Endoscope Light Source Control for Stable Color Tint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope devices face challenges in maintaining a stable color tint and sufficient light intensity for capturing images of surface layer microscopic blood vessels, especially at varying distances, requiring manual adjustments of irradiation light amounts during both ordinary and special light observations.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope device with a first light source for narrow band light and a second light source for wide band light, controlled by a light source control section to ensure a predetermined light amount, and an image processing section that adjusts color tint based on the light emission ratio, allowing for stable color display without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If narrow band light is used for special light observation to observe surface layer tissue, then observation precision of microstructure and microscopic blood vessels is improved, but light amount reaching the imaging sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines narrow band light (for high-precision observation of surface layer tissue) with wide band light (for sufficient illumination) to simultaneously achieve both observation precision and adequate light amount. The light source unit emits both types of light, and the imaging sensor captures images under combined illumination, resolving the contradiction between using narrow band light for precision and the resulting light deficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If irradiation light amount is increased to compensate for distance attenuation, then light amount at imaging sensor is improved, but color tint of captured image changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a light amount calculating section that calculates the actual light amount reaching the imaging sensor based on captured image information. This calculated light amount is fed back to the light source control section, which adjusts the irradiation light amount to maintain a predetermined light level. This feedback mechanism ensures stable color tint by preventing over-illumination while compensating for distance attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the light emission parameters (intensity, duration) based on the calculated light amount and distance conditions. The light source control section modifies irradiation parameters in real-time to maintain consistent illumination levels, thereby preserving color tint stability across varying capture distances.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment of irradiation light amount is required for stable color tint, then color tint stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the light amount calculating section continuously monitors the light amount reaching the sensor and the light source control section automatically adjusts irradiation parameters accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, maintaining color tint stability while significantly improving ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If light source control is simplified for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to maintain stable color tint at varying distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feedback control system continuously monitors light amount and distance conditions, then automatically adjusts irradiation parameters to maintain stable color tint. This eliminates the need for complex manual adjustments while preserving color accuracy across varying distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic control system that uses light sensors and processors to dynamically adjust illumination parameters. This substitution maintains color tint stability through intelligent control while dramatically improving ease of operation.
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 device ensures bright and stable color-tinted images of surface layer structures and components regardless of capturing distance, without the need for manual light adjustments, by dynamically controlling light emission and processing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
returned light in which at least one of the narrow band light and the wide band light emitted to the subject is returned from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The endoscope device includes a light source control section that controls emission of a narrow band light from a first light source section and a wide band light from a second light source section and light emission amounts of the narrow and wide band light, an imaging section that captures an image of a subject using returned light from the subject, a light amount calculating section that calculates a capturing light amount, a light amount ratio calculating section that calculates a ratio between light emission amounts of the narrow and wide band light, and an image processing section that performs a predetermined image processing. The light source control section controls the light emission amounts in accordance with the capturing light amount and the image processing section changes an image processing condition for adjusting a color tint in accordance with the ratio.