Endoscope Light Source Apparatus LED Group Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source apparatuses for endoscopes face inefficiencies in illuminating light distribution due to varying light guide diameters, leading to wasted light and increased heat, which affects the performance and noise levels of cooling fans.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus with multiple LED groups, where the LED control section adjusts the output based on endoscope information to optimize light entry into the light guide, reducing unnecessary light generation and heat by controlling the output of different LED groups according to the light guide diameter and brightness information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single light source unit is used to illuminate the light guide, then the structure is simple, but light utilization efficiency is low and heat generation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The light source unit is divided into multiple groups (first light source group, second light source group, third light source group, fourth light source group) with different emission characteristics. Each group targets specific regions of the light guide entrance, allowing optimized light distribution that matches the light guide's acceptance angle and improves overall light utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different light source groups are positioned and configured to provide different local illumination qualities. The first and third groups emit light at angles matching the light guide's acceptance angle for efficient coupling, while the second and fourth groups provide supplementary illumination. This local optimization reduces wasted light and minimizes heat generation.
2Illumination intensity
If all light sources operate at full output, then sufficient illumination is provided, but heat generation increases cooling fan noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs partial action by operating only the necessary light source groups at appropriate power levels. The first and third light source groups, which are most efficient for light guide coupling, are activated based on illumination requirements. The second and fourth groups can be adjusted or deactivated when full illumination is not needed, reducing heat generation and cooling fan noise while maintaining sufficient illumination.
3Loss of energy
If light sources are positioned to maximize light entry, then light utilization improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light source groups are merged into a single integrated light source unit that collectively optimizes light entry into the light guide. The groups are arranged in a coordinated configuration where their combined output efficiently couples with the light guide's acceptance angle, achieving high light entry efficiency without requiring complex individual positioning mechanisms for each group.
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 enhances light utilization, reduces waste light generation, and minimizes heat-related noise in cooling fans, improving the overall efficiency and performance of the light source apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source unit including a plurality of light sources arranged therein, the plurality of light sources each emitting illuminating light in a first wavelength band; a second light source unit including a plurality of light sources arranged therein, the plurality of light sources each emitting illuminating light in a second wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
an in-light source light guiding channel that guides the light emitted from the first light source unit and the light emitted from the second light source unit to the proximal end-side input end of the light guiding channel in the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus includes: a first light source unit including a plurality of light sources arranged therein, the plurality of light sources each emitting illuminating light in a first wavelength band; a second light source unit including a plurality of light sources arranged therein, the plurality of light sources each emitting illuminating light in a second wavelength band; an in-light source light guiding channel that guides the light emitted from the first light source unit and the light emitted from the second light source unit to a proximal end-side input end of a light guiding channel in an endoscope; and a light source control section that, based on endoscope information from an endoscope information storing section, divides the plurality of light sources in the first light source unit into a first light source group, light from which enters a vicinity of an optical axis of the proximal end-side input end of the light guiding channel in the endoscope, and a second light source group in a periphery of the first light source group, and divides the plurality of light sources in the second light source unit into a third light source group, light from which enters the vicinity of the optical axis of the proximal end-side input end of the light guiding channel in the endoscope, and a fourth light source group in a periphery of the third light source group, and performs control to decrease an output of the second light source group to be lower than an output of the first light source group and decrease an output of the fourth light source group to be lower than an output of the third light source group.