Endoscope Illumination Filter Switching With Single-Sensor Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope illumination systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently switching between different illumination modes, such as white light, narrow band imaging, autofluorescence, and red band imaging, due to limitations in detection mechanisms for optical filters in turret systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotation body with multiple holes and detection target shape portions, driven by a stepping motor, uses a photo-interrupter to detect specific slits and control the stop position, enabling precise switching of optical filters based on detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
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 accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single detection unit. Instead of using multiple photo-interrupters or photo-reflectors to detect different target portions, the invention uses one detection unit that detects a single detection target portion formed by the combination of multiple detection targets. This merging approach maintains accurate position information recognition while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection target portion is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both the detection target for position recognition and the reference for determining the rotational position of the turret. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms for different purposes, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a turret with multiple optical filters is rotated to switch between different illumination modes, then the versatility of the endoscope system is improved, but the time required for switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection target portion is pre-positioned on the turret at a location that allows the detection unit to identify the rotational position before the actual filter switching is completed. This preliminary detection enables the system to prepare for the next illumination mode in advance, reducing the overall switching time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides real-time feedback on the rotational position of the turret by detecting the detection target portion. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to monitor the switching process, determine when the desired filter position is reached, and make necessary adjustments to minimize switching time while ensuring accurate positioning for each illumination mode.
3Reliability
If detection target portions are provided on the turret for each optical filter, then the reliability of filter position detection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate detection target portions for each optical filter, the invention merges multiple detection targets into a single integrated detection target portion. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable filter position detection through the combined detection target design.
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
Enables accurate and efficient switching between illumination modes, improving the performance of endoscope imaging by ensuring the correct optical filter is positioned on the optical path, enhancing image quality and visibility 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
An endoscope illumination light switching device includes a rotation body in which a plurality of holes including a first hole are formed in a circumferential direction and that switches a hole on an irradiation optical path through rotation, a drive device configured to rotationally drive the rotation body, a sensor, and a processor configured to control a stop position of the rotation body based on a detection signal from the sensor. The rotation body includes a first detection target shape portion corresponding to the first hole, and another detection target shape portion. The sensor outputs a detection signal in response to detection of each shape portion when the rotation body rotates.