Endoscope Light Source Device Merging Wavelength Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices for endoscopes require multiple emitting portions for different wavelength observations, making size reduction difficult due to the need for separate wavelength converting members for each observation mode.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with multiple excitation light sources emitting different spectra, a common wavelength converting member, and a control unit to switch between light sources based on observation mode, allowing a single emitting portion to produce illumination light for both normal and special light observations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emitting portions with separate wavelength converting members are prepared for different observation modes, then the functionality for both normal and special light observations is achieved, but the device size increases and size reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength converting members (first wavelength converting member for blue light, second wavelength converting member for green light, third wavelength converting member for red light) into a single integrated emitting portion. These converting members are arranged in different radial directions around the optical fiber, allowing multiple observation modes to be achieved from one compact structure rather than requiring separate emitting portions for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The single emitting portion is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different wavelength converting members that can generate various colors of light (blue, green, red) and white light. The light source device can switch between normal light observation mode and special light observation mode using this unified structure, making it universal for different observation requirements without increasing device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emitting portions are prepared for different wavelengths, then special light observation capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength converting members and their corresponding optical paths into a single emitting portion. The first, second, and third wavelength converting members are integrated around a single optical fiber, with each converting member positioned to receive light from the fiber and emit in specific radial directions. This integration reduces structural complexity compared to having separate emitting portions for each wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength converting members are arranged in different radial directions (first, second, and third radial directions) around the optical fiber, utilizing spatial arrangement in three dimensions. This dimensional organization allows multiple wavelength conversions to occur within a compact volume without requiring complex linear arrangements or separate emitting portions, thereby reducing 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
Enables size reduction by eliminating the need for multiple emitting portions and allows for effective switching between observation modes, enhancing contrast in special light observations while maintaining functionality for normal light observations.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength converting member is disposed at the other end, output light of the solid state light source is guided to the wavelength converting member through the optical fiber, and this wavelength converting member converts the output light of the solid state light source into a desired irradiation pattern or wavelength (color)
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes: excitation light sources configured to emit a plurality of excitation light including mutually different spectra; wavelength converting members configured to wavelength-convert the excitation light emitted from the excitation light sources into light having mutually different spectra and configured to be disposed in a common application region of the excitation light; and a light source control unit configured to switch a combination of the excitation light sources that are lighted among the excitation light sources based on the observation mode including a normal light observation mode and a special light observation mode to highlight a particular observation target input to an input unit, wherein light emitted from the wavelength converting members is used as illumination light, and the illumination light corresponding to the observation modes is emitted from a same emitting portion.