Scanning Endoscope Extrinsic Light Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning endoscope apparatuses struggle to differentiate between return light from a subject and extrinsic light, leading to image distortion and reduced contrast due to the inclusion of extrinsic light in the detected signal.
Innovation Solution
A scanning endoscope apparatus with a light source, light guiding section, illumination control, scanning section, light detecting section, and extrinsic light component removal section, which applies illuminating light directionally, controls light application periods, and removes extrinsic light components during interruption periods to isolate and process return light components for accurate image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light receiving section receives all light within the illuminating light scanning range, then the light reception capability is improved, but extrinsic light is also included in the detected signal causing image distortion and reduced contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detected light signal into two distinct components: return light (useful signal) and extrinsic light (noise). By temporally separating the acquisition of these components through periodic interruption of the illuminating light, the system can process and subtract the extrinsic light component from the total detected signal, thereby recovering pure return light information for accurate image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic interruption of the illuminating light at a predetermined frequency, creating alternating periods where only return light is present and periods where both return light and extrinsic light are detected. This periodic modulation enables the system to distinguish and separate the two light components through temporal sampling, allowing effective removal of extrinsic light while preserving return light information.
2Duration of action of moving object
If illuminating light is continuously applied, then the illumination coverage is improved, but extrinsic light cannot be distinguished from return light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic interruption to the illuminating light, creating a time-varying illumination pattern. During the illumination periods, both return light and extrinsic light are detected; during the interruption periods, only extrinsic light is detected. This periodic modulation in time allows the system to differentiate between the two light sources through temporal analysis, even though the spatial illumination coverage remains comprehensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the extrinsic light component during interruption periods before the main imaging acquisition. By characterizing the extrinsic light properties during these preliminary phases, the system can then subtract this known component from the total signal during illumination periods, enabling accurate separation of return light without compromising illumination coverage.
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 effectively reduces the impact of extrinsic light, enhancing image quality by isolating and processing return light components, thereby improving the accuracy and contrast of the endoscopic image.
Implementation Method 1
a light guiding section that guides and applies the illuminating light to a subject from a distal end
Implementation Method 2
a light detecting section that detects light from a scanning range of the scanning section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a scanning endoscope apparatus (1) including: a light source section (2) that emits illuminating light; an optical fiber (3) that guides and applies the illuminating light from a distal end in such a manner that the illuminating light has directionality; a shutter (4) and an intermittent light output control section (5) that control, with a predetermined cycle, a light application period and an interruption period for the illuminating light; a drive element (7) and a scanning drive section (8) that scan the distal end of the optical fiber (3); a light detecting section (12) that detects light from a scanning range at the distal end of the optical fiber (3); an extrinsic light component removal section (13) that extracts a return light component of the illuminating light by removing an extrinsic light component obtained based on a detection result of the light detecting section (12) in the interruption period, from a detection result of the light detecting section in the light application period; and an image processing section (15) that forms an image from the return light component, based on information of the direction of the distal end of the optical fiber (3) from the scanning drive section (8).