Endoscope Light Coupling for Shared Coherent and White-Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems require separate optical paths for coherent and incoherent light, necessitating costly replacements or alterations, which is inefficient and inconvenient for switching between imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that integrates coherent and incoherent light into a shared optical path within the endoscopic system's light delivery system, allowing for seamless switching between imaging modalities without replacing the entire system, using an optical switch to alternate between coherent and incoherent light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coherent light sources and optical fibres are integrated directly into the endoscope or light source, then coherent light imaging capabilities are achieved, but system cost increases and system replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling device is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and endoscope. This coupling device includes a first optical input for receiving light from the light source, a second optical output for coupling light into the endoscope, and an optical switch that can selectively direct either coherent or incoherent light through the coupling device to the endoscope, thereby enabling coherent light imaging without direct integration into the existing endoscopic system
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to handle multiple light types (coherent and incoherent) and can be connected to standard endoscopic systems, making it a universal interface that adds coherent light capability without requiring system-specific modifications. The optical switch within the coupling device enables it to function as either a coherent light coupler or an incoherent light coupler depending on the imaging mode required
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical fibres are used for coherent and incoherent light, then both imaging modes can be supported, but light loss increases and optical path sharing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges the coherent light path and incoherent light path into a single shared optical path. The optical switch selectively directs either coherent light from the first light source or incoherent light from the light source through the same coupling device and into the same endoscope, eliminating the need for separate optical fibres and reducing light loss while maintaining dual imaging mode support
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device connects directly to the endoscope, then coherent light can be delivered, but sterilization protocol compliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct components: the light source, the coupling device, and the endoscope. The coupling device connects to the light source via a first optical connection and to the endoscope via a second optical connection, creating a modular architecture where the coupling device can be easily detached and sterilized independently without affecting the endoscope or requiring system-wide sterilization
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
Enables flexible and economical use of coherent light capabilities, such as laser speckle contrast and fluorescence imaging, with reduced light loss and system integration costs, while maintaining image quality and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler for alternately injecting the incoherent light and the coherent light of the first wavelength into the first light guide, wherein the coherent light and the incoherent light have a shared optical path at the optical output
Implementation Method 2
The coupling device is configurable in a first state and a second state, in which first state, the coupling device comprises an unobstructed incoherent light beam path for propagating the incoherent light from the optical input to the optical output; and in which second state, the coupling device comprises an unobstructed coherent light beam path for propagating the coherent light from the coherent light source or from the coherent light input to the optical output
Implementation Method 3
a first light guide to illuminate a target
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for coupling coherent light and incoherent light into a first light guide of a light delivery system of an endoscopic system are described. The endoscopic system comprises an incoherent light source for generating incoherent light, e.g., white light. The coupling device comprises a first light source for generating coherent light of a first wavelength, or a coherent light input for receiving coherent light of the first wavelength. The coupling device also comprises an optical input with an optical input connector for releasably connecting the coupling device to the incoherent light source via a second light guide, and an optical output comprising an optical output connector for releasably connecting the coupling device to an endoscope via the first light guide. The optical input is configured for receiving the incoherent light from the endoscopic system. The optical output is configured for providing the incoherent light and the coherent light of the first wavelength to the first light guide. In an embodiment, the coupling device may be configurable in a first state and a second state, in which first state, the coupling device comprises an unobstructed incoherent light beam path for propagating the incoherent light from the optical input to the optical output; and in which second state, the coupling device comprises an unobstructed coherent light beam path for propagating the coherent light from the coherent light source or the coherent light input to the optical output. The coupling device may further comprise an optical coupler for, simultaneously and/or alternately, injecting the incoherent light and the coherent light of the first wavelength into the first light guide.