Endoscope Light Source Using Multi-Function Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope light source apparatuses face challenges in achieving a compact configuration for two types of illumination modes suitable for fluorescence observation, as they often require multiple filters and larger optical components, making them less efficient and more cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope light source apparatus employs three solid-state light sources emitting different wavelength bands, combined using dichroic mirrors and an optical filter that can be inserted or retracted to control illumination modes, allowing for white-light and two excitation-light modes without the need for additional optical filters, thereby reducing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters and larger optical components are used to achieve two types of illumination modes, then the illumination functionality is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical filter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a long-wavelength cut filter for fluorescence observation and a wavelength selection filter for white-light observation. The filter includes multiple transmission bands that enable different illumination modes without requiring additional filters, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple filter functions into a single integrated optical filter structure. By merging the long-wavelength cut function and the white-light transmission function into one filter component, the number of optical components is reduced, simplifying the overall device configuration
2Measurement precision
If multiple filters are used to achieve different illumination modes, then the wavelength selection accuracy is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical filter is designed with multiple transmission bands including a first transmission band for blue light (480-530nm), a second transmission band for green light (530-560nm), and a third transmission band for red light (600-680nm). This multi-functional filter achieves precise wavelength selection for different illumination modes without requiring multiple separate filters, thereby preventing apparatus size increase
3Device complexity
If a single lamp light source is used with filter combinations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination intensity and color reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into three separate solid-state light sources, each emitting in a specific wavelength range (blue, green, red). This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized for its specific function, providing high illumination intensity and excellent color reproducibility for both white-light and fluorescence observation modes
4Illumination intensity
If three solid-state light sources are used, then the illumination intensity and color reproducibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical filter serves multiple functions including wavelength selection for white-light observation and long-wavelength cutoff for fluorescence observation. This multi-functionality compensates for the increased complexity of having three light sources by reducing the number of filters needed, thereby balancing the overall device complexity
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 configuration enables efficient and compact realization of white-light and fluorescence observation modes with high color reproducibility and contrast, reducing the size of the apparatus and minimizing noise interference from long-wavelength components.
Implementation Method 1
a first solid-state light source that is configured to emit a first light beam that includes a first wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a second solid-state light source that is configured to emit a second light beam that includes a second wavelength band in which a wavelength thereof is longer than in the first wavelength band
Implementation Method 3
a third solid-state light source that is configured to emit a third light beam that includes a third wavelength band differing from the first and second wavelength bands and that generates white light by being combined with at least of the first and second light beams
Implementation Method 4
an optical member that is configured to combine the first light beam and the second light beam with the third light beam to generate a combined light
Implementation Method 5
an optical filter that is configured to be provided so as to be insertable into/retractable from an optical path of the combined light, and that selectively allows the light in the first, second, and third wavelength bands to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endoscope light source apparatus including: first and second solid-state light sources that emit first and second light beams, respectively; a third solid-state light source that emits a third light beam that generates white light by being combined with the first and second light beams; an optical member that combines the first, second, and third light beams to generate a combined light; an optical filter that is provided so as to be insertable into/retractable from an optical path of the combined light; and a controller, wherein, in a first excitation-light illumination mode, the controller turns on the first and second solid-state light sources and weakly turns on the third solid-state light source, and, in a second excitation-light illumination mode, turns on the first solid-state light source, turns off the second solid-state light source, and weakly turns on the third solid-state light source.