Compact Endoscope Illumination Apparatus with Surrounding Phosphor Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope illumination systems require significant space and have non-homogeneous color distribution, making it difficult to observe the same position under different illuminations, and there is no compact LED available for vascular pattern enhanced illumination.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination apparatus with a phosphor layer surrounding LEDs on a printed circuit board, allowing for efficient mixing of light spectra to achieve both white light and spectrum illumination with reduced space requirements and improved homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate violet LED, green LED, and white LED are used for spectrum imaging and white light imaging, then both imaging modes can be achieved, but the space required in the endoscope tip increases and color distribution becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED chips (violet and green LEDs) into a single integrated illumination apparatus that can produce both spectrum imaging light and white light. By merging the light sources and using a common optical path with a beam splitter, the system achieves dual imaging modes within a compact space, resolving the contradiction between versatility and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to serve both spectrum imaging and white light imaging purposes. The same physical components (LEDs, phosphor layer, optical elements) are used to generate different types of illumination by controlling which LEDs are activated and how the light is combined, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate violet LED, green LED, and white LED are used for spectrum imaging and white light imaging, then both imaging modes can be achieved, but the color distribution on the object becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that combines the light from violet and green LEDs to create homogeneous spectrum illumination. The beam splitter ensures uniform mixing of the different wavelength lights before they reach the object, resolving the color distribution non-homogeneity issue while maintaining dual imaging mode capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to produce homogeneous light distribution across the illuminated area. By carefully arranging the LEDs and using optical elements like the beam splitter and diffuser, the system ensures that both spectrum imaging light and white light are distributed uniformly, eliminating hot spots and color variations on the object surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If white LED, violet LED, and green LED are positioned separately, then each can emit its specific spectrum, but the illumination positions on the object differ making observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into separate controllable LED modules (violet LED, green LED, white LED) that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows precise control over which spectrum is emitted while maintaining a unified optical path, enabling the operator to switch between imaging modes while keeping the illumination position consistent on the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of LED activation and intensity to adapt between different imaging modes. By dynamically switching which LEDs are on and adjusting their intensities, the system provides spectrum control capability while maintaining consistent illumination geometry, making it easy for operators to observe the same position under different illuminations.
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 reduces space requirements, provides homogeneous color distribution, and allows easy observation of positions under different illuminations, enhancing the effectiveness of endoscopic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination apparatus comprises a light source, and a phosphor layer which surrounds the light source and converts light from the light source into converted light
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided an illumination apparatus, comprising a first light source mounted on a board emitting first light having a first wavelength spectrum; a second light source mounted on the board emitting second light having a second wavelength spectrum; a phosphor layer converting at least a part of at least one of the first light and the second light into first converted light and second converted light, respectively; wherein the phosphor layer emits a remaining part of the first light, a remaining part of the second light, the first converted light, and the second converted light; the phosphor layer is in contact with the first and second light sources and continuous on the first and second light sources, and on a path on the board connecting the first and second light sources; the phosphor layer and the board surround the first light source and the second light source.