Endoscope Illuminator Brightness Control via Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in maintaining consistent brightness of illumination light due to temperature variations of the light source, which can lead to fluctuations in optical output, and require additional temperature adjustment devices that consume power.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a controller that adjusts the light source's energy supply within a predetermined range to match a target brightness, using a correction value based on the light source's temperature, eliminating the need for a Peltier device and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a temperature adjustment device (e.g., Peltier device) is used to control light source temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the temperature adjustment device (Peltier device) from the system entirely. Instead of actively cooling or heating the light source, the system extracts the temperature control function by using feedback-based supply energy adjustment to compensate for temperature-induced optical output variations, thereby achieving temperature stability without the power-consuming hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal temperature adjustment mechanism (Peltier device) with an electrical control mechanism. The controller adjusts the supply energy to the light source based on feedback from the imager, substituting the physical temperature control system with an electrical feedback loop that compensates for temperature effects on optical output
2Stability of the object's composition
If a temperature adjustment device is used to maintain consistent brightness, then illumination stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature compensation function with the existing illumination control system. The controller that already manages the light source operation is extended to also handle brightness stabilization by adjusting supply energy based on imager feedback, eliminating the need for a separate temperature adjustment device and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is given multi-functionality, serving both to manage the light source operation and to stabilize brightness by compensating for temperature variations. This universal approach allows one component to perform multiple functions, reducing the total number of devices needed in the system
3Stability of the object's composition
If supply energy is increased to compensate for temperature-induced optical output reduction, then brightness stability is improved, but risk of excessive optical output increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the imager continuously monitors the optical output and provides information to the controller. The controller adjusts the supply energy based on this feedback, increasing energy when optical output drops due to temperature and decreasing energy when output is sufficient, thereby maintaining brightness stability while preventing excessive optical output through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting supply energy within safe limits rather than maximizing compensation. The controller increases supply energy only to the extent needed to maintain target brightness, and the imager's feedback ensures that compensation does not exceed what is necessary, preventing excessive optical output while still achieving brightness stability
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 system effectively maintains target brightness levels by adjusting the light source's optical output in response to temperature changes, preventing excessive optical output and eliminating the need for temperature adjustment devices, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminator including a light source that emits light of a light amount corresponding to a magnitude of supply energy
Implementation Method 2
a technique for adjusting the temperature of a laser light source using a temperature adjustment device, such as a Peltier device
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes an illuminator comprising a light source adapted to emit light of a light amount corresponding to a magnitude of supply energy, the illuminator configured to emit the light in a form of illumination light for illuminating a subject; an imager configured to image the subject to acquire an image; a controller configured to control the illuminator by adjusting the magnitude of the supply energy within a range less or equal to a maximum supply value, to bring brightness of the illumination light close to a target value; and a setter configured to set the maximum supply value according to a temperature of the light source.