Endoscope Distance Measurement Using Hemoglobin-Absorbed Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems require interferometers to measure observation distance, increasing costs and reducing design flexibility due to space constraints, making size reduction and space-saving difficult.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that measures observation distance using a light source emitting signal light with a wavelength band absorbed by hemoglobin, an image sensor capturing reflected light, and an observation distance measurement unit calculating distance based on image signal frequency component information, without the need for an interferometer, with switchable modes for different substances present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an interferometer is provided in the endoscope to measure observation distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement function from the traditional interferometer and relocates it to the image sensor. By analyzing the frequency components of the captured image signal, the system determines observation distance without requiring a separate interferometer device, thereby simplifying the overall endoscope structure while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is given a dual function: it not only captures the visual image of the subject but also performs distance measurement by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the captured signal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated distance measurement hardware, reducing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If an interferometer is provided in the endoscope, then measurement precision is improved, but the endoscope diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the interferometer component from the endoscope structure and replaces it with software-based frequency analysis of the image signal. This extraction of the measurement function from hardware allows the endoscope to maintain a compact diameter suitable for medical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical interferometer system with an electronic signal processing approach. By substituting physical measurement hardware with computational analysis of image signal frequencies, the system achieves distance measurement without increasing the endoscope's physical dimensions
3Measurement precision
If an interferometer is provided in the endoscope, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement capability from complex hardware (interferometer) and implements it through software processing of existing image signals. This approach significantly simplifies the manufacturing process, as it eliminates the need to precisely manufacture and calibrate interferometer components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interferometer system with an electronic processing approach that uses standard image sensor output. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical alignment and calibration requirements, making the endoscope easier to manufacture and assemble
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
Enables cost-effective measurement of observation distance without interferometers, maintaining design flexibility and allowing for accurate oxygen saturation calculation and image generation, even with colorants or other substances present.
Implementation Method 1
a light source device (14) that emits signal light (Ls) having a wavelength band absorbed by hemoglobin contained in a subject
Implementation Method 2
an endoscope (12) having an image sensor (48) that images the subject by receiving reflected light of the signal light and outputs an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an endoscope system, a processor device, an operation method, and a distance measurement device for accurately measuring the observation distance even if a colorant or residues are present in a subject. An endoscope system 10 includes a light source device 14, an endoscope 12, and an observation distance measurement unit 63. The light source device 14 emits signal light, which has a wavelength band absorbed by hemoglobin contained in the subject, to the subject. The endoscope 12 has an image sensor 48 that images the subject with reflected light of the signal light and outputs an image signal. The observation distance measurement unit 63 measures the observation distance based on the image signal.