Endoscope Dual Light Source Backup Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face instability in image generation due to unreliable light sources, which can hinder medical procedures if the primary light source fails to operate properly.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a secondary light source unit that activates when the primary light source fails, ensuring continuous operation through a controller that switches power from the primary to the secondary light source via resistors, and optionally includes additional light sources and a driver to reposition light sources for optimal image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single primary light source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of image generation deteriorates when the light source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a primary light source and a secondary light source into a single endoscope system, integrating both light emitting units to work together. When the primary light source fails, the secondary light source activates to maintain image generation capability, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup secondary light source that is prepared in advance to compensate for potential primary light source failure. The controller continuously monitors the primary light source status and automatically switches to the secondary light source when failure is detected, providing beforehand cushioning against reliability issues.
2Reliability
If a secondary light source is added for backup, then the reliability of image generation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary light source is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a backup when the primary light source fails, and can also serve as an alternative light source during normal operation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced reliability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of having dual light sources. It automatically monitors the primary light source status and controls the switching between primary and secondary light sources, thereby managing the system complexity centrally without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the second light source is positioned off-axis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision with the optical unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different positioning strategies to different light sources: the primary light source is positioned on the optical axis for optimal alignment, while the secondary light source is positioned off-axis. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve good enough alignment for the secondary source without requiring the same precision as the primary source, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining acceptable image quality.
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 configuration allows for stable image generation even when the primary light source is non-functional, ensuring uninterrupted medical procedures by providing an alternative light source and optimizing light path alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source unit which is installed on a substrate; a second light source unit which is installed on the substrate and which emits light when the first light source unit does not emit light
Implementation Method 2
an optical unit through which the light of the first light source unit or the second light source unit passes
Implementation Method 3
a light guide unit which induces the light which passed through the optical unit to the inside of a target object
Implementation Method 4
senses the light reflected and reached from the target object and which converts the sensed light into an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an endoscopy system. The endoscope system includes: a first light source unit which is installed on a substrate; a second light source unit which is installed on the substrate and which emits light when the first light source unit does not emit light; an optical unit through which the light of the first light source unit or the second light source unit passes; a light guide unit which induces the light which passed through the optical unit to the inside of a target object; an image sensing unit which senses the light reflected and reached from the target object and which converts the sensed light into an image signal; and an image signal processing unit which processes the image signal to display on a display unit.