Endoscope Light Amount Control Unit for Wavelength Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope devices do not adequately consider dimming based on photometric values for white light and narrowband light, leading to suboptimal illumination in different wavelength ranges.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design with a light amount control unit that derives photometric values from imaging data to adjust the light output of first and second light output units, ensuring appropriate illumination based on the angular ranges and wavelength ranges of narrowband and white light, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single light output unit is used for illumination, then the device structure is simple, but the illumination quality in different wavelength ranges cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple light output units, each emitting light in different wavelength ranges (e.g., blue light, green light, red light). This segmentation allows independent optimization of illumination quality for each wavelength range while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light output unit is designed with specific local quality characteristics tailored to its wavelength range. The control unit adjusts illumination parameters locally for each light output unit based on photometric values specific to that wavelength range, enabling optimized illumination quality without requiring complete system redesign.
2Device complexity
If uniform illumination is applied across all areas, then the control system is simple, but the photometric values cannot be accurately controlled in different angular ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The observation spot is divided into multiple areas corresponding to different angular ranges. Each area is independently controlled with its own photometric value targets, allowing precise photometric control in each angular range while keeping the overall control structure manageable through modular area-based management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts illumination parameters (intensity, wavelength distribution) based on photometric values measured or estimated for each area. This parameter adaptation enables accurate photometric control across different angular ranges by responding to actual lighting conditions in each region.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light output units with different wavelength ranges are used, then the illumination quality in different wavelength ranges can be optimized, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can manage multiple light output units with different wavelength characteristics through a single integrated control system. This universality allows the device to achieve sophisticated multi-wavelength illumination control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength range as an additional dimension for controlling illumination quality. By organizing light output units and control parameters along the wavelength dimension rather than just spatial dimensions, the system achieves comprehensive illumination optimization while maintaining manageable structural complexity through dimensional organization.
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 effective dimming according to photometric values in different wavelength ranges, optimizing illumination for improved image capture in endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit provided in a distal tip of an insertion tube to image an observation spot via an objective lens
Implementation Method 2
a first light output unit disposed around the objective lens to output first illumination light for illuminating the observation spot; a second light output unit disposed around the objective lens to output second illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
A light amount control unit of an endoscope derives a photometric value in an area of an observation spot corresponding to each of angular ranges of a first light output unit and a second light output unit having different wavelength ranges based on imaging data about the observation spot output from an imaging unit, derives an amount of light from each of the first light output unit and the second light output unit based on the derived photometric value, and causes each of the first light output unit and the second light output unit to output illumination light based on the derived amount of light.