Endoscope Light Source Device with Return Light Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices for endoscopes face challenges in accurately controlling light quantity due to excessive return light, which affects the precision of light quantity measurement and subsequent illumination.
Innovation Solution
A light source device comprising multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths, a light path integration part, a photodetector, and a light source controller that adjusts light quantities based on measurement signals, with a light guide and collecting part to suppress return light and ensure accurate illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light quantity measurement sensor is used to measure the light quantity of color light emitted by each semiconductor light source, then the light quantity can be controlled to be kept at the target value, but the measurement accuracy is reduced when there is much return light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into separate channels using beam splitters, with one channel leading to the light quantity measurement sensor and another to the return light source. This segmentation allows independent control and measurement of light quantities, enabling accurate measurement even in the presence of return light by selectively blocking or compensating for return light in the measurement channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters and optical path separation components as intermediaries between the semiconductor light sources and the measurement sensor. These intermediaries enable the system to distinguish between forward light (emitted by the light source) and return light (reflected back), allowing the measurement sensor to accurately measure only the forward light quantity despite the presence of return light.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple semiconductor light sources emitting different wavelengths are used, then various illumination requirements can be met, but the complexity of light quantity control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate optical paths and independent light quantity measurement for each semiconductor light source wavelength. Each wavelength channel has its own beam splitter and measurement path, allowing individual control and measurement of each light source's output, thereby managing the complexity of multi-wavelength control through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs light quantity measurement sensors that provide feedback signals to the control system for each semiconductor light source. The control system uses this feedback to adjust the drive current of each light source independently, maintaining accurate light quantity control across multiple wavelengths through closed-loop feedback mechanisms.
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 effectively reduces return light, enhancing the accuracy of light quantity control and maintaining consistent brightness in endoscopic images, thereby improving the precision of light emission.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide part that has a homogenizing function to receive the integrated light from the light path integration part
Implementation Method 2
a light collecting part that collects light passing through the light guide part
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector that receives a portion of light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light sources until the light paths are integrated by the light path integration part to obtain information on a light quantity
Data Source
AI summary
The light source device for an endoscope includes a plurality of light sources that emits light with different wavelengths, a light path integration part that integrates light paths of the light, a light path unit on which the integrated light is incident, a photodetector that receives a portion of the light until the light paths are integrated by the light path integration part to obtain information on a light quantity, and a light source controller that adjusts the light quantity of the light based on a light quantity measurement signal generated by the photodetector. The light path unit includes a light guide part that has a homogenizing function to receive the integrated light from the light path integration part, and a light collecting part that collects light passing through the light guide part.