Endoscope Light Source Automatic Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source devices for endoscopes lack automatic adjustment capabilities to ensure safe light intensity during failures, potentially leading to heat damage and inadequate illumination, especially when used with endoscopes having small incident end diameters or during changes in endoscope types.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with endoscope connection means that identifies the type of endoscope connected, using detection sensors and memory to automatically adjust light intensity and filter settings, including neutral density filters, to prevent excessive light intensity and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the brightness of the supplied illuminating light is increased to improve illumination quality, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the heating value of the irradiated part in body cavities becomes excessively large causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The light source device dynamically adjusts the brightness of the illuminating light based on real-time detection of the light guide connector type. The system transitions from a fixed brightness output to a variable brightness output that adapts to different light guide specifications, thereby preventing excessive heating while maintaining adequate illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates detection means that provides feedback about the connected light guide connector type to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the control unit to automatically adjust the light brightness to match the specific requirements of different light guide types, preventing both insufficient illumination and excessive heating.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the brightness of the supplied illuminating light is adjusted for each light guide type to prevent heating damage, then safety is improved, but the operation becomes complex requiring manual adjustment for each light guide type
Solution Approach 1:
The light source device performs self-adjustment of brightness based on automatic detection of the light guide connector type. The system eliminates the need for manual intervention by automatically identifying the connector type through detection means and adjusting the light output accordingly, thereby maintaining safety while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual adjustment mechanism with an automated detection and control system. Instead of requiring manual brightness adjustment for each light guide type, the system uses optical or electrical detection to automatically identify the connector type and adjust brightness through electronic control, thereby eliminating operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional light source devices are used without automatic adjustment, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient during failures or changes in endoscope types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the light guide connector type before illumination begins. The detection means identifies the connector type in advance, allowing the control unit to pre-adjust the brightness settings before the light guide is fully engaged, thereby ensuring safe operation from the start and improving reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
4Device complexity
If manual brightness adjustment is required for different light guide types, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming adjustments during endoscope changes
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means automatically identifies the light guide connector type before the endoscope is fully connected, allowing the brightness adjustment to be performed in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual adjustment during endoscope changes, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while significantly improving productivity by reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous automatic detection and adjustment operation throughout the endoscope connection process. Rather than requiring discrete manual adjustments for each endoscope change, the system continuously monitors and adjusts brightness automatically, ensuring that the light guide is always properly illuminated without interrupting the workflow and thereby improving productivity.
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 solution enables safe and appropriate light intensity adjustment, preventing heat damage and ensuring reliable operation even during failures or changes in endoscope types, enhancing both operator and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
guiding illuminating light from a light source device employing a light guide etc.
Implementation Method 2
endoscope connection means optically connected to an endoscope that has identification information for identifying the type of endoscope
Implementation Method 3
a neutral density filter turret (152) comprising a plurality of types of neutral density filters for darkening light from the light source in accordance with the observation mode of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device for an endoscope, characterized by having a light source for supplying illuminating light to an object, endoscope connection unit optically connected to an endoscope that has discrimination information for discriminating the kind of endoscope, discrimination unit for discriminating the endoscope based on the discrimination information of the endoscope connected to the endoscope connection unit, change unit for the changing illumination condition of the illuminating light, and control unit for controlling the change unit based on the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit.