Endoscope Color Filter Switching for Fluorescence Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope apparatuses for fluorescence observation are costly and lack versatility in observing light across various wavelength regions, due to the use of special color filters that increase manufacturing costs and limit observation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a color filter array using R, G, and B filters with specific optical characteristics, combined with an excitation light cut filter and LED light sources emitting discrete wavelength bands, allows for mode switching between white light and fluorescence observation modes, optimizing light transmission and processing for efficient fluorescence imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a special color filter with IR filter is arranged in place of B color filter to receive infrared fluorescence, then fluorescence observation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and versatility for observing other wavelength regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the color filter configuration changeable through a filter switching mechanism. The endoscope system can switch between a first color filter arrangement (with B filter for general observation) and a second color filter arrangement (with IR filter for fluorescence observation). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different observation modes, resolving the contradiction between optimized fluorescence capability and general versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the optical characteristics of the color filter array based on the observation mode. The system changes the wavelength transmission parameters of the color filters - using standard RGB filters for white light observation and switching to filters with enhanced infrared transmission for fluorescence observation. This parameter adjustment enables the system to achieve specialized performance without permanently sacrificing versatility.
2Measurement precision
If a special color filter is used for infrared fluorescence reception, then fluorescence imaging is improved, but apparatus manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a filter switching mechanism that allows dynamic reconfiguration of the color filter array. Instead of permanently installing expensive special IR filters, the system can switch between standard filters and specialized filters only when needed for fluorescence observation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining fluorescence imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a filter switching capability that allows the same optical path to serve both general white light observation and specialized fluorescence observation. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining high fluorescence imaging quality when required.
3Measurement precision
If discrete wavelength region illuminating lights are used for fluorescence excitation, then fluorescence observation is enabled, but observation of other light wavelength regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a filter switching mechanism that reconfigures the optical system based on the observation mode. When fluorescence observation is required, the system switches to a filter configuration optimized for receiving fluorescence excitation and emission. When general observation is needed, the system switches back to the standard configuration, thereby maintaining versatility across different wavelength regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the reception path by switching filters. The filter configuration is adjusted to match the wavelength characteristics required for the current observation mode - using narrowband filters for fluorescence excitation/emission wavelengths and broadband filters for general white light observation, thus enabling both specialized and general observation capabilities.
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
The solution enables cost-effective and versatile fluorescence observation with improved image quality and intended color tone, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing observation capabilities across different wavelength regions.
Implementation Method 1
receive fluorescence emitted from an intravital fluorescent substance
Implementation Method 2
solid image pickup device... converts optical energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
color filter array using R, G, and B filters with specific optical characteristics
Implementation Method 4
LED light sources emitting discrete wavelength bands
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope apparatus comprises: a light source section configured to emit to a living tissue dispensed with a fluorescent substance, excitation light in a first wavelength band and reference light in a second wavelength band; an excitation light cut filter section that shuts off the excitation light; a color filter section provided with a first filter having relatively high transmittance in a third wavelength band including the wavelength band of the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance, and a second filter having relatively high transmittance in the second wavelength band; an image pickup section that generates an image in accordance with intensity of a return light received when the excitation light and the reference light are simultaneously emitted to the living tissue dispensed with the fluorescent substance; and an image processing unit that acquires a first image obtained by separating a signal component generated upon receiving the fluorescence and a second image obtained by separating a signal component generated upon receiving the reference light respectively, from the respective color components included in the image.