Endoscope Fluorescence Detection for Dye-Free Contamination Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope cleaning devices require the application of dye liquids to detect contamination, which is inconvenient and may complicate the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope contamination detection device that uses a light source to irradiate the endoscope with specific wavelengths, an image sensor to capture fluorescence from deposits, and a control device to determine contamination levels based on luminance values, without the need for dye application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dye liquid is applied to detect contamination, then contamination detection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional application steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the cleaning process by using a separate fluorescence detection device that independently analyzes the endoscope surface without requiring dye application. The detection is achieved by irradiating the surface with blue light and capturing fluorescence signals, separating the detection step from the cleaning steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blue light as an intermediary substance to enable detection. Instead of using dye liquid that must be applied and removed, blue light irradiates the endoscope surface and induces fluorescence from contaminants, allowing non-contact detection without adding or removing any material
2Measurement precision
If dye liquid is applied to detect contamination, then contamination detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the cleaning device by using a separate fluorescence detection device with its own light source and image sensor. This separation allows the cleaning device to remain simple while the detection device handles the complex fluorescence analysis independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical dye application system with an optical system. Instead of mechanically applying and then removing dye liquid, the system uses blue light irradiation and fluorescence capture, eliminating the need for dye application mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If dye liquid is applied to detect contamination, then contamination detection capability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to dye consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses blue light as an intermediary that does not get consumed in the detection process. Unlike dye liquid that must be applied and then discarded, blue light can be continuously irradiated without depletion, eliminating substance loss while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The contaminants themselves serve the detection function by naturally fluorescing when exposed to blue light. The system doesn't need to add dye substances because the contaminants have inherent fluorescent properties that can be directly excited and detected
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
Accurately detects endoscope contamination without the use of dye, providing a convenient and efficient method for assessing cleanliness levels.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that irradiates an endoscope with light of a specific wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that receives fluorescence emitted by a deposit adhering to a surface of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope contamination detection device includes: a light source that irradiates an endoscope with light having a specific wavelength; an image sensor that receives fluorescence emitted by a deposit adhering to a surface of the endoscope; and a control device having a processor, wherein the processor acquires a signal from the image sensor, generates an image from the signal, detects luminance values of a plurality of pixels of the image, and determines a contamination degree of the endoscope, based on the luminance values.