Endoscope Light Source Controller Equalizing Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope systems face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination properties, particularly in dark scenes, due to variations in light sources' dynamic range and utilization rates, which affect image quality and the lifespan of light sources.

Innovation Solution

A light source device comprising a first light emitter and a second light emitter with identical color components, controlled by an illumination controller to adjust the light output based on a set light amount, ensuring consistent illumination while optimizing the lifespan of the light sources by varying the light-on and light-off orders of multiple light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are used to expand dynamic range, then illumination intensity is improved, but illumination consistency deteriorates due to variations in light sources' dynamic range and utilization rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidillumination consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit switches the light sources on and off in a predetermined sequence repeatedly. By periodically changing which light sources are active, the system maintains consistent illumination characteristics over time while utilizing multiple light sources to expand dynamic range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls the on/off states of multiple light sources based on a predetermined sequence. The control unit adjusts the illumination state of each light source at different time periods, transforming a static illumination system into a dynamic one that can maintain consistency through controlled variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If light sources are used continuously, then illumination intensity is maintained, but light source lifespan deteriorates due to uneven utilization rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidlight source lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic switching of light sources according to a predetermined sequence, no single light source operates continuously. This periodic action distributes the operational burden across multiple light sources, extending the overall lifespan while maintaining illumination intensity through the coordinated operation of the light source group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the illumination function across multiple light sources that operate in segments rather than continuously. The control unit manages each light source's operation time, segmenting the total illumination requirement into portions handled by different light sources at different times, thereby reducing individual light source utilization and extending lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12075982B2Light source device having illumination controller controlling multiple light sources in multiple states, control method of the light source, and endoscope system having the light source

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A light source device includes: a first light emitter configured to emit first light; a second light emitter configured to emit second light having an identical color component to the first light; and an illumination controller configured to cause, after causing the first light emitter to emit the first light, the second light emitter to emit the second light according to a set light amount in a state in which the first light emitter is caused to emit the first light.