Scanning Endoscope Adaptive Drive Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting drive signal amplitudes and thresholds to maintain image quality during temperature changes, leading to potential reductions in image quality due to changes in the usage environment.
Innovation Solution
The scanning endoscope system incorporates a drive signal generator that adjusts the amplitude values of drive signals and switches between two thresholds (TH1 and TH2) based on current measurement values, allowing for adaptive control of the actuator to maintain optimal scanning conditions despite temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive signal amplitude is kept constant, then the system structure is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The drive signal amplitude is made dynamically adjustable based on temperature conditions. The control section switches between a first amplitude (first drive signal) and a second amplitude (second drive signal) according to the detected temperature, allowing the system to adapt to temperature changes while maintaining image quality without requiring a completely complex control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The amplitude parameter of the drive signal is changed in response to temperature variations. When the temperature exceeds a threshold, the control section switches from the first amplitude to the second amplitude, directly addressing the temperature-induced image quality degradation through parameter adjustment
2Reliability
If the drive signal amplitude is adjusted frequently, then image quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive signal is supplied periodically to swing the optical fiber distal end for scanning. The amplitude adjustment is also periodic, switching between the first and second amplitudes based on temperature conditions, rather than continuous adjustment, which reduces energy consumption while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The amplitude parameter is changed only when necessary (when temperature exceeds the threshold), rather than continuously adjusting. This discrete parameter switching maintains image quality while minimizing energy consumption compared to frequent or continuous adjustment
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 adaptive control ensures consistent image quality by discretely changing drive signal amplitudes and thresholds in response to temperature changes, thereby reducing the impact of environmental temperature variations on the scanning endoscope's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber configured to guide illumination light supplied from a light source section, and to emit the illumination light from an end portion
Implementation Method 2
an actuator configured to shift an irradiation position of the illumination light emitted through the optical fiber, by swinging the end portion of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning endoscope system includes an optical fiber configured to guide illumination light, and to emit the illumination light from an end portion, an actuator configured to shift an irradiation position of the illumination light, by swinging the end portion of the optical fiber, a drive signal generator configured to generate and supply a drive signal for driving the actuator, a current measurement section configured to measure, as a current measurement value, a current value of the drive signal supplied to the actuator, and a scan control section configured to perform control such that an amplitude value of the drive signal is switched, and to switch a threshold for detecting the current measurement value from a first threshold to a second threshold, when detecting that the current measurement value gradually changes and reaches the first threshold.