Endoscope Tip Temperature Regulation via LED Junction Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with multiple viewing elements face challenges in regulating temperature and illumination intensity at the distal tip, leading to overheating and sub-optimal image quality due to the use of multiple LEDs and fixed illumination settings, which can cause discomfort to patients and affect the performance of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopy system that measures and regulates the temperature of the distal tip using existing LED illuminators as temperature sensors, and dynamically adjusts the luminance intensity of each illuminator based on the activity level and orientation of the tip section, without the need for dedicated temperature sensors or wiring, by using a controller to compute junction temperatures and adjust power levels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LED illuminators are used in the distal tip of the endoscope, then illumination intensity is improved, but temperature increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of LED illuminators by adjusting their operation based on detected activity levels. The system transitions LEDs between active and inactive states, and modifies illumination intensity dynamically, preventing continuous operation that causes overheating while maintaining adequate illumination when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic illumination by activating LED illuminators only during detected activity periods and deactivating them during inactive periods. This periodic on-off operation reduces cumulative heat generation while providing illumination precisely when observational or procedural activity requires it.
2Device complexity
If fixed illumination settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to sub-optimal illumination levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of illumination intensity based on detected activity levels. The system automatically modifies LED output to match current operational needs, providing optimal brightness during active procedures while reducing intensity during inactive periods, thereby improving image quality without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses activity detection feedback to automatically regulate illumination settings. By monitoring whether the distal tip is in an active or inactive state, the system adjusts LED illuminator output accordingly, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes image quality while adapting to real-time procedural conditions.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated temperature sensors are added to the distal tip, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LED illuminators serve dual functions: providing illumination and acting as temperature sensors. By monitoring the electrical characteristics of the LEDs, the system derives temperature information without requiring separate sensing components, thereby achieving temperature measurement capability while avoiding additional complexity in the distal tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing LED illuminators to perform the additional function of temperature sensing. The LEDs monitor their own operational parameters and provide temperature data as a byproduct of their illumination function, eliminating the need for dedicated temperature sensors and reducing overall device complexity.
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 effectively reduces overheating, improves image quality, and enhances the reliability of endoscopic procedures by maintaining optimal temperature and illumination levels, thereby reducing the risk of component failure and improving patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of viewing elements is associated with one or more light emitting diode (LED) illuminators
Implementation Method 2
a circuit for measuring a voltage across each of said LED illuminators; and a controller programmed to compute a temperature of each of said LED illuminators by using said measured voltage and a function representing a relationship between LED voltage and LED junction temperature for a given current
Implementation Method 3
The controller is further programmed to reduce a power of the LED illuminators if the average LED junction temperature exceeds a pre-determined limit
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification describes a system and method for computing the temperature of the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope based on a measurement of junction temperatures of light emitting diode (LED) illuminators inside the tip. The measurement of temperature is used for taking corrective action if the temperature exceeds a limit. The temperature measurement is used for optimizing image parameters, as the performance of image sensors is affected by changes in ambient temperature.