Electronic Endoscope LED Driver Circuit Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic endoscope systems face challenges in ensuring consistent illumination across various diameters of inspection targets due to the need for interchangeable optical adaptors with different LED configurations, which can lead to inconsistent lighting and operational complexities.
Innovation Solution
An electronic endoscope system featuring a constant-current circuit in the LED control unit that maintains a consistent current flow to light-emitting elements across interchangeable optical adaptors with varying LED configurations, ensuring proper driving and operation regardless of the adaptor used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable optical adaptors with different LED configurations are used for various inspection target diameters, then the system can accommodate different observed portions, but the illumination consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the illumination intensity of individual LEDs based on their distance from the observed portion. The control unit calculates the distance between each LED and the observation target, then adjusts the drive current accordingly to maintain uniform illumination across the entire observed area, regardless of the optical adaptor configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable optical adaptors with different LED arrangements are prepared, then the system can observe various body cavities and industrial targets, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single optical adaptor structure with multiple LEDs that can be configured to illuminate various inspection targets. The adaptor includes a light-shielding structure that can be selectively positioned to control which LEDs are active, allowing one adaptor to perform the function of multiple specialized adaptors for different target sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination system adjustable and reconfigurable. The light-shielding structure can be moved to different positions to activate different LED combinations, and the control unit dynamically adjusts the intensity of each LED based on the observed portion, enabling a single adaptor to adapt to various inspection scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are arranged in different configurations for different target diameters, then the system can match various inspection targets, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine the appropriate LED configuration and intensity settings based on the observed portion. The control unit autonomously calculates distances between LEDs and the observation target, selects which LEDs to activate, and adjusts their intensities without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability.
4Illumination intensity
If the illumination is increased for dark body cavity observation, then the observing quality improves, but the risk of excessive current or voltage to LEDs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control unit that continuously monitors and adjusts the LED drive current based on the actual illumination requirements. The system calculates the distance between each LED and the observed portion, then adjusts the current accordingly to provide sufficient brightness for dark areas while preventing excessive current that could damage the LEDs.
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
This solution ensures high operability and observing quality by maintaining consistent lighting across different LED configurations, preventing excessive current or voltage issues and simplifying the system's operation without increasing size, thus improving the electronic endoscope's performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical adaptors having light-emitting elements, serving as illuminating means
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic endoscope system with high operability and high observing performance capable of driving properly and automatically the light-emitting elements without the size increase in system is provided, even in the case of using a plurality of interchangeable optical adaptors having varied numbers of light-emitting elements. A plurality of optical adaptors having LEDs are detachable to the distal end of an insertion unit of an endoscope. The insertion unit has an inserted electric cable connected to the LEDs. A constant-current circuit of an LED driving circuit flows constant current to the LEDs via the electric cable.