period (i.e., the time domain outside of the aforementioned Δt), the communication unit can receive mode switching information, such as switching from white light to blue light. Upon receiving this command, the control unit performs preparatory steps, switching from the white light (illumination chip) state to the blue light (illumination chip) state, but does not output the current signal that drives the illumination chip until the next frame exposure time Δt is reached, at which point the current signal that drives the blue light (illumination chip) is generated.

[0147] As can be seen from the above, this example solution uses the received imaging module's horizontal and vertical synchronization signals as the operating frequency of the lighting chip, controls the lighting chip's flashing frequency, and synchronizes the lighting chip's operating frequency with the imaging module's operating status signal, ensuring that the lighting chip's brightness does not operate within the imaging module's inactive area. This effectively increases the brightness of the light source while reducing its temperature. In specific applications, this solution improves light source brightness, enhances performance stability, and increases the reliability and lifespan of the entire device. Furthermore, this solution is applicable to both Global Sensor endoscopes and Rolling Sensor endoscopes.

[0148] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention are shown and described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The foregoing embodiments and descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed in the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device, characterized in that: include: Communication unit, feedback unit, control unit, drive unit and lighting unit; The lighting unit is configured to generate more than one lighting spectrum; The feedback unit is data-connected with the communication unit, the driving unit, and the lighting unit, and is used to detect the working status of the lighting unit and the safety status of the entire light source device; The communication unit receives an external light source adjustment instruction and / or an imaging module working status signal, and monitors the signal status of the feedback unit. When the feedback unit signal is in a normal state, the communication unit converts the received imaging module working status signal into a first control signal and sends it to the control unit; at the same time, the communication unit also sends a brightness adjustment instruction to the control unit; The control unit analyzes the received first control signal to form a reference signal for controlling the flashing frequency of the lighting chip in the lighting unit in the driving unit, and controls the driving unit to convert the received flashing frequency reference signal into a flashing frequency control signal for the lighting chip in the lighting unit, wherein the flashing frequency control signal controls the operating frequency of the lighting chip to be synchronized with the imaging module status signal; The control unit receives the brightness adjustment instruction, compares the current brightness signal of the lighting unit detected in real time by the feedback unit, and generates a brightness adjustment signal to the driving unit based on the comparison result; The driving unit determines the effective area and invalid area of ​​the imaging module exposure according to the received flash control signal, controls the brightness of the lighting chip in the lighting unit to remain unchanged in the effective exposure area of ​​the imaging module, controls the lighting chip in the lighting unit not to work in the invalid exposure area of ​​the imaging module, and changes the working mode in the invalid area according to the received brightness adjustment signal.

2. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit includes a brightness adjustment unit and a flash control unit; After receiving the brightness adjustment instruction, the brightness adjustment unit forms a target brightness instruction through brightness comparison analysis. The target brightness instruction is a brightness adjustment signal generated by the control unit to drive the lighting unit to work; The flash control unit can analyze the received first control signal to form a flash control signal in the driving unit to control the lighting chip in the lighting unit. The flash control signal controls the working frequency of the lighting chip in the lighting unit to synchronize with the working status signal of the imaging module.

3. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The brightness adjustment unit forms a corresponding current signal by adjusting the current linearly with high precision through analog quantity.

4. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The brightness adjustment unit also obtains actual brightness information of the lighting chip in the lighting unit when it is working, and automatically calibrates the brightness of the lighting chip based on the actual brightness information.

5. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flash control unit can adjust the flash control time and frequency according to the working state of the endoscope imaging module; The flash control unit analyzes the first control signal generated by the communication unit to obtain a complete exposure period T of the imaging module, and determines the start signal and exposure time of each frame exposure of the imaging module accordingly; The flash control unit determines the exposure effective time zone Δt of the imaging module within the complete exposure period T and the corresponding exposure invalid zone based on the determined start signal and exposure time of each frame exposure of the imaging module; The flash control unit generates a corresponding reference signal within the effective exposure time zone Δt of the imaging module, and generates a duty cycle of the reference signal according to the effective exposure time zone Δt information of the imaging module; The flash frequency control unit generates a corresponding reference signal and transmits it to the driving unit; The flash control unit does not generate a corresponding reference signal during the exposure invalid time zone of the imaging module.

6. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication unit includes an image processor communication unit and an imaging module synchronization unit; The image processor communication unit is used to communicate with the image processor and receive operation instructions and feedback; The imaging module synchronization unit is used to convert the endoscope imaging module working status signal into a first control signal.

7. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving unit changes the working mode of the lighting unit according to the received operation instruction within the exposure invalid time zone of the imaging module based on the flash control signal sent by the flash control unit.

8. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lighting chips in the lighting unit can serve as backup lamps for each other.

9. The automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source device can form multiple operating modes, and each operating mode is generated by one or more lighting chips in the lighting unit working simultaneously or alternately.

10. An endoscope system, characterized in that The endoscope adopts the automatic dimming and stroboscopic light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images