Endoscope Illumination Filter Switching With Single-Sensor Turret Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope illumination systems face challenges in efficiently switching between different illumination modes, such as white light, narrow band imaging, autofluorescence, and red band imaging, due to complex detection mechanisms that are prone to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope illumination light switching device and method utilizing a rotation body with multiple holes and detection target shape portions, controlled by a drive device and sensor, to accurately position optical filters on the irradiation path based on detection signals, enabling seamless switching between illumination modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection units (photo-interrupters or photo-reflectors) are provided corresponding to multiple detection target portions on the turret, then position information of optical filters can be recognized to enable filter switching, but the device complexity increases and error-proneness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from multiple distributed detection units and consolidates it into a single detection unit. The turret is designed with a specific detection target portion that can be detected by one detection unit, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining filter switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection unit serves multiple purposes: it detects the detection target portion to determine turret position, identifies which optical filter is in the optical path, and enables filter switching control. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection units are provided to detect multiple detection target portions on the turret, then filter position recognition is enabled, but the reliability decreases due to increased error-proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerability associated with multiple detection units by extracting the detection function to a single unit. This reduces the number of potential failure points in the detection system, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the ability to recognize filter positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a turret with multiple optical filters and detection target portions is used, then multiple illumination modes can be switched, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection target portion as an intermediary element between the turret and the detection unit. This mediator provides a clear, standardized detection signal that simplifies the positioning requirements, as the detection unit only needs to detect the presence and position of this specific target portion rather than directly measuring filter positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex detection mechanism with multiple detection units is used, then filter switching control is enabled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies operation by extracting the detection function to a single unit with a clear detection target. This creates a straightforward detection-signal-generation-control flow that is easier to operate and control compared to systems with multiple detection units that require coordinated operation.
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 provides precise and efficient switching between different illumination modes, enhancing the performance of endoscope imaging by improving visibility and contrast in various observation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor disposed outside the rotation body and configured to output detection signals in response to detection of the first detection target shape portion and the other detection target shape portion when the rotation body rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device including: a turret rotatable about a predetermined rotational axis; a stepping motor configured to rotationally drive the turret; a first hole disposed on a predetermined radius centered at the rotational axis; a first groove formed at a periphery of the turret and at a first position corresponding to the first hole; a second groove formed at the periphery for defining a reference position of the turret; a sensor configured to output detection signals in response to detection of the first groove and of the second groove; a memory configured to store information of the first groove and the second groove; a counter configured to count a number of steps of the stepping motor; and a processor configured to: control driving of the stepping motor based on the number of steps; and detect the second groove based on the number of steps counted by the counter.