Endoscope System Automatic Mode Switching for Illumination Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing endoscope systems face challenges in reliably illuminating objects with multiple kinds of illumination light while switching between them, leading to unsuitable conditions such as unintentional movement of the endoscope distal end or objects being out of focus, which can result in inadequate illumination.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system comprising semiconductor light sources, a light source control unit, a display control unit, and an automatic mode-switching unit that allows for both mono-light and multi-light emission modes, automatically switching to mono-light mode when predefined conditions are met, such as prolonged use or significant changes in observation site or brightness, to ensure reliable illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple kinds of illumination light are switched and displayed automatically, then the user can confirm respective observation images without burden, but the object may not be reliably illuminated when the endoscope moves unintentionally or the object is out of focus
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multi-light emission mode and mono-light emission mode based on real-time detection of illumination conditions. When the object is out of focus or the endoscope moves, the system automatically transitions from automatic switching mode to mono-light mode, ensuring reliable illumination while maintaining ease of operation during stable conditions.
2Loss of information
If multiple kinds of illumination light are emitted while being switched, then much diagnosis information can be obtained from the object, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between different illumination lights in a controlled sequence, allowing multiple wavelength ranges to be utilized for comprehensive diagnosis while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured, time-based emission patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters (wavelength ranges, emission timing) based on detection results, enabling flexible information gathering across multiple spectral bands while keeping the control logic adaptive and relatively simple through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the endoscope distal end is moved or the object is out of focus, then the illumination condition deteriorates, but automatic switching mode cannot adapt to these changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect illumination conditions and automatically adjust the emission mode accordingly. When deterioration is detected (endoscope movement or out-of-focus conditions), the system feeds back this information and switches from multi-light automatic switching mode to mono-light emission mode to maintain reliable illumination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables appropriate handling of unsuitable illumination situations by automatically switching to mono-light mode, ensuring consistent and reliable illumination of the object, even when the endoscope is moved or the object's brightness changes, thereby maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of semiconductor light sources that emit light having wavelength ranges different from each other
Data Source
AI summary
In a mono-light emission mode, specific illumination light is emitted and a specific observation image obtained from the image pickup of an object to be observed illuminated with the specific illumination light is displayed on a monitor 18. In a multi-light emission mode, first illumination light and second illumination light are emitted while being switched according to a specific light emission pattern and a first observation image and a second observation image are displayed on the monitor 18 while being switched according to a specific display pattern. In a case where a designated condition set in advance by a user is satisfied, a mode is automatically switched to the mono-light emission mode from the multi-light emission mode.