Multi-Source Endoscope Light Device White Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope light source devices struggle to improve the quality of captured images, particularly due to limitations in light source configurations and white balance processing.
Innovation Solution
A light source device system that includes multiple light sources (red, blue, violet, and white) and an optical member capable of combining these lights to introduce them into an endoscope's light guide, along with a processor that performs white balance processing based on the endoscope type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to improve image quality, then the illumination intensity and color rendering are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (red LED, blue LED, violet LED, and white light source with phosphor) into a single integrated light source device. The optical member integrates multiple optical paths into one unified system, combining the benefits of different wavelength lights while managing them through a single device structure, thus improving illumination intensity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source device is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination for general imaging, supports white balance processing across different color temperatures, and enables various imaging modes (full-color, green filter, violet filter imaging). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate light source systems.
2Measurement precision
If white balance processing is performed based on endoscope type to improve image quality, then the measurement precision and image accuracy are improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs white balance processing in advance by capturing reference images (black board images) under different lighting conditions during the imaging calibration phase. These pre-processed white balance data are stored and automatically applied during actual imaging operations, eliminating the need for real-time white balance calculations and reducing processing time during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection units to monitor the actual light output from each light source and adjusts the white balance processing based on detected variations. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate white balance by compensating for deviations in light source characteristics, maintaining high precision without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time processing.
3Device complexity
If the optical path length is reduced for the white light source to improve system compactness, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light intensity at the target may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a blue LED excitation source with a specific wavelength (430-470 nm) that efficiently excites the phosphor material to generate white light. By optimizing the excitation wavelength and phosphor composition, the system achieves high light output intensity even with a shortened optical path, as the phosphor conversion efficiency compensates for the reduced path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The white light source employs phosphor materials (yellow phosphor and green phosphor) combined with blue LED to create a composite light generation system. This composite approach allows efficient light conversion and high intensity output in a compact configuration, as the phosphor layer acts as an intermediate medium that converts blue light to broad-spectrum white light with high efficiency.
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 enhances the quality of captured endoscope images by providing improved light combinations and precise white balance processing, adaptable to various endoscope types.
Implementation Method 1
a fourth light source that generates white light by using a blue light emitting diode that generates blue light and a phosphor that generates yellow light by receiving the blue light
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a light source device to which a plurality of types of endoscopes as defined herein are connectable; and a processor, the light source device includes: a first light source; a second light source; a third light source; a fourth light source; and an optical member, the fourth light source generates the white light as defined herein, an optical path of light emitted from the fourth light source to the light guide is shorter than optical paths of light emitted from the first light source, the second light source and the third light source to the light guide, and the processor is configured to perform white balance processing on a captured image signal output from an imaging element of one of the endoscopes connected to the light source device based on a type of the one of the endoscopes.