Endoscope Light Synchronization for Aligned Multi-Mode Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic examinations using different light sources result in relative positional discrepancies between images, leading to biased judgments due to asynchronous operation, as the endoscope moves during the transition between light sources.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope light source synchronization system that synchronizes the operation of an image sensor and light source using a timing control module, allowing simultaneous display of multiple image screens generated under different light sources, achieving a continuous visual effect through rapid switching controlled by a synchronization signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the endoscope switches between different light sources during examination, then multiple imaging modes (white light, narrow band imaging) can be obtained, but the images from different light sources have relative positional discrepancies due to endoscope movement, leading to inaccurate diagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging modeVSAvoidimage position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic time-division multiplexing to rapidly switch between different light sources (white light, narrow band imaging light) in a cyclic manner. The timing control module coordinates the light source switching with image sensor exposure timing, ensuring that images from different light sources are captured at synchronized moments, thereby eliminating positional discrepancies while maintaining versatility in imaging modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The timing control module pre-coordinates the switching timing of different light sources with the image sensor's exposure timing before image capture occurs. By synchronizing the light source activation with the image sensor's frame timing in advance, the system ensures that images from different light sources correspond to the same endoscope position, resolving the positional accuracy issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the endoscope moves during light source switching, then continuous examination of different areas is possible, but the relative positions of images from different light sources become different, causing biased judgment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination efficiencyVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The timing control module continuously monitors and synchronizes the timing signals from the image sensor with the light source switching signals. This feedback mechanism ensures that even during endoscope movement, images from different light sources are captured at corresponding positions, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while allowing continuous examination without interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs rapid periodic switching between light sources synchronized with the image sensor's frame rate. This periodic action occurs faster than the endoscope movement rate, ensuring that multiple images from different light sources are captured at effectively the same position, maintaining both examination continuity and diagnostic reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If multiple image screens are displayed simultaneously, then physicians can compare different light source images, but the images may appear discontinuous to the human eye due to rapid switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomparative analysis accuracyVSAvoidvisual continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays multiple image screens from different light sources simultaneously or in rapid sequence, using persistence of vision to create a continuous visual effect. The timing control ensures that images are displayed in synchronization with their capture timing, and the display refresh rate is coordinated to maintain visual continuity, allowing physicians to smoothly compare different imaging modes without perceiving discontinuities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20260060518A1Endoscope light source synchronization system

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 HUKUI BIOTECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

The present application provides an endoscope light source synchronization system adapted to connect a display device, an endoscope device and a light source device, where the endoscope device includes an image sensor and the light source device is used to emit at least two kinds of light sources. The endoscope light source synchronization system includes an image signal processor and a timing control module, where the timing control module uses a synchronization signal to synchronously control the light source device and the image sensor, and synchronously controls the light source device to switch and activate the light sources according to different light sources required by the image sensor in each frame, so that the image sensor generates different image signals corresponding to different light sources, and the image signal processor simultaneously displays several corresponding image screens on the display device according to the image signals.