Endoscope Light Source Spectral Optimization for Hemoglobin Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subject observation systems, such as endoscopes, face challenges in effectively imaging tissues like blood vessels due to absorption characteristics of hemoglobin, which limits contrast and clarity in observations, especially when using white light or standard wavelength ranges.
Innovation Solution
A subject observation system that employs a light source emitting a spectral component with a blue region wavelength of 400-440 nm, combined with wavelength-converted yellow fluorescence, allowing for enhanced imaging in the blue, green, and red regions, with specific absorption characteristics to minimize absorption by hemoglobin, enabling high-contrast imaging of blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If white light or standard wavelength light is used for observation, then general visibility is achieved, but absorption by hemoglobin reduces contrast and clarity of blood vessel imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the observation light to the blue region (400-440 nm), which has different absorption characteristics compared to standard white light. This parameter change allows light to pass through hemoglobin with less absorption, thereby improving blood vessel imaging contrast and clarity without being hindered by hemoglobin absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a light source that can dynamically switch between different wavelength regions (blue region for blood vessel observation, green and red regions for normal observation). This dynamic adjustment of light wavelength allows optimization of imaging conditions based on the specific observation target, enabling high-contrast blood vessel imaging when needed while maintaining general observation capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If blue light (400-440 nm) is used to reduce hemoglobin absorption, then blood vessel visibility is improved, but noise may increase in other wavelength regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light emission spectrum based on the observation mode. When blood vessel observation is required, the blue region (400-440 nm) is activated with optimized intensity to maximize visibility while minimizing noise. For normal observation modes, the green and red regions are used instead, preventing blue region noise from degrading overall image quality. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by applying blue light selectively only when its benefits outweigh the noise drawbacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spectral characteristics to different observation purposes. The blue region light with reduced hemoglobin absorption is applied specifically for blood vessel imaging, while green and red regions are used for normal tissue observation. This localized application of specific wavelength qualities ensures that noise from the blue region does not interfere with normal observation, while still achieving high blood vessel visibility when needed.
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 system achieves high-contrast imaging of blood vessels by optimizing light emission spectra to reduce absorption in the blue region and increase sensitivity in the green region, improving visibility and reducing noise, thereby enhancing both normal and special light observation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light source emitting a spectral component with a blue region wavelength of 400-440 nm, combined with wavelength-converted yellow fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A subject observation system includes a light source and an image obtaining unit. The light source emits observation light including a spectral component of a wavelength and applies the light to a subject. The image obtaining unit images reflected light from an irradiation region of the subject to which the light has been applied and obtains at least two observation images in different wavelength regions based on image signals corresponding to a blue region, a green region and a red region. The light includes components of light emission spectra in the regions. The light emission spectrum in the blue region is smaller in a wavelength region in which absorption intensity for a specific observation target in the subject is relatively low than in other regions.