Endoscope Illumination Control via Curvature Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination light quality due to bending of the insertion section, leading to light loss and changes in light distribution, which affect the quality of observations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a curvature sensor to detect the bending shape of the insertion section and an illumination light controller that adjusts the optical characteristics of the light, such as light quantity and distribution, by compensating for light loss through adjustments in the drive electric current of the light source, ensuring consistent illumination regardless of the bending state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the insertion section is made bendable to facilitate insertion into the observation target, then the ease of operation is improved, but the illumination light quantity and distribution deteriorate due to light loss and changes in light distribution caused by bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidillumination light quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the drive electric current of the light source based on the detected bending state of the insertion section. The illumination light controller modifies operational parameters in real-time to compensate for light loss, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curvature sensor provides feedback about the bending shape of the insertion section to the illumination light controller. This feedback loop enables the system to detect changes in the insertion section's state and automatically adjust the light source accordingly to maintain consistent illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the insertion section is made bendable to facilitate navigation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of observation deteriorates due to inconsistent illumination quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of navigationVSAvoidobservation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static illumination setup to a dynamic one where the drive electric current is continuously adjusted based on the bending state. This dynamic adaptation ensures that illumination quality remains consistent regardless of the insertion section's position or shape during navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By implementing a feedback mechanism through the curvature sensor and illumination light controller, the system can detect navigation-induced bending changes and automatically compensate for their effect on illumination quality, thereby maintaining reliable observation conditions throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Illumination intensity

If the drive electric current is increased to compensate for light loss, then the illumination light quantity is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination light quantityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the light source (drive electric current) based on the bending state to optimize the balance between illumination quality and energy consumption. By adjusting parameters dynamically rather than maintaining a constantly high current, the system reduces unnecessary energy use while preserving illumination performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 stabilizes the illumination light quantity and distribution, maintaining optimal observation conditions even when the insertion section is bent, thereby enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the endoscope apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a curvature sensor which detects a bending shape of at least part of the insertion section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending detection:

Implementation Method 2

a light guide path which is provided in the insertion section and which guides light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10898067B2Endoscope apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope apparatus includes alight source, a bendable insertion section to be inserted into an observation target, a light guide path which is provided in the insertion section and which guides light emitted from the light source, an illumination light emitter which is provided at the distal end of the insertion section and which emits at least some of the light guided by the light guide path to the observation target as illumination light, a curvature sensor which detects a bending shape of at least part of the insertion section, and an illumination light controller which controls an optical characteristic of the illumination light on the basis of the bending shape of the insertion section detected by the curvature sensor.