Endoscope Light Source Switching Between Field Sequential and Simultaneous Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscope systems, the existing methods for narrow band imaging mode suffer from poor visual recognition of surface blood vessels due to low performance in color separation, particularly when using complementary color image sensors, as they detect narrow band blue and green light simultaneously, leading to color mixture.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus that can switch between field sequential and simultaneous lighting modes, emitting narrow band blue and green lights discretely or simultaneously, and a controller that adjusts emission sequences and light intensity based on object brightness to optimize color separation using a complementary color image sensor with yellow, magenta, and cyan pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If simultaneous lighting is used with complementary color image sensor, then imaging speed is high, but color separation performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between simultaneous lighting and field sequential lighting modes based on the imaging requirements. The system can adaptively change the lighting mode: using simultaneous lighting for general imaging where speed is prioritized, and switching to field sequential lighting when narrow band imaging requires high color separation performance. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either speed or precision depending on the specific imaging task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lighting mode parameter from fixed simultaneous lighting to variable lighting modes. By introducing field sequential lighting as an alternative mode, the system can adjust the lighting parameters to match the imaging requirements. For narrow band imaging with complementary color sensors, the system switches to field sequential lighting to improve color separation, while maintaining simultaneous lighting for applications where speed is more important.
2Measurement precision
If field sequential lighting is used, then color separation performance is high, but imaging speed is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between field sequential lighting and simultaneous lighting based on real-time imaging requirements. When narrow band imaging is required and color separation is critical, the system activates field sequential lighting mode. For general-purpose imaging where time efficiency is more important, the system uses simultaneous lighting. This dynamic selection mechanism allows the system to achieve high color separation performance when needed without permanently sacrificing imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a variable lighting mode parameter that can switch between field sequential and simultaneous lighting. This parameter change allows the system to optimize color separation performance by selecting field sequential lighting for narrow band imaging applications, while maintaining the ability to use faster simultaneous lighting for other applications. The parameter is adjusted based on the imaging mode and sensor type being used.
3Reliability
If complementary color image sensor is used for narrow band imaging, then sensitivity is high, but color separation performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting mode switching specifically optimized for complementary color image sensors. When a complementary color sensor is detected or selected, the system can switch to field sequential lighting mode to compensate for the sensor's inherent color mixture problem. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high sensitivity of the complementary color sensor while improving color separation performance through sequential illumination with narrow band filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces narrow band interference filters as an intermediary element between the light source and the complementary color image sensor. These filters selectively transmit specific wavelength bands (e.g., blue and green for narrow band imaging) while blocking other wavelengths. By placing these filters in the optical path, the system enables the complementary color sensor to achieve both high sensitivity and improved color separation, as each pixel receives light from a specific wavelength range during its active period in field sequential mode.
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 approach enhances color separation performance in narrow band imaging, improving visual recognition of surface blood vessels by adjusting light emission sequences and intensities, thereby reducing color mixture and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting at least first narrow band light and second narrow band light
Implementation Method 2
a complementary color image sensor with yellow, magenta, and cyan pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus for endoscopic imaging includes a light source for emitting at least narrow band blue light and narrow band green light, to illuminate an object in a body cavity. The light source is changeable over between field sequential lighting and simultaneous lighting. The light source, upon setting of the field sequential lighting, emits the narrow band blue light and narrow band green light in a discrete manner, and upon setting of the simultaneous lighting, simultaneously emits the narrow band blue light and narrow band green light. A connector is connectable with an endoscope having a complementary color image sensor of yellow, magenta and cyan, for imaging the object. A controller sets the field sequential lighting assuming that the endoscope is connected to the light source and assuming that the light source is used for emitting the narrow band blue light and narrow band green light.