Endoscope Light Source Controller Spectral Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope systems face challenges in acquiring images that allow for easy observation of desired structures based on varying imaging distances, as the current systems do not effectively adjust illumination light spectra to optimize image quality for both close-up and distant views.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope system incorporates a light source controller that adjusts the components of blue, green, and red wavelength bands in the illumination light based on the imaging distance, using a judgment section to determine if the distance is short or long and adjusting the light spectrum accordingly, and includes an exposure setting value calculator and gain controller to optimize image acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the distal portion of the insertion section is brought close to the observation object (short imaging distance), then detailed structures such as blood vessel running patterns and pit patterns can be observed, but the image quality for distant views deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different imaging distances
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light source device dynamically adjusts the spectral composition of illumination light based on imaging distance. The light source controller varies the intensity ratios of blue, green, and red wavelength components according to whether the imaging distance is short or long, making the system adaptable to different observation conditions without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spectral parameters of illumination light by adjusting the intensity ratios of different wavelength bands (blue: 430-480nm, green: 480-530nm, red: 600-680nm). This parameter adjustment optimizes image quality for different imaging distances, allowing the same hardware to perform well in both close-up and distant viewing scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distal portion of the insertion section is kept away from the observation object (long imaging distance), then digestive organs can be observed from a remote view, but detailed structures such as blood vessel patterns and pit patterns become difficult to observe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different imaging distancesVSAvoidobservation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches illumination spectra based on detected imaging distance. When long imaging distance is detected, the light source controller increases green wavelength component intensity and decreases blue and red components, optimizing contrast for detailed structure observation even at distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination light spectral parameters are changed by adjusting intensity ratios of blue, green, and red wavelength bands. This allows the system to maintain high observation precision across varying imaging distances by matching illumination characteristics to distance conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a color image sensor with BGR pixels and a white color pixel is used, then image acquisition flexibility is improved, but the image quality varies significantly with imaging distance without spectral adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition flexibilityVSAvoidimage quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light source controller receives feedback about imaging distance (short or long) and adjusts the spectral composition of illumination light accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that image quality remains consistent across different imaging distances by adapting illumination to match observation conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the spectral parameters of illumination light based on imaging distance feedback. By adjusting the intensity ratios of blue, green, and red wavelength components, the system maintains optimal image quality whether imaging近距离 or distant structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the endoscope system to produce images where desired structures can be easily observed by adjusting the illumination light spectrum in response to imaging distance, improving both close-up and distant view image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a light source device for generating illumination light to irradiate an observation object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2926718B1Endoscope system
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2926718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2926718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An endoscope system (10, 200, 300) comprises an LED light source unit (14), an image sensor (48, 304), an imaging distance calculator (65) and a light source controller (32, 210). The LED light source unit generates illumination light. The image sensor has a blue pixel (B), a green pixel (G), a red pixel (R) and a specific pixel (W) receiving at least light in a blue wavelength band and a green wavelength light, and images an observation object by reflected light of the illumination light from the observation object. The imaging distance calculator calculates an imaging distance that is a distance between the image sensor and the observation object. The light source controller controls the light source unit to increase a component of the blue wavelength band or the green wavelength band included in the illumination light according to the imaging distance.