Endoscope Light Source Device with Independent LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices for endoscopes, such as those using R, G, and B light-emitting elements, lack independent control over color and intensity, resulting in suboptimal subject illumination and insufficient brightness in images captured.
Innovation Solution
A light source device comprising first and second light-emitting sections with independent output control, synchronized with image pickup timing, utilizing a comparator, integrated output value control circuit, and light-emitting section selector to adjust light emission intensities and periods based on image pickup signals, ensuring optimal color and brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If R, G, and B light-emitting elements are sequentially pulsatively lit in synchronism with the exposure period at the rated level, then the configuration cost is reduced and the light source structure is simplified, but the subject image brightness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light emission intensity variable rather than fixed. The light-emitting elements are driven at intensities higher than the rated level dynamically adjusted according to the dimming signal, allowing the system to overcome the brightness limitation while maintaining the simplified structure of sequential pulsative lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the light-emitting elements by driving them at intensities exceeding their rated levels. This parameter change enables sufficient image brightness to be achieved during the sequential pulsative lighting periods, resolving the contradiction between simplified configuration and adequate illumination.
2Device complexity
If R, G, and B light-emitting elements are sequentially pulsatively lit in synchronism with the exposure period, then the light source structure is simplified, but independent control of color output is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control of light-emitting elements into independent channels. Each color component (R, G, B) can be controlled independently through the dimming signal processing, allowing selective adjustment of coloring while maintaining the overall simplified sequential pulsative lighting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different control characteristics for different color components. The integrated output value control allows each light-emitting element to be controlled according to its specific requirements, achieving suitable coloring for different subjects while preserving the simplified light source structure.
3Illumination intensity
If light-emitting elements are driven at intensities higher than the rated level, then the subject image brightness is sufficient, but the risk of element damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using sequential pulsative lighting where each light-emitting element is driven at high intensity only during its specific illumination period rather than continuously. This intermittent high-intensity operation provides sufficient image brightness while reducing cumulative stress and heat generation, thereby protecting the light-emitting elements from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by controlling the timing and duration of high-intensity light emission in advance. The integrated output value control section pre-determines the appropriate drive intensity and duration for each light-emitting element based on the dimming signal, ensuring sufficient brightness while preventing excessive stress that could lead to element failure.
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
Enables observation with suitable coloring and achieves sufficiently bright subject images by independently controlling light emission intensities and periods, improving both color accuracy and image brightness.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting section which generates illumination light to be applied to a subject, a second light-emitting section which generates illumination light with wavelength different from the illumination light generated from the first light-emitting section
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device which causes a sufficiently bright subject image to be obtained is provided.The light source device includes a first light-emitting diode 10-1 which generates illumination light to be applied to a subject, a second light-emitting diode 10-2 which generates illumination light with wavelength different from the illumination light generated from the first light-emitting diode 10-1, and a light-emitting diode drive control section 3 which independently controls integrated output values (light emission intensities, light emission periods) of the first light-emitting diode 10-1 and second light-emitting diode 10-2 in synchronism with image pickup timing at which the subject is photographed.