Endoscope Lighting Control With Camera Feedback for Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures face challenges in accurately adjusting lighting for varying anatomical features due to the lack of precise image feedback, leading to potential thermal damage from excessive brightness and inadequate illumination.
Innovation Solution
A steerable endoscope system with movable members and sensors that provide feedback for controlling illumination characteristics through proximal, distal, and rotational movements, allowing for precise adjustment of lighting based on environmental conditions and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting brightness is increased to illuminate smaller cavities like biliary duct, then illumination intensity improves, but thermal damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera system continuously monitors image brightness and provides feedback to the lighting control system. This closed-loop control allows the system to adjust lighting intensity dynamically based on actual illumination needs, preventing both under-illumination and over-illumination that could cause thermal damage. The feedback loop enables precise control of lighting brightness matched to the specific anatomical cavity being examined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic lighting adjustment capabilities, allowing the lighting intensity to change in real-time based on the operational context. The system can transition between different lighting brightness levels appropriate for different cavity sizes (stomach vs. duodenum vs. biliary duct) without manual intervention, adapting the illumination characteristics to match the specific anatomical requirements of each procedure stage.
2Measurement precision
If lighting elements are positioned to illuminate specific anatomical areas, then image quality improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional lighting system where a single set of lighting elements can serve multiple purposes by adjusting their intensity and positioning dynamically. Rather than requiring separate lighting elements for different anatomical regions, the system uses one or more controllable light sources that can be adapted through software control to illuminate various areas appropriately, reducing the physical complexity of the device while maintaining versatile illumination capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems for lighting elements with electronic control mechanisms. Instead of physically moving or repositioning lighting elements to adapt to different anatomical structures, the system uses electronic control to dynamically adjust lighting characteristics (intensity, direction, color temperature) through software, simplifying the mechanical structure while achieving the same adaptive illumination effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active brightness control is implemented without image feedback, then lighting adjustment capability improves, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a feedback mechanism where the camera system monitors image brightness levels and transmits this information back to the lighting control system. This closed-loop control enables precise adjustment of lighting intensity based on actual illumination conditions, ensuring that lighting changes are both adaptable to different anatomical structures and precisely controlled to avoid thermal damage. The feedback loop provides real-time data that drives accurate lighting modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service control where the lighting system automatically adjusts its own output based on feedback from the camera system. Rather than requiring manual intervention or external control, the system autonomously monitors its own performance through the camera feedback and self-regulates lighting intensity to maintain optimal illumination levels, combining adaptability with precise automatic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A scope system is provided including an elongate tube, a movable member extending longitudinally at least partially within a lumen of the elongate tube, and a light on a distal portion of the elongate tube, the light configured to be controlled by proximal or distal movement of the movable member relative to the elongate tube along a longitudinal axis and/or rotational movement of the movable member about the longitudinal axis.